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Once Upon a Spell: Legends #1
Mulan and the Jade Emperor
When an Imperial decree summons the men of her village to war against the north's terrifying beastmen, Mulan can't allow her little brother or ailing father to join the fight. Dressed as a man, she enlists in the army. The jade wyvern statuette that she finds along the way to report to camp seems an innocent gift to return to her mother if she survives the war ahead.Confined as a harmless jade statuette, shapeshifting Prince Cheng has fought every day to escape the uncle who usurped his throne. Unfortunately, the cruel emperor has an unlimited font of energy from which he draws his strength, siphoning the prince's vitality to unnaturally prolong his life. Then a spell goes awry, and the prince's wishes are granted, landing him in the hands of a woman with the power to break his curse and restore him to the throne.And claim his heart.This is a new standalone related to the Once Upon a Spell series for adult readers and lovers of strong female characters, and twisted folk lore..
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2020
46 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Vivienne Savage
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Vivienne Savage is a resident of a small town in rural Texas. While she isn't writing fantasy or concocting ways for shapeshifters and humans to find their match, she raises two children and works as a nurse in a rural retirement home.
All works by Vivienne range from urban fantasy and sweet adult romance to spicy shifter fiction with an erotic kick. Visit her site to determine which series is best for you!
Official Site: viviennesavage.com
Facebook: facebook.com/savage.books
Twitter: twitter.com/msvsavage
Instagram: instagram.com/msvsavage
Email: vivi@viviennesavage.com
Vivienne Savage is a resident of a small town in rural Texas. While she isn't writing fantasy or concocting ways for shapeshifters and humans to find their match, she raises two children and works as a nurse in a rural retirement home.
All works by Vivienne range from urban fantasy and sweet adult romance to spicy shifter fiction with an erotic kick. Visit her site to determine which series is best for you!
Official Site: viviennesavage.com
Facebook: facebook.com/savage.books
Twitter: twitter.com/msvsavage
Instagram: instagram.com/msvsavage
Email: vivi@viviennesavage.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 23, 2021
I am always slightly surprised at the amount of plot these two jam pack into such short books. Though it’s only 225 pages long the plot does not feel half done or rushed. Now these books are never perfect and throughout the once upon a spell series there were several points that showed the books could have used another round or two of editing. But I appreciate that these are not just trashy romance novels with very little plot and no connection to each other. They flow together nicely and the plot winds through them all with reoccurring characters and a continuous timeline. Overall I enjoyed the entire series and these two ladies takes on classic fairytales and legends.
July 31, 2020
What a surprising twist on Mulan! The battle scenes were good and the characterization was fairly well detailed. I couldn’t help but compare this story to Disney’s version of Mulan and was surprised quite a few times with unexpected perceptions and twists!
February 15, 2023
I really wanted to like this, but I just ended up not connecting with the characters or caring about them. It not bad writing, it was pretty sound, but I guess it was more focused on politics and the plot overall that the characters fell behind. It's disappointing, but I just couldn't get past 133 pages and I don't want to keep trying to push myself through it when I'm not enjoying it.
2.5/5 stars
2.5/5 stars
December 26, 2020
A good book fast paced with good characters but I missed the culture ??? Like ...this was to be a little “Chinese “ right ? But didn’t ...and ok because the storyline was really good like ...DAMN !! We have shapeshifters and pixies and faes !!!! And that it’s ...doesn’t get really deep in the world building it’s really lacking to be honest . But missed some other things too ...this was going to be really amazing if was a series , but everything was so rushed , that missed the deep meaning I like in book , don’t get me wrong for me the book has to have action but has to have a development of the characters too , in this one we “had” it but ...we missed 5 years of her in the military and when the story came again she’s already a commander ... what about the development?!?!?!? Argh I was so astonished because of it .
I really liked Mulan’s personality in this book she’s good , has honor (I really don’t always like characters with honor , but ok it’s just my preference for villains hahaha ) and is badass !?!? What more can we want in a MFL ? And then we have Cheng he’s perfect too, handsome , confident, has honor (I didn’t had lucky with a good anti-hero in this book hahahaha) and do you know what I thought was really refreshing in him ? He wasn’t brooding...because DAMN the MML are ALWAYS brooding , and Cheng wasn’t and I loved it ( I loved the sex in the book too hahaha seriously was great in my point of view because wasn’t excessive and wasn’t lacking was just right) . Second characters...we really didn’t have good ones ...she just speaks sometimes with Wen but we didn’t really know him ...nor the others men she commands...and this is really a negative point in my view because I like secondary characters they too are important for the story ...but like I said the book was a “little” rushed .
Now the really negative point ...WTF was that fight ? I thought I had skipped some pages and came back to read again two times ....but no , the GREAT FIGHT was that and ...yeah that’s it hahahaha If you want a good , fast paced , that take your mind away but not much this is the book , isn’t really deep , but good enough for a fast reading to relax , it’s that kind of boom you read when you want to read something, but doesn’t want that to take all your time , it’s a really good read I really liked , didn’t loved but liked enough so it’s good .
I really liked Mulan’s personality in this book she’s good , has honor (I really don’t always like characters with honor , but ok it’s just my preference for villains hahaha ) and is badass !?!? What more can we want in a MFL ? And then we have Cheng he’s perfect too, handsome , confident, has honor (I didn’t had lucky with a good anti-hero in this book hahahaha) and do you know what I thought was really refreshing in him ? He wasn’t brooding...because DAMN the MML are ALWAYS brooding , and Cheng wasn’t and I loved it ( I loved the sex in the book too hahaha seriously was great in my point of view because wasn’t excessive and wasn’t lacking was just right) . Second characters...we really didn’t have good ones ...she just speaks sometimes with Wen but we didn’t really know him ...nor the others men she commands...and this is really a negative point in my view because I like secondary characters they too are important for the story ...but like I said the book was a “little” rushed .
Now the really negative point ...WTF was that fight ? I thought I had skipped some pages and came back to read again two times ....but no , the GREAT FIGHT was that and ...yeah that’s it hahahaha If you want a good , fast paced , that take your mind away but not much this is the book , isn’t really deep , but good enough for a fast reading to relax , it’s that kind of boom you read when you want to read something, but doesn’t want that to take all your time , it’s a really good read I really liked , didn’t loved but liked enough so it’s good .
April 10, 2025
When an imperial decree demands that every household contribute a man to fight the monstrous beastmen threatening the empire from the north, Mulan knows her family will not survive such a sacrifice. Her father is ill, and her younger brother is too young. Disguising herself as a man, she steps into danger’s path—not just to protect her family, but to uphold the honor they’ve always lived by.
On her journey to join the army, Mulan discovers a jade wyvern statuette—an elegant relic she intends to send home to her mother as a token, should she survive the brutal war. But this small, beautiful object is far from what it seems.
Hidden within the jade is Prince Cheng, a cursed shapeshifter whose power and freedom have been stolen by the very man who sits on the imperial throne—his cruel uncle. Trapped and drained of vitality to sustain the emperor’s unnaturally long life, Cheng has struggled against his prison for years, waiting for someone strong enough to set him free.
When a twist of magic releases him into Mulan’s hands, their fates become entwined. She may be the only one who can break his curse and restore him to his rightful place—if they can survive the battlefield, uncover the truth behind the emperor’s sorcery, and face the dangerous bond growing between them.
This imaginative retelling of the Mulan legend blends familiar themes of courage and sacrifice with fresh fantasy elements, a compelling romance, and a richly built world of magic and war. The chemistry between Mulan and Prince Cheng crackles with tension and heart, while the high stakes of rebellion against a powerful tyrant add urgency to their journey.
Fans of fantasy romance, fierce heroines, and stories of unexpected destiny will be swept away by this epic tale of honor, identity, and love.
On her journey to join the army, Mulan discovers a jade wyvern statuette—an elegant relic she intends to send home to her mother as a token, should she survive the brutal war. But this small, beautiful object is far from what it seems.
Hidden within the jade is Prince Cheng, a cursed shapeshifter whose power and freedom have been stolen by the very man who sits on the imperial throne—his cruel uncle. Trapped and drained of vitality to sustain the emperor’s unnaturally long life, Cheng has struggled against his prison for years, waiting for someone strong enough to set him free.
