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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
Genre: Asian fiction, fantasy, serial
Summary:
Response: I got this book as a reward from my adolescent literature class fall 2010 and it was pretty good. The only negative is that I have to wait for the sequel to come out later this year. There is certainly something to be said for having a complete story within one volume instead of spreading the story out over several books. I was impressed with how completely author Cindy Pon created a new world, couched within Asian mythology and quasi history. I will be interested to see how the second story plays out. I hope it's as good as the first.
Summary:
Response: I got this book as a reward from my adolescent literature class fall 2010 and it was pretty good. The only negative is that I have to wait for the sequel to come out later this year. There is certainly something to be said for having a complete story within one volume instead of spreading the story out over several books. I was impressed with how completely author Cindy Pon created a new world, couched within Asian mythology and quasi history. I will be interested to see how the second story plays out. I hope it's as good as the first.
Great description, lots of great adventure. Note some content may not be suitable for all readers.
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Silver Phoenix is Cindy Pon’s debut young adult fantasy novel. It’s filled with magic, gods and goddesses, fight scenes, and interesting character.
Ai Ling leaves the comfort of her home in search of her father who returned to the Emperor’s Palace. All the while, strange supernatural oddities occur, seeking to end her life.
Silver Phoenix is an exciting novel. I particularly liked the third person point of view. This point of view works well with fantasy novels and it went off without a hitch in Silver Phoenix. Sure, Ai Ling is the protagonist, but the point of view allows for an objective view of the other characters as well, which made it that much more easier to like and care about them.
The characters were intriguing and new. Ai Ling is not your typical teenage heroine, in the the world she lives in, but I felt that people can very well relate to her in the real world. She’s tenacious, knowledgeable and wants to learn, she’s tentative, and worries and is scared. She’s determined and considerate of the well-being of her companions. She’s easy to like.
I was skeptical at first about Chen Yong, but I was quickly surprised and interested in his own storyline as well. He has his own goals and ambitions and his development is separate from Ai Ling’s, as hers is separate from his. They just happened to be thrown together in this road called fate.
Chen Yong’s younger brother Li Rong, is the definition of comic relief. He’s funny, flirty, and caring. But his presence isn’t only for comic relief and that’s what I liked about his character.
The writing style and descriptions are amazing! You can just picture the world surrounding you. Pon does a great job in reimagining the sights, smells, and the food that Ai Ling experiences.
However, at some points of the novel, it did feel like the story was moving a little slow, but the overall storyline makes up for that.
I think Pon does an amazing job in examining female and male roles. Not only is this a fantasy-adventure novel, but also a slight examination of the roles genders play not only in real life, but in this world Pon created as well.
Silver Phoenix is also inspired by Chinese legends and myths.
Recommended for: Fantasy, Adventure, Magic, Female Leads, Asian Inspired
Silver Phoenix is Cindy Pon’s debut young adult fantasy novel. It’s filled with magic, gods and goddesses, fight scenes, and interesting character.
Ai Ling leaves the comfort of her home in search of her father who returned to the Emperor’s Palace. All the while, strange supernatural oddities occur, seeking to end her life.
Silver Phoenix is an exciting novel. I particularly liked the third person point of view. This point of view works well with fantasy novels and it went off without a hitch in Silver Phoenix. Sure, Ai Ling is the protagonist, but the point of view allows for an objective view of the other characters as well, which made it that much more easier to like and care about them.
The characters were intriguing and new. Ai Ling is not your typical teenage heroine, in the the world she lives in, but I felt that people can very well relate to her in the real world. She’s tenacious, knowledgeable and wants to learn, she’s tentative, and worries and is scared. She’s determined and considerate of the well-being of her companions. She’s easy to like.
I was skeptical at first about Chen Yong, but I was quickly surprised and interested in his own storyline as well. He has his own goals and ambitions and his development is separate from Ai Ling’s, as hers is separate from his. They just happened to be thrown together in this road called fate.
