Review of 'The Night Ends with Fire'

A refreshing take on the tale of Mulan, The Night Ends with Fire, follows Meilin as she searches for power and strength in her feminine rage.

First and foremost, this book is a Mulan retelling, and the main character’s name is Meilin, and I have to say it was a pretty spectacular retelling.

Storytelling

Much like the original tale, Meilin does sneak away to join the army—however, it is not for her father’s honor, but to escape an arranged marriage to a man who is probably three times her age. She witnesses him abusing the women servants and thinks, “I don’t want to do this.” Her stepmother even encourages her, saying, “Get out while you can.”

Their relationship is quite heartwarming; it’s refreshing to see a portrayal of a stepmother who is supportive rather than wicked. She advises Meilin to keep her identity hidden, stating that people fear women with power. Their bond adds depth to the story, showcasing the themes of sisterhood and the misogyny present in their society.

Meilin’s relationship with her stepmother is significant as it highlights the power of female connection, which carries throughout the story, even as Meilin becomes a warrior in the army. Before she joins the army, she briefly meets Prince Sky, and they share a connection. I must say, I really liked the love triangle that isn’t quite a traditional love triangle. Both Sky and Lee offer Meilin something valuable, and they both treat her with respect.

Sky’s initial reaction to discovering Meilin’s true identity as a woman is one of anger, not because she is fighting in a war but because he feels deceived. This part of the story reminds me a bit of the Disney movie. However, despite his frustration, he continues to respect her and even continues to trains her so that she can better protect herself and fight. He genuinely cares about her well-being and expresses concern over her safety on the battlefield, saying that he would worry about her constantly.

In contrast, Lee is more pragmatic and is less worried about Meilin’s welfare because he believes in her abilities. He also acknowledges the societal challenges she faces. While Sky is hopeful and loving, Lee has a more realistic view of their situation. I appreciate both characters for different reasons, and I don’t want Meilin to have to choose between them, as each has his own merits.

The author makes several callbacks to the classic story, including a mention of a concubine. In the original Mulan tale, she saves the country, yet the emperor’s response is to offer her as one of his concubines, which drives Mulan to despair and ultimately leads her to take her own life. She longs for freedom and agency, which are central themes in this book.

Meilin is not content with any of the limitations imposed on her, which I admire. I love the ferocity of her character and the balance of references to both the Disney adaptations and the original tale. Additionally, there is a malevolent dragon spirit in the story that represents temptation and ambition. This spirit acts like a devil on Min’s shoulder, urging her to embrace her power and ambition, while also trying to keep her alive and safe. Overall, the book expertly weaves together these themes to create a unique and compelling narrative.

Final Thoughts

It’s a great book. Um, and I think everyone should read it, especially if you like The Tale of Mulan. I’m actually reading The Poppy War right now, and I’m just thinking, wow, if you liked The Poppy War, this is a book you’re also going to like because I’m loving Poppy War.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband, two kids (the perfect pair), and their two cats Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx (aka Girl).