Sometimes a battle isn’t waged on a bloody field.
Sometimes it’s won within the heart of one girl.
Hua Minglan wants revenge for the death of her sister, and she’ll do anything to get it.
A war is brewing between Piao and the Kou warriors to the north, a war that has called every able-bodied man in Piao from their fields.
When Hua’s father is summoned to fight, she knows he won’t return, … fields.
When Hua’s father is summoned to fight, she knows he won’t return, most of the warriors don’t.
With a decision that could cost her everything, she leaves her home behind in an attempt to take her father’s place training under Commander Jian Li, brother to the emperor.
The commander is a harsh man, a demanding man, and one with his own desire for vengeance.
Hua can’t get too close. She can’t befriend the man who is able to bring her deceptions tumbling to the ground. If he learns the truth about who she is, it won’t only see her shunned from the army for disguising herself as a man.
It will end in her execution.
Hua never imagines that by joining the army, she brings a greater foe into the heart of Piao.
What if the Kou are only a distraction?
What if the real enemy is her?
Dive into this full-length Mulan inspired fantasy. Beware of dragons, sword-wielding girls, and a slow-burn, heartbreaking romance.
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A young girl tries to take her father place in the upcoming war hoping to save her father. This is the story Mulan was based on. Follow her and see if she can pull it off. Brilliant read
I am a huge fan of retellings and this is I think the first Milan one I have come across and boy is it good! Full of adventure I loved the journey that this storyline takes us on. There’s action, twists and turns, romance, dragons And some awesome characters! All in all it’s very addictive and I loved it.
Dragon Rising: A Mulan Inspired Fantasy
by M. Lynn
Book 1 in the Hidden Warrior series
Rating: 4/5
Wow. I do love a good retelling! I think I’ve only read one other story by Melanie Dickerson regarding a Mulan retelling but this one was jam-packed full of action, dragons, and going after what you believe in.
Hua Minglan is like every other girl coming from a small village farm except she and her family have a dangerous secret. They are dragon-blooded; therefore, if anyone were to discover their secret, the emperor would kill them. When tragedy strikes the family and Hua’s older sister Luna is killed in an ambush with the enemy, Hua vows to avenge her sister’s death and take her father’s place as a new recruit to defend Piao (their country) from the Kou (the enemy trying to invade). Though her father has trained her all her life, Hua (or now Huan since she dresses as a man) still has to prove herself everything a soldier should be. Commander Jian is drawn to the young soldier with speed and skill but no strength. What will happen when Commander Jian learns the truth? Will Hua be able to help save her friends and her family?
You know the story (I hope), but what I loved about this version was the addition of the dragons. Not only is Hua Minglan talented, she has dragon blood. The mythos behind the dragon blood was very interesting to me and seemed natural to incorporate it into an Asian story. The author is very clear at the beginning of the story that she did her research but it wouldn’t be perfect. However, I didn’t go into the story thinking that it would be. That’s the point. This story is a retelling of the legend. The story jumped off the pages into my imagination and I was wound up in this exciting tale for hours and didn’t want to put the book down. It is still only book 1 in the series, so I am curious to know what will happen next and need the next book now.
Highly recommended for those that enjoy retellings but especially ones with adventurous and strong female leads.
My thanks to author for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
Going into this book, I didn’t know what to expect, other than a hella good fantasy story, like all of Michele’s stories.
When I started reading, I thought this would be a classic “ordinary farm girls wants revenge”-story, but it turned out to be so much more.
The details with which Michele wrote this story and built the world, made for an outstanding image in my mind. I felt like I was right there with Hua in those fields, at those training grounds and in that little border town. Despite all the world building and detail, the writing style was easy to read and understand and most of all, the story was fast paced, gripping and intriguing. It made me want to continue reading, hence why I read this book in only two sittings spread over two days.
Hua is one of those characters that could be a hit or miss. Her story started out like a classic fantasy story surrounding a badass female lead. These kind of stories could really go two ways; either they follow the much travelled road and turn into a cliche or they go their own way and end up surprising the reading in ways unexpected. For me, Hua’s story definitely followed the latter. Yes, of course there were some cliche bits and the heavily hinted revelation of what Hua really is, didn’t come as a surprise, but the impulsiveness of Hua’s character shown through in the story and it was an honest delight imagining what Hua would do next and finding that I imagined wrong.
The tension in the air surrounding Hua’s secrets could be felt throughout the whole book, the respect of her comrades for her was beautifully written and Hua’s relationships with both Luca and Jian were done nicely.
What I’m most thankful for is that romance wasn’t the main plot of this book. I’m grateful that Hua didn’t fall for the first strong man she saw, which is something you often do see in books like these and even though I’m a sucker for romance, in this story it wouldn’t have fitted, and so I’m glad it wasn’t there.
I loved this book with all my heart and I truly cannot wait to read the sequel!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I’m so excited to read the next book in this new series M. Lynn has created. Dragon Rising is a Mulan retelling with different things added into it aka actual dragons.
Hua is such a sweet girl who doesn’t agree with the typical traditions of her country. She is a fighter and when she watches a loved one die right in front of her she wants revenge. When the war is announced she knows that if her father goes that he won’t be coming back and her four year old brother is too young to inherit the farm leaving no one to care for them. Sounds like your typical Mulan retelling right? But here’s the thing Hua’s family comes from a long line of dragon blood. She doesn’t really know what exactly it means other than that if anyone finds out she would be considered a threat to the crown and would be excited like her grandfather was before they changed their names.