Chen Yong’s younger brother Li Rong, is the definition of comic relief. He’s funny, flirty, and caring. But his presence isn’t only for comic relief and that’s what I liked about his character.
The writing style and descriptions are amazing! You can just picture the world surrounding you. Pon does a great job in reimagining the sights, smells, and the food that Ai Ling experiences.
However, at some points of the novel, it did feel like the story was moving a little slow, but the overall storyline makes up for that.
I think Pon does an amazing job in examining female and male roles. Not only is this a fantasy-adventure novel, but also a slight examination of the roles genders play not only in real life, but in this world Pon created as well.
Silver Phoenix is also inspired by Chinese legends and myths.
Recommended for: Fantasy, Adventure, Magic, Female Leads, Asian Inspired
Rating:4*
This book was actually really cute, and interesting. Also loved Chen Yong, knew that we would be the love interest, though I'm surprised more didn't happen between them I hope there is a next book, it would be really awful and kind of make me upset because lately I keep reading books that should have a sequel, but don't, WHICH SUCKS AND DRIVES ME MAD. Especially when the author makes out there's going to be one, and there isn't. Or when they don't finish the series.
Also, the foot sounds totally amazing. Like really, it made me want to devour some Chinese food. Or Thai food. Or any Asian food really. Actually, it just kinda made me hungry for rice....But the food sounded AH-MAHZING! Like, pure Dragonsauce. AI LING TAKE ME TO XIA PLEASE!!!!!!!!!! because that girl truly know how to eat.
This book was actually really cute, and interesting.
Spoiler
I m upset that Li Rong died, but I think she shouldn't have returned his heart just yet. I was kinda hoping that she would try to resurrect him in the next book, but he wouldn't be the same, all evil and stuff, and something would go horribly wrong, and chaos would ensue, and then she would have to try and rectify the problem she caused...but whatevaSpoiler
Though when I heard about Ai Ling's mom having a still birth, I thought he was her long-lost brother, and that that was just a cover up for having an illegitimate son.....but I guess not xDAlso, the foot sounds totally amazing. Like really, it made me want to devour some Chinese food. Or Thai food. Or any Asian food really. Actually, it just kinda made me hungry for rice....But the food sounded AH-MAHZING! Like, pure Dragonsauce. AI LING TAKE ME TO XIA PLEASE!!!!!!!!!! because that girl truly know how to eat.
I quite liked this though it did have plenty of faults. Ai Ling is a strong character; she thinks she's weak but shows a quiet strength and determination throughout the a story. I really enjoyed her companions on the road trip, particularly the comic relief of Li Rong. And I rarely root for a love story in an adventure boo, but the one seemed just right.
The fantasy elements are fun and easy to imagine. My biggest complaint was the speed of each action scene; everything seemed to fly by too quickly and every obstacle was resolved a bit too easily. The final encounter with the villain didn't have enough of an impact for my taste. Also, I really wish this had been individual story as opposed to the beginning of a series. I would have been thrilled for resolution in the end and moved on.
Enough has been said online about the whitewashed covers. I read the ebook but don't even want to look at the horrendous ebook cover. The hardcover was gorgeous and made sense. The fact that the publishers used a white cover model for Ai Ling was preposterous and anger-inducing.
The fantasy elements are fun and easy to imagine. My biggest complaint was the speed of each action scene; everything seemed to fly by too quickly and every obstacle was resolved a bit too easily. The final encounter with the villain didn't have enough of an impact for my taste. Also, I really wish this had been individual story as opposed to the beginning of a series. I would have been thrilled for resolution in the end and moved on.
Enough has been said online about the whitewashed covers. I read the ebook but don't even want to look at the horrendous ebook cover. The hardcover was gorgeous and made sense. The fact that the publishers used a white cover model for Ai Ling was preposterous and anger-inducing.
I've kind of gotten away from reading a lot of fantasy books because they were all starting to feel the same. Not this one! It's one of those unique stories that manages to feel slightly familiar, but otherworldly and almost historical at the same time.
