The Phoenix King
-
-
4.1 • 23 Ratings
-
-
- $6.99
Publisher Description
The fate of a desert kingdom rests in the hands of a princess desperate for power and an assassin with a dark secret, in this action-packed debut of fire magic and ancient prophecy from a stunning new voice in fantasy.
"A CAPTIVATING ADVENTURE." —Peter V. Brett
The Ravani kingdom was born of a prophecy, carved from unforgiving desert sands and ruled by the Ravence bloodline: those with the power to command the Eternal Fire.
Elena Aadya is the heir to the throne—and the only Ravence who cannot wield her family’s legendary magic. As her coronation approaches, she will do whatever it takes to prove herself a worthy successor to her revered father. But she doesn’t anticipate the arrival of Yassen Knight, the notorious assassin who now claims fealty to the throne. Elena’s father might trust Yassen to be a member of her royal guard, but she is certain he is hiding something.
As the threat of war looms like a storm on the horizon, the two begin a dangerous dance of intrigue and betrayal. And the choices they make could burn down the world.
"Characters you just can’t get out of your head.” —Vaishnavi Patel, NYT bestselling author of Kaikeyi
"Elegant and intelligent storytelling...an exhilarating adventure perfect for fans of S.A. Chakraborty." —Library Journal
"A riveting page turner." —Booklist
"This exciting fantasy promises good things from the series to come." —Publishers Weekly
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Verma's ambitious science fantasy debut, originally self-published as The Boy with Fire, kicks off the Ravence trilogy, introducing readers to a vast and fascinating world on the brink of war. Elena Aadya, heir to the desert kingdom of Ravence, must master her ancestral fire magic before her impending coronation. Leo Malhari, her father and reigning Phoenix King, wields propaganda and force to maintain his rule. Assassin Yassen Knight, seeking redemption after fleeing a failed assignment, returns to Ravence, his mother's homeland, to serve the royal family. As Elena clashes with her father, and Yassen proves to be more than he appears, the princess uncovers a dark, generation-spanning secret about the origins of fire magic and learns the steep cost of power. Artfully blending high tech sci-fi elements with a magic system drawn from Indian culture and myth, Verma's worldbuilding encompasses a sense of rich history and complex social dynamics. A satisfying slow-burn romance only enhances the political machinations. This exciting fantasy promises good things from the series to come.