When a twist of magic releases him into Mulan’s hands, their fates become entwined. She may be the only one who can break his curse and restore him to his rightful place—if they can survive the battlefield, uncover the truth behind the emperor’s sorcery, and face the dangerous bond growing between them.
This imaginative retelling of the Mulan legend blends familiar themes of courage and sacrifice with fresh fantasy elements, a compelling romance, and a richly built world of magic and war. The chemistry between Mulan and Prince Cheng crackles with tension and heart, while the high stakes of rebellion against a powerful tyrant add urgency to their journey.
Fans of fantasy romance, fierce heroines, and stories of unexpected destiny will be swept away by this epic tale of honor, identity, and love.
September 12, 2020
I don't know whats wrong with me but i think I'm the only person who didn't like this book.
I left reading it after the first few chapter. This book was just not for me.
● What i don't understand is how no one knew mulan was a girl for over five years. It's just not realistic.
● Also Mulan slaps Emperor Cheng just few minutes after she meets him. Something like this should have made me feel really giddy because their relationship had an antagonistic start and I should have started shipping them because I have a tendency to ship people(both fictional and real) as soon as I get to know them.
But that didn't happen here .
I just couldn't connect with any of the characters.
● And then comes the writing. I can't pinpoint exactly what was grating on my nerves as I read the book but it was as if there was an annoying insect buzzing around not letting me do anything.
● Overall this book was a disappointment.
● I really liked the book cover though......I think that's the only thing that I really liked.
I left reading it after the first few chapter. This book was just not for me.
● What i don't understand is how no one knew mulan was a girl for over five years. It's just not realistic.
● Also Mulan slaps Emperor Cheng just few minutes after she meets him. Something like this should have made me feel really giddy because their relationship had an antagonistic start and I should have started shipping them because I have a tendency to ship people(both fictional and real) as soon as I get to know them.
But that didn't happen here .
I just couldn't connect with any of the characters.
● And then comes the writing. I can't pinpoint exactly what was grating on my nerves as I read the book but it was as if there was an annoying insect buzzing around not letting me do anything.
● Overall this book was a disappointment.
● I really liked the book cover though......I think that's the only thing that I really liked.
May 14, 2020
Loved this rendition of Mulan!
I loved the Once Upon a Spell series and didn't want to see it end, so when I saw Mulan was coming I was excited, and I hope that since it says Legends book one that means there's more to come!
Mulan knows her father cannot physically withstand going to war again, and her siblings and mother need him home, so she enlists in the emperor's army in his stead. Along the way, she finds this jade statuette that turns out to be so much more. Can Mulan risk it all, her honor and her heart, to save Liang and provide the lost emperor with a chance to save his kingdom? Will she finally see her happily ever after, after sacrificing much of herself for her country?
I honestly liked this rendition better than the traditional Mulan story. I truly hope Legends is the beginning of a new Once Upon a Spell series where we can occasionally catch glimpses of our friends from the original series.
I loved the Once Upon a Spell series and didn't want to see it end, so when I saw Mulan was coming I was excited, and I hope that since it says Legends book one that means there's more to come!
Mulan knows her father cannot physically withstand going to war again, and her siblings and mother need him home, so she enlists in the emperor's army in his stead. Along the way, she finds this jade statuette that turns out to be so much more. Can Mulan risk it all, her honor and her heart, to save Liang and provide the lost emperor with a chance to save his kingdom? Will she finally see her happily ever after, after sacrificing much of herself for her country?
I honestly liked this rendition better than the traditional Mulan story. I truly hope Legends is the beginning of a new Once Upon a Spell series where we can occasionally catch glimpses of our friends from the original series.
November 24, 2022
There is very little characterization for any character in this story. They all speak and think with the same narrative voice, making it difficult to connect with any of them. Their voices all blend together so that I often had a hard time figuring out whose POV I was reading from, Mulan or Cheng's, until the writing explicitly pointed it out.
The worldbuilding for what is supposed to be a Chinese inspired story was very disappointing. Except for the names of characters and certain locations, the book's world reads like a generic fantasy setting. I was confused on why the Irish inspired culture had more of a focus than the actual setting of the story? Instead of there being Fae magic and shapeshifters, it would have been nice to see more mythical creatures from Chinese mythology (apart from the dragons).
