A review by gammys_reads
The Night Ends With Fire by K.X. Song

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

5.0

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

What an enchanting, exquisitely written, and intellectually stimulating historical fantasy, weaving mythology, magic and romance into a captivating retelling of the timeless Mulan narrative!! The exceptional world building, rich character development, morally complex figures, inclusion of mythical creatures and a spirit realm, pulsating tension, thrilling action sequences, poignant romance, mesmerizing magic, empowered female protagonist, harrowing wartime scenarios, gripping betrayals, unexpected plot twists, all set within an atmospheric backdrop, collectively render this narrative a truly spectacular and immersive reading experience. From the breathtakingly stunning cover to the irresistibly intriguing story, I was instantly captivated and found myself devouring the book with unbridled enthusiasm. I can confidently declare that this book has secured its place among my top favorites for the year 2024!!! ❀️‍πŸ”₯❀️‍πŸ”₯❀️‍πŸ”₯❀️‍πŸ”₯❀️‍πŸ”₯

The Night Ends with Fire follows the journey of Meilin, a young woman determined to forge her own path, even if it means defying everyone she loves. Amidst the chaos of war in the Three Kingdoms, Meilin father, trapped by addiction, plans to sell her for her dowry. Faced with an arranged marriage to a violent man, Meilin disguises herself as a boy and enlists in the army in her father's place. As she rises through the ranks, forming bonds with comrades and navigating complex relationships, Meilin must confront visions of a sea dragon spirit offering power and freedom, but at a perilous cost. With the fate of the Three Kingdoms at stake, Meilin grapples with trust, torn between loyalty to Prince Sky, the enigmatic sea dragon spirit, and an enemy prince who challenges everything she thought she knew about herself and her kingdom. 

When I reached the last page of this book, I couldn't contain my frustration and yelled "NO!"at my husband, as the ending left me I disbelief. However, after delving into some research, I discovered that it's jut6 the first part of a duology. While I am relieved that the story isn't over, the anticipation for the next installment is almost unbearable. Now, I find myself eagerly counting down the days until I can continue the adventure. Consider this your warning-once you're hooked, the wait for the next book becomes an agonizing test of patience!

In conclusion, this book had me completely captivated from the first page to the last. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a fantasy read Its enthralling storyline and richly developed characters deserve infinite stars of praise!! β™ΎοΈπŸ’«πŸ’«πŸ’«πŸ’«πŸ’«