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thepagelady's review
3.0
I had a good time reading this book! The pace is a little slower than I normally like for a fantasy book but the characters and their actions are what really keep me reading. The romance between the two characters is one that was already established at the beginning but the love and the connection between them is strong and powerful. The world that the author has created I found to be very interesting. I'm hoping in the next book we will be able to dive deeper into things there and with the magic I would definitely like to hear more about that. Overall it was a entertaining and interesting read!
kaeliwolf's review against another edition
4.0
The names of the characters are very unique, and so I have absolutely no idea if I was reading the names correctly. The storyline is well done. And holy hell the ending, I recommend to anyone who enjoyed A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer and Uprooted by Naomi Novik.
kayu99's review against another edition
3.0
I received a digital ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book blends politics and intrigue at the court level and street level. Parallels are drawn between nobles' scheming and scheming among thieves, along with the power structures in place at both. The book is primarily told from Arkaen's and Niamsha's points of view, but other characters do occasionally narrate.
I found the plot very confusing and hard to follow with choppily written action scenes. There are short blurbs before each chapter, some of which describe events that took place prior to the book, but because those events are so significant, I almost would have preferred to be reading a book about what happened then. Different names are used for the same character, and it is sometimes hard to know who is whom.
As far as characters go, I didn't find myself particularly attracted to any of them. Niamsha was a difficult character to root for; she did not seem developed enough for me to sympathize with her or fully understand her motivations. The relationships between Niamsha and the Rendells were also not very developed, and I feel like I would have been more invested in the plot and Niamsha's decsions had I had a better understanding of how the group worked and interacted with one another.
The ending seemed like it was supposed to have a shock factor, but it fell flat, partly because . There was also a loose end that was never alluded to at all. It seems that this is the first in a series, but the complete omission of that plot point left me feeling confused.
This book blends politics and intrigue at the court level and street level. Parallels are drawn between nobles' scheming and scheming among thieves, along with the power structures in place at both. The book is primarily told from Arkaen's and Niamsha's points of view, but other characters do occasionally narrate.
I found the plot very confusing and hard to follow with choppily written action scenes. There are short blurbs before each chapter, some of which describe events that took place prior to the book, but because those events are so significant, I almost would have preferred to be reading a book about what happened then. Different names are used for the same character, and it is sometimes hard to know who is whom.
As far as characters go, I didn't find myself particularly attracted to any of them. Niamsha was a difficult character to root for; she did not seem developed enough for me to sympathize with her or fully understand her motivations. The relationships between Niamsha and the Rendells were also not very developed, and I feel like I would have been more invested in the plot and Niamsha's decsions had I had a better understanding of how the group worked and interacted with one another.
The ending seemed like it was supposed to have a shock factor, but it fell flat, partly because . There was also a loose end that was never alluded to at all. It seems that this is the first in a series, but the complete omission of that plot point left me feeling confused.
boozybook's review against another edition
2.0
I have to say that the plot of the book was really interesting and intriguing, however the way the story was told was rather slow. Personally, for me, I would rather read more of a fast paced book, however this book was long and I often found myself contemplating if I can finish this or not. Indeed, I finished it, and enjoyed the characters and plot. The characters in terms of development, grew and expanded into blooming characters in front of my eyes, however, the characters themselves where rather confusing to the point I forgot who was who. Overall, the plot was really good, however the pace and writing could be further improved.
literaryluxe's review against another edition
4.0
Wake of the Phoenix is a queer political fantasy that follows three characters: Arkaen, Kilasha, and Niamsha. Arkaen and Kilasha are the queer main couple, but their relationship remains a secret because it's forbidden. Niamsha is a thief who is trying to make a better life for her and her brother.
While I did like the political schemes in the novel, the plot was slow and hard to get through at several points. I had to force my way through it at times. Character backgrounds were also dragged out a little bit and I found that hard to follow at times too. Some of the characterization seemed so out of place, especially for Niamsha. I didn't care for her to be honest but I did like Kilasha! He is a pretty great character with an awesome set of powers!
