The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song

(Hodderscape, 2024)

Reviewed by Leanbh Pearson

The Night Ends with Fire is a new epic fantasy by K.X. Song. A bold fantasy combining the legend of Mulan with the Three Kingdoms, this is a fast-paced, vibrant and compelling read with a strong, beautiful and deadly female protagonist who will bring the Three Kingdoms to their knees.

In The Night Ends with Fire, Song invites us into a fantastic reimagining of the Chinese legend of Mulan and the Three Kingdoms with the rebellious female protagonist, Han Meilin. The Three Kingdoms were once united but since the death of the last Emperor, the warlords of Anlai, Ximing and Leyuan, fight for dominance. It is in the Kingdom of Anlai where Han Meilin, her impoverished and debt-plagued household, and her father, the once-powerful noble Han Clan leader is now a disgraced opium addict and gambler. Meilin, the oldest daughter of her father’s first wife who suicided from madness, with her death, Melin’s father descended into grief and disgrace.

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Review from BSFA Review 25 - Download your copy here.