Ai-Ling's father was called to the Emperial Palace, but he's been gone way too long. Ai-Ling leaves her mother to go retrieve her father. On the way she encounters many dangerous creatures that were thought to exist only in myths. She also meets two brothers who help her as she discovers who she was in a past life and the kind of young woman she really is.
Recommended for high school.
Ai-Ling's father was called to the Emperial Palace, but he's been gone way too long. Ai-Ling leaves her mother to go retrieve her father. On the way she encounters many dangerous creatures that were thought to exist only in myths. She also meets two brothers who help her as she discovers who she was in a past life and the kind of young woman she really is.
Recommended for high school.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Silver Phoenix is the story of Ai Ling, a girl who goes on a journey to find her missing father and to escape an unwanted marriage at home. Along the way, she faces takes from numerous demons and discovers a strange power within her self.
For the most part, Silver Phoenix was readable. It even ventured towards enjoyable in some sections, but ultimately it’s not a book I have any desire to read the sequel of or even to hang onto my copy.
The writing is very simplistic and reminds me of a middle grade novel more than a young adult one. However, the level of sexual harassment and the attempted rapes put this firmly out of the middle school age zone.
The setting of Silver Phoenix, Xia, is very patriarchal. Girls are forced into arranged marriages and are usually not allowed to leave the house. Throughout the book, Ai Ling is repeatedly harassed and almost raped twice. It’s frequent enough to be a drinking game.
The plot itself didn’t stand together very well, especially at first. the events don’t really seem connected to each other or add drive to the plot. The scenes (mainly of various demon attacks) feel stringed together and don’t really add up to a whole. Not to mention that Ai Ling, the protagonist, doesn’t really do much for the majority of the book. Mainly things have happened to her, and what she ends up causing is mainly a result of her magic amulet (until the end, when she finally has to stop relying on it).
On the positive side, I liked Ai Ling more by the end and the love interest was decent throughout. I was initially off put by a major character death, but I liked the way that wrapped up.
So, I don’t really know who I’d recommend this one to or if I would recommend it. Maybe if you’re looking for Asian themed fantasy books?
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
For the most part, Silver Phoenix was readable. It even ventured towards enjoyable in some sections, but ultimately it’s not a book I have any desire to read the sequel of or even to hang onto my copy.
The writing is very simplistic and reminds me of a middle grade novel more than a young adult one. However, the level of sexual harassment and the attempted rapes put this firmly out of the middle school age zone.
The setting of Silver Phoenix, Xia, is very patriarchal. Girls are forced into arranged marriages and are usually not allowed to leave the house. Throughout the book, Ai Ling is repeatedly harassed and almost raped twice. It’s frequent enough to be a drinking game.
The plot itself didn’t stand together very well, especially at first. the events don’t really seem connected to each other or add drive to the plot. The scenes (mainly of various demon attacks) feel stringed together and don’t really add up to a whole. Not to mention that Ai Ling, the protagonist, doesn’t really do much for the majority of the book. Mainly things have happened to her, and what she ends up causing is mainly a result of her magic amulet (until the end, when she finally has to stop relying on it).
On the positive side, I liked Ai Ling more by the end and the love interest was decent throughout. I was initially off put by a major character death, but I liked the way that wrapped up.
So, I don’t really know who I’d recommend this one to or if I would recommend it. Maybe if you’re looking for Asian themed fantasy books?
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
Ai Ling has reached an age when she is supposed to marry. When she is rejected by her betrothed her future is uncertain, but Ai Ling has no idea that the immortals have more in store for her than the life of a subservient bride. She finds herself embarking on a journey to the capitol, a journey that will put her face to face with demons she has only read about in stories, brave warriors, and a terrifying villain who wants nothing more than to make Ai Ling his bride.
