Reviews

Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto, Nicki Pau Preto

the_berries_books's review against another edition

4.0

Great characters but too much info/loredumping found myself skimming pages and was confused by the end

padmawhitehallow's review against another edition

4.0

Score: 9/10

Ok, I have to say that I started this book AFTER reading [b:Crown of Feathers|56688152|Crown of Feathers|Nicki Pau Preto|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1610828324l/56688152._SX50_.jpg|88613644], the webtoon version. I liked it, though MANY things there felt kinda confusing or incorrect (specially some thoughts and dialogues), so I hoped that those things where more clear in the book... and they were.

First, I felt in the webtoon that the bandits were kinda strange, like their motivations and relationship with Veronyka were too plot-driven, and not as natural as the other relationships that appeared after them.

Spoiler

Now it makes sense, 'cause those characters where new so, their personalities where like the plot saying "I'm gonna say hello, oh, wait, this has to end". I'd like that Veronyka had stayed with them more before the test, so at least I could feel bad when they left her

.

Second, shadowmagic. Definitly, liked more when I read the book.

Spoiler

Come on, Veronyka's getting inside Tristran's mind felt awesome and terrifying at the same time! I would loved to had seen it in the webtoon...

Here it felt more as a tool, just like animagic: it can be good or bad, it depends on how someone uses it.

Third... show, don't tell. That's something that bothers me. I think many things where unnecesary to explain, or we had a worldbuilding moment in the wrong instant. As a reader, and a amateur writer, this is a important point. However, it dindn't made me have less fun and excitment... well, yes, it bothered me a lot, specially in moments where they weren't asked. If you explain the joke, it's not funny anymore.

Conclusion: I loved the book, I can't wait to start the next ones, know what will happen, where Veronyka, Tristan, Val, Sparrow and Sev will be. It has some things that could be improved, but the big picture is nice to see.

jazmine27's review against another edition

adventurous tense

4.0

hellobookbird's review against another edition

4.0

From the ashes I rose, like a phoenix from the pyre.

In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riders—legendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fire—until a war between two sisters ripped it all apart.

Sixteen years later, Veronyka is a war orphan who dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider from the stories of old. After a shocking betrayal from her controlling sister, Veronyka strikes out alone to find the Riders—even if that means disguising herself as a boy to join their ranks.

However, just as Veronyka finally feels like she belongs, the new empire learns of the Riders’ return and intends to destroy them once and for all.

But fire forges weapons. Obsidian, steel . . . even phoenixes. All are tempered, fortified, and made stronger after passing through the flames. The same can be true of people.

I had no idea phoenixes were what I needed.

The story is told primarily through three character perspectives: Veronyka, Sev, and Tristan. While the beginning is a bit of a slog (and thus no 5-star rating) the history of the two sister queens is well-developed and the parallels to the sisters in the present make it more interesting. Despite thinking a good chunk of the initial novel could have been condensed, the story progresses fairly quickly after Val's betrayal. And what a betrayal!

In Pyra, death was celebrated as much as life. Only through endings could there be beginnings. That was the lesson of the phoenix, and it was the lesson of my life as well.

Once Veronyka—now known only as Nyk—makes it to the hidden Riders, things move at a steady clip. Her arrival isn't welcomed by Tristan, son of the leader of the Riders. When they're forced together to help Tristan train, it begins a battle of Tristan's wounded pride vs. Nyk's will to be accepted as worthy of a phoenix. (I'm a super fan of the rivals-to-lovers trope so this was totally okay by me.) As Tristan's disdain slowly melts to grudging respect, to admiration, to camaraderie, their friendship is tested by the arrival of none other than Val, Veronyka's sister, and the coming army.

Most of the other soldiers thought Sev was as dull as an unsharpened blade, and Sev did his best to encourage that assessment.

As much as I would have been happy to focus just on Veronyka and Tristan (and the phoenixes during training, of course), Sev had his own part to play. Aside from being in the army marching on the Riders, it isn't immediately apparent why we should pay particular attention to him. As the novel progresses, and his character develops from simply existing to having a purpose that drives him, it becomes clear that we are nowhere near done with Sev...and he'll likely become a major player later on in the series. I'm hoping against hope he has the potential to be intrigue-worthy and am waiting to see where he goes from here.

There was a difference between friendship and family, between the people you chose to surround yourself with and the people you were stuck with, good or bad.

Throughout the novel, it touches on deeper topics. Veronyka struggles with the meaning of family and those close to you. Tristan struggles with overcoming fears and accepting help from others. Sev struggles with his sense of self and what makes life worth living. Val struggles with the differences of protecting vs smothering her sister

Spoiler

and repeating her own history

.

I had a sister once. If I had known then what I know now, I might have chosen not to love her. But is love ever truly a choice?

And the battle between empire and Riders! Gosh, I don't even know what to say about this other than I'm soooo glad it lasted way more than two pages and I need way more of it! Gimme the second book now, please.

They called me the Feather-Crowned Queen, my brow decorated with phoenix quills, my right to rule written across the stars in fire. They called my sister the Council’s Queen, for she was nothing more than their puppet.

Mixed among the perspectives are letters the past sister queens had sent each other or written in their journals. These little snippets and insides into the past were fun, well done, and super quote worthy. I love me my quotes.

Recommended for fantasy lovers. A great dedication to an underappreciated mythical creature.

_nika_'s review against another edition

Tbh this is really good but it’s chunkyness is intimidating me 

runaps's review against another edition

3.0

I’d say this one is 3.5 for me, mostly because Val took my enjoyment out of the book, it felt strenuous to read through her parts, which, I think, says a lot about the author. It’s some who knows how to write.

whendles's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense medium-paced

5.0

librarianlizreads's review against another edition

5.0

I decided to give this book a try because I love fantasy and phoenixes, without having heard anything about it. I was blown away by what I got in return.

I have always been drawn to books based on world building, history within a fictional society, and characters that you can love and root for. I appreciate a story the most when the characters can make me laugh, growl, and cry.

This book...literally has it all. The world building is great and the history of this society is phenomenal. It feels so real and believable. I find myself believing that this world was shaped by war and the goddesses of their history. I also found myself hating, loving, and putting my whole heart into the success of these characters.

If you enjoy fantasy, the struggle of discovering who you are, and overcoming all obstacles, including your family, this might be a good read for you. I for one am so glad that I decided to read this book. It is now on my list of favorites. Love it!

nicholle91's review against another edition

5.0

Nicki is an amazing author!!!

kdchip's review against another edition

5.0

I really loved this book, The phoenix riders, soldiers and the spying everything pulls you into this great book. I couldn't put the book down once i got pulled into this fantasy of the phoenix riders.