“Be as swift as the wind. As silent as the forest. As fierce as the fire. As unshakable as the mountain. And you can do anything...”

While there isn't much I remember about this book, let me just say- THE WRITING. Oh my goodness. Renée Ahdieh's writing style may just be one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. The way she paints a scene in your head, with just the right amount of descriptions to make you feel as though you're there yourself, without ever crossing the line into over-describing. I'm amazed.

A lot of people - myself included - have this shelved as retelling. However, I recommend not going into it expecting a Mulan retelling. Other reviewers have pointed out the differences, so I won't list them now, but don't go into it expecting a Mulan story-line. That's not what this is. With that being said, the story felt extremely Mulan-esque, if that makes any sense.

As for the other elements of the story, I enjoyed them, but I feel like I have already forgotten the majority of what happened. I wasn't a big fan of the romance

mostly because I reallyyy wanted Raiden to get a redemption arc, especially after reading the sequel. It was what we deserved.)

The plot was interesting and fast-paced, but rather predictable.

With that being said, my new goal in life is to write as beautifully as Renée Ahdieh. Woman has a freakin' GIFT.