Yesterday I had a super fun interview with Asian blogger Alison from Lost In Believing! Well today I have a guest post from her in which she reviews Fury of the Phoenix by Cindy Pon. Check it out!
The Gods have abandoned Ai Ling.
Her mysterious power haunts her day and night, and she leaves home—with just the moon as her guide—overwhelmed by her memories and visions and an unbearable sense of dread. For Ai Ling knows that Chen Yong is vulnerable to corrupt enchantments from the under-world. How can she do nothing when she has the skill and power to fight at his side? A dream has told her where he is, the name of the ship he is traveling on, his destination. So she steals off and stows away on board.
The ocean voyage brings with it brutal danger, haunting revelations, and new friendships, but also the premonition of a very real and terrifying threat. Zhong Ye—the powerful sorcerer whom Ai Ling believed she had vanquished in the Palace of Fragrant Dreams—is trapped in Hell, neither alive nor dead. Can he reach from beyond the grave to reunite with Silver Phoenix and destroy Chen Yong? And destroy whatever chance Ai Ling has at happiness, at love?
Cindy Pon has written a phenomenal follow up to Silver Phoenix. If you thought the first one was good, you’ll be blown away with the sequel. I wish it had released earlier!
The story returns with Ai Ling trying to reach Chen Yong. But this time Pon also tells the story of Zhong Ye and Silver Phoenix. At first I didn’t know what to think about reading the enemy’s story because I really, really disliked him in the first novel. Instead of being disgusted, I was really intrigued with Zhong Ye and Silver Phoenix’s tale. I ended up rooting for those two and wanted to see more to their story than the book held.
Pon’s writing has strengthened and it shows through wonderful imagery in the novel. The finite details created beautiful scenes where all five of my senses were used. I inhaled aromas from the meals, heard the cry from The Poison Eagle and felt the longing from Ai Ling and Zhong Ye. Pon takes two different plots and executes it in such a way as to make it seem easy, as well as easily read.
I also applaud Ai Ling and Chen Yong’s relationship. I love how they joke around and are open with each other on certain subjects. These two have such a strong bond that by the end I couldn’t stop smiling. Read it and you’ll see what I mean… ;)
Go pick up the sequel if you’ve read the first book. For those of you who have not yet picked the series, I highly recommend you to! You are missing out if you haven’t!
Rating: 5 / 5
I haven't read Silver Phoenix or Fury of the Phoenix yet but I'm thinking I really should because these books sound AMAZING!
If you want a chance to win Silver Phoenix or 7 other awesome books be sure to enter our All Things Asian kick-off giveaway here.
Thanks to Alison from Lost In Believing for writing such an awesome review. Be sure to head on over to her blog and show her some love!
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Julia :)
I love your enthusiasm, Julia! :D
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you enjoyed the book, although I am curious as to what you liked about the rest of the book, other than their relationship. :)