The Magnolia Sword

A Ballad of Mulan
By Sherry Thomas, Christina Chung
Hardcover: $19.95

Bestselling writer Sherry Thomas weaves an enthralling retelling of a story that has thrilled readers for centuries: the ballad of Mulan.

Description

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.

Inspired by wuxia martial-arts dramas as well as the centuries-old ballad of Mulan, The Magnolia Sword is perfect for fans of Renee Ahdieh, Marie Lu, or Kristin Cashore–a thrilling, romantic, and sharp-edged novel that lives up to its beloved heroine.

About the Creators

Sherry Thomas

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® Award. Born in China, she learned English as a second language, and now lives and writes in Austin, Texas. Please visit her website at www.sherrythomas.com and follow her on Twitter at @sherrythomas and on Instagram as @writersherrythomas.

Christina Chung
Christina Chung

Awards

  • Best Children's Books of the Year

    Bank Street College of Education

  • Spirit of Texas Reading List

    Texas Library Association (TLA)

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."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "New life is breathed into the ballad of Mulan... A refreshing new take that pays homage to a legendary character."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "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."

    - Courtney Milan, New York Times bestselling author of After the Wedding
  • "I found this book historically rich like few other tales of the setting are, and full of both family drama and exciting action."

    - F. C. Yee, author of The Epic Crush of Genie Lo
  • "A fierce, beautifully written Mulan retelling. The Magnolia Sword, much like its titular weapon, is sharp, glimmering with detail, and intensely powerful. Adventure seekers: this one's for you."

    - Arvin Ahmadi, author of Down and Across and Girl Gone Viral

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781620148044
  • Publication Date Sep 10, 2019
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 5.5 in
  • Weight 1.1875 lbs
  • Page Count 352
  • Interests

  • Audience Young Adult
  • BISAC Category 1 YAF / Historical / Asia
  • BISAC Category 2 YAF / Historical / Asia
  • BISAC Category 3 YAF / Historical / Military & Wars
  • Themes Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Breaking Gender Barriers, Conflict resolution, Courage, Diversity, Fiction, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Heroism, History & Civics, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Overcoming Obstacles, Responsibility, Teen Interest, YA interest
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 12 - 18
  • Grade Range Grades 7 - 12
  • Guided Reading Y
  • ATOS Book Level 6.2
  • DRA 60
  • Interest Level Grades 7 - 12
  • Lexile Level 840
  • Reading Level Grades 6 - 8
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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