"Feather and Flame is a fierce reimagining of the girl who became a warrior, blending fairy-tale lore and real history with a Disney twist. Mulan must face a new kind of war . . . this time, as Empress of China. Disney's The Queen's Council series imagines each beloved Princess coming into power as ruler of her land, guided by a magical force that weaves their tales together. The war is over. Now a renowned hero, Mulan spends her days in her home village, training a militia of female warriors. The peace is a welcome one, and she knows it must be protected. When Shang arrives with an invitation to the Imperial City, Mulan’s relatively peaceful life is upended once more. The aging emperor decrees that Mulan will be his heir to the throne. Such unimagined power and responsibility terrifies her, but who can say no to the Emperor? As Mulan ascends into the halls of power, it becomes clear that not everyone is on her side. Her ministers undermine her, and the Huns sense a weakness in the throne. When hints of treachery appear even amongst those she considers friends, Mulan has no idea whom she can trust. But the discovery of a mysterious, ancient magic helps Mulan uncover her true destiny. With renewed strength and the wisdom of those that came before her, Mulan will own her power, save her country, and prove once again that, crown or helmet, she was always meant to lead. This fierce reimagining of the girl who became a warrior blends fairy-tale lore and real history with a Disney twist." - Amazon.com "Gr 8 Up-The Emperor of China needs an heir, and there is only one person he trusts. In the years since saving China, Fa Mulan has lived a quiet life in the country training an all-female militia and hunting down bandits who threaten her village. Shang, now a general in the Imperial Army, comes to bring her back to the Imperial City, where the Emperor has asked to see her. Shortly after her ascension to Crown Princess is announced, the Emperor dies, leaving Mulan half-educated and entirely overwhelmed, surrounded by ministers who wish to take her throne for themselves. As Mulan fights a war she is entirely unprepared for, Shang is a bulwark against the political schemes hatched at court as the Huns reenter the political stage. Shang's steadfast support and straightforward manner ground their Disney movie romance in realism and angst, as the two struggle to balance their duties to China with their own desires. Blackburne packs Mulan's happily ever after with strong female friendships, a sweet romance, and high stakes, making this an easy hand-sell to fans of the animated movie. Filial piety and ancestor veneration are woven throughout the story, their cultural significance flawlessly introduced to Western readers. Blackburne paints lush settings with historical details, bringing ancient China to life. Characters are Chinese, with some exceptions. VERDICT Mulan must fight a different kind of war to save China, and she is more than up to the task. Recommended for general purchase.-Emmy Neal, Lake Forest Lib., IL" "Vivid and gripping, Feather and Flame richly blends Chinese history, folklore, and magic to tell the next chapter of Mulan’s epic story. With elegant prose and meticulous attention to detail, Blackburne weaves a tale of strength and sacrifice that will enchant readers."―Emma Theriault, author of Rebel Rose