“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win” — Sun Tzu, The Art of WarLia has known she was different since the age of five when her father taught her the skills of her ancestors. His stories of heroic exploits have fueled her fantasies for years. Little did she know that her expertise would be called upon when two cities, two … when two cities, two triads, go to war. Will it be a step too far to think she can hide who she really is?
Jaxon has known his career path since he was a little boy when his father promised his only son to the leader of the Yu Shi triad. Jaxon doesn’t mind—it allows him to center his chaotic thoughts and fight his opponents to the death. But when he’s partnered with a mysterious new recruit, he begins to question everything he knows. What is the young boy hiding from him?
Zhanzhi is a modern day retelling of the tale of Mulan for the Sinister Fairytales Collection. Warrior Lia must find her inner strength to defeat a deadly enemy, who’s been left bitter by his quest for absolute power, while at the same time falling in love when she least expects it. Nothing will be as it seems in this dark triad world where a moment’s hesitation can be your downfall.
Details coming soon.
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Mulan happens to be one of my family’s favorite Disney movies. We know all the songs by heart and can recite quite a bit of the script too. So I was beyond happy to find a dark retelling of that particular story. In Zhànshì, Lia always knew that she was destined for a life far different than what her parents imagined. They wanted her to be the perfect lady, content with being a housewife to whoever ended up being her husband. However, Lia was a skilled warrior and she knew that she was meant to fight. When the war between the Triads really heats up, a mandate goes out that the eldest male in the family must join the battle. Lia’s father had already done his time and came home with an injury and yet he was still willing to go. Lia wasn’t having it and came up with her own plan to go in his place.
Jaxon was taken in by the Yu Shi triad when he was small. When the order goes out, he’s the one in charge of training the men. There was something about Zhàn that wasn’t quite right. Why does he feel an attraction for him? Despite his misgivings, Jaxon realizes that Zhàn may be the difference between triumph and defeat. When Lia’s truth comes out, it introduces a horror show but also unleashes a destiny. These lovers were so strong together and I think the author did a great job of bringing this modernized version of a classic to life. The villain was truly villainous and the heroes weren’t exactly pure, but they were in the right. I only wish the major story, the actual love story, got more time.
Rating:
Very dark Mulan retelling!
This one may have been a bit too dark for my tastes. I did like the story and the character development was good. I just wondered about a few things that seemed a bit off. For one, most of these Sinister Fairy Tales have been set in present times and this one stated it was a modern day retelling as well, but it still seemed very past tense.
The premise was a war between two factions of the Chinese Mafia in California, the Yu Shi Triad and the Jin Long. However, they used traditional Chinese weapons in the war, especially swords, knives and batons. Now what I know or have heard of modern Chinese Triads, is that they use guns nowadays just like other gangs or organized crime.
The premise is that the Yu Shi triad is more traditional and wants to keep things that way, but I still can’t see modern day people chopping off heads with Katana swords. I think if a bunch of people were in hand to hand combat with swords, knives and batons, someone would pull out a gun and start shooting people. But that is just my thought.
Despite the weaponry, Wang the evil warlord of the Jin Long faction was a really bad guy that treated women like they were only used for the men’s enjoyment. He was known to be cruel and degrading to women and there was more than one rape scene. Which I didn’t like, though I am aware that it happens in war.
The main story surrounded Lia and the fact that she wanted to honor her family by fighting. She knew she was different from the time she was young and felt that she was meant for more than just being a wife and mother. Her father trained her to fight from a young age and when the two factions were at war, the Yu Shi triad enacted the one male per family rule in which one male from every family had to fight. Lia’s father was the only male in their family and he would have died because he already had a prior injury which caused him to limp and need a cane. So she sneaks out and takes his sword and his place.
Lia falls for Jaxon who is one of the top men in the Yu Shi triad after being raised by Gaozu, the leader. Gaozu took Jaxon in as a young boy after his mother was killed. The romance between Lia and Jaxon is great. At first, he thinks she is a boy named Zhan who he is training to be a better fighter. Jaxon is surprised at how good the boy is and impressed with his willingness to do better. Overall I liked the book, there were just certain things I didn’t so I will give this a 3.5 star rating (rounded up to 4).
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow!! I LOVE IT!!
This is brillant, I was drawn in right from the start, and it had me gripped with every turn of the page.
It pulled many emotions from me, I was on the edge of my seat towards the end, I didn’t want to put it down. It was action packed, and a love between two people who were meant to be together, it was their destiny.
