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.

In this second book of The Dragon Spirit Duology, The Dragon Wakes with Thunder by K. X. Song, it is complex and bittersweet, emotional and powerful. From the very start, you are pulled back into Meilin’s complicated world, one in which she is paying a price. But can she find a way past her own greed to fix the mistakes of her past and if she can, what price will she pay?  The questions the narrative asks of the character are intense and honest, requiring Meilin to truly look at her choices and decisions. This rich storytelling creates an incredible world and even if you don’t like all of Meilin’s actions, you find yourself rooting for her. 

I love how Meilin struggles to change things, not just for herself but for other girls and learns to be more accountable. Even as conflicted as she is, she works to stop Qinglong and while the ending is bittersweet it is also powerful and emotional. 

If you liked the previous novel, The Night Ends With Fire, you will love The Dragon Wakes with Thunder. It resolves many of the lingering narrative questions and has a strong emotional hook to the story. Meilin is complex as are the other characters and I found the ending surprising as well as powerful. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 spirits

Penguin RandomHouse

K. X. Song website