Okay this book had some BIG expectations because I became obsessed with the synopsis and the cover MONTHS ago and now that I've read it... I AM NOT DISAPPOINTED *cue cheers*

Let's get into some really fun highlights:
- This is a retelling of the legend of Mulan and it is stupendous. I mean really, the story itself is beautifully written and the characters are displayed so well that you love to love them or love to hate them (or become totally confused with your own feelings because you can't trust anyone)
- Meilin is such a strong and confident lead, choosing her own happiness and freedom over the "easier" paths, and finding herself in some very precarious situations.
- The story here is so strong and fast paced that I never really felt bored or slow, it really felt like things were always happening OR we were always learning.
- My visualizing brain struggled with some of the lixia and xi and spirit realm talk, BUT it still all made sense and I loved seeing Meilin's inner struggle with her inner voice(dragon) as she faced all of the challenges of war.
- "They would never let a woman hold on to power." Was such a strong quote and I LOVE that it was brought up over and over again because that is the very basis of the issue that Meilin faces herself. Like yeah, there's a whole war going on, but she really just wants to liberate herself from under the thumb of men and she has to fight so hard for this.