Very well written and a brilliantly amazing ending, definitely a MUST READ!! I can’t recommend it enough.
A girl wanting to forge her own path, not wanting to have her life planned out for her, and desperate for something more than just marriage. This was the best retelling of Mulan ever granted I’ll probably never look at the movie the same which seems to becoming a thing. Let me tell you if you want your favorite childhood movies ruin in the best possible way you should totally read this series.
Zhànshì is the latest book of the Sinister Fairy Tale Collection and it is a dark retelling of the movie Mulan. I will caution readers that there are some highly descriptive scenes that may be triggers for some.
Tradition, honor and empowerment are what Lia has prided herself on when she makes the decision to get involved in a Chinese mafia war between her family’s obedience to the Yu Shi clan versus the Jin Long clan who are attempting to take over San Francisco. The problem is that the Yu Shi only want the males of the family. While she embarks on her quest, she meets Jaxon, a fierce warrior in his own right with a past that has brought him to fight on the side of the Yu Shi. This is one absorbing read that once started, you cannot put down. It is a story of fighting for what is right and finding yourself in the process. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
“Wow! Impressive is the first word that pops in my mind to describe what I read. I have always like retellings there’s something appealing about knowing a story and read how it’s change but now thanks to the Sinister Collection I’m an absolute fan of retelling. When I first read the blurb of Zhànzhì I wasn’t sure what to expect because I never read a retelling of Mulan and OMG! What a magnificent retelling I just finished just wow! Anna Edwards really portray the original story of Mulan. One of the strongest and fearless woman ever! Lia was a badass and she wore the title perfectly, trust me, she knew how to kick asses. Jaxon, our hero, he wasn’t at all what I thought he would be. A loyal and honorable man? Together they accomplished the unthinkable. Their love was pure bliss but their chemistry was hot and burning. I enjoyed this dark retelling! Another great addition to this collection.”
Zhanshi A Dark Retelling (Sinister Fairy Tales series) by Anna Edwards. This was a revised modern grown folks dark retelling of Mulan. Oh my!! Set in San Francisco Lia’s father and grandfather are a part of Yi Shu a modern day gang with roots from China. They are involved in a turf war with the Jin Long which is led by Wang, a despicable war lord who want all of California. Yi Shu need more recruits. Like in Mulan the male of the house or first born son needs to serve. Lia’s father has served his time and she must take his place. Her father has been teaching her to use a swords since she was a little girl. Now in training she has caught the eye of General Jaxon. He sees the new recruit. Zhanshi has the skill but is small. While sparing with Zhanshi Jaxon’s manhood stirs. There is an attraction between the two. Lia aka Zhanshi knows the risk she is taken. If she is discovered it will mean death for her and dishonor for her family. She has feelings for Jaxon and feels bad deceiving him. Jaxon knows he isn’t gay but there is something about the new recruit. He just can’t put his finger on it. When Lia reveals herself to Jaxon they embark on a relationship that can have disastrous results. While fighting the Jin Long, things turn to the worst for Jaxon and especially Lia who despite being a woman has the heart of a warrior. This has to be the best retelling of any of the other fairy tales I have read. It definitely was darker and dirtier than the others. I loved it. Loved Jaxon and Lia. I wish I could get more from them. Wouldn’t mind another book about them. Just like my love for the kids tale of Mulan this adult version is just as entertaining. 5 sword slashing stars for me.
This is a fabulous retelling of Mulan.
I thought that Lia/Zhan was such a great character, and she had such a fabulous journey. I mean, we started out with her not even really knowing who she was, and by the end of the book, she knows who she is and she has completely come to grips with who she is and what she wants. She has that confidence that most people don’t have, and she’s seriously earned it.
I thought that Jaxon was just a really good man. He may have had to do some horrible things, but they weren’t really who he was. He was more about protecting and caring for his people, but he would do the dirty if he had to. I thought that he was just an excellent character.
I loved every word of this book.
Zhànshì by Anna Edwards is another great addition to the Sinister Fairytales collection. This is a dark retelling reminiscent of Disney’s Mulan.
This is the story of Lia, our modern day Mulan. Lia has gone undercover as Zhan in the Yi Shu( one of the Two Chinese gangs/Mafia running California), and that is where she meets Jaxon. A warrior serving in the Yi Shu. They have instant connections with one another. While he may not understand why he’s having such strong feelings for this man(which we know is not actually a man at all)
Before too long the truth will be revealed and Jaxon and Lia will have more problems on their hands. Will he be able to keep her safe when the others find out who she really is? Jaxon understands that she has such strength that she could be the difference in whether they will be celebrating a victory or defeat.
