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tashrow's review
4.0
This is the second book in the Phoenix Rising trilogy, following Elissa's Quest. It continues the journey of Elissa after she and her friend Maya escape the evil Khan. Elissa and Maya are set to travel via river after surviving the heat and dryness of the desert. However, when Elissa heads to market for a gift to surprise her friend, she is drugged and robbed, missing the boat. Luckily, a young sailor finds her and offers her a job as a ship's cook aboard the cobbled-together Swamp Maiden. So her adventures begin once again, this time surrounded by swamp, jungle and lots of insects.
In this second book, Elissa also discovers new powers. She had always been able to speak with animals, but now it seems as though plants will listen to her as well. Readers will continue to wonder as they did in the first book about who Elissa really is. Though they will be closer to the answer by the end of the book, the third book will be the one to tie up all of the loose ends.
Elissa is a strong girl heroine, who never sacrifices her girlhood to be a heroic figure. Instead, she finds her own way to solve problems and survive. She is always true to herself in every instance, which makes a refreshing change for a female character. The writing is easy to enjoy, making reading a pleasure. The pace on the Swamp Maiden may be unhurried, but the storytelling stays brisk and interesting.
This magical series will be embraced by fans of Tamora Pierce, who may be looking for another trilogy to read. Appropriate for ages 10-13.
In this second book, Elissa also discovers new powers. She had always been able to speak with animals, but now it seems as though plants will listen to her as well. Readers will continue to wonder as they did in the first book about who Elissa really is. Though they will be closer to the answer by the end of the book, the third book will be the one to tie up all of the loose ends.
Elissa is a strong girl heroine, who never sacrifices her girlhood to be a heroic figure. Instead, she finds her own way to solve problems and survive. She is always true to herself in every instance, which makes a refreshing change for a female character. The writing is easy to enjoy, making reading a pleasure. The pace on the Swamp Maiden may be unhurried, but the storytelling stays brisk and interesting.
This magical series will be embraced by fans of Tamora Pierce, who may be looking for another trilogy to read. Appropriate for ages 10-13.
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