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morchels's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was such a good book. Even though it had a great ending, I'd be interested in more of this series. I really enjoyed it.
ellareads's review
3.0
Havenfall was one of my favorite books last year and my expectations for this book were so high so I was expecting this one to be better or as good as Havenfall was. I enjoyed a lot about it, the romance was good, there was even a love triangle, until there’s not a love triangle;e and the main love interest goes off somewhere and we don’t know if they’re still even friends, the other love interest isn’t really explored, and just gets overlooked and never developed. The ending was remarkably underwhelming, the fact that it was left in sort of a cliffhanger and there’s no other book listed on this series is what made me give it this rating, if this wasn’t the end of the series I would’ve probably give it 5 stars.
krystala's review
3.0
This one wasn't as good as the first and really was just rushed and left with an underwhelming ending. They find Nate and that's great but most of the book goes back and forth with "do I trust him", him doing stupid things instead of just explaining things. Her and Taya's (who is back) relationship should have been explored wayyyyy more. They have feelings for each other and that is clear, but since she also had feelings for Brekken, it was just left. Speaking of Brekken, he turned out to not be the knight and shining armor she thought he was, but we don't even know the outcome of the trial. Or, did I miss that. Hmm. But speaks to the just unfinished feeling of the book. Who knows how long it will take for a third one and this series truly needs a third one to wrap up so many things. The main plot of the phoenix flame was super rushed at the end and they didn't even truly get into the soul searching. Again, I guess this is why they need a third book.
chronically_theo's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Abandonment, and War
izzrose's review
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
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
3.75
sienna1000's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
laurat88's review
3.0
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Havenfall as a place is really interesting and the first book brought a lot of thing to the surface which this book didn't quite live up to.
Phoenix Flame picks up a couple of weeks after the end of Havenfall and we get to see the aftermath of The Silver Princes actions.
Due to this the book feels rushed in places like its trying to cram everything into a duology rather than a trilogy which could have been a possibility. It also doesn't give the reader much chance to reflect on what has happened before being thrown into another conundrum.
I did like Maddie before but when we get into this I feel as though she has regressed from her encounter with The Silver Prince. Brekken is still occupying almost every thought and when it's not him she is still confused by her feeling for Taya.
Over all it was a good book, it was engaging and interesting and it was a quick read. I just feel like what happened could have happened over a longer period of time.
If you enjoyed Havenfall I'd say you'd like this.
Havenfall as a place is really interesting and the first book brought a lot of thing to the surface which this book didn't quite live up to.
Phoenix Flame picks up a couple of weeks after the end of Havenfall and we get to see the aftermath of The Silver Princes actions.
Due to this the book feels rushed in places like its trying to cram everything into a duology rather than a trilogy which could have been a possibility. It also doesn't give the reader much chance to reflect on what has happened before being thrown into another conundrum.
I did like Maddie before but when we get into this I feel as though she has regressed from her encounter with The Silver Prince. Brekken is still occupying almost every thought and when it's not him she is still confused by her feeling for Taya.
Over all it was a good book, it was engaging and interesting and it was a quick read. I just feel like what happened could have happened over a longer period of time.
If you enjoyed Havenfall I'd say you'd like this.
laurencarter's review
2.0
Full review here: https://laurenslibrarycom.wordpress.com/2021/02/16/phoenix-flame-havenfall-2-by-sara-holland-book-review-no-spoilers/
CW:blood, death, abduction, explosions
CW:
cynsworkshop's review
4.0
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
Phoenix Flame continues Maddie’s journey at Havenfall, the Inn that serves as a bridge between worlds. However, now the stakes are higher than ever for Maddie and her friends.
Compelling Sequel
Phoenix Flame is a compelling sequel that was more engaging than its predecessor. The momentum here is non-stop, making it a compelling read.
It is a thrilling, action-packed sequel with more action that did not exist in the previous novel. The story moves at a rapid pace. Havenfall established the world-building and the character dynamics, whereas Phoenix Flame delves deeper into the fantasy involved in making this world. A mythical object called the Phoenix flame allows its wearer to live in another realm other than their own. Furthermore, Maddie is also discovering more about her mother’s past. The tension rises when Maddie finds her father, ventures to Frioden, and reunites with Taya. As the story develops, the dynamics shift, and the tension rises higher, giving the story an engaging pace.
Holland also delves more into fantasy, magic, and folklore. These elements were lacking in the previous novel and to see them explored makes this a sequel that is more interesting than its predecessor.
Character Growth
Given everything that happened in the previous novel, the characters have grown. The dynamics have changed and become more complex, and the story delves further into exploring the politics of the fantastical realms surrounding Havenfall.
Maddie has changed since the previous novel. Her relationship with Brekken is strained and has changed. Readers can see that Maddie has outgrown who they were, and it is unclear if the relationship is going to change or if they are going to grow together.
Then, of course, there is her relationship with Taya. Hollands leaves it up to the reader if they will explore their mutual attraction or remain friends. Too much has happened too quickly for both characters. It adds good character development and tension to the dynamics.
The characters, alongside the plot, have evolved since the previous book, and it was nice to see. The characters have more personality to them that makes them more relatable as far as characterization goes.
Final Thoughts
Phoenix Flame is far more engaging than Havenfall with a more action-packed and engaging plot giving the characters more personality while also creating great tension.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
Phoenix Flame continues Maddie’s journey at Havenfall, the Inn that serves as a bridge between worlds. However, now the stakes are higher than ever for Maddie and her friends.
Compelling Sequel
Phoenix Flame is a compelling sequel that was more engaging than its predecessor. The momentum here is non-stop, making it a compelling read.
It is a thrilling, action-packed sequel with more action that did not exist in the previous novel. The story moves at a rapid pace. Havenfall established the world-building and the character dynamics, whereas Phoenix Flame delves deeper into the fantasy involved in making this world. A mythical object called the Phoenix flame allows its wearer to live in another realm other than their own. Furthermore, Maddie is also discovering more about her mother’s past. The tension rises when Maddie finds her father, ventures to Frioden, and reunites with Taya. As the story develops, the dynamics shift, and the tension rises higher, giving the story an engaging pace.
Holland also delves more into fantasy, magic, and folklore. These elements were lacking in the previous novel and to see them explored makes this a sequel that is more interesting than its predecessor.
Character Growth
Given everything that happened in the previous novel, the characters have grown. The dynamics have changed and become more complex, and the story delves further into exploring the politics of the fantastical realms surrounding Havenfall.
Maddie has changed since the previous novel. Her relationship with Brekken is strained and has changed. Readers can see that Maddie has outgrown who they were, and it is unclear if the relationship is going to change or if they are going to grow together.
Then, of course, there is her relationship with Taya. Hollands leaves it up to the reader if they will explore their mutual attraction or remain friends. Too much has happened too quickly for both characters. It adds good character development and tension to the dynamics.
The characters, alongside the plot, have evolved since the previous book, and it was nice to see. The characters have more personality to them that makes them more relatable as far as characterization goes.
Final Thoughts
Phoenix Flame is far more engaging than Havenfall with a more action-packed and engaging plot giving the characters more personality while also creating great tension.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn