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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
I've never read the original story, all I know about it, is what's in the Disney movie. I liked the movie, and I really liked this book too.
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Another quick, fun read. It was a good palette cleanser before I get into some heavier fantasy.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Pregnancy, War
I really enjoyed this! The disney version of Mulan was one of the first princess movies I watched. This novel was exciting and is probably one of the earliest books that tackles gender equality.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Spoliers: Ch 1-10 were slow, lot of build up to leaving to fight for China. Ch 11 she leaves, 12 arrives at the camp, 16 is the whole battle, 17 she's revealed, 19 everything's wrapped up and book ends.
Overall, it was just ok. The turning point for me was the last pages of Ch 10 with Mulan & her to-be stepmother. I really liked that moment. Reading went a bit faster at that point.
This book seemed like it had to rush at the end. As though it was only giving 19 chapters, thinking that would be enough then to realize it took too long setting up/backstory, that it didn't have time to flesh out the rest.
Overall, it was just ok. The turning point for me was the last pages of Ch 10 with Mulan & her to-be stepmother. I really liked that moment. Reading went a bit faster at that point.
This book seemed like it had to rush at the end. As though it was only giving 19 chapters, thinking that would be enough then to realize it took too long setting up/backstory, that it didn't have time to flesh out the rest.
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I read The Wild Orchid by Cameron Dokey back in April for the Dewey Readathon. This young adult book retells the ballad of Mulan. It’s a bit more in-depth than the Disney film — but lacking the awesome songs (and yes I totally have Be A Man on my iPod).
Set in Imperial China, Mulan is tough as nails. She can heft a sword, run through mud without freaking out, and isn’t very girly. So, she’s chilling out in the woods behind her house with her BFF, Li Po – who taught her literacy and archery because that is what BFFs do – when her long lost father returns from running with the devil aka doing a stint in the army.
Read the rest of my review here
Set in Imperial China, Mulan is tough as nails. She can heft a sword, run through mud without freaking out, and isn’t very girly. So, she’s chilling out in the woods behind her house with her BFF, Li Po – who taught her literacy and archery because that is what BFFs do – when her long lost father returns from running with the devil aka doing a stint in the army.
Read the rest of my review here
My favorite book in the Once Upon a Time is Timeless...series. I love the girl in the story, so bold and brave and so far to go into war for her father. Then there is the prince who loves her but doesn't know it. The best romance ever!
There is something that always captivates me about Cameron Dockey's writing. She has a was of making a simple story feel complete.
The back story she gave Mulan is beautiful and explain so much about how she came to be. However this made the main conflict, the battle with the Huns, feel short and not as fulfilling in comparison. I also would have loved to she Mulan's and Jian's relationship develop out a little more then it did.
The back story she gave Mulan is beautiful and explain so much about how she came to be. However this made the main conflict, the battle with the Huns, feel short and not as fulfilling in comparison. I also would have loved to she Mulan's and Jian's relationship develop out a little more then it did.
Mulan is one of my favorite Disney characters, so I found it really fascinating to get a different glimpse of her story. I liked Mulan's strength and courage, her determination to protect her family. Her relationship with Jian developed rather quickly, but that is not surprising in a book like this. They did truly feel connected, and I was happy to see their story end the way it did: happy. I just wish these books were longer, because I am always left wanting to know more of the story, of their continued adventures together. Because of this, I would really rate this one 4.5 stars. Altogether enjoyable, though.