The Dragon Wakes with Thunder is one of my most anticipated sequels of the year. Song’s sequel examines power and the future. When we think we’ve won, what happens afterwards? And what if we haven’t really won? Keep reading this book review of The Dragon Wakes with Thunder for my full thoughts.
Summary
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 The spirits demand blood. And Qinglong is ravenous.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Everyone wants to use Meilin. The Dragon Wakes with Thunder is a story about manipulation, about hiding our motivations, and ambition. Meilin has majorly rocked the boat, unleashed something she can’t put back again, and the status quo is calling. They want her to stop threatening the order, the power, and return to what they deem as her ‘role’. To put her in a box of what they think she should do, say, and be. Even more so, The Dragon Wakes with Thunder is about Meilin’s struggle with the dragon, the power which lurks beneath the surface.
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This sequel asks whether we can be seen for who we are. Can someone see exactly who we are without asking to diminish who we are. And can we be in love with anyone who doesn’t? The Dragon Wakes with Thunder is also a sequel about power and being afraid of who we are with the power. It’s a wise person who fears gaining power. Is power worth it if we just become what we feared? This highly emotional sequel wraps up Meilin and everyone around her in these sacrifices and twisted emotions of resentment and pain.
This sequel asks us the price of change. And if we’re willing or able to pay it. The Dragon Wakes with Thunder balances an action packed sequel which feels incredibly introspective because it’s about sabotaging, betrayal, and our struggles with power. And is having power worth losing ourselves? Find The Dragon Wakes with Thunder on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.