Speaking of Kilasha though, I was initially interested in this book because it's labeled as a queer read, but it's not an open relationship and cheating is a component of it. The relationship was a secret that I suppose is meant to add to the suspense of the plot and political aspects. But I was expecting something different since Arkaen is a high lord; I thought he'd had more power to be in a relationship with whomever he wanted before I started the book, but that is not the case. Also, the ending was messed up. I was highly upset, but that's the point I guess. If you're looking for shockers, this will deliver. The political intrigue is there if you like that! I definitely wouldn't recommend this for the faint of heart though as it's pretty gory at times and don't get attached! Overall I would give it 3.5 stars and I will pick up the sequel to see how the characters respond to the cliffhanger scence at the end of this book!
Thank you NetGalley for sending me an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
While I did like the political schemes in the novel, the plot was slow and hard to get through at several points. I had to force my way through it at times. Character backgrounds were also dragged out a little bit and I found that hard to follow at times too. Some of the characterization seemed so out of place, especially for Niamsha. I didn't care for her to be honest but I did like Kilasha! He is a pretty great character with an awesome set of powers!
Speaking of Kilasha though, I was initially interested in this book because it's labeled as a queer read, but it's not an open relationship and cheating is a component of it. The relationship was a secret that I suppose is meant to add to the suspense of the plot and political aspects. But I was expecting something different since Arkaen is a high lord; I thought he'd had more power to be in a relationship with whomever he wanted before I started the book, but that is not the case. Also, the ending was messed up. I was highly upset, but that's the point I guess. If you're looking for shockers, this will deliver. The political intrigue is there if you like that! I definitely wouldn't recommend this for the faint of heart though as it's pretty gory at times and don't get attached! Overall I would give it 3.5 stars and I will pick up the sequel to see how the characters respond to the cliffhanger scence at the end of this book!
Thank you NetGalley for sending me an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
2ndchance_chad's review
4.0
This one took me a few chapters to really get going on it. But by midway through I was really sinking my teeth into it. I ended up devouring the last 35% in almost a single sitting today. Overall I really liked the world the author is putting together and most of the relationships. Being honest, the ending of this one knocked it down half a star for me. I think it was still a solid finish and overall read but the way things twisted and turned it started to feel like many of the characters were more naïve rather than other characters just being that good a deceit. I still enjoyed this one enough to purchase a copy for my home library once it's released. The copy I had my hands on for this read was an eARC from NetGalley. I'll be interested to see where the story goes from here and what the author does in the future as well.
see_sadie_read's review
3.0
Ummmm, so I thought I posted this review months ago. Oops.
3.5
I really enjoyed this. It took me a little while to get into it. Or rather to figure out what was what, with the fantasy land and a few fantasy words. But I caught on pretty quickly and even more quickly came to adore the characters. Each was trying desperately to do the right thing in difficult situations, with the information available to them at the time. All of which often set them against one another and, at times, their own interests.
I’d probably have given this a 5-star rating right up until the end. The writing/editing is clear and easy to read. As I said, I liked the characters. And the plot kept me gripped. There is a lot of history hinted at, which felt a bit like there should be a previous book. But even still, I think I’d have given it 5 stars, except for two things. Even if shocked, I couldn’t buy Niamsha believing as she did at the end and not seeing through the ploy. She’d been too savvy up to that point. And I was ready for the story to wrap up and it didn’t. It came to an acceptable place to pause, true, but I was ready for an ending. I felt denied by the lack.
All in all, however, I was really pleased with the story.
3.5
I really enjoyed this. It took me a little while to get into it. Or rather to figure out what was what, with the fantasy land and a few fantasy words. But I caught on pretty quickly and even more quickly came to adore the characters. Each was trying desperately to do the right thing in difficult situations, with the information available to them at the time. All of which often set them against one another and, at times, their own interests.
I’d probably have given this a 5-star rating right up until the end. The writing/editing is clear and easy to read. As I said, I liked the characters. And the plot kept me gripped. There is a lot of history hinted at, which felt a bit like there should be a previous book. But even still, I think I’d have given it 5 stars, except for two things. Even if shocked, I couldn’t buy Niamsha believing as she did at the end and not seeing through the ploy. She’d been too savvy up to that point. And I was ready for the story to wrap up and it didn’t. It came to an acceptable place to pause, true, but I was ready for an ending. I felt denied by the lack.
