Feather and flame

Gr 8 Up--The Emperor of China needs an heir, and there is only one person he trusts. In the years since saving China, Fa Mulan has lived a quiet life in the country training an all-female militia and hunting down bandits who threaten her village. Shang, now a general in the Imperial Army, comes to bring her back to the Imperial City, where the Emperor has asked to see her. Shortly after her ascension to Crown Princess is announced, the Emperor dies, leaving Mulan half-educated and entirely overwhelmed, surrounded by ministers who wish to take her throne for themselves. As Mulan fights a war she is entirely unprepared for, Shang is a bulwark against the political schemes hatched at court as the Huns reenter the political stage. Shang's steadfast support and straightforward manner ground their Disney movie romance in realism and angst, as the two struggle to balance their duties to China with their own desires. Blackburne packs Mulan's happily ever after with strong female friendships, a sweet romance, and high stakes, making this an easy hand-sell to fans of the animated movie. Filial piety and ancestor veneration are woven throughout the story, their cultural significance flawlessly introduced to Western readers. Blackburne paints lush settings with historical details, bringing ancient China to life. Characters are Chinese, with some exceptions. VERDICT Mulan must fight a different kind of war to save China, and she is more than up to the task. Recommended for general purchase.--Emmy Neal, Lake Forest Lib., IL

Mulan ascends to the role of empress and continues to fight against self-doubt and sexism. After helping defeat the invading Hun army, Mulan has returned to her home village and formed an all-female militia. Her life is forever changed when the emperor unexpectedly announces that she will be his heir. Mulan struggles with balancing her prevailing sense of duty to China against the loss of a future of her own choosing. This internal conflict is compounded by her feelings of insecurity and unworthiness. The emperor's sudden passing thrusts Mulan into the role of empress far sooner than expected, and she faces challenges from the existing leadership and another potential war. With the aid of her ancestors and the Queen's Council--spirits of female warriors who came before her--Mulan begins to trust herself and her leadership abilities. Quickly paced and full of action, this fantasy adventure includes numerous fight scenes and battles. Mulan's empowering journey is believable and, while readers may not be in doubt of the ending, still satisfies. Familiar events from the animated movie are revisited, such as her romantic connection with fellow soldier Li Shang and her male alter ego disguise, Ping. The story highlights real ancient Chinese heroes, such as Fu Hao and Xun Guan, even as the initial premise of Mulan's being named heir is only possible in fiction. Stays true to the Disney canon while adding depth and maturity. (Historical adventure. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.