This was a modern take, with a old world feel to it. Like it had modern day gadgets, but seemed somewhat old in weaponry as the like.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
-I would definitely say this book was well written and flowed quite nicely. I like the main characters, and Lia was quite the bitty kickin chick I hoped she would be.
-Nice chemistry and steamy scenes between Lia and Jaxon
Cliffhanger Warning-No cliffhanger! HEA
Trigger Warning- The book as a whole wasn’t completely dark . However , this book definitely has some dark scenes. Some fight/battle scenes and non-consensual intercourse scenes. So I would offer these words as warnings for those with triggers.
A dark retelling of Mulan in the Sinister Fairytales Collection.
Lia Zhanshi is a young woman who does not want to live her life in the traditions of the Yu Shi, as her family has done since her grandfather was brought to San Francisco years ago to make a better life for himself and his family. He promised his duty to the Yu Shi as well as his son and the next generations to come.
Jaxon is known as the blond demon of the Yu Shi. He rises to the second in command of the Yu Shi after the leader’s brother is killed during a recent battle. Jaxon does not look like the rest of the Yu Shi; he has blond hair and looks to be of European descent. His story of becoming a Yu Shi warrior is unique.
This was an action packed, fast-paced story that I loved. I love Mulan and this story, while being a dark retelling, followed some of the plot of Mulan and I really enjoyed it. The characters were entertaining, enjoyable to read and life like. Being from California, it was easy to picture some of the areas they were describing in the story which made it that more entertaining to me. I was drawn in from the prologue, where Lia is being trained by her warrior father and the pull to the story remained throughout the book. I have enjoyed the Sinister Fairytales Collection that have been published so far and this book did not disappoint. They certainly are not the fairytales I was told as a young girl or that I read to my daughter, but they are perfect for me now. I give this story a 5-star review and highly recommend Zhanshi to readers who like fairytale retellings, strong women and the men that complete them, or stories of mafia wars.
So every girl at some point wants to be a Disney Princess. I always wanted to be Mulan. Now I want to be the Female in this book. She may not be a princess but she is a bada** and I love her. This book is amazing!!! I love this modern take on the story of Mulan. I loved everything about this story and would recommend it to anyone
This is the first book of Anna Edwards that I have read. That being said I loved this book and finished in one sitting.
Zhànzhì is a dark retelling of Mulan that blew my mind!! I loved how Anna Edwards kept true to the storyline of the original Mulan but put her own spin on it as well.
Lia has been trained by her father in how to fight like a true warrior. However, she must still follow tradition and not use her skills because she is a woman. Lia takes her father’s place to fight with the Yi Shu and pretends to be a male and d*** she can fight better than most of the males there.
Jaxson is not what you would expect of the main male character, mainly because he is not Chinese. However, I think this puts a nice twist to this story. Jaxson is loyal to the Yi Shu and will do all he can to protect the city and people from those that want to harm them.
Can Jaxon and Lia work together to defect the Jīn Long and protect the Yi Shu people? Will Jaxon be able to save Lia?
The twists in this story had me hooked from the beginning and held me until the end.
This is a dark modern retelling of the Disney movie, Mulan. It tells the story of a girl who struggles with who society wants her to be and who she wants to be. There is a fair amount of action and violence combined with passion and love. It does get gory at times and there are triggers for some. It does end in a HEA.
I struggled with this story. It started out slow and didn’t pick up until about halfway through. Then toward the end, it seemed to go too fast and important parts felt rushed and glazed over. It was also confusing how it was supposed to be modern-day but seems to have a historical feel to it. It was set in California which was weird for me. It didn’t seem to fit the story. I did like the characters though. Lia aka Zhan was a strong character who was fiercely loyal and badass. She fights for who and what she believes in. Jaxon was such a formidable leader but had compassion and kindness for those he commanded. His loyalty and faith were unmatched. His love for Lia was beautiful, and the story of their love was beautiful. There were also great secondary characters.
This story has a lot of potential. I just felt like some things were rushed and disjointed. I encourage you to read it and form your own opinion.
