The Dragon Wakes with Thunder

By K.X. Song

Book Overview

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER - A young woman who wields the unimaginable power of a dragon spirit must decide where her loyalties lie--and where her heart belongs--in this enthralling fantasy that reimagines the legend of Mulan.

The explosive sequel to The Night Ends with Fire

This hardcover edition includes a gorgeous, shimmering jacket with effects and brilliantly illustrated endpapers.

The war may be over, but Hai Meilin is still paying a heavy toll. In spite of securing victory for the kingdom of Anlai, she is imprisoned upon her return. Her crime? Wielding a sword as a woman.

In the palace, Meilin is an outcast and a social pariah. But beyond the imperial walls, the legend of the woman warrior has taken on a life of its own. To the east, a new rebel leader needs Meilin to helm his people's revolution. In the south, a former enemy prince, now a prisoner of war, seeks Meilin's aid in restoring balance to the Three Kingdoms. And back home in Anlai, Liu Sky, Meilin's commander and first love, requires Meilin by his side in his bid for the throne.

Pulled in all directions by those who seek to use her for their own ends, Meilin vows that this time, she will not be so quick to trust. Yet there is one she cannot help but listen to--for he dwells within her.

Beyond any human machinations, the sea dragon Qinglong has his own plans for the spirit realm. During the last war, Meilin wielded his power to cheat death and attain victory for Anlai; now the dragon has come to collect his dues. Meilin's mother warned her long ago: The spirits demand blood. And Qinglong is ravenous.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593641558
• ISBN13: 9780593641552
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Ace Books
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Enthralling

Well, this definitely veered away from the original Mulan and I enjoyed this new tale. Despite saving the kingdom from being overthrown, Meilin ends up imprisoned for daring to defy the cultural norms for women. I applauded her for that and kept rooting for her as she goes from prison, to betrothed to Sky (good guy but doesn't let Meilin be herself, self destructive tendencies and desire for freedom). It was interesting to see the differences in how Sky treated her (keeping her safe but trapped) versus Lei (giving her the tools she needs and helping her accomplish her goals). Unfortunately, the uproar Meilin created has widespread consequences, both in uprisings against the monarchy, and the spirit realm leaking through to the mortal plane. This was heartbreaking as Meilin was damaged so badly by Qinglong and lixia poisoning overpowering her qi. So mostly this was about what Meilin is willing to do to stay free or if she is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and save the world at the cost of herself (and others that she meets). So there is non stop action and I sped through this faster than the first book, probably because it did not echo the original Mulan tale so much. This was a good Chinese fantasy (despite the weird mix of pinyin names and translated ones that everyone has) that I enjoyed reading. It was a bit sad at the end for what Meilin must pay, but she will be remembered forever, at least by me!