Besides the English translation of the original 5th century poem, this is hands down the best retelling of the story of Mulan.

Sherry Thomas is a writer I can always count on to tell an adventurous and compelling tale. She enters the mind of Mulan here (albeit using modern comprehensible English) with respectful regard for many of the intricate historical bits without overwhelming her readers in pages of explanations and details. She makes me live and suffer the dangers of this arduous northern landscape and endure the suspicions and mystery of not knowing who the enemy might be among trusted counsellors and allies. There is a strong authentic sense of the pursuit of honour and the importance of place in family hierarchy, and palpable imagery is painted for us to enter the historical context and setting. But we also get a satisfying dose of the love shared in intimate friendships—and even a promise of romance.

This is a simple tale made more profound by the many purposeful threads of a master story teller as she weaves the facts of a complex dynastic history into the account of Mulan’s brave and daring story. 

Bonus: I can truly recommend this story to teens and young adults (12+) in good conscience.