Feather and Flame - (Queen's Council) by Livia Blackburne (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Mulan goes from a celebrated war hero to a reluctant Empress and must once again rise above expectations and prove she doesn't have to be anyone but herself to save China"--

Book Synopsis

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.

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.

"Blackburne packs Mulan's happily ever after with strong female friendships, a sweet romance, and high stakes." --School Library Journal

Review Quotes

"Feather and Flame blends the power of Mulan with fairytales and history to create an unforgettable read for any Disney lover."
--Collider.com


"Crown or helmet, Mulan is meant to lead, and this fierce reimagining of the girl who became a warrior superbly blends history, fiction and Disney magic. This story will fan flames for Mulan admirers everywhere."
--Laughing Place

"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 . . . VERDICT Mulan must fight a different kind of war to save China, and she is more than up to the task."

--School Library Journal


"Stays true to the Disney canon while adding depth and maturity."
--Kirkus Reviews


"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

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Livia Blackburne wrote her first novel while researching the neuroscience of reading at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since then, she's switched to full time writing, which also involves getting into people's heads but without the help of a three tesla MRI scanner. She is the author of the Midnight Thief, and Rosemarked series, as well as the picture book I Dream of Popo.