"'That's the thing with secrets...they never really die. Just when one bursts into flames, another rises up to take its place.'"

I've been meaning to reread Crown of Feathers for the past six months or so, and I finally decided to take the time to do it...and once again, it makes me jealous of all of the characters who get to live in these amazing fantasy worlds.
The book follows three POVs (Veronyka, Tristan, and Sev) in the middle of a war-torn empire in the immediate aftermath of historical battles. Veronyka disguises herself as a boy in order to become a