The Phoenix King Paperback – 31 Aug. 2023

I loved getting into this world that is fuelled both by fantasy and science fiction elements and hasfire at its core.Loved the introduction of the three main characters, Elena, the heir apparent to the thrown, Yassen, hired assassin now body guard, and Leo, the current Phoenix King and Elena's father. We experience the unfolding story through Elena's, Yassen's and Leo's point of view.And then we also meet Elena's soon to be husband Samson, who comes with an army of his own, the Black Scales.It becomes clear fairly quickly that all is not well in the Kingdom of Ravence, and rebellion maybe even a revolution maybe well on its way.As events escalate Elena finds herself thrown into a series of events that change her, as she has to make choices as to where her alliances and her trust lies, assuming, that there is anyone she can trust.Underlying the whole novel is the magic of the phoenix and its outward symbol of fire. It is beautifully woven into the narrative as we get glimpses of the phoenix through what each of the main characters believes about the phoenix and his powers. And yet, the true magic of the phoenix still has to be revealed.There, too, is an immersion into colours and flavours/scents that I have not yet encountered in a fantasy novel. I absolutely loved this sensual layer, that brought colour & spice into the story & to me as a reader.The book ends on a cliffhanger of some magnitude.And now we wait and see where the story takes us from there.I have to admit that I am curious whereto the story will develop. Hopefully much more of the phoenix magic will become apparent. And me thinks, Elena, Yassen and Samson will be amazing in their new found powers.

*waves hands* Okay, okay, okay!You got me! *slaps hands down*It’s not my fault… you know I have a weakness for maps and glossaries in my Sci-Fi Fantasy reads. You pretty much have my unfailing loyalty to the story from just these two points alone *shrugs*.Add in multifaceted world-building and complex morally grey characters, it’s fair to say I was hooked. And characters don’t come more complex and diverse as our three main protagonists: Elena, Leo, and Yassen.At the heart of all great SFF reads is the struggle for power and what those that have it, and what those that want it will do to keep or attain it. Power corrupts and this is a theme played out in TPK against the backdrop of political machinations and religious fervour.Don’t even get me started on the parallels between this world and ours… *folds arms*I found myself questioning everyone and everything in the story (as I am wont to do! *snorts*). Motivations are key… if you can work them out *smirks*.Fire is a character all its own in the book; captivating and deadly. It lives, it breathes… it sees all as it burns.Full of action, suspense, and a slow burn romance, TPK will suck you in till the end (numb bum included coz it’s chunky) and leave you craving Book 2 to continue the journey.Well, it will if you’re anything like me!

I have not read it but the book is in perfect condition.Note. The font size is quite small.

Really lovely fantasy book and great to read south asian references and representation! Look forward to reading the next part!

The Phoenix King is the story of three people. King Leo Ravence and his ancestors are worshippers of the Phoenix God. He rules is the Kingdom of Sayon and is waiting to hand over the throne to his daughter Elena. Elena knows what becoming Queen will involve but cannot hold or yield fire, a requirement of any monarch. Yassen was once a deadly assassin but he is asked to join the ranks of the Ravence family and protect them as one last task before he is free. Leo, Elena and Yassen’s destinies will forever be tied by the Phoenix God.I found the story to be quite slow paced to begin with but part way through the book the pace did speed up especially as the story moved towards Elena taking the throne. It did take me a while to get use to the author’s writing style as it was very descriptive. However, I quickly got use to the descriptive nature of the writing and this did help me to picture the characters and their surroundings. The start of the book certainly caught my attention because it starts with Yassen scaling a cliff and on a mission to assassinate a king.This is an epic fantasy with brilliant world building, South Asian representation and a slow burn enemies to lovers romance. It is a story that is filled with history, magic, religion, politics and destiny. I loved the incorporation of Hindu mythology, culture and practices within the story especially the emphasis on fire which does play a big part in Hindu religion and mythology. There were so many memorable scenes in the book. I liked the scenes between Elena and Yassen but also the flashback scenes between Leo and Aahnah, Elena’s mother. One of my favourite scenes was when Elena was practising the Phoenix Dance with Yassen and at the end of the dance her dupatta catches on the button of his sleeve. I loved this scene because it gave me Bollywood vibes and melted my heart.Elena was a very interesting character. She is smart, brave and can hold her own. I can see why she is frustrated because she can’t hold fire but that doesn’t stop her from practising and trying to learn this craft. Elena’s relationship with Leo was strained to begin with. Although Elena asked Leo for help on how to hold fire, Leo didn’t seem to want to help her. Elena saw this as a sign that Leo might not be ready to give up the throne but as the story progressed we learn the real reason behind Leo’s reluctance because he wanted to protect Elena. Yassen is what I would describe as a tortured hero. He is a former assassin on his last mission. But when he eventually becomes Elena’s bodyguard his true intentions are revealed and it’s not what I thought it would be. There was definitely something simmering between Elena and Yassen from the first point that they met but neither acknowledge it until later on in the book.As for the ending it was just wow and I was left utterly speechless. I am very much looking forward to reading the second book to see what awaits the characters.A must read for all fantasy lovers.