The Night Ends with Fire

De: K. X. Song

Narrado por: Natalie Naudus

Duración: 12 h y 36 m

Resumen del Editor

Infused with magic and romance, this sweeping fantasy adventure inspired by the legend of Mulan follows a young woman determined to choose her own destiny—even if that means going against everyone she loves.

The Three Kingdoms are at war, but Meilin’s father refuses to answer the imperial draft. Trapped by his opium addiction, he plans to sell Meilin for her dowry. But when Meilin discovers her husband-to-be is another violent, ill-tempered man, she realizes that nothing will change for her unless she takes matters into her own hands.

The very next day, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in her father’s place.

In the army, Meilin's relentless hard work brings her recognition, friendship—and a growing closeness with Sky, a prince turned training partner. But has she simply exchanged one prison for another? As her kingdom barrels toward destruction, Meilin begins to have visions of a sea dragon spirit that offers her true power and freedom, but with a deadly price.

With the future of the Three Kingdoms hanging in the balance, Meilin will need to decide whom to trust—Sky, who inspires her loyalty and love; the sea dragon spirit, who has his own murky agenda; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knew—about her kingdom and about her own heart.

©2024 K. X. Song (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“The Night Ends with Fire is what blessedly happens when the themes of Hua Mulan’s legend are combined with wuxia principles and a powerful new voice in adult fantasy. K.X. Song’s soaring, emotive prose takes the reader on an unforgettable adventure in a painstakingly realized world, laced with fascinating characters that effortlessly play off of one another and twists that leave us reeling. I devoured every page of this truly epic tale.”—Thea Guanzon, USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars

“Sweepingly epic and tenderly romantic, The Night Ends With Fire is a fiercely feminist adventure about a young woman fighting to shape her destiny in a world of lore, magic, and war. One not to miss for fans of Mulan.”—Amélie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night

"An awesome, engaging fantasy that takes a hard look at the cost of being true to yourself. Adventure, romance and dragons abound in this fantastic tale."—Patricia Briggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson series

I liked it but I didn't love it

I guess I miss understood what this book was to be able. I hate books that don't end with a happy ending. I'm hoping this was just a cliffhanger but if not I am very disappointed in this book.

Realistic, perhaps but inspiringly uninspiring.

Ninety nine percent of this story was amazing but the end was gut wrenching. Most of the characters were disappointing and grew very little. Even Meilin still failed to use the power afforded to her to make her own happy ending in the end, leaving us with only a thread of hope. Which I clung to because I’m too much like this character anyway. If it was meant to infuriate readers, then it was masterfully executed. The best I can say is that she wrote an unfinished story. One I felt I must go home immediately and write the rest of myself. I don’t know whether to be angry or grateful or both. It seemed there was one obvious path to freedom for Meilin but she never saw it for what it was, perhaps because she idealized Skye. But did she see it in the end? If you’re looking for closure, you won’t find it outside yourself.

Enjoyable Take on Mulan!

⭐️ = 4
🌶️ = 0 (some sensuality but minimal)
🎧 = 3

This was a fun version of the Mulan story! Though, I did find it a little confusing at times. I’m sure it’s because I was rushing through the story as I found it engrossing and wanted to know what was happening.

It is more of an adult retelling of the tale, though mid to older teens could enjoy this.

I was highly excited to see that it was going to be a series. As I neared the mid-way mark, I thought there was no way the author could tie everything up by the end of the book. It does end on a cliffhanger. There’s a lovely little “attraction triangle” that I cannot wait to see more of.

Meilin is a wonderful character to go through this story with. She’s tough and resourceful, and maybe the most enjoyable thing about her - she has flaws. She’s selfish, she wants power, she wants life. It’s kind of a breath of fresh air from the all too perfect heroines.

My main issue with this story is that there’s so much world and character building that things do get pretty confusing. Especially when it comes to the magic element in this story. Though, I believe the fact that there is at least another book will help smooth that out.

I also have a small issue with the audiobook version. While the narrator was fantastic, and obviously knew Chinese, she just sounded so flatly American! This is just personal preference, but when you have a story that obviously takes place in a world based on a specific culture, it would be far more enjoyable for the narrator to sound like they are actually from that culture and not from America.