The Night Ends With Fire

A young girl disguises herself as a boy to enlist in her father's place, and is thrown into war and love as she learns to wield tantalizing outlawed magic in this retelling of Mulan.

RAISED TO OBEY. DESTINED TO REBEL.

The Three Kingdoms are at war, but Meilin's father refuses to answer the imperial draft. Trapped by his opium addiction, he plans to sell Meilin for her dowry instead - but when she discovers that her husband-to-be is violent and ill-tempered, she decides to take matters into her own hands.

The very next day, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in her father's place.

In the army, Meilin's hard work brings her recognition, friendship - and a growing closeness with Sky, a prince turned training partner.

But as her kingdom barrels towards destruction, Meilin must decide who to trust: Sky, who inspires her loyalty and love; a sea dragon spirit with the power to grant her impossible magic; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knew - about her kingdom, her loyalty and her own heart.

About the Author

K. X. Song is a diaspora writer with roots in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Raised between cultures and languages, she enjoys telling stories that explore the shifting nature of memory, translation, and history. Her young adult novel, An Echo in the City, was named a Best Book of 2023 by Financial Times and Kirkus Reviews. The Night Ends with Fire is her adult fantasy debut. You can learn more at kxsong.com.