I loved seeing how determined Hua is. She is ten times the warrior than any man. I love how she challenges things and doesn’t leave it to tradition. The commander Jian Li is such a deep character. He’s got a backstory that we don’t know everything about yet but he’s a very caring person. He wants to protect his troupes and when he fails he takes it hard. I would love to see more of him when he’s not stressing out over the war they are fighting. Hua’s betrothed is the most interesting character in the book. That man has some secrets that we don’t get to find out in book one but boy do I have some ideas.
Personally, I think this one falls more like the live-action movie of Mulan based off of the movie trailer I seen. This book doesn’t actually have any romance in it so if you’re looking for romance you might want to pass, but I do having a feeling that book two will have romance. But the family relationships that you see in the animated movie are very strong in this book as well. It’s not even just Hua’s family that we get to see but this family formed between her betrothed, her commander, and the emperor.
Like all of M. Lynn’s books I loved all the characters and the plot kept me turning page after page. I love how quick and fun her books are and I need the next book asap because some shit is going to be going down after the ending of the book.
I loved this story it is fantastic from start to finish . There is a familiar feel to this story but it’s also New and you can’t help but turning the pages and having to know more because you have become vested in the characters and you have to know what’s going to happen good or bad from the decisions they make .
The world building is excellent and you feel like you are there .
All in all I loved this story is well written and it flows with no effort from the reader one page leads to another and able and another and then you notice the time and you smile and keep reading not worrying about being sleepy tomorrow lol.
So buy this book now and sit back and get comfy and enjoy this book , come back and leave a review it helps the author’s more than you know and only takes a few minutes . An easy 5 star read .
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I have read multiple books by Ms. Lynn, but I think this book has become my absolute favorite.
This story is a retelling of Mulan, but so much more. There is action and adventure, friendship and love….and a Dragon!!!
Hua, wow what a character. I really felt like I knew her after reading this book. This is so much depth created for this character… love for family, friendships, inner struggle and turmoil and honor. She is such a strong young woman who becomes stronger with time. She learns to grow and adapt with each situation she is faced with. I can’t wait to see what happens with her next.
Jian…wow, where to being with this man. He has overcome so much, but struggles to find himself. I felt for him, felt his struggles and adversities with so much compassion. Ms. Lynn did an amazing job really developing this character.
Nainai… she reminded me so much of my own grandmother. Fierce, loving, protective, but not one to give away everything. I loved her strength and since of family.
Luca and Bo. I can’t say enough about the honor, loyalty, friendship and more that these 2 characters share. I can’t wait to see what these 2 men do next.
I can’t wait for book 2.
An Enlightening But Frightening Look Behind The Cloak Of War & Repression!!
Dragon Rising: A Mulan Inspired Fantasy (The Hidden Warrior)
This is a gripping read. It’s based on Mulan, I think?! It’s set in an unspecified Asian Country in the distant past.
Hua Minglan is one of 3 siblings. Luna is oldest & has moved to the Capital, Dasha, after being given the honour of becoming one the new Emperor’s consorts, then it’s Hua, she’s not like other girls her age. She doesn’t enjoy ‘girly pursuits’, she prefers to hunt with a bow & arrow and practice fighting with a sword, She & Luna were always bestfriends regardless of their differences though. Then there’s their little brother, 4 year old Ru, he’s sweet & innocent but barely remembers Luna now. Then they have their Parents & their Nainai.
A neighbouring Country, Koulland, attacks theirs, Pioa, and Hua’s family is dealt a tragic blow, her retired General Father, tells them he’s going to heed the call to Arms from the Army Commander & their Emperor, as War creeps closer!! The night before he’s due to leave she comes to a drastic decision – She’s going to cut off her hair, dress as a man & enter the Army in his stead!! Her Nainai catches her just before leaves but she doesn’t stop her, in fact she agrees with her decision. She asks if she can paint her skin with good luck & protection charms. Hua agrees eagerly, one of them is a Dragon! Dragons are supposed to return to their Land in a time of need to protect their people but none have been seen in hundreds of years so they’ve begun to slip into the realms of myth!!
I absolutely loved this read. Hua’s character has strong morals & she’s very much about protecting her Family! She’s determined & willing to learn. Commander Jian Li & General Luca Kai are both very good men. Jian is broken by his past mistakes but appreciates finding such a potentially strong new soldier and possible future friend. I really liked both of these guys. The descriptions of the attacks were both bloodthirsty and put you right in the moment, I was completely riveted! I loved her Nainai, her forward looking attitude is fantastic!
The shocking & horrifying occurrences in the last battle left me totally aghast! I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Debbie, 1970, UK
I love retellings and I LOVE Mulan. So when I find a Mulan inspired retelling I’m gonna dive right in. So for starters, I loved this book! It’s packed full of action, romance, then there’s dragons and many fantasy elements. The author’s world building and character building are spot on too. It’s a wonderful read and one I would highly recommend.
Dragon Rising is the first book in The Hidden Warrior series.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Final Rating: 5 Stars