Search
Search results
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix (Rise of the Empress #2) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
If there's anything I like from Forest of a Thousand Lanterns other than the writing and world, it's how delightfully evil Xifeng is.
When I picked up the sequel, Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix, I just wanted to know how this story will end rather than "I WANT MORE." After all, villains meet one end only in fiction.
I love my characters dark and ruthless sometimes, but Forest of a Thousand Lanterns just didn't hit the mark. The first novel focuses a lot on the journey Xifeng takes to the palace and I found myself frequently drawn away from the slow pacing of the story. That certainly didn't stop me from diving headfirst into Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix though.
Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is much better than the first novel.
The sequel to Dao's debut novel is set 18 years later, told in Princess Jade's perspective. Xifeng is ruling as the evil empress of Feng Lu and Jade has been sent away to grow up in a monastery until she receives a note summoning her back to the palace.
She's not interested in going back to the palace, though, and would much rather stay at the monastery she's called home. But do we really want an evil queen when you have the power and right to overthrow her? Probably not. Like Forest of a Thousand Lanterns, Dao takes readers on a journey as Jade sets off to prove her worth as the heir and take on Xifeng.
Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is action-packed and Dao's writing really grows.
The sequel is filled with so many stories, which I think adds to the world and captures the attention of readers. Dao's writing really grows through the stories she tells, and I love seeing how the different versions all tie together in some way in Jade's journey.
Likewise, I can see how some may find the sequel a major disappointment - the quest felt a little too easy for how long Xifeng has her hold as the Empress, and we take some time at the palace before the journey sets off. But it's not as long as nearly half the book in Forest of a Thousand Lanterns. However, I still enjoyed Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix more, and I'm delighted to see what stories Dao come up with next.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/kingdom-of-the-blazing-phoenix-by-julie-c-dao/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
When I picked up the sequel, Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix, I just wanted to know how this story will end rather than "I WANT MORE." After all, villains meet one end only in fiction.
I love my characters dark and ruthless sometimes, but Forest of a Thousand Lanterns just didn't hit the mark. The first novel focuses a lot on the journey Xifeng takes to the palace and I found myself frequently drawn away from the slow pacing of the story. That certainly didn't stop me from diving headfirst into Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix though.
Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is much better than the first novel.
The sequel to Dao's debut novel is set 18 years later, told in Princess Jade's perspective. Xifeng is ruling as the evil empress of Feng Lu and Jade has been sent away to grow up in a monastery until she receives a note summoning her back to the palace.
She's not interested in going back to the palace, though, and would much rather stay at the monastery she's called home. But do we really want an evil queen when you have the power and right to overthrow her? Probably not. Like Forest of a Thousand Lanterns, Dao takes readers on a journey as Jade sets off to prove her worth as the heir and take on Xifeng.
Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is action-packed and Dao's writing really grows.
The sequel is filled with so many stories, which I think adds to the world and captures the attention of readers. Dao's writing really grows through the stories she tells, and I love seeing how the different versions all tie together in some way in Jade's journey.
Likewise, I can see how some may find the sequel a major disappointment - the quest felt a little too easy for how long Xifeng has her hold as the Empress, and we take some time at the palace before the journey sets off. But it's not as long as nearly half the book in Forest of a Thousand Lanterns. However, I still enjoyed Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix more, and I'm delighted to see what stories Dao come up with next.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/kingdom-of-the-blazing-phoenix-by-julie-c-dao/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Etched In Bone
8.0
Rate It
Book
Anne Bishop returns to her world of the Others, as humans struggle to survive in the shadow of...
Paranormal Urban Fantasy Prophecy Vampire Shapeshifter Werewolf
Refuge (Relentless, #2)
9.0
Rate It
Book
To keep the people she loves safe, Sara left everything she knew behind. She soon learns this new...
Fantasy Paranormal Romance Young Adult
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Medicine
Book
Most people know Roald Dahl as a famous write of children's books and adult short stories, but few...
Kyera (8 KP) rated King's Cage in Books
Jan 31, 2018
King’s Cage is the third book in the Red Queen series, but not the final book in the installment. I highly suggest that you read the first two books before this one, otherwise you will be incredibly confused. The overall premise of the series is very intriguing and draws you in. Unfortunately, it is a little slow at times and can be difficult to get through. Glass Sword, in particular, took a while to get its stride and I kept putting it down. As a result of the cliffhanger at the end of Glass Sword, King’s Cage is able to start more quickly.
Originally, I didn’t have very strong feelings about any of the characters in the series. They were from various worlds, had different personalities, but I just didn’t truly connect with any of them. King’s Cage made a few of the characters slightly more likable to me, but it still wasn’t enough. Whether it was an important character or a side character, I wasn’t emotionally involved enough to deeply care if something happened to them. It was a simple, oh that’s sad or unfortunate, but it didn’t tear my heart out like some writing does.
Mare’s world is turned upside down and overall the plot of this novel is more engaging than Glass Sword. The fights were described very well and I felt like I was there watching them. I still wish that there was more world building in these novels. There are such varied lands, ruled by unique leaders that I wish we knew more about them.
Overall, I enjoy this series and would recommend giving it a shot. It’s difficult to categorize between fantasy and a form of dystopian. The series is not high fantasy so the world isn’t too difficult to dive into. I’d recommend to young adult/teen fans of fantasy books or books where the characters have powers.
Originally, I didn’t have very strong feelings about any of the characters in the series. They were from various worlds, had different personalities, but I just didn’t truly connect with any of them. King’s Cage made a few of the characters slightly more likable to me, but it still wasn’t enough. Whether it was an important character or a side character, I wasn’t emotionally involved enough to deeply care if something happened to them. It was a simple, oh that’s sad or unfortunate, but it didn’t tear my heart out like some writing does.
