Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Night Ends with Fire by KX Song Narrator: Natalie Naudus
Series: The Night Ends with Fire #1
Published by Ace, Penguin Audio on July 2, 2024
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 432
Length: 12 hours, 36 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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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. But when Meilin discovers her husband-to-be is another violent, ill-tempered man, she realizes that nothing will change for her unless she takes 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 relentless hard work brings her recognition, friendship—and a growing closeness with Sky, a prince turned training partner. But has she simply exchanged one prison for another? As her kingdom barrels toward destruction, Meilin begins to have visions of a sea dragon spirit that offers her true power and freedom, but with a deadly price. With the future of the Three Kingdoms hanging in the balance, Meilin will need to decide whom to trust—Sky, who inspires her loyalty and love; the sea dragon spirit, who has his own murky agenda; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knew—about her kingdom and about her own heart.
Mulan is one of my favorite Disney movies so I looked forward to this retelling. Be forewarned The Night Ends with Fire is not the feel good version.
The basics of the plot are similar. The details are much grittier and more misogynistic. This time period allows women nothing.  Meilin is to be married off to an old abusive man (whose previous wives have all died) so her dowry can feed her father’s debts from opium addiction and gambling. She goes off as a boy to fight in the war. She worries about the fate of her stepmother and younger siblings, both from her father and the war.
The plot is so drawn out and rambling. They are training, then traveling or fighting. The communications are limited in these days. So it feels like they stumble around.  Meilin does make significant contributions to the war effort. She doesn’t really understand the politics or consequences, so since we are getting her point of view, that may be why things are so disconnected.
As a fantasy tale, there is magic involved. Some individuals possess elemental magic, considered black magic. Meilin has a connection with water. She spends much of the book trying to decide if she can have power or freedom for her self. She also has multiple romantic interests with the Prince, the opposing Prince and sort of, the fire wielder, who works for the opposing Prince.  I’m not a fan of this wishy-washy feelings for various men, although it may be she had some Stockholm Syndrome while captured.
I’m glad this is a series because I found the ending conclusive but dismal.
Narration:
I enjoyed the narration and it enhanced my enjoyment of the story. In the war intelligence gathering, there was mention of accents and dialects, but I didn’t really get that from the voices. I liked how the narration let me stay in the story. I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Natalie Naudus
Hello there! I’m Natalie.
I’m an Audie and Earphones award winning audiobook narrator of over 400 titles, but I started out as an opera singer. Now I perform in my booth: relishing the emotional journey through each book, finding a unique and honest voice for each character, doing my utmost to honor the words of the author.
I curate my catalog to include works I’m passionate about. I especially love recording Queer fiction, books by Asian American authors, and anything with beautiful writing and big feelings.Â
I maintain a robust social media presence, with a combined reach of over two hundred thousand followers.
I also run a Patreon of original Sapphic short stories in audio!
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
I was not really interested in reading this, so I didn’t accept a review copy. And I’m glad because I haven’t seen very many positive reviews.
I liked the concept but I’m not sure what the plot was. I wasn’t expecting romance and really there wasn’t any just weird infatuations.
I started this and walked away.
Interesting.
I guess I was too caught up in trying to make sense of some things.
Conclusive but dismal….. that has me very curious.
What happens is clear but I found it depressing.
Penguin just sent me a copy of this one (I didn’t request it) and I love the idea, but I haven’t heard many good things. Maybe I will wait until the next book is out to make a decision.
I love the idea too but it’s grim dark which I do read but this year I’m not in the mood.
wishy-washy can be annoying
Wishy washy IS annoying. I’m not sure that is the right word for it here, maybe it is just Young Adult learning curve?
I saw this at Target the other day and wondered, but it doesn’t sound like one I’d enjoy, even with the Mulan storyline. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
yes I wanted it to be inspirational or hopeful and it was more like grim dark