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A review by novelshire
Phoenix Flame by Sara Holland
2.0
Hmm... I'm not really sure about this one. As with the first book in this duology(?) the idea is great- a hotel hidden in the mountains that guards doorways to other worlds. One of my complaints about the first book was that we remained confined to this world - there were visitors from other worlds and teasing, fleeting descriptions but nothing more. Well, we get to visit one other world, though fairly briefly, and once again, we remain confined. Other characters that have returned from mysterious worlds don't even get a chance to talk about them. It feels like the concept of multiple worlds is just set-dressing.
I think the story suffers from being stuck in Maddie's perspective - easily the least interesting character and someone who continues to seem childish and impulsive whilst somehow convincing other characters that she'll make a good future guardian for this place.
The ideas, the setting, the hints of a more interesting story and good supporting characters was enough for me to still enjoy this book but I just wish it was all given more room to breathe.
A quick YA fantasy, good ideas, lacking in depth.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for the review copy.
I think the story suffers from being stuck in Maddie's perspective - easily the least interesting character and someone who continues to seem childish and impulsive whilst somehow convincing other characters that she'll make a good future guardian for this place.
The ideas, the setting, the hints of a more interesting story and good supporting characters was enough for me to still enjoy this book but I just wish it was all given more room to breathe.
A quick YA fantasy, good ideas, lacking in depth.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for the review copy.