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Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix (Rise of the Empress #2) in Books

Jan 23, 2020  
KO
Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix (Rise of the Empress #2)
Julie C. Dao | 2018
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
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>
  
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Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Kingdom in the Valley - Single by Pretty Sister in Music

Jun 18, 2019  
Kingdom in the Valley - Single by Pretty Sister
Kingdom in the Valley - Single by Pretty Sister
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Pretty Sister is a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, he released a lyric video for his “Kingdom in the Valley” single.

“You know these bedrooms seen a whole lot of faces. 10 out of 10’s, they and their friends, MDMA in’ and this swimming pool has seen a whole lot of naked. Bodies on deck like video sets, all that cliché sh*t.” – lyrics

‘Kingdom in the Valley’ will be featured on Pretty Sister’s upcoming EP, which is a part of his forthcoming trio of multi-track projects.

The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and pleasing vocals. Also, the song possesses vibey instrumentation flavored with an electro-pop aroma.

Pretty Sister has spent the past year on the road, supporting Superfruit on a North American tour, touring with Betty Who, and performing on the 2019 Kesha Cruise: Kesha’s Weird & Wonderful Rainbow Ride.

His recent writing successes include Robert Delong’s “Revolutionary” single and Rozzi’s “Lose Us” song.

Also, his vocal contributions to Nause’s “Dynamite” single has resulted in over 110M streams, while his appearance on Madeon’s “The City” single helped to pull in a whopping 24M streams.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/pretty-sister-kingdom-in-the-valley/