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gattolinos_nerdy_nook's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Holy moly the politics and mixed POVs we get in this book! The slow pace of the book really allowed us to connect with each character during their POV and how their decisions affect everyone else around them as well as their goals and their struggles. The world we learn is beautiful and vibrant keeping you want to learn more about what is happening around you and how everything can to be where we started at the book.
I cannot wait to see how this trilogy goes and when the next book comes out I will definitely be getting it.
I cannot wait to see how this trilogy goes and when the next book comes out I will definitely be getting it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Blood, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Death
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
najmanasir's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Overall, 4.5 stars! One thing I really enjoyed was how Aparna described scenes in her book. They were always so detailed and descriptive that I could envision everything happening. I tend to play scenes in my head, and her writing style completely supports that. I also admired the complexity of each character, appreciating how multi-dimensional they were. No character was purely "good," as their moral compasses were constantly challenged. For example, we have Leo Ravence, a father and the King of Ravence, who must balance his decisions between protecting his kingdom and his daughter Elena. We watch as he makes irreversible mistakes throughout his reign, but also moments where he shows his care as a father. There is also Yassen Knight, a man of Ravani and Jantari descent and an assassin for the Arohassin. Struggling against the rejection from both sides of his heritage due to having the blood of the opposing lineage in his veins, Yassen also bears the weight of being labeled a traitor and criminal for his allegiance to the Arohassin. Between balancing the desire to belong and the necessity of survival, Yassen questions where his loyalties lie, ultimately faced with decisions on whom to betray and serve. As the story unfolds, their individual narratives and arcs add depth, revealing perspectives that make each character captivating and prompting my sympathy towards them.
Another aspect I wanted to mention was the romance in the book. I appreciated that the romance was a subplot in the book, focusing mainly on the political issues and specific challenges each character had to face in the story. The romance between Elena and Yassen was a slow burn, matching the pace of their relationship development. While initially, the romance felt abrupt and kind of flat, it became more natural as the plot expanded and they found a deep understanding of one another.
Furthermore, the excerpts at the beginning of each chapter (which were snippets from various documents and books within the story's world), were such a creative addition to the narrative. While it may have been a small detail, it added another layer to the story, which deeply tied into the plot, world-building, and connections to specific characters. Honestly, I wished we had full-length documents of these excerpts. Some of my favorite quotes came from them, showcasing Aparna's attention to detail to vividly bring the world to life.
However, one thing I wish had been explored more was Elena's feelings, especially her rage. We do see her rage towards the middle/end of the book, but I wish it was scattered throughout the story. There were many moments when I felt like Elena was too calm, but I can understand that with her predicaments, she had to suppress her emotions more than she would've liked. However, the shift in her personality and morals towards the end of the book leaves a lot to explore in book two. Elena has so much potential and room for growth, and I can't wait to see her character development in the next two books.
Overall, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The bonus chapter at the end emotionally wrecked me, making a particular bond so much more powerful. I will now be counting the days until the release of book 2, anticipating the impending chaos that has yet to unfold.
Another aspect I wanted to mention was the romance in the book. I appreciated that the romance was a subplot in the book, focusing mainly on the political issues and specific challenges each character had to face in the story. The romance between Elena and Yassen was a slow burn, matching the pace of their relationship development. While initially, the romance felt abrupt and kind of flat, it became more natural as the plot expanded and they found a deep understanding of one another.
Furthermore, the excerpts at the beginning of each chapter (which were snippets from various documents and books within the story's world), were such a creative addition to the narrative. While it may have been a small detail, it added another layer to the story, which deeply tied into the plot, world-building, and connections to specific characters. Honestly, I wished we had full-length documents of these excerpts. Some of my favorite quotes came from them, showcasing Aparna's attention to detail to vividly bring the world to life.
However, one thing I wish had been explored more was Elena's feelings, especially her rage. We do see her rage towards the middle/end of the book, but I wish it was scattered throughout the story. There were many moments when I felt like Elena was too calm, but I can understand that with her predicaments, she had to suppress her emotions more than she would've liked. However, the shift in her personality and morals towards the end of the book leaves a lot to explore in book two. Elena has so much potential and room for growth, and I can't wait to see her character development in the next two books.
Overall, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The bonus chapter at the end emotionally wrecked me, making a particular bond so much more powerful. I will now be counting the days until the release of book 2, anticipating the impending chaos that has yet to unfold.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Child death, War, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Gun violence
mcosmic's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Death of parent
teri_b's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved getting into this world that is fuelled both by fantasy and science fiction elements and has
fire at its core.
Loved the introduction of the three main characters, Elena, the heir apparent to the thrown, Yassen, hired assassin now body guard, and Leo, the current Phoenix King and Elena's father. We experience the unfolding story through Elena's, Yassen's and Leo's point of view.
And then we also meet Elena's soon to be husband Samson, who comes with an army of his own, the Black Scales.
It becomes clear fairly quickly that all is not well in the Kingdom of Ravence, and rebellion maybe even a revolution maybe well on its way.
As events escalate Elena finds herself thrown into a series of events that change her, as she has to make choices as to where her alliances and her trust lies, assuming, that there is anyone she can trust.
Underlying the whole novel is the magic of the phoenix and its outward symbol of fire. It is beautifully woven into the narrative as we get glimpses of the phoenix through what each of the main characters believes about the phoenix and his powers. And yet, the true magic of the phoenix still has to be revealed.
