The second in the 'Queen's Council' series, this book is a sequel of sorts, pitched at both those young adults who are discovering Mulan forbthe first time, and all those who saw the animated Mulan film when it first came out and have now grown up, but still retain their love of the magic of Disney. I'll admit ai never saw the animated version, but I have seen the live-action remake and, TBH, as long as you know the basic premise of Mulan's story and who Shang is, you're pretty much good to go.

As with book one (Rebel Rose, which follows Belle from Beauty and the Beast), the story follows Mulan as she steps into a position of power, despite it not being 'the done thing'. Where much of Mulan's story is viewed through the role of gender in any event, watching her reconcile the knowledge that she is accepted as a great warrior woman, independent and strong, but still not deemed fit to command men despite her experience is particularly interesting. The author has done a great job at presenting the character as an example for girls and women, balancing her innate femininity with that spark of fire, self-confidence and self-assurance that, even today, certain sections of the male community find terrifying. Her struggles only serve to clarify that she is the right person for the job, both to her people and to herself, and the further development of Mulan's story is wonderful.

There is still that element of Disney fantasy, with Mulan's encountering the spiritual embodiment of the Queen's Council and communing with her ancestors playing a big role in the story. But it's far from the animated cheery companions shown in the animated film (I think!). Again, these moments are used to fortify Mulan's strength and reiterate that she is a member of a rather exclusive group of incredible women who defy convention, and serve as a reminder to the reader that there have always been powerful women out there. And yet, it doesn't shy away from the more brutal facts of war and placing Mulan in a position where her own wellbeing must take a backseat for the sake of the country. The darker undertones are wonderfully woven in; there's enough there for you to understand what the author is driving at, but nothing so overt as to make the book unsuitable for younger readers.

The writing is seamless throughout, with the pace skipping along nicely while drawing you deeply into the world and letting the more fantastical elements feel natural, with the reader having no need to question them. There are a few nice surprises within the narrative to keep you guessing, and a great spectrum of emotion throughout. 

The underlying romance is also gorgeous. Much like the relationship itself, everything is subtly done to keep that knot of tension there through the story without detracting from the main narrative, and the scenes where it comes to the fore are so satisfying! It's a great illustration of the fact that a romance doesn't need spice to make you swoon! 

This book has the feel of one that could be expanded to more deeply consider all of its component parts for the maturer audience that do remember when the film came out, but nonetheless stands on its own two feet as a great expansion to her story!