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A review by righter_of_words
The Magnolia Sword: A Ballad of Mulan by Sherry Thomas
4.0
I received an advance reader's copy of The Magnolia Sword. Since this version is just a proof and not the final version, I won't quote directly and will keep my comments general.
I quite enjoyed this retelling! It bears little resemblance to the Disney film, but I expected—in fact counted on—this. The plot has a lot of history and backstory of Mulan’s China, including a rather in-depth look at the rich culture, which is more complex than I realized. The relations between Han Chinese and Xianbei, as well as about the Rouran people, none of which I knew anything about.
Mulan as a character and narrator is excellent; she’s tough and capable but not without doubts, fears, and flaws. The other characters, especially Kai, were a wonderful supporting cast, all unique and well-written with development and arcs of their own. My one significant complaint is actually has to do with the end. I felt the final battle to be rather anticlimactic and rushed. However, I still generally like how the book ended, and would certainly recommend this book!
See my full review here: www.righterofwords.com
I quite enjoyed this retelling! It bears little resemblance to the Disney film, but I expected—in fact counted on—this. The plot has a lot of history and backstory of Mulan’s China, including a rather in-depth look at the rich culture, which is more complex than I realized. The relations between Han Chinese and Xianbei, as well as about the Rouran people, none of which I knew anything about.
Mulan as a character and narrator is excellent; she’s tough and capable but not without doubts, fears, and flaws. The other characters, especially Kai, were a wonderful supporting cast, all unique and well-written with development and arcs of their own. My one significant complaint is actually has to do with the end. I felt the final battle to be rather anticlimactic and rushed. However, I still generally like how the book ended, and would certainly recommend this book!
See my full review here: www.righterofwords.com