Mundie Moms

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Book Review- Silver Phoenix

Published by Greenwillow Books
Released on February 1st, 2011 (paperback edition)
Source- bought via Cassandra Clare's B & N recommendations
4 stars- It's A Good Read

No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.

But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.

It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more (quoted from Goodreads).

This book had been on my radar for quite awhile and it wasn't until I saw Cassandra Clare's Barnes & Noble top 12 Book Picks did I finally pick it up. What a fascinating read it was. Cindy Pon not only has a rich mythology and setting, but some very strong characters.

Ai Ling is a strong, fierce heroine who's courage adds an element of surprise in her adventures. Set during a time when women were told what to do and excepted to obey, Ai Ling proves other wise. It's her Independence that I was really drawn to, and the fact that she's also a romantic. During the story's time period, most people are betrothed, but Ling isn't one who wants to be told who she can marry. She wants to fall in love and marry for love, a rarity and something her parent's did.

I really loved the mythology and lore. Cindy introduces a variety of different creatures through Ai Ling's epic adventures in her quest to find her missing father. She doesn't travel to these fascinating lands by herself, she has a truly fabulous companion in Chen Yong, and what a wonderful character he is. The scenes with Chen Yong and his brother were some of my favorite to read. I love their brotherly love and brotherly competition.

The action is non stop, the romance is bitter sweet, the magic and lore is fantastic and the descriptions of the various foods will leave your mouth watering. Now I know why Cassie recommended this book, as there are so many great elements that Cindy brings together for Silver Phoenix. This is one fantasy adventure that has a lot of YA/Adult cross over appeal to it and one I'd recommend picking it up. I'm looking forward to reading the next adventure that awaits Ai Ling in Fury of the Phoenix which will be out this next week!

2 comments:

  1. I bought this book recently and am curious now to read it thanks to your review. I may have to movie it up on my TBR.

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  2. This sounds really interesting! I'm adding it to my list. Thanks for the review!

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