Review: Magnoila Sword: A Ballad of Mulan

CHINA, 484 A.D.
A Warrior in Disguise
All her life, Mulan has trained for one purpose: to win the duel that every generation in her family must fight. If she prevails, she can reunite a pair of priceless heirloom swords separated decades earlier, and avenge her father, who was paralyzed in his own duel.

Then a messenger from the Emperor arrives, demanding that all families send one soldier to fight the Rouran invaders in the north. Mulan's father cannot go. Her brother is just a child. So she ties up her hair, takes up her sword, and joins the army as a man.

A War for a Dynasty
Thanks to her martial arts skills, Mulan is chosen for an elite team under the command of the princeling--the royal duke's son, who is also the handsomest man she's ever seen. But the princeling has secrets of his own, which explode into Mulan's life and shake up everything she knows. As they cross the Great Wall to face the enemy beyond, Mulan and the princeling must find a way to unwind their past, unmask a traitor, and uncover the plans for the Rouran invasion . . . before it's too late.

- summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I love the story of Mulan and was super excited to read this book (both because of the subject, but also because of the author). And this book didn't disappoint. I really loved it. I felt terrible for Mulan for having to hide her true self for so many years and for never having her father's approval. I enjoyed her moments with her dueling partner. I loved her cheekiness which allowed her to join the elite team under the princeling. I enjoyed her moments chatting with the princeling and how they became friends. I loved the comradery between the elite team. I loved learning the secrets from the past. I loved the action, the danger, and how everything played out. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public libraries.

CLA Conference

This Monday and Tuesday, I'll be at the Connecticut Library Conference. 

It's a special one this year because I was the co-chair for the conference. And it takes a LOT of planning. But it's almost here and I'm excited because I think it's going to be a great conference.

The keynotes are going to be amazing:

I really can't wait to hear them!

Plus I'm co-presenting a session on Core Modern Romance Authors for the library and helping out at Children's and Teen Book Buzz where I'm talking about upcoming middle grade and children's books.

It's going to be a busy two days, but it will be great.

Review: A Study in Scarlet Women

* First Book in the series *

Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable in society. After her father breaks their deal, Charlotte takes matters into her own hands. She plans an event that will allow her to move away from proper society - although she doesn't realize how hard things might become when she's taking care of herself.

After three odd deaths occur and suspicion falls on her sister, Charlotte uses her alter ego to help persuade the police they're on the wrong track. But she'll need help. Luckily she can count on some friends - both new and old to help uncover the truth.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this gender swap of Sherlock Holmes. I loved Charlotte's mind and how she used it. I enjoyed her relationship with her sister and Mrs. Watson. I like how she formed a partnership with the latter. I also really enjoyed the policeman and his wife. I liked the puzzling deaths, the connections, and the reveal. I'm looking forward to the next book. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: Gifted by my OTSPsecretsister
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library mystery section.