Stunning photo by @onceuponafaerietale_!
Hey fairies!
Welcome back to day 2 of our readalong for our July Adult featured book: The Night Ends With Fire by K. X. Song!
I hope you’re all enjoying the book so far! I am so excited to see what happens today!
Today we’re reading from chapter 12 to the end of chapter 22. Let’s go!
Please be warned, the following section will include spoilers for The Night Ends With Fire by K. X. Song from chapters 12 to 22. Please only read on if you’ve finished this section!
-!SPOILERS!-
Ren’s developed insomnia – mood. She’s scared to dcream because of the lure of the spirit realm. I would be too!
Sky discloses troops are preparing to make their move. The seventh company will be in tow soon. I’m not sure I’m ready for this!
They’re vying for group leaders and I HATE Lieutenant Fang. With a passion. He’s purposely put Ren at a disadvantage. He’s gotta drop that grudge! Ren really doesn’t like losing. She’s come so far, and Sky consoles her and tells her the same… it’s not enough though. She calls Lieutenant Fang a vindictive fool. I mean… is she wrong though?
Ren is going to bring up the mosquito equipment and uses family as an excuse to do so, it makes Sky mention Hai Meilin… does he genuinely not suspect? At all? He seems to remember Meilin, so it’s puzzling that he hasn’t connected the dots! Anyway, she tells Sky she’s worried about the yellowfever and he acknowledges she made a good point.
When she returns to camp, she’s greeted by Red who’s very obviously taken opium and very obviously has something against Ren. Maybe that she’s close with the Prince? Either way, he calls Ren a pretty boy. She starts to get riled up and the dragon starts speaking to her. She genuinely seems to be considering killing him. You good, Ren? 👀
Ren commands him to leave, as in genuinely forcefully makes him leave. Her veins are turning black too… that’s some dark magic!! Might be clever for Ren to try hide that a bit more…
Whilst I do appreciate that Prince Liu has made it known that his enforcement of mosquito coils and nets was because of Ren, I also can’t help but think he’s unintentionally putting a target on her back.
After marching towards Ximing, they make camp for the night, but Ren can’t sleep. Seems insomnia will be her downfall – she’s attacked! She wakes Sky and tells him of the bandits (and in his groggy sleep addled state he starts to tell her sometimes she reminds him of… before he’s cut off. Of WHO? Meilin????)
She ends up being caught by the bandits and quickly realises Ximing is a big threat, one that they really hadn’t anticipated. She knows she needs to find a way to warn Sky. Bartering with the bandits doesn’t go how she hoped… but luckily Zhao Zilong appears just in time! *cue superhero music*
She’s trying to work out what they want with Sky. One of the bandits says he’s touched. After using her handy dandy commanding trick… the bandit says she’s touched too. Wait, so Sky also has lixia??? Ren drowns that bandit and with one arrow and no blade, she’s going after Sky.
Ooooooh, Sky’s not the one that’s captive, it’s Winter. So he has magic? We also find out that Sima, the same Sima that ordered the bandits to abduct the Prince, is the Chancellor of Ximing. It’s all starting to make sense!
Turns out whilst Ren was away quite literally saving lives (if we ignore the guy she drowned), Lieutenant Fang was trying to convince everyone she’s a black magic practitioner. Ha ha… imagine that… of course not. 👀👀👀👀
Luckily, no one believed that bit of truth Fang was telling them and instead, it seems she’s proved her squad wrong!
In the next few chapters we start to learn more about the seal and its history as well as the kind of background of lixia. Taiyang offers to train her and give her safe haven, but Ren’s come too far, she won’t abandon her squad.
She heads back to camp and turns down Sparrow’s offer to go and meet some lady friends in the village. Good job, too, their efforts are trifled anyway. Or… maybe not a good job cause now a good portion of the squad AND Sky are entering the hot spring Ren is in.
Despite my hopes she could get away with being unnoticed, Sky notices her literally straight away. They’re all too far away for them to notice anything… female… about her and before they can, Ren uses her magic to shoot water up as a distraction for her getaway. Not sus at all, Ren. Played it cool!
Can we all agree Fang is the absolute WORST. He places her in the vanguard, and even Sparrow knows that’s basically a death wish.
As they enter battle, Zilong and Ren quickly fall. The currents in the water are strong and Zilong faces the worst of it. He tells Ren it’s too late for him to be saved but like Ren will listen to that! In her efforts to help him… she sails right over the edge…
If you were in Ren’s position, would you have accepted Taiyang’s offer of safety or stayed with the squad?
What do you think is next for Ren?
