A review by vickysbooklove1
Blood of the Phoenix by T. Isajanyan

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

"Blood of the Phoenix", one of the two prequels in the "A Tale of Hayara" series by T. Isajanyan, is an alternate universe (AU) Armenian historical/mythological fantasy set in the late Bronze and early Iron Ages. From the very beginning, it captivated me.
This amazing tale unfolds in the kingdom of Harrania, which thrives under the watchful gaze of its gods, Ar and Haya. Their favor rests upon royal blood and the Blood of the Phoenix that must course through the veins of the king. General Aramast, lacking both, is determined to win the princess’s heart, ascend the throne, and transform Harrania into an all-powerful and fearsome empire. Against seemingly insurmountable odds, will he achieve his audacious goals? And can he and the kingdom endure the dire consequences of defying the gods’ will? Brace yourself—the unexpected ending will leave your heart racing.
" Blood of the Phoenix" showcases the author's talent and potential through a straightforward writing style that befits the tale. The plot is riveting, and each and every character contributes to a totally intriguing, fleshed-out world. While I may be the sole Aramast supporter, I can’t divulge the reasons without venturing into spoiler territory.
With its fast-paced narrative, this short novella invites fantasy readers into a captivating world teeming with war, political intrigue, romance, and ancient legends. I wholeheartedly urge you to embark on this thrilling adventure—it’s unlike any other.
Many thanks to the author for the eARC of this exceptional book, which introduced me to an entirely new era and fantasy realm.