YA Fantasy • Adventure • Fairytale
Summary
I’ve been eager to dive into the Twisted Tales series for a while now, and Reflection was my first step into this imaginative collection. As someone who has always adored Mulan for her courage, loyalty, and strength, I was thrilled to see how this adaptation would reimagine her story, and there is no shortage of that in this alternate version.
The novel picks up in the middle of Disney’s animated film, right after Mulan fires the cannon at the army of the Huns and triggers the avalanche that wipes out their fleet. Now, here’s the twist. During the skirmish that follows, Li Shang is wounded, suffering a fatal injury. Determined to save him, Mulan travels to the underworld of Diyu, to plead with King Yama for Shang’s soul.
Elements & Theme
The story transforms into a mythic quest. Mulan, still disguised as Ping, must navigate the multitude of layers to the underworld, facing trials that test her strength, loyalty, and identity. The underworld is vivid, and the cultural accuracy woven throughout the narrative adds depth and authenticity, grounding the fantasy elements in Chinese mythology, creating an immersive and unique twist to its predecessor.
Reflection explores identity, sacrifice, duty, family expectations, and bravery. While Mulan’s journey is filled with demons, illusions, and moral dilemmas, she is also confronted by her deception and the consequences of her choices.
Final Thoughts
As a hopeless romantic, I expected more romance. The connection between Mulan and Shang is present, but subtle, only showing fleeting moments of affection closer to the book’s end, though Mulan is disguised as a man for the majority of the tale. The focus here is much more on Mulan’s internal journey and her determination to save someone she cares for, rather than on building a romantic arc.
There were also moments where the pacing felt stagnant or repetitive, pulling me out of the story’s spell. Some scenes lingered longer than necessary, and the momentum occasionally dipped. Still, the overall experience was enjoyable. The supernatural elements, the cultural richness, and the unique twist on a beloved classic made it worth the read. I enjoyed this fascinating and imaginative take on Mulan’s story, and I look forward to reading the rest of the Twisted Tales series.
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