4.5 stars

Despite having mixed feelings on the first three Twisted Tales novels, I’ve committed myself to reading each installment. My memory of previous books resembles Swiss cheese, as it’s been a decent amount of time since I read them. What I do remember is that, though each one was enjoyable to some degree, each also lacked or warped key elements from the Disney films they’re based on. In my eyes, this made them recognizable but weak retellings. However, Reflection was a strong, incredible story, and it’s undoubtedly my favorite in the series thus far.

Lim did a remarkable job balancing movie content with her own ideas. The story begins when Mulan causes the avalanche that defeats most of the Huns, but instead of taking Shan-Yu’s blow and being revealed as a woman, Shang was struck. His wound is fatal, and the only possible way Mulan can save him is to travel to Diyu, the Chinese underworld. There she makes a deal with King Yama — find Shang’s spirit and get both of them out by sunrise, or they’re both trapped.

I recognized several scenes and quotes on page that are also in the movie, and that was one of my favorite aspects of this novel. In between these iconic moments, Lim’s knowledge of Chinese mythology is apparent, as is her imagination and attention to detail. Mulan and Shang face literal and figurative demons as they travel through Diyu, and the combination of impeccable pacing and vivid world-building had me speeding through chapters.

My other favorite part of the novel, without a doubt, was the romance. I doubt anyone that’s seen Mulan doesn’t love Mulan and Shang’s relationship. Over the course of the story, Shang starts to trust Ping and see him as a friend. That dynamic is tested in the depths of Diyu, particularly when Mulan tells Shang who she truly is. I loved seeing them come together in various circumstances, and in the second half, their romantic tension was honestly fabulous. Lim managed to enhance something I already loved, so props to her.

I also liked that this story, being told on page rather than on screen, really let us into Mulan’s head. It’s already apparent in the movie that Mulan is mentally at war with herself, but here, readers can better experience her conflicting emotions. To me, this made her struggle with honor, family, and identity much more personal and realistic. (This paragraph was the hardest to write in the review. I hope it makes sense.)

Sadly, everyone’s favorite sassy miniature dragon is largely absent from the novel. In Mushu’s place is the Shang family guardian, ShiShi, a fierce lion with a big ego and an even bigger heart. While it did take a few chapters for him to grow on me, he absolutely did. I firmly believe that no one can top Mushu in either dialogue or antics, and I stand by that belief. But I appreciate ShiShi, both for his character and what he brought to this new version of a nostalgic story.

If I loved this story so much, why didn’t I give it five stars? Well, primarily, I hoped for more from the ending. Although it was definitely satisfying and put a smile on my face, I would’ve liked it if it referenced the movie, even slightly. I would’ve liked to see the meeting with the Emperor and Mulan’s return home, as well as maybe a smidgen more about her new romance with Shang. I know many retellings don’t follow the original so closely, but these stories are intended to be spin-offs of the Disney films. And a hopeless romantic wants what a hopeless romantic wants. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Despite that, Reflection was a wonderful retelling, and it’s currently my favorite Twisted Tales installment. Lim did a brilliant job combining the characters and dynamics I know and love with a fun, new storyline and intriguing mythology. I’m now very eager to read her upcoming fantasy, and see what she’s done with a story entirely her own. Hopefully it, like this one, is a book worth fighting for. (Sorry not sorry. I had to reference a song somehow.)

Representation:
• I think everyone knows that the entire cast is Chinese, but I’ll say it anyway. For consistency.