Quick Thoughts: The Night Ends with Fire (The Night Ends with Fire #1) by K.X. Song

The Night Ends with Fire

(The Night Ends with Fire #1)

by K.X. Song

July 2, 2024

Goodreads Summary:

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.

Review

The Night Ends with Fire wasn’t the easier story to read in terms of its patriarchy society but I loved the female main character. Her development carried the story and was nothing short of astounding.

What I Liked:

- familiar myths

- Meilin was seriously amazing:

   - selfless every time

   - her resilience in the face of danger

   - she didn’t let the negativities take over

   - numerous commendable actions

   - breaking the status quo

- neat powers

- call me intrigued with Cao Ming Lei

- regardless of how disappointed I was, side characters (Tao and Sparrow) acted in line with the world

- an ending that makes you want to keep reading (the series)

The Not So Much:

- Sky was a very bland love interest

- the predictable love triangle

- the mixed usage of English and Chinese names read oddly

“My existence was my birthright, and it would be my justification.” (p. 334)