Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny returns to its roots based on the writings of Wang Dulu in this novelization of the Netflix original movie.

Sword of Destiny by Justin Hill finds Shulien 17 years after Mubai’s death. The Green Destiny, that fabled sword, has been in hiding all this time, but with its protector now dead, Shulien must find another way to keep it out of the hands of those who would do harm with it.

Hades Dai, however, will make her mission a difficult one, as he seeks Green Destiny as well. The sword is tied to many people’s fates, including Snow Vase and Wei-fang, who were switched at birth, and Silent Wolf, Shulien’s former betrothed who was once thought to be dead.

This book is a novelization of the film to come, a Netflix original, which will premiere on February 26.

‘Sword of Destiny’ book review

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny by Justin Hill is a beautiful story of courage and fear constantly at odds. Even the most valiant of heroes have doubts, and those who never thought they were talented enough can realize how resilient they are if enough pressure is applied.

The backdrop of China against characters following the Iron Way also makes for a narrative at odds. China is graced with mountains and valleys, open plains and dense forests, full of villages and yet relatively untouched. The warriors we meet along the way are the product of their birthplace; they are both fluid and strong. The violence they seek and find while chasing after Green Destiny is contrasted against the beauty of the world around them.

Shulien’s narration brings us right back into this world, and into the point in her life where she is perhaps at her most vulnerable. She is still the warrior she once was, but the loss of Mubai and the rediscovery of Silent Wolf have made her lose the determined composure she has fought to keep for so long.

The introduction of new characters like Snow Vase and Wei-fang balances out the masters with their students. Snow Vase in particular may be young and wild, but her introspection and advice to Shulien is a highlight to the overall story.

Hades Dai and the Blind Enchantress make for excellent villains. The stakes are ever higher, and the end of Sword of Destiny will leaves fans — both new and old — satisfied and yet always wanting more.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny by Justin Hill is available now. You can add it to your Goodreads list or purchase it from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound.