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mldavisreads 's review for:
Mulan: Before the Sword
by Grace Lin
Middle grade fantasy/ mythology. This story is a prequel to the Mulan tale. Mulan's sister is bitten by a nine-legged spider and Mulan goes out to get the healer. The healer comes and enchants everyone into a deep sleep, except for Mulan (apparently her sinus congestion prevented her from breathing in the magical vapors). The healer and Mulan set off to find the cure for the spider's venom, which consists of Dragon Beard Grass and a blossom of the Essence of Heavenly Majesty. As the names imply, these are not ingredients that can be found in the average market, so a quest ensues. However, the evil spirit Daji (the nine-tailed fox who also shape-shifts into things like a nine-legged spider) is intent on thwarting their progress.
It took me a little while to get into, mainly because I am not as familiar with Chinese mythology as I am with Greek mythology. But I enjoyed seeing the characteristics of Mulan that I recognized, such as her persistence, clumsiness, and good heart. I did find myself singing the song from the animated version "Please bring honor to us" whenever Mulan mentioned wanting to bring honor to her family. I enjoyed learning more about the Chinese mythology and folklore through the story. It kept my attention waiting to see how Mulan would get out of Daji's latest trap, and the ending was very satisfying.
It took me a little while to get into, mainly because I am not as familiar with Chinese mythology as I am with Greek mythology. But I enjoyed seeing the characteristics of Mulan that I recognized, such as her persistence, clumsiness, and good heart. I did find myself singing the song from the animated version "Please bring honor to us" whenever Mulan mentioned wanting to bring honor to her family. I enjoyed learning more about the Chinese mythology and folklore through the story. It kept my attention waiting to see how Mulan would get out of Daji's latest trap, and the ending was very satisfying.