The plot was fine, just not all that exciting. I cant speak for anyone else, but a big part of why I seek out Mulan retellings is to witness the struggle of a woman in war, who at any moment can be discovered and executed. In this retelling, Mulan already knows how to fight before she joins the war, so there goes the struggle. Women are already allowed to participate in combat, just not in war for some reason, so there goes the thrill of her being discovered doing something completely against tradition. And a large chunk of the story doesn't even take place in the battlefield.
Overall, I was disappointed I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted to. The writing isn't bad, and I think those looking for a short and simple read might really enjoy this one. Give it a shot.
Rating: 2.8 Stars
The worldbuilding for what is supposed to be a Chinese inspired story was very disappointing. Except for the names of characters and certain locations, the book's world reads like a generic fantasy setting. I was confused on why the Irish inspired culture had more of a focus than the actual setting of the story? Instead of there being Fae magic and shapeshifters, it would have been nice to see more mythical creatures from Chinese mythology (apart from the dragons).
The plot was fine, just not all that exciting. I cant speak for anyone else, but a big part of why I seek out Mulan retellings is to witness the struggle of a woman in war, who at any moment can be discovered and executed. In this retelling, Mulan already knows how to fight before she joins the war, so there goes the struggle. Women are already allowed to participate in combat, just not in war for some reason, so there goes the thrill of her being discovered doing something completely against tradition. And a large chunk of the story doesn't even take place in the battlefield.
Overall, I was disappointed I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted to. The writing isn't bad, and I think those looking for a short and simple read might really enjoy this one. Give it a shot.
Rating: 2.8 Stars
September 19, 2020
I don't have words to describe this book woth other than AMAZING. Reading slump in the past few months makes me hate reading. Reading simple mangas and manhwas was the greatest option to keep reading until this book came. Boi was it good. I love every second of it and it took me less than a day to finish the whole thing.
To put into words, the book was rather simple and didn't actually have much twist and turns. The book is rather straight and i can certainly say that some people will hate the book because of how it was written. You don't have to thinks whose the villain because its the same villain from the start and you will probably be bored because you know how it ends.
I love the journey we had with mulan in the book and because we know how it will end, it makes the journey exciting just so we can witness the end. The romance is perfect, so perfect.
To put into words, the book was rather simple and didn't actually have much twist and turns. The book is rather straight and i can certainly say that some people will hate the book because of how it was written. You don't have to thinks whose the villain because its the same villain from the start and you will probably be bored because you know how it ends.
I love the journey we had with mulan in the book and because we know how it will end, it makes the journey exciting just so we can witness the end. The romance is perfect, so perfect.
December 30, 2023
⭐️ 3.9
It lacked the depth of feeling I was hoping from this rendition of Mulan, however I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. It still heavily featured their budding romance. I did enjoy seeing them grow together.
What surprised me was, the parts I found boring were the parts most closely aligned with the (disney) movie. Thank goodness there was hardly any of that. I adored the magical moments, the dragons, the griffons, the creatures. It was a fantasy that came alive as we read.
It was also short. I was hoping for a more in depth look at this world, and a more varied plot but it just missed the mark.
It was gorgeous. But above all, I have always loved a romance where the girl hides her gender and identity as a boy.
It lacked the depth of feeling I was hoping from this rendition of Mulan, however I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. It still heavily featured their budding romance. I did enjoy seeing them grow together.
What surprised me was, the parts I found boring were the parts most closely aligned with the (disney) movie. Thank goodness there was hardly any of that. I adored the magical moments, the dragons, the griffons, the creatures. It was a fantasy that came alive as we read.
It was also short. I was hoping for a more in depth look at this world, and a more varied plot but it just missed the mark.
It was gorgeous. But above all, I have always loved a romance where the girl hides her gender and identity as a boy.
April 11, 2020
A fitting story for the end of the series
I had conflicting emotions when this book was released. On one hand I had waited for it and on the other it was the end of the series I loved so much.
The story delves deeper into Liang and the many issues it has all while giving you excitement, danger, and a proper love story.
The only thing/story I would like to know more of is the mood goddess.
I hope everyone enjoys this book and whole series as much as I have.