Mare’s world is turned upside down and overall the plot of this novel is more engaging than Glass Sword. The fights were described very well and I felt like I was there watching them. I still wish that there was more world building in these novels. There are such varied lands, ruled by unique leaders that I wish we knew more about them.
Overall, I enjoy this series and would recommend giving it a shot. It’s difficult to categorize between fantasy and a form of dystopian. The series is not high fantasy so the world isn’t too difficult to dive into. I’d recommend to young adult/teen fans of fantasy books or books where the characters have powers.
4 stars!
I really enjoyed reading this book, I thought it was well written, well edited and it kept my interest from beginning to end. This is not the type of book that I usually go for but going through an unplanned pregnancy alone (under different circumstances) I wanted to read something that I might possibly be able to relate to...and in some way I did. The reason why I knocked off a star was because some of the author's decisions made me a bit twitchy eyed...but hey it's each to their own. Overall, I did enjoy this memoir about an unwanted pregnancy after a one night stand and I felt good to be able to follow the journey of a woman in a similar situation as me but from a different world.
I really enjoyed reading this book, I thought it was well written, well edited and it kept my interest from beginning to end. This is not the type of book that I usually go for but going through an unplanned pregnancy alone (under different circumstances) I wanted to read something that I might possibly be able to relate to...and in some way I did. The reason why I knocked off a star was because some of the author's decisions made me a bit twitchy eyed...but hey it's each to their own. Overall, I did enjoy this memoir about an unwanted pregnancy after a one night stand and I felt good to be able to follow the journey of a woman in a similar situation as me but from a different world.
TF
The Fragile Life: Accepting Our Vulnerability
Book
It is perhaps our noblest cause, and certainly one of our oldest: to end suffering. Think of the...
Merissa (12894 KP) rated A Bright Celestial Sea by Chani Lynn Feener in Books
Jun 27, 2022
A BRIGHT CELESTIAL SEA is a standalone that could easily be the first in a series.
Pryor and Castor, plus others in their crew, are sent to a World Ship to find a missing royal. It's not that easy though, and things become complicated when other things are found to be missing too. Throw in an Emperor-in-waiting and you've got one helluva story.
Half of the mystery is easy to see - it doesn't hide at all, except from Wystan and the others. But still, as the reader, it is all there for you as we are in Pryor's mind for the most part. The other part though - was brilliantly set up, with only a few clues as I neared the end. I won't say anything else but I loved it!
The world-building is second to none. The worlds and ships, plus the different hierarchies, are simple and clean to see. I didn't feel like the story lagged in any places; it definitely kept my attention from beginning to end.
This author is new-to-me but I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for future publications - especially if this does become a series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Pryor and Castor, plus others in their crew, are sent to a World Ship to find a missing royal. It's not that easy though, and things become complicated when other things are found to be missing too. Throw in an Emperor-in-waiting and you've got one helluva story.
Half of the mystery is easy to see - it doesn't hide at all, except from Wystan and the others. But still, as the reader, it is all there for you as we are in Pryor's mind for the most part. The other part though - was brilliantly set up, with only a few clues as I neared the end. I won't say anything else but I loved it!
The world-building is second to none. The worlds and ships, plus the different hierarchies, are simple and clean to see. I didn't feel like the story lagged in any places; it definitely kept my attention from beginning to end.
This author is new-to-me but I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for future publications - especially if this does become a series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12894 KP) rated The Devil is in the Details (Broken Halos #1) in Books
May 6, 2019
The Devil is in the Details (Broken Halos #1) by Maya Daniels
The Devil is in the Details is the first book in the Broken Halos series, and we meet Eric and Helena (Hel). At first glance, they appear to be on opposing sides, but not everything is as it seems. Eric is a Demon, whereas Hel is a Hunter. When Eric is approached by one of Helena's bosses, with a kill order and a special deal for the Demons, he wonders what is going on. None of that matters once he sees Hel though, and he will do ANYTHING to protect her.
This was a fast-paced, fun-filled, frolic of a book. I loved Hel's sassy attitude, and I thought her grief over her best friend was incredibly written. She admits she just wants to wake up, and owns her temper tantrums, apologising as necessary. Eric is the bad boy of the Demon world, and I loved him. There were two revelations about him, which shocked Hel both times. The first one I can understand, but the second? Surely if he is the first, the second is part of the same? (Trying so hard not to do spoilers here!!!)
This is an extremely well-written book that gives enough world-building for you to get to grips with their world, whilst still leaving more to come. This does end on a cliff-hanger, so fair warning. A thoroughly enjoyable first installment, and I can't wait for the second. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a fast-paced, fun-filled, frolic of a book. I loved Hel's sassy attitude, and I thought her grief over her best friend was incredibly written. She admits she just wants to wake up, and owns her temper tantrums, apologising as necessary. Eric is the bad boy of the Demon world, and I loved him. There were two revelations about him, which shocked Hel both times. The first one I can understand, but the second? Surely if he is the first, the second is part of the same? (Trying so hard not to do spoilers here!!!)
This is an extremely well-written book that gives enough world-building for you to get to grips with their world, whilst still leaving more to come. This does end on a cliff-hanger, so fair warning. A thoroughly enjoyable first installment, and I can't wait for the second. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Movies & TV Shows
Entertainment and Lifestyle
App
BIGSTAR Movies Now with FREE Movies! Anyone can now watch and discover great independent and...