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
Zhànshì by Anna Edwards is part of the Sinister Fairytales Collection Series. This is the story of Jaxon and Lia. Lia’s father has been training her to fight just like the boys/men of her country. When all the men are called to train for a war she sneaks off to join hiding that she is a women. Jaxon meets Lia but she is pretending to be a boy but it takes a while before he catches on that she is a women. Which gives him relief knowing why he was so drawn to him..her. Lia’s secret cause her to loose her standing there but will she also loose Jaxon? This was a darker retailing of Mulan.
****3.5 stars****
Zhanzhi by Anna Edwards was an interesting dark retelling of Mulan. I loved Lia, the warrior who is a kickass fighter. She deserves all the respect and admiration. She is strong, loyal, fearless and sassy. Family and love are most important to her and she is willing to do anything for them. Including sacrificing herself.
In comparison to Lia, Jaxon came across as a weak character. He is one of the most skilled generals of Goazu, the head of the Yi Shu aka the chinese mafia ruling California. He has an intriguing history and his past is really important. He fights valiantly and fairly. He is faithful and protective. But somehow I feel he failed Lia. I totally understand Lia made the insane plan to beat their enemey Jin Lang once and for all. But he did let her go easily rather than fighting for her. Their chemistry didnt impress me.The best part of the story was the villain, Wang. His evilness and cruelty was on point!
Zhanzhi by Anna Edwards was an interesting take on a favorite fairytale. It started with great promise but over all I didn’t fall in love with this story.
Received ARC for honest review
I love twisted fairy tales! I was so excited about Mulan getting her time in the spotlight!
This was my first time reading this author, and I liked her style!
Having the story set in modern times among warring Chinese mafias was fascinating. Watching Jaxon trying to figure out his feeling for the new recruit was kind of comical, but overall this is a very very dark retelling.
I don’t enjoy reading about sexual assault, so that would be the real negative for me.
This collection is definitely a winner! Everything that I’ve read so far was a 5-star read! “Zhanshi” by Anna Edwards is no different! I loved everything about the book, from the first chapter till the last! This was my first book form the author and I’m intrigued with her work.
“I’m the young woman who’ll save her father by playing the part her heart has always longed for.”
Lia’s family has been part of the Yu Shi faction since her grandfather’s generation. Because of the faction they are able to live a better life in America. Growing up she felt different. Even though in this world, the women are raised to be wives, she always longed to become a warrior. When the heat between Yu Shi and Jin Long is increasing, the leader activated the one-man rule. Her father only had daughters, so in order to protect his health, she decides to join instead disguised as a man.
“Lia is gone. Zhan is here to stay.”
Jaxon is known as the Blond Demon of the Yu Shi faction. He was raised from the triad leader after his parents died. He may not be Yu Shi by blood, but he owes his life to them. Loyalty to the faction is all he knows, so it’s a no brainer that now that war is brewing, he’ll be in the front line. What he didn’t anticipated is a young man joining, Zhan.
The book is dark. There are some graphic scenes included. It’s basically the story of Mulan taking place in a modern mafia setting. I liked the enemy factions story. My favorite thing by far was Lia’s characters. She’s a true warrior with a spirit stronger than many of the male soldiers. She’s feisty and always ready to make hard decisions! Jaxon compliments her perfectly. I preferred the way she was revealed as a girl in comparison to the original story!
If you are looking for a strong female lead, then this book is definitely for you. Lia will be a character that you’ll love, and her story will keep you at the edge of your seat. I totally recommend this book and I’ll make sure to look out more of the author’s books!!
This is another fantastic dark retelling story, this time we get Mulan in a Chinese Mafia world set in California. Definitely a very dark story about Lia and Jaxon, where loyalty, fighting, honor, and hard decisions. Lia is a strong character, one you will love, her story is definitely worth reading, and this series just keeps getting better and better.
A retelling of Mulan with a twist. It’s somewhat dark and has some items that may be triggering. There is action, suspense, mystery, and some moments where I couldn’t figure out where it was going. I couldn’t put this down and the ending was perfect for Jaxon and Lia.
Zhànshì by Anna Edwards is a dark retelling, which is part of The Sinister Fairy Tales Collection.
I never really connected with Mulan, I know the premise of the story but was never interested in it.
But Anna Edwards’ modern day retelling of Mulan, I can connect with and was interested in – probably mostly because I love Anna Edwards writing style and the twists she weaves into her stories.
It was an engaging read. I loved both Lia and Jaxon’s characters. Their strength to fight for what they believe in, their willingness to protect the people they love and the connection they made with each other.
Everything I love about Anna Edwards writing is contained within Zhànshì. A definite 5 star read for me.