So far, I’d love to know your fave character AND your least fave? (Is this my way of making sure everyone shares my dislike for Fang? Maybe!)
This was such a tense section! I’m scared for Ren.
Love,
Shannon
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Isla
13th September 2024
A lot happened and I’m enjoying the action. This book reminds me of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night which also has the four spirits. Chinese folklore is very rich.
I was worried that Meilin would get caught in the spring, she should be more careful…
I’m curious about Sima, is he meant to be the second male lead or is someone else going to come into the picture? He is older and an enemy, they seem to have a connection so it could be interesting. I’ll be honest, I would have been tempted by the offer!
I feel like the Dragon is manipulating her with the visions. I wonder what the spirits’ agenda is, just more power? Chaos?
I’m not sure if I have a favourite character yet. I do hate Fang of course. Sky seems a bit cold to me and cruel, I can picture him betraying Meilin and choosing duty over everything.
He does seem really duty bound! 💜
I love that Ren decided to stay with the squad! They are somewhat a family to her after all. Currently my favourite character is probably Zilong, I would have said Sparrow in the beginning but I really don’t like how he speaks about women. I’m hoping Zilong will survive the arrow and the river. And Fang is the worst! I don’t understand what is his problem with Ren. He’s terrible terrble little man.
I’m really not a fan of Sparrow either! Bad vibes 💜
I like Zilong as well, especially because of the last chapter where he (and their whole squad) accompanies Meilin and even takes in most of the damage. I also think that the last scene shows how much he secretly cares for Meilin (aka Ren) because he sees the waterfall before she sees it and his eyes grow wide. He is obviously worried and doesn’t want her to die. So yes, he is one of my favourite characters (at least at the moment) although I also like Sky. I know, I know: his duty is more important than any relationship for him but I believe that he has the potential to change. For instance, in the last few chapters were a few hints that he also possesses spirit powers and I dearly hope that he and Meilin will get to know the secrets of each other so they can team up and defeat the ultimate evil. Moreover, the man with the fire phoenix jade pendant acts highly suspicious…. I believe that he could be Sima and wants to destroy the other kingdoms/ empires but I am just speculating.
I can’t wait for the next reading-day to begin!
(P.s. I hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate Fang, too)
I’m so relieved we all hate Fang! 💜
So much action and drama! I don’t know who would like Fang? I’m glad Ren stayed with the squad – shows her character. More and more I think Sky knows who she is. I want to see some interactions with Winter and Ren.
This is going so fast! It’s really easy to read and follow up!
I would have been tempted by the offer, though I undersatand Ren’s feeling kind of attached to her squad. As she has lost all her family, she needs to get some kind of link somewhere.
I’d say my favorite character is Ren but sometimes her decissions are difficult to underestand. I guess it’s the spirit talking for her and manipulating her.
Fang is, of course, the worst ever. He’s that kind of petty man who can’t stand anyone who will overshadow him.
I’m enjoying this so much, there is never a dull moment! I admire Ren for staying with the squad but I’m way too curious and would have followed Taiyang to find out more about the seal and the spirit world.
My favourite character is far is Sparrow (controversial!) I just think he’s too naive for war and views this almost like a lads holiday, bless him! My least favourite is FANG no surprises there, I do not trust him at all! I can’t wait to read the next chapters!
So glad you’re loving it!! 💜
It was a hard choice to either stay or go, I think I would have went to try and learn more about the powers and dragon. I don’t know what’s in store for Ren but she is definitely my favourite character. Fang is my least favourite, he is such a jerk. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Absolutely loving how action packed this is and how clever Meilin continues to be! Starting to get pretty concerned about Sky, with how much he preaches about duty I don’t see how he could forgive her betraying hers. Zilong seems like a sweetie, I hope he survives. You’re right though, Fang is the WORST
I like Zilong too! 💜
Okay, I am living for these next 10 chapters. I’m enjoying the book far more now that we’re reading about the war and she’s training!
If you were in Ren’s position, would you have accepted Taiyang’s offer of safety or stayed with the squad?
I’d like to think I would have stayed with my squad!
What do you think is next for Ren?
I’m hoping she learns more about this amulet and her powers! I’d really like to see her have a conversation with the younger brother, who also might have one of the four spirits by the sounds of things!
So far, I’d love to know your fave character AND your least fave? (Is this my way of making sure everyone shares my dislike for Fang? Maybe!)
Okay, Fang and Mei’s father are tied for the worst. My favourite would have to be Mei and her step-mother!
Actions scenes!! That was an action packed section. I think Zilong is my new fave character. (Please don’t get hurt!)
Yeah, definitely wouldn’t have gone with Taiyang – highly sus circumstances. Makes me think he’s somehow linked to Sima but Mayne I’m just stretching.
I love how Song is exploring the line between ambition and greed in this section.
Stayed in the squad. I have no reason to trust him, not yet, so I wouldn’t choose to blindly trust him with my life like that.
I think she’s going to have to choose between probably dying without her powers or to start using them, maybe even trusting the dragon too much.
As much as Fang’s dislike of her makes me roll my eyes, his hatred of her is making her better and stronger, so I can’t dislike him /too/ much. That said, I don’t know who I would choose as my lease fae – her dad or her betrothed, maybe? And my fave is also hard because already we’re seeing character relationships shift, but Sparrow is amusing, so I guess I’ll choose him for now.
I’m glad Meilin stayed with the squad, but I do wonder what Taiyang has to teach her 🤔 my favourite character so far is Meilin. I like that she is multi-faceted. Other than her, I like Sky. But I do wonder who the second love interest will be 🤔 my least favourite character is of course Fang 🤬 and Meilin’s dad. Enjoying the book so far! It’s so easy to read.
If I were in Ren’s position I would have stayed with the squad since spending all that time with them they grew bonds and became like family.
I think Ren will try talking to Winter to see if he knows anything about having magic if she gets a chance. She needs to figure things out.
So far Meilin is my favorite character. I think the dragon is manipulative and trying to bring out a darker side of her and I don’t like it but right now Fang is my least fav character. The mosquitos can bite him up.
I would have stayed with the squad. She can’t trust him.
I think Sky is going to save her and realize she’s a her.
Fang is definitely my least favorite character and I’m not sure I have a favorite yet. I do like Ren though.
MY HEART 🙁
I stayed up wayyyy past my bedtime, because things were getting excited.
I really hope Zilong survived and I’m not sure if we can trust the dragon. So far he seems to be helping Meilin, but I wonder where the “never trust a dragon” comes from.
As for me: I probably would’ve stayed with the squad as well, given her connection with her squadmates and Sky. Stranger danger anyone?
Fave: Sparrow or Zilong, least fave: FANG. I would’ve gone for the Father, but I feel like there’s more to his story?
I like the action scenes, I hope there are more ^_^
I am glad she chose to stay with her squadron, but can’t help but wonder what choosing Taiyang’s decision would have led to.
I want to see more background with the dragon and hopefully see Meilin attune more to her abilities.
My favorite characters are Meilin and Sky (but I want to know more about Winter!), least favorites are Fang and Sparrow- I cannot stand either of them. I don’t trust them as far as I can throw them LOL
I’m pretty sure I would have done the same as Ren in case I had to choose. I think staying with the squad was the best option for now. I’ve been loving their dynamics and looking how they get closer every day. I have absolutely no idea what’s next for Ren. I’m enjoying the ride without looking too much ahead. I can’t also say who my favourite/least favourite characters are. I feel like there’s so much more to be revealed and I already have mixed opinions about pretty much every one of characters.
I would have stayed with the squad and I’m glad Ren I’m glad that Ren stayed! However Taiyuan is more experienced with the spirits, it will be very hard for Ren to learn how to control powers on her own and I think she will need them.
I really like Sky character. He likes Ren and he seems to care about her. I liked Zilong as well, he was very fair. My least favourite is Fang!
If you were in Ren’s position, would you have accepted Taiyang’s offer of safety or stayed with the squad?
I would have stayed with the squad. Honestly, alarm bells were going off for me that entire interaction. Then they said I could make you and it was game over.
What do you think is next for Ren?
I think Ren is going to master her qui and her use her powers during the next battle. I think at that time that’s when she’s going to get caught.
So far, I’d love to know your fave character AND your least fave? (Is this my way of making sure everyone shares my dislike for Fang? Maybe!)
Honestly Fang is so annoying. He exudes that of a man who needs to show everyone up and pick on others to make himself feel bigger. I really like Lui I think he’s connected with his soldiers and cares about them i.e. the mosquito incents.
1 – No way! Although Taiyang is offering to train her, he can’t stick around. Why? Too suspect for me. I’m thinking Taiyang is not on Team Anlai.
2 – Ren will find her way back to the Anlai Army. Not sure how long it may take, but she’ll get there. She may be in for a bit of a lonely trek.
3 – Sky is my favourite so far. Meilin is a a close second though. My least favourite is definitely Fang. He got his armlet back. Even though he doesn’t know it wasn’t Meilin. Come on already!