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.

Review: Underworld

* sequel to Abandon*

Pierce and John fled to the Underworld to escape the dangers. However, danger still exists. Pierce isn't sure what to do in the Underworld. She's interested in how things work in this alternate universe, but she also misses her home.

She's not sure she wants to live here forever. Pierce doesn't want her mom to grow old with out her. She's worried about the rest of her family and her friends. She hated that she didn't get to say goodbye.

When she receives a disturbing message about the fate of her cousin, she's desperate to get back to her normal life. She needs to warn Alex and help save him. She has no way of knowing if what she saw has happened, is happening, or will happen. All she knows is that she'll do everything in her power from prevent that scenario from coming true.

My Thoughts: First off, I adore Meg Cabot and all her books. I devour them. It's impossible for me not to love them. However, it's been a long time since I read Abandon and I forgot most of the story. As a result, it took me a little bit longer than normal to get into the story. (I really do wish I had time to re-read books when sequels appear, but I don't.)


I loved the heat between John and Pierce. I enjoyed their banter as they tried to make each other understand their viewpoints. While at times, I found John controlling, after learning more about his life, I find myself able to understand his character better. 


I loved the descriptions of the Underworld - the gardens, the house, and how things needed appeared. I liked Hope - even her ironic name. I found her antics amusing as she judged everything and everyone around her.


I'm looking forward to the next book - the last book in this fantastic trilogy. 


Cover Thoughts: Great!


Source: my Library