First let me say I am ruined. I write this to you all from flat on my back on the floor to tell you about the book called Magnolia Sword by Sherry Thomas. A real hidden gem. Has anyone else read it?
After years of searching for something to measure up to Pride and Prejudice, I finally found something that holds a candle to it. I’m surprised I haven’t heard about it before this.
The book is a retelling of the story of Mulan and it does it so much justice.
This book has it all. Fantastic battle scenes, riveting historical setting, slow burn romance to make you pull your hair out, a cast of lovable and believable characters, and amazingly witty dialogue on the same level of Mr. Darcy and Lizzy, such I have not seen since P&P.
I love all the characters so much and I am not sure how I’ll recover now that I finished the book.
Such a realistic and relatable main character. Here’s one of my favorite examples:
Mulan: “Part of me—maybe most of me—yearns for the safety of the other valley, where the others will be spending the night. Another part of me—maybe also most of me—is thrilled that the princeling chose me to accompany him.”
Another outstanding example of witty dialogue that left me giggling like an idiot:
Mulan to the princeling: “Then why do you refrain from going to the pleasure houses?”
Princling: “I don’t like women smiling at me because they are paid to do so. What about you, Hua xiong-di? Why do you refrain?”
I panic with no answer ready. What can I say that he won’t be suspicious.
“I am famously henpecked at home. My wife will beat me with her rolling pin if I so much as look at another woman.”
The princeling raises a brow. “Really?”
“Alas, no.” I say. “I should be so lucky. I would like a hot-tempered wife, but here in the North there is no one to matchmake for me.”
Like what a quick comeback!
I was blown away by the wit. Really good book 10/10.
PS. This book has no spice but so much burn 🔥
by Chronic-amazement