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A review by likeagilmoregirl
The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Filled with political tension, a subtle slow-burn romance, and a well rounded magic system, the Phoenix King grabbed my attention from the beginning of chapter one and held on till the very last page.
Aparna Verma weaves a beautiful tale inspired by Indian mythology and politics through the voices of three main characters:
A princess nearing her coronation, searching for the magic that is her birthright. A king desperate to keep his daughter safe and maintain power. An assassin now pledging loyalty to the crown.
Each voice is distinct and powerful. Plot points and proper pacing allowed me to connect with the character as their internal dialogue and resulting actions transformed. And I became so attached to one character that a certain chapter had me absolutely screaming/sobbing. If you’ve read this, you know.
One of the cons for me throughout this book was the world building. Specifically the politics and government conflicts. It seems like a very well thought out system, but it was difficult at times to remember what groups were on whose sides and what was happening politically. There was also the occasional info dump surrounding the politics that could make it a bit dry and confusing in those moments. I would love to see this improve a bit in the next book.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of the audiobook for review and I will gladly say that I loved this production! The narrators were fantastic and their styles fit the vibe and emotions of the characters perfectly. I especially loved the narrator voicing Elena
Overall, I give this a 4.5 stars!
*Huge thanks to Netgalley, Hachette Audio, Orbit and Aparna Verma for granting me access to the advanced copy of The Phoenix King audiobook for review*
Aparna Verma weaves a beautiful tale inspired by Indian mythology and politics through the voices of three main characters:
A princess nearing her coronation, searching for the magic that is her birthright. A king desperate to keep his daughter safe and maintain power. An assassin now pledging loyalty to the crown.
Each voice is distinct and powerful. Plot points and proper pacing allowed me to connect with the character as their internal dialogue and resulting actions transformed. And I became so attached to one character that a certain chapter had me absolutely screaming/sobbing. If you’ve read this, you know.
One of the cons for me throughout this book was the world building. Specifically the politics and government conflicts. It seems like a very well thought out system, but it was difficult at times to remember what groups were on whose sides and what was happening politically. There was also the occasional info dump surrounding the politics that could make it a bit dry and confusing in those moments. I would love to see this improve a bit in the next book.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of the audiobook for review and I will gladly say that I loved this production! The narrators were fantastic and their styles fit the vibe and emotions of the characters perfectly. I especially loved the narrator voicing Elena
Overall, I give this a 4.5 stars!
*Huge thanks to Netgalley, Hachette Audio, Orbit and Aparna Verma for granting me access to the advanced copy of The Phoenix King audiobook for review*
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Death, and Fire/Fire injury