There, too, is an immersion into colours and flavours/scents that I have not yet encountered in a fantasy novel. I absolutely loved this sensual layer, that brought colour & spice into the story & to me as a reader.
The book ends on a cliffhanger of some magnitude.
And now we wait and see where the story takes us from there.
I have to admit that I am curious whereto the story will develop. Hopefully much more of the phoenix magic will become apparent. And me thinks, Elena, Yassen and Samson will be amazing in their new found powers.
fire at its core.
Loved the introduction of the three main characters, Elena, the heir apparent to the thrown, Yassen, hired assassin now body guard, and Leo, the current Phoenix King and Elena's father. We experience the unfolding story through Elena's, Yassen's and Leo's point of view.
And then we also meet Elena's soon to be husband Samson, who comes with an army of his own, the Black Scales.
It becomes clear fairly quickly that all is not well in the Kingdom of Ravence, and rebellion maybe even a revolution maybe well on its way.
As events escalate Elena finds herself thrown into a series of events that change her, as she has to make choices as to where her alliances and her trust lies, assuming, that there is anyone she can trust.
Underlying the whole novel is the magic of the phoenix and its outward symbol of fire. It is beautifully woven into the narrative as we get glimpses of the phoenix through what each of the main characters believes about the phoenix and his powers. And yet, the true magic of the phoenix still has to be revealed.
There, too, is an immersion into colours and flavours/scents that I have not yet encountered in a fantasy novel. I absolutely loved this sensual layer, that brought colour & spice into the story & to me as a reader.
The book ends on a cliffhanger of some magnitude.
And now we wait and see where the story takes us from there.
I have to admit that I am curious whereto the story will develop. Hopefully much more of the phoenix magic will become apparent. And me thinks, Elena, Yassen and Samson will be amazing in their new found powers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Xenophobia, Racism, and Death of parent
jennanaps's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Gaslighting, Death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Violence, War, Genocide, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, and Blood
Minor: Pedophilia
doahdancer's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Death, War, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
skienight's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, War, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Death
gimmiiie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Blood, Death of parent, Gun violence, Religious bigotry, Police brutality, Murder, Death, War, Xenophobia, Ableism, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Emotional abuse, and Violence
rosepetalsandpaperbacks08's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, and Death of parent
bookforthought's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Well, wow! The Phoenix King is the Indian-inspired adult fantasy I didn't know I needed.
Set in a gorgeously intricate world rich in lore and tradition, the book is narrated through the POV of three very different characters: Leo, the current king of Ravence, who is preparing to cede his crown to his daughter while trying to fight a terrible and hidden enemy; Elena, the soon-to-be queen, struggling to feel worthy of her title and desperate to ensure the safety of her beloved kingdom; and Yassen, an assassin desperately trying to free himself of his bonds through one last job. These characters couldn't differ more from one another, and I really enjoyed how their individual voices came through in their respective chapters. They're complex, flawed, and make some really bad, but really tough, choices and it was very satisfying to watch events unfold while getting to know them better.
The characterisation was a little shallow at times, which was a shame, and there were a few turns in certain characters' behaviours that didn't really make sense as nothing in their POV chapters had previously indicated such thoughts or intentions. This isn't a huge issue but rather more of a pet peeve of mine, since to me it just doesn't make sense for a character to withhold information from or lie to the audience when we're in their mind. Still, it worked to get a few surprises in and didn't have a massive impact on my overall enjoyment. This is only the first book in a trilogy, so I hope there will be space for further development in the next instalments. There are some pretty memorable secondary characters too (I love Ferma!) and each of them had a few unique characteristics that made them interesting and added value to the scenes they appeared in.
The worldbuilding is intricate, seamlessly blending classic fantasy elements with sci-fi ones. Elements coming from South Asian culture (Indian in particular) are used effectively and I love the fact that the author chose not to translate certain words, as that would have massively diminished the reading experience. The world is complex and heavy in politics, with both potential war with other states looming on the horizon and internal unrest brewing within, as well as a sort of transnational anarchist terrorist group creating chaos. At times, it felt as though there was almost too much going on and a lot of exposition was needed to bring the reader up to speed, which made me feel as though the plot was suffering from being slowed down so much. I did appreciate the themes explored here, especially those around identity, belonging, power and choice, and in the midst of all the action and drama, there were a few well-landed humorous moments and a very delicate romantic subplot that worked very well.
The pacing is another element that mostly worked, although at times it felt a bit uneven, as things seemed to move very slowly and then suddenly action erupted and everything happened at once. Still, when it did I was glad I'd stuck with it through the slowest parts, as there were some pretty epic action scenes. The writing certainly helped, as it flowed very smoothly and kept me turning the pages even when nothing was apparently happening. The book does get pretty dark at times, so you might want to check the CWs first, especially if you're particularly sensitive to fire/burning as that is a central element of the MCs' religion.
Overall, this was a great start to the trilogy and an absolutely banging debut! I'm confident a lot of the minor issues with pacing and characterisation will be fixed in the next instalments. Definitely recommended if you're looking for an epic fantasy mixing in sci-fi elements, explorations of identity and belonging, or a badass female MC!
I received an e-arc of this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley as part of the blog tour organised by Compulsive Readers. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.
I received an e-arc of this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley as part of the blog tour organised by Compulsive Readers. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Death of parent, Religious bigotry, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Xenophobia