Reviews

Phoenix Flame by Sara Holland

atwrm's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

stxrlight's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

I absolutely adore the storyline, the different worlds and characters. That said, I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 stars because this is the last book of the duology, it definitely has the potential for more books given it leaves so much open and unanswered. It feels unfinished in a way, and for the ending of a series I would have liked all the answers instead of being left with so many. It had and still has so much potential but it wasn't executed in the best way, leaving so much open. 

I also would have liked to read more about the other worlds (and how they solve some specific things), as well as what would happen if one of the closed worlds opens, and they reconnect with it. Especially now that they have a way to travel everywhere (though that in itself leaves questions too, given the risk/danger that was described in doing so). 
Also would have liked to know how it ends with Brekken, and who Maddie ends up with in the end. How her father responded to it all? How Nate deals with his traumas and well, all the other unanswered things.

This duology would make a great film or tv show to be honest, and if that ever happens maybe they can include the answers to the things the books didn't cover.

caraloveskitties's review

1.0

I picked the first book up in the station library and thought it was an easy read and it’s got a cosy, foresty American premise. This book was a mess and wasn’t nearly as good as the first one. The LGBTQ+ element felt forced and missed its mark!

girlreading's review

4.0

After loving Havenfall, I was so excited to dive into this as soon as possible and I'm very happy to be able to say it didn't disappoint. The low average rating for this duology beyond confuses me. It's got everything you could want in a YA fantasy. It's got a fast paced and addictive plot, an easy to follow but no less engaging world and magic system, casual LGBTQIA+ rep and an intriguing and memorable cast of characters. The relationships, characters, world, magic and story hooked me from page one of Havenfall and carried me through the years wait until I finished the final page of Phoenix Flame. I thoroughly enjoyed my time listening to the audiobook and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone wanting a thrilling, easy fantasy read.

pagesofash's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

tonks332's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

candyjay19's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes

3.75

As beautifully written as the first book. This book takes you on adventures discovering new and uniquely beautiful realms. This book captured the intense urgency the first was missing, where the first book had plot holes that were thankfully filled in this book I still felt a disconnect when finishing a chapter and starting a new one, as if when I walked away and got on with my life so did the characters. While this is fine in other books it never quite feels like I'm going forward missing something as I did with these books.
I strongly feel that the two books would've been better as a single book. Combined the story is beautiful, apart the story seems fragmented and I feel that would stop some people from reaching for the second book.

readingintoinfinity's review

4.0

One again I loved the world building in this book and the new worlds we got to see. I honestly wish it was a bit longer. Felt like things were a little rushed towards the end. All in all it was a good little duology.

skywalkerem's review

2.0

Honestly this was kind of a chore to read, and the ending feels kind of abrupt and unsatisfying.

nightc0urt's review

3.0

I was sent a early ebook from the publisher to review!

Phoenix Flame is the conclusion in this quick fantasy duology by Sara Holland picking back up where the first book was left on.

I most definitely enjoy Phoenix Flame much more then Havenfall. While the world is completely unique and original, in my opinion, the whole story seems just a bit rushed for my tastes. Now if you’re looking for a quick and fun fantasy duology, this most definitely would be for you. However, I’m a person that enjoys a bit more detail and while I love shorter stories, this just felt too short for me.

Like I said, I did enjoy this one way more then the first book. This one had a bit more action and just overall more going on from the very start then Havenfall had, which made it easy to just dive right back into the story.

I still didn’t feel much of a connection with the characters this time around, although Maddie (the MC) did get a bit on my nerves this book and felt very indecisive to me. Also, there’s a love triangle that never gets resolved and I’m just like?????

Phoenix Flame also had a few plot twists that had me grinning but this story was left open ended and I’m the type that likes a neat little bow at the end lol

Ultimately, this received three stars from me for its originality, the world over all, Maddies family ( I love them) and it being a bit more action filled! I believe someone looking for a quick fantasy duology or even someone looking to read their first fantasy without being too overwhelmed would really enjoy this story!