An extraordinary true adventure story ­– how the bandit's daughter Mu Guiying became a great general in Ancient China

ANCIENT CHINA, ONE THOUSAND YEARS AGO.

It began with a duel. When General Yang wanted to get rid of a troublesome bandit, he sent his fiercest warrior: his son, Captain Zongbao. But on his way through the forest to find the outlaw, Zongbao unexpectedly encountered the bandit's teenage daughter, Mu Guiying, who challenged him to unarmed combat.

And she was better.

The fight launched Mu Guiying's astonishing journet from fearless outcast to the great defender of her country, as she masterminded the Chinese defence against the invading horsemen from the north.

Simon Mason has written numerous books for younger readers, including The Quigleys, Moon Pie, and the YA crime thriller series featuring Garvie Smith: Running Girl, Kid Got Shot and Hey, Sherlock! He has always been fascinated by history, particularly by stories from around the world.