I had conflicting emotions when this book was released. On one hand I had waited for it and on the other it was the end of the series I loved so much.
The story delves deeper into Liang and the many issues it has all while giving you excitement, danger, and a proper love story.
The only thing/story I would like to know more of is the mood goddess.
I hope everyone enjoys this book and whole series as much as I have.
December 8, 2020
DNF at 30% because while this started out strong, it spiraled downhill the moment we fast forwarded 5 years later in chapter three or so. Once we met Emperor Cheng, the dialogue and believability took another huge dip and then it was time to call it.
And speaking of believability...a woman masquerading as a man in the army really got promoted to Captain within 5 years? Really?
What it’s got going for it is it was probably going to be a quick read.
And speaking of believability...a woman masquerading as a man in the army really got promoted to Captain within 5 years? Really?
What it’s got going for it is it was probably going to be a quick read.
March 17, 2021
Mulan and the Jade Emperor has been on my kindle for longer than I care to admit (since its release, eek!) and I am so mad that I waited so long to read it.
This book has everything. A BA woman whose soldiers trust her with their lives, a sexy dragon beast emperor, and more magic than you’d know what to do with. Throw in a Goddess or two, and you get the amazing magical writing of Vivienne Savage.
5/5 would recommend.
This book has everything. A BA woman whose soldiers trust her with their lives, a sexy dragon beast emperor, and more magic than you’d know what to do with. Throw in a Goddess or two, and you get the amazing magical writing of Vivienne Savage.
5/5 would recommend.
April 10, 2020
A twist about Mulan
This twist about Mulan was excellent. I loved how it is connected to the Beauty and the Beast book. The connection Mulan felt with the Jade Dragon from the beginning showed that it was meant to be. With her strength and loyalty, she commands an army that will save her people and bring honor to her family. Love it!
This twist about Mulan was excellent. I loved how it is connected to the Beauty and the Beast book. The connection Mulan felt with the Jade Dragon from the beginning showed that it was meant to be. With her strength and loyalty, she commands an army that will save her people and bring honor to her family. Love it!
January 17, 2021
Mulan and the Jade Emperor
Spellbinding! I was captured from the beginning of this wondrous retelling of Mulan. I really enjoyed the characters and loved how the story played out. This was by far the best retelling of Mulan I’ve read.
Spellbinding! I was captured from the beginning of this wondrous retelling of Mulan. I really enjoyed the characters and loved how the story played out. This was by far the best retelling of Mulan I’ve read.
September 11, 2023
An intriguing retelling of the Ballad of Mulan mixing Chinese folklore and culture with European Faeries and shapeshifters (wolves, griffins, etc). A quick and easy read with a slow burn romance. Mostly true to the original storyline and a happy ending worthy of any romance novel.
December 20, 2023
2 1/2
let me tell you how disappointing this was
was so fast paced, you don’t really get an explanation for anything it just happens
romance was mid
i felt like characterization wasn’t there
mulan doesn’t get any training arc and cheng is just there weak ass mf 💀
let me tell you how disappointing this was
was so fast paced, you don’t really get an explanation for anything it just happens
romance was mid
i felt like characterization wasn’t there
mulan doesn’t get any training arc and cheng is just there weak ass mf 💀
April 7, 2020
I loved it. Held true to the original tale but so wonderfully unique. I enjoyed watching Mulan and Cheng fall in love through strife and war.
April 15, 2020
Fantastic retelling of the legend of Mulan much better than the rather insipid Disney story.
May 18, 2020
Very good
Holds true the other series set in this world. A great read. I liked how it flowed and there was a set up for the next book.
Holds true the other series set in this world. A great read. I liked how it flowed and there was a set up for the next book.
June 22, 2020
This book was a bit hard to follow, the world wasn’t build or described very well so I kept getting lost. No chemistry between the main characters either.
July 12, 2020
5 stars.
July 14, 2020
Really enjoyed this take on the story. I do wish the villain could have been defeated with a lot less collateral damage. I don’t enjoy the devastation of war.
August 31, 2021
I only gave it 1 star because I didn't care about it at all. It's not badly written, or anything like that. I just personally struggled to read it, it was a bit boring.
March 8, 2023
Wonderful story!! Loved it
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews