the dragon wakes with thunder

coming august 2025

A young woman who wields the unimaginable power of the dragon must decide where her loyalties lie—and where her heart belongs—in this enthralling fantasy that reimagines the legend of Mulan.

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.

Praise for The Night Ends with Fire:

“The Night Ends with Fire is what blessedly happens when the themes of Hua Mulan’s legend are combined with wuxia principles and a powerful new voice in adult fantasy. K.X. Song’s soaring, emotive prose takes the reader on an unforgettable adventure in a painstakingly realized world, laced with fascinating characters that effortlessly play off of one another and twists that leave us reeling. I devoured every page of this truly epic tale.”—Thea Guanzon, USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars

“Sweepingly epic and tenderly romantic, The Night Ends With Fire is a fiercely feminist adventure about a young woman fighting to shape her destiny in a world of lore, magic, and war. One not to miss for fans of Mulan.”—Amélie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night

“An awesome, engaging fantasy that takes a hard look at the cost of being true to yourself.  Adventure, romance and dragons abound in this fantastic tale.”—Patricia Briggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson series

 “As defiant and courageous as its protagonist, The Night Ends With Fire ushers in a stunning new fantasy world. I couldn’t put it down – and I know I’ll be thinking about it for some time to come.”—Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling series

 ”The Night Ends With Fire is a truly enthralling epic fantasy. I was blown away by how good it was! With an immersive and compelling story led by a seriously fabulous heroine and sparkling with both magic and romance, it’s the perfect wuxia drama, and I loved it. Make sure you have plenty of time free when you start reading, because it quickly becomes addictive!”—India Holton, bestselling author of The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love

“Legendary in scope with unforgettable characters, The Night Ends With Fire is an incredible journey that’ll set your imagination ablaze. Drawing on classics like Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Mulan, the machinations are complex, the vying factions fascinating, and Meilin’s struggle for identity utterly gripping as she clashes with those who want to exploit her lixia for their own purposes. K.X. Song is going to set the literary scene on fire with her awesome new novel.”—Peter Tieryas, author of the Mecha Samurai Empire series and Narrative Director at Nicalis