All in all, however, I was really pleased with the story.
ellenareads's review
DNF @ 40%
I really did give this book a fair shot. It's been on my 'currently reading' over three months but I was just unable to finish it. My main issue with the book is that even though I enjoyed while I was reading it, the moment I put it down I had no desire to keep reading. I felt like the plot has not progressed from the start of the book. I just didn't know where we were supposed to be progressing to, what was the end goal. Characters were interesting but I just couldn't get attached to them. The relationship of the two main characters is already developed prior to the start of the book, and I think that I never fully bought into it.
I wasn't attached to the characters, I don't know what the plot is, or where the characters are supposed to end up or what the end goal was. And the thing that would probably get more explored by the end of the book, but I just could not stop from affecting my enjoyment is that there is basically no fantasy or magic system mentioned so far in the book. So, I didn't care for the characters, plot or the magic system. There was nothing to hold my interest anymore.
Reasons why you might like this book:
If you are the big fan of politics and maneuvering at court;
If you want minimal/low fantasy setting, this one is for you;
If you like stories with slow moving plots this book might just be for you.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I really did give this book a fair shot. It's been on my 'currently reading' over three months but I was just unable to finish it. My main issue with the book is that even though I enjoyed while I was reading it, the moment I put it down I had no desire to keep reading. I felt like the plot has not progressed from the start of the book. I just didn't know where we were supposed to be progressing to, what was the end goal. Characters were interesting but I just couldn't get attached to them. The relationship of the two main characters is already developed prior to the start of the book, and I think that I never fully bought into it.
I wasn't attached to the characters, I don't know what the plot is, or where the characters are supposed to end up or what the end goal was. And the thing that would probably get more explored by the end of the book, but I just could not stop from affecting my enjoyment is that there is basically no fantasy or magic system mentioned so far in the book. So, I didn't care for the characters, plot or the magic system. There was nothing to hold my interest anymore.
Reasons why you might like this book:
If you are the big fan of politics and maneuvering at court;
If you want minimal/low fantasy setting, this one is for you;
If you like stories with slow moving plots this book might just be for you.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
_ademy_'s review
3.0
I received this book as an ARC from NETGALLEY!
I was attracted by this book from the cover, I'm honest. I read the description and I was quite curious about it. But when I started it, I find something completely different. The first pages were very heavy, I'm honest, but I saw the potential in it. I would have appreciate a clearer and better explained worldbuilding, as well as a minimal explanation about the characters, but is my personal opinion.
There are three important characters: Arkaen, Kilasha and Niamsha.
I love the relationship between A and K, I was quite surprised to find this type of relationship in a book! I would like to have more moments between them but is ok.
I loved court dramas and Arkaen gossip, forced to hide his love for a person of the same sex because is forbidden :(
Kilasha is a very complex character, with his very strange power that sometimes overwhelms him.
I also appreciate the story about the thief Niamsha and his brother, with a different and more difficult life than the other characters in many points.
Right now I'm still confused about many political elements and relationships between many characters in the story.
But In conclusion, I appreciate this book and I rate it 3 stars!
I was attracted by this book from the cover, I'm honest. I read the description and I was quite curious about it. But when I started it, I find something completely different. The first pages were very heavy, I'm honest, but I saw the potential in it. I would have appreciate a clearer and better explained worldbuilding, as well as a minimal explanation about the characters, but is my personal opinion.
There are three important characters: Arkaen, Kilasha and Niamsha.
I love the relationship between A and K, I was quite surprised to find this type of relationship in a book! I would like to have more moments between them but is ok.
I loved court dramas and Arkaen gossip, forced to hide his love for a person of the same sex because is forbidden :(
Kilasha is a very complex character, with his very strange power that sometimes overwhelms him.
I also appreciate the story about the thief Niamsha and his brother, with a different and more difficult life than the other characters in many points.
Right now I'm still confused about many political elements and relationships between many characters in the story.
But In conclusion, I appreciate this book and I rate it 3 stars!