Silver Phoenix is Cindy Pon's debut into fantasy fiction. Obviously inspired by Asian culture, Silver Phoenix takes familiar and beloved fantasy tropes and tells them in a new and interesting way. As someone who loves Asian Fantasy, I knew that I needed to pick this book up the moment I read about it. Ai Ling is a fantastic heroine. She's feisty and brave, but can also make rash decisions with dangerous consequences. I found her incredibly easy to route for. The secondary characters, such as brothers Chen Yong and Li Rong, are just as easy to like. Perhaps the story's weak point is in it's less complex characterization of it's villains, but as they only make a brief appearance near the end, they really don't have as much time to make an impact.
Silver Phoenix is first and foremost a young adult adventure story featuring a quest-like storyline with a climatic ending. For the most part, it progresses much like you'd expect an early Tamora Pierce book: a fast-paced tale filled with mostly innocent fun. But when you least expect it, the story can take darker turns. I have to give credit to Pon for not being afraid to venture into darker waters, as I felt it made the book less predictable and heightened the sense of danger. There were a few instances where I was gasping aloud at certain developments. I also found the ending (which did not come out quite how I expected it) to be very suspenseful.
Silver Phoenix is a fantastic story filled with great characters, and nail biting peril. This book should have wide appeal to different types of readers. Fans of Asian-inspired fantasy novels such as Kara Dalkey's Little Sister, and Alison Goodman's Eon: The Dragoneye Reborn, should gobble it right up, as should fans of anime, or anime inspired projects (such as the TV show Avatar: The Last Airbender). Fans of more traditional fantasy, such as Tamora Pierce and Robin McKinley, should be able to relate to the fast paced adventure story and it's feminist undertones. One thing that saddens me about this book is the news that they have repacked the series for both the paperback version of this novel, and future novels. Instead of the beautiful and vibrant cover art as seen on the hardcover copy, the series will now feature token paranormal cover art with a racially ambiguous model. This decision misrepresents a truly original series, and may cause fantasy fans to pass up the book due it's paranormal cover art.
Silver Phoenix is Cindy Pon's debut into fantasy fiction. Obviously inspired by Asian culture, Silver Phoenix takes familiar and beloved fantasy tropes and tells them in a new and interesting way. As someone who loves Asian Fantasy, I knew that I needed to pick this book up the moment I read about it. Ai Ling is a fantastic heroine. She's feisty and brave, but can also make rash decisions with dangerous consequences. I found her incredibly easy to route for. The secondary characters, such as brothers Chen Yong and Li Rong, are just as easy to like. Perhaps the story's weak point is in it's less complex characterization of it's villains, but as they only make a brief appearance near the end, they really don't have as much time to make an impact.
Silver Phoenix is first and foremost a young adult adventure story featuring a quest-like storyline with a climatic ending. For the most part, it progresses much like you'd expect an early Tamora Pierce book: a fast-paced tale filled with mostly innocent fun. But when you least expect it, the story can take darker turns. I have to give credit to Pon for not being afraid to venture into darker waters, as I felt it made the book less predictable and heightened the sense of danger. There were a few instances where I was gasping aloud at certain developments. I also found the ending (which did not come out quite how I expected it) to be very suspenseful.
Silver Phoenix is a fantastic story filled with great characters, and nail biting peril. This book should have wide appeal to different types of readers. Fans of Asian-inspired fantasy novels such as Kara Dalkey's Little Sister, and Alison Goodman's Eon: The Dragoneye Reborn, should gobble it right up, as should fans of anime, or anime inspired projects (such as the TV show Avatar: The Last Airbender). Fans of more traditional fantasy, such as Tamora Pierce and Robin McKinley, should be able to relate to the fast paced adventure story and it's feminist undertones. One thing that saddens me about this book is the news that they have repacked the series for both the paperback version of this novel, and future novels. Instead of the beautiful and vibrant cover art as seen on the hardcover copy, the series will now feature token paranormal cover art with a racially ambiguous model. This decision misrepresents a truly original series, and may cause fantasy fans to pass up the book due it's paranormal cover art.