A review by shoni
The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-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? Yes

5.0

It has been well over a day since I finished and I have still not stopped thinking about the characters or the story. Everything about this story made me happy and I wanted the second book as soon as possible. I always wanted more South Asian representation and this book delivered for sure. Inspired by Indian myths and it being a high fantasy is truly combining some of my favorite aspects. 

I also really appreciated that we had a POV of the father. Leo's perspective was so refreshing. We saw how he struggle doing what's right for his people but also for his daughter and it was so refreshing. Plus seeing the south asian father daughter struggle from a father's perspective isn't something you see often. 

I loved having a strong female lead. Especially in the adult genre! I’m so used to seeing YA characters so I love seeing an older character who isn’t backing down and fights for what she believes in. My favorite is that even though she is a royal, and looks great in a red lehenga, SHE FIGHT BACK AND DOESN’T HESITATE. Like what’s not to love about that. Elena is everyone I've always wanted in a female lead and she's south Asian so it's even better. 

On the other hand, Yassen is my boy. I love him. Being of a mixed race constantly not knowing where he belongs and being mistaken and never enough for either is something so personal to me. Aparna did such an amazing job to show the struggle of not knowing where you belong but struggling finding your place. AND THE LONGING BETWEEN YASSEN AND ELENA UGH! I am still not over the iconic dupatta scene. Like the fanart is so beautiful and I think about it constantly. Like that scene was absolutely beautiful and it had so many emotions behind it. And how it the symbolism behind it is so much more than what the surface shows
ESPECIALLY WHEN SHES THINKING OF THE PRACTICE WITH YASSEN WHEN ELENA IS DANCING WITH SAMSON. ALSO CAN WE TALK ABOUT HIM SURIVING AND HIM BEING THE PROPHET?!? AND HOW HIM, ELENA, AND YASSEN ARE THE 3 DIFFERENT TIMES OF FIRE BECAUSE I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT.

The story was also just captivating. From the very first page to the last I could not put it down nor stop thinking about it. I wanted to know what would happen, I wanted to know how everyone's paths would cross and what it would mean in the long scheme of things. The story itself is dark, there is a reason it's an adult and not a YA book. It covers some dark themes and topic and it doesn't shy away from it. It doesn't shy away from discussing what war not only does to a person but what it can push a person to do. It wad do interesting to see and I'm so excited to see more of it!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings