A new take on the story of Mulan, set in world that takes on the events of what happens after Mulan saves China (after the first movie essentially), now she si a renowned hero who spends her day in her home vilalge training a militia of female warriors. However, one day she is summoned by the Emperor and is escorted by General Li Shang, whom she has not seen since she left him healing. The Emperor has decided that she is the new heir to his throne and that she will be the Empress of China since he is dying and no one else fits the position as well as her. Mulan now is struggling with accepting the responsibilities and sacrifices of being the Empress, and following her heart.... it does not help that the ministers are all plotting against her and want her to marry the Hun prince... when her feelings for Shang have grown complicated. Soon Mulan must deal with assassination attempts, politics, and the threat of the Huns invading China while juggling her emotions and struggles with being the ruler of China.... and seeing if she is truly fit to be the ruler of China. This was a wonderful spin off of the original story. It was so well done and definitely a great continuation of the Mulan story! It is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I loved seeing the dynamic between Mulan and Shang, and the struggles she is constantly dealing with, with being a warrior and just a girl who wants to follow her heart.

*Thanks Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide, Disney Hyperion for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*