Author: K. X. Song
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Ace
Book Release Date: 2025
Pages: 448
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: The war may be over, but Hai Meilin is still paying a heavy toll. In spite of securing victory for the kingdom of Anlai, she is imprisoned upon her return. Her crime? Wielding a sword as a woman.
In the palace, Meilin is an outcast and a social pariah. But beyond the imperial walls, the legend of the woman warrior has taken on a life of its own. To the east, a new rebel leader needs Meilin to helm his people’s revolution. In the south, a former enemy prince, now a prisoner of war, seeks Meilin’s aid in restoring balance to the Three Kingdoms. And back home in Anlai, Liu Sky, Meilin’s commander and first love, requires Meilin by his side in his bid for the throne.
Pulled in all directions by those who seek to use her for their own ends, Meilin vows that this time, she will not be so quick to trust. Yet there is one she cannot help but listen to—for he dwells within her.
Beyond any human machinations, the sea dragon Qinglong has his own plans for the spirit realm. During the last war, Meilin wielded his power to cheat death and attain victory for Anlai; now the dragon has come to collect his dues. Meilin’s mother warned her long ago: The spirits demand blood. And Qinglong is ravenous.
My Review: The Dragon Wakes With Thunder is the sequel to The Night Ends With Fire. The novel picks up immediately where the first novel ended. Hai Meilin has been honored as a female warrior and lives in the palace walls. She wants to place her former commander and first love, Liu Sky on the throne. Gradually, Meilin soon desires power and glory. However, her lust for power has consequences. Could Meilin find a way to keep her power or would she be able to give it up?
I liked Meilin in The Night Ends With Fire. She was courageous, loving, and caring. In the sequel, I was disappointed in her character. She was selfish and power-hungry. She was ruthless and ambitious. I also found her to be wishy-washy. She bounced from one man to the next. It was not until the very end that I knew who Meilin actually loved. Therefore, I couldn’t relate to Meilin, and I was not as invested in her story as I was in the first novel.
Overall, the book is about consequences, ambition, and choices. I was disappointed in some of the old characters, especially Liu Sky, because they have changed a lot since the first novel. I was indifferent to the new characters because they were not developed enough. I thought the love story was weak. The world-building was confusing. I also thought the ending was a let down. Nevertheless, I did like Ms. Song’s writing style for it was filled with lush descriptions! The Dragon Wakes With Thunder is still an entertaining novel. It is just not as good as The Night Ends With Fire! I recommend this book for fans of Sue Lynn Tan, Elizabeth Lim, and Axie Oh!
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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