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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Now I am an "official" I guess you could say fan now. I've read a substantial amount of these books, and now I have to read them all. Dokey is the author that writes most of these retellings and for a good reason. She's excellent at setting the stage but for some reason at the climax you just want more, but I'm happy to report that this one felt totally satisfying.
Here we have the story of Mulan. I thought that it was an interesting idea to put this in the fairy tale category. I wouldn't have thought of it myself but it does fit oddly enough. Unfortunately I don't have much background of the original tale. All my information prior to reading this book came from the Disney version. No worries it isn't a repeat and definitely gives the movie a run for its money.
Mulan never has meet her mother or father. Her mother died in childbirth and her father is a a highly respected general in the Chinese army. General Hua is heart broken when he hears the awful news because he got to marry for love, which was unheard of. He just can't face his daughter until one day he has to. Mulan is not like any girl in China. This annoyed me a little because I mean China is a HUGE country with billions of people, not one of them could be like her? Really? That aside you do see that Mulan is one of a kind because she has this yearning to be herself. She can sew, embroider, shoot an arrow, ride a horse, read, write and wield a sword. And because of all her skills and passion she will become a true hero of China.
This one is one of my favorites. Dokey captured the Chinese culture well. You sense how much respect they show for others and the importance of honor. Li Po (her childhood friend) teaches all she knows and I could see what was going to happen to him in the end. There is so much more action (not that much but a lot more than the others) and I appreciate that Mulan and Prince Jian are not physical knockouts but their characters are so bright. I loved it and that's all I can say without giving away too much.
Here we have the story of Mulan. I thought that it was an interesting idea to put this in the fairy tale category. I wouldn't have thought of it myself but it does fit oddly enough. Unfortunately I don't have much background of the original tale. All my information prior to reading this book came from the Disney version. No worries it isn't a repeat and definitely gives the movie a run for its money.
Mulan never has meet her mother or father. Her mother died in childbirth and her father is a a highly respected general in the Chinese army. General Hua is heart broken when he hears the awful news because he got to marry for love, which was unheard of. He just can't face his daughter until one day he has to. Mulan is not like any girl in China. This annoyed me a little because I mean China is a HUGE country with billions of people, not one of them could be like her? Really? That aside you do see that Mulan is one of a kind because she has this yearning to be herself. She can sew, embroider, shoot an arrow, ride a horse, read, write and wield a sword. And because of all her skills and passion she will become a true hero of China.
This one is one of my favorites. Dokey captured the Chinese culture well. You sense how much respect they show for others and the importance of honor. Li Po (her childhood friend) teaches all she knows and I could see what was going to happen to him in the end. There is so much more action (not that much but a lot more than the others) and I appreciate that Mulan and Prince Jian are not physical knockouts but their characters are so bright. I loved it and that's all I can say without giving away too much.
Quite enjoyed this one. Probably just as much as the Disney version of "Mulan". My only real complaint is that it seemed really short and the romance aspect was sort of shallow. There was no real 'chance' for the relationship between Mulan and her prince to be developed before they were declaring their love. Um. . .how does that work?
Otherwise a very enjoyable read.
Otherwise a very enjoyable read.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
- This was a really good book.
- Will read the rest of the series for sure.
- Looking forward to more from this author.
- May re-read; will definitely recommend.
Just as good as the Disney version... maybe even a bit better!
- Will read the rest of the series for sure.
- Looking forward to more from this author.
- May re-read; will definitely recommend.
Just as good as the Disney version... maybe even a bit better!
Sixty pages in a still nothing real has happened. :( Gave it up.
Not a bad telling of the legend, but I do have a problem with microwave romances. I am skeptical of any love that is discovered in the space of a handful of heartbeats (parents for new babies excepted, but even that type grows over time).
The "Once Upon a Time is Timeless" series was always enjoyable to me as a teen, so I sought out the ones I hadn't got a chance to read.
Tomboy Mulan is lovable and we get to stay by her side as she learns what family and love means. Her time spent at battle. which is perhaps what one would be looking for in a Mulan-retelling, is very short lived. The ending felt a bit rushed and hurried to tie up all the strings of the story, but the protagonist is strong enough to keep the reader grounded.
Tomboy Mulan is lovable and we get to stay by her side as she learns what family and love means. Her time spent at battle. which is perhaps what one would be looking for in a Mulan-retelling, is very short lived. The ending felt a bit rushed and hurried to tie up all the strings of the story, but the protagonist is strong enough to keep the reader grounded.
I think I'm out. Either I've outgrown this series or this is like Babysitter's Club or Boxcar Children and the pressure of pumping out so many books in a series has led to quality decline, but I'm just not enjoying any of the books in Once Upon a Time.
There's no character or substance. Half of this book was about Mulan’s childhood. HALF. The love interest doesn’t even show up until nearly the end, they talk about twice then they fall in love. And the pivotal battle scene takes place entirely within one chapter. And an important character death is dealt with in like a sentence.
I know Dokey loves writing about her characters' childhoods but CUT THAT SHIT. It’s okay to start the story where the fairytale begins — Mulan taking her father’s place in the army and then moving on for there. That’s the meat of the story. If you only have 200 pages, you don’t waste 100 of them on background.
There's no character or substance. Half of this book was about Mulan’s childhood. HALF. The love interest doesn’t even show up until nearly the end, they talk about twice then they fall in love. And the pivotal battle scene takes place entirely within one chapter. And an important character death is dealt with in like a sentence.
I know Dokey loves writing about her characters' childhoods but CUT THAT SHIT. It’s okay to start the story where the fairytale begins — Mulan taking her father’s place in the army and then moving on for there. That’s the meat of the story. If you only have 200 pages, you don’t waste 100 of them on background.
A fantastic retelling of Mulan, classically told to fit ancient Chinese history.A perfect addition to the Once Upon A Time Series. I would reccomend to girls 12+ that find retellings of classic fairy tales interesting.