Red Panda Warrior, Jade Mountain

Tang Dynasty China: When dragons were revered and some women became warriors...

Xiu has never left her village and can barely make dumplings, yet she finds herself in a secret training academy on the slopes of the Jade Mountain. When her destiny, inscribed in oracle bones, is revealed to her, she refuses to believe it. Put through rigorous training, Xiu must become a warrior, but her movements are clumsy and she is plagued by self-doubts.

While Xiu flounders, Qiao seems to do everything with effortless grace. Xiu grows jealous until she is propelled to act in a way she will later regret. The girls around her develop talents, while Xiu searches for hers. Though she is not sure how, the red panda holds the key to developing her skills as a warrior.

As an army amasses to invade the Imperial city of Chang'An, Xiu and her elite corps of women warriors must ride into battle. Xiu will have to overcome her jealousy, face her fears and discover her unique strengths, or her enemy will bring the mighty Tang Dynasty to ruin.

An empowering story of friendship and courage in a lush historical setting with a splash of the speculative.