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The Magnolia Sword: A Ballad of Mulan Kindle Edition

by Sherry Thomas (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 377 ratings
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''THE MAGNOLIA SWORD is the epic adventure I have always wanted: an intense, riveting, heart-pounding race against time coupled with a surprisingly tender forbidden love.''--New York Times Bestselling Author Courtney Milan

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.
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  1. Reading age
    12 - 18 years
  2. Print length
    319 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    7 - 12
  5. Publication date
    September 9, 2019
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

New life is breathed into the ballad of Mulan. . . . Thomas (The Hollow of Fear, 2018, etc.) brings new dimensions to the iconic character, weaving emotional depth and ethnic political issues into the plot. She immerses readers in bustling city streets and freezing swaths of wilderness. Scaffolded by detailed research, the story is based on actual historic conflicts and artifacts. A refreshing new take that pays homage to a legendary character. --Kirkus Reviews

Rich cultural references, intricate political machinations, and thrilling Wuxia elements distinguish this deftly woven Mulan retelling by Thomas, who was born and raised in China. . . . Skillful martial arts scenes combine with crucial discourse on power, gender, and the impact of language on history in this gripping, thoughtfully layered reinterpretation. --Starred review, Publishers Weekly

The camaraderie among the princeling's staff (and Mulan's matchmaking between two of the men) will draw readers in, even as intrigue over a traitorous spy and a government coup heighten the suspense. It is Mulan's story, however--her rocky introduction to combat and her growth in valor, plus the growing attraction between her and the princeling--that makes this revisioning of the ancient Chinese legend (that also inspired the animated Disney feature, scheduled for an upcoming live-action treatment) such a captivating tale. --The Horn Book Magazine

About the Author

SHERRY THOMAS is the author of nineteen novels across multiple genres, including the acclaimed Lady Sherlock mystery series, a YA fantasy trilogy that began with The Burning Sky, and more than a dozen romance novels, which have twice won her the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA(R) Award. Born in China, she learned English as a second language, and now lives and writes in Austin, Texas.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07T6C2ZF9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lee & Low Books/Tu Books (September 9, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 9, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 9863 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 319 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 377 ratings

About the author

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Sherry Thomas

Sherry Thomas

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Sherry Thomas writes both historical romance and young adult fantasy.

On the romance side, she is one of the most acclaimed authors working in the genre today, her books regularly receiving starred reviews and best-of-the-year honors from trade publications. She is also a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award.

On the young adult fantasy side, there isn’t much to report yet, her debut book, THE BURNING SKY, book 1 of the Elemental Trilogy, has received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and been named to the Autumn ’13 Kids’ Indie Next List.

Sherry writes in her second language. She learned English by reading romance and science fiction—every word Isaac Asimov ever wrote, in fact. She is proud to say that her son is her biggest fanboy—for the YA fantasy, not the romances. At least, not yet…

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
377 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the storytelling fantastic and satisfying. They praise the writing style as beautiful, clear, and elegant. Readers describe the romance as heartwarming, charming, and emotional. They also appreciate the fantastic, complicated characters and heroine worth role-modeling. Overall, customers find the book fun, adventureful, and a little romance.

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StorytellingWriting styleRomanceCharacter developmentEnjoymentReadability
23 customers mention "Storytelling"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the storytelling fantastic, satisfying, and interesting. They appreciate the plot between the beginning and end that covers some fresh territory while remaining true to the story. Readers also mention the book is easy to read, has good historical research, and accurate portrayal of Chinese history and culture.

"...However, Sherry Thomas' version is just as endearing but richer in culture and deeper in meaning...." Read more

"...The Magnolia Sword is a wonderful rendition of the story of Mulan we know and love and this version of the story concentrates on the martial arts,..." Read more

"...YA I've read (it felt flowery and a tad long-winded), but it was interesting and easy to read...." Read more

"...This is a true YA book, a little more complex plot, a bit of romance but it doesn't take over...." Read more

16 customers mention "Writing style"14 positive2 negative

Customers find the prose beautiful, clear, and elegant. They appreciate the descriptions and story flow. Readers also mention the themes are very well done and deep. They say it's an enjoyable read with good characterizations.

"...Thomas, she delivers a strong element of romance and writes prose that flows like water. However, I liked this novel best for its deeper meanings...." Read more

"A thoroughly enjoyable read. Good characterizations, likable protagonists, and the villains aren't two dimensional...." Read more

"...Of all the ones I have read so far, this one is most likely the best at descriptions, story flow, and a great story...." Read more

"...The characters are engaging and the depth is appropriate for the YA audience." Read more

13 customers mention "Romance"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the romance in the book heartwarming, charming, and compelling. They say the element of romance feels organic and sweet. Readers also mention the book is wholesome and inspiring.

"...And being Sherry Thomas, she delivers a strong element of romance and writes prose that flows like water...." Read more

"...If you enjoy old martial arts movies, fantastic fight scenes, a bit of political intrigue, and the concepts of honor/duty/family, then this is the..." Read more

"I loved this book. It was so wholesome and inspiring. I loved the characters, and the themes were very well done and deep...." Read more

"...He will appreciate the martial arts action, and there's nothing inappropriate that would make me uncomfortable to compare notes with him...." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters fantastic, complicated, and worth role-modeling. They also say the protagonists and villains aren't two-dimensional.

"I loved this book. It was so wholesome and inspiring. I loved the characters, and the themes were very well done and deep...." Read more

"...Good characterizations, likable protagonists, and the villains aren't two dimensional. Alas, no Dragon for the little guys...." Read more

"...The characters are engaging and the depth is appropriate for the YA audience." Read more

"...The characters are dimensional, growing through the course of the tale with new aspects revealed...." Read more

6 customers mention "Enjoyment"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fun, heartwarming, and adventureful. They also appreciate the history and romance.

"...I would absolutely recommend this book if you're looking for something fun and heart-warming to read." Read more

"Entertaining for middle grade to adult readers, this is a great retelling of the Mulan story...." Read more

"...I have read this book multiple times because it is so fun." Read more

"...make an already compelling hero tale that much more brilliant and enjoyable. Much more than a YA novel!" Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fantastic and one of the better young adult novels.

"...And the second half of the book was truly excellent. One of the better young adult novels have read, I recommend even for those not a fan of the..." Read more

"...Thank you for another fantastic read." Read more

"Great read kept me interested. The pace of the action didn't slow down." Read more

"Excellent book..." Read more

Lives up to everything it promises
5 out of 5 stars
Lives up to everything it promises
This book promised a lot: a YA retelling of the Mulan folk tale, infused with wuxia and set in 484 A.D (so, roughly accurate to the folk tale). Adventure! Romance! Danger! Secrets! Swords! Honor! Intrigue! And complicated, layered relationships between characters who feel real and heroic at the same time.The Magnolia Sword: A Ballad of Mulan book delivered it all. I loved it.
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Top reviews from the United States

David J. Nix
5.0 out of 5 stars This Mulan Would Eat Disney Mulan for Breakfast
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2019
Verified Purchase
I have a confession to make. I love the Disney version of Mulan. In fact, she is my favorite Disney princess. Okay - The Magnolia Sword is not that story, so set it aside for a moment. However, Sherry Thomas' version is just as endearing but richer in culture and deeper in meaning. The story features the familiar elements of the Mulan ballad: a young woman who dresses as a man to go to war, who brings honor to herself and her family, and finds love (in many ways). Whereas medieval Chinese culture was more of a backdrop or prop in the Disney animation, it is on full display in this story. In particular, Ms. Thomas richly portrays the multi-layered system of hierarchy and honor that underscores every action and interaction in the story. She adds to that the refined martial artistry that was over a thousand years old by the time this story occurs, and bestows the best of it on the heroine. Disney Mulan wouldn't stand a chance against this Mulan. And being Sherry Thomas, she delivers a strong element of romance and writes prose that flows like water. However, I liked this novel best for its deeper meanings. Ultimately, it is a story of walls. Walls that divide people, families, tribes, and nations. Walls built by social rules, gender divides, vendettas, and fear of difference. The Mulan of this story must overcome all these walls to survive, to shine, and to discover herself. Oh, and get the guy.
31 people found this helpful
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Sarah A.
4.0 out of 5 stars If you love old-school martial arts movies, you'll love this!
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2021
Verified Purchase
Love love loved the action packed book this was. If I could've just rated the action in this book, I would rate it 5 stars. The book opens with a *fantastic* fight scene.

The Magnolia Sword is a wonderful rendition of the story of Mulan we know and love and this version of the story concentrates on the martial arts, loyalty, duty, and politics. We dont really see or feel a lot of the struggles of the insecure "female" Mulan per se, but we see her insecurities in the form of losing trust in those around her and wondering if she is good enough to trust. Readers who may not enjoy that kind of thing may not like those parts of the book that are filled with her doubts, but overall, the focus and beauty of the world Ms. Thomas has created here truly spotlights the martial arts and that is depicted quite beautifully.

If you enjoy old martial arts movies, fantastic fight scenes, a bit of political intrigue, and the concepts of honor/duty/family, then this is the book for you.

If you are looking to be swept away by the romance that is present in this book, you may be disappointed, as the author does not focus on the romantic portions too much. It seems to happen in the background and is definitely secondary to the storyline (and many readers do prefer that).
2 people found this helpful
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Camille
5.0 out of 5 stars Wholesome, inspiring story!
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2020
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I loved this book. It was so wholesome and inspiring. I loved the characters, and the themes were very well done and deep. The writing style was a bit different than the other YA I've read (it felt flowery and a tad long-winded), but it was interesting and easy to read. I particularly dislike books written in first-person present tense (which this is), but despite that, I love love loved this story!

There was a sweet/"clean" romance and it made my heart melt. It was so so sweet. I would absolutely recommend this book if you're looking for something fun and heart-warming to read.
One person found this helpful
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teachergrammy
5.0 out of 5 stars More "Crouching Tiger" than Disney
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2020
Verified Purchase
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Good characterizations, likable protagonists, and the villains aren't two dimensional. Alas, no Dragon for the little guys. This is a true YA book, a little more complex plot, a bit of romance but it doesn't take over. I appreciated the discussions, both internal and vocalized, of the values and motives of the characters. I will probably get this for my middle school grandson. He will appreciate the martial arts action, and there's nothing inappropriate that would make me uncomfortable to compare notes with him. Not a romance fan, but I'll look up some of Sherry Thomas' other historic fiction.
2 people found this helpful
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Zeph Sun
5.0 out of 5 stars Decent!
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2024
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A good re-telling of Mulan! Of all the ones I have read so far, this one is most likely the best at descriptions, story flow, and a great story. I bought this after listening to the audiobook and realized I want this book on my bookshelf. :)
One person found this helpful
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Billy
4.0 out of 5 stars Great traditional story adaptation, wordy writing.
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2020
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The adaptation of this classic story is done extremely well, representing ancient China how it should be represented.

However, the writing in it can become a bit wordy and pretentious. It sometimes lacks self awareness by using flowery language for simple descriptions, kind of like fan fiction in some instances.

It is the classic try hard writing, sentences will go on for a long time with too many adjectives, when a lot of it could have been implied or more concisely communicated. That is combined with its first person perspective, so it sounds like Mulan herself is trying too hard to tell you the story. It sounds almost like she is exaggerating.

Anyways, the story adapted well to English. It captures China how it actually was, instead of being just a theme, like in Disney. The story is as good as it has always been, and the writer does the story and China justice.

The writing is not horrible, just a bit pretentious and wordy. If you have any interest in China or the original Mulan story, then get this book.

PS: The cover art is fantastic. It is why I bought the book for the reading area in my history class, hopefully encouraging kids to actually read something.
2 people found this helpful
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K. Dyer
5.0 out of 5 stars Action, adventure, history, and a little romance
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2019
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A delightful story in every way, I am excited for my kids (boy 16, girl 12) to read it next. Sherry Thomas brings ancient China to life with actions, settings, and sometimes just a turn of phrase. With an overlay of wuxia, the story is fresh and exciting with a framework for the moral themes. Kai and Mulan inherit an ancient family feud that is the thread drawing this story along without straying from the essential legend. The characters are engaging and the depth is appropriate for the YA audience.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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cwlpurnia
5.0 out of 5 stars Muito mais do que eu esperava.
Reviewed in Brazil on June 5, 2021
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O livro é incrível! Eu sou apaixonada por reeleituras de Mulan, e esse livro em questão é uma delas.
A história é fantástica, cada ponto em seu devido lugar, nos fazendo imergir no universo e estar presente em cada segundo. Uma reeleitura incrível que nos coloca dentro do universo, nos fazendo lutar junto da protagonista Hua Mulan e estar ao lado dela em todos os momentos.
Eu recomendo imensamente essa leitura.
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R. Maines
4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 14, 2021
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A more realistic take in the Mulan legend, where Mulan is an accomplished martial artist and does not have supernatural powers. Recommended.
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Poorva
5.0 out of 5 stars The Mulan retelling you've been waiting for
Reviewed in India on September 22, 2020
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Forget the new Disney movie. This is amazing - brilliant characterisation, fantastic writing, a thoughtful examination of culture and history, and a lovely romance, and by a Chinese-American author. If I could give this book ten stars I would.
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Sarah Mayberry
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a joy
Reviewed in Australia on October 1, 2019
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I had to read Maxine Hong Kingston's Warrior Woman as part of my degree and the version of Mulan that she presents in that anthology has stayed with me for years. Sherry's version is engaging, emotional, poetic, vivid, and enthralling and I wish I could erase my memory of the books and read it all over again. A pleasure from page one to the end.
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thegreenhillsofafrica
4.0 out of 5 stars the story opens as a blossom in wind and then sun
Reviewed in Canada on March 19, 2024
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A lovely retelling of the Mulan legend, well written and composed. There is some dueling at the beginning, a few scraps along the way as a small body of men make their way over the landscape, and a final great battle at the end.

But most of the story is gently told in pastels, not the bold strokes of charcoal. There are old wounds and regrets, mysteries that have not been revealed, forgiveness that has not been offered. So most of this tale is about character - finding it, losing it, and recovering it - and growing into the fullness of who you are meant to be.

The romance in the story is as beautiful and soft as an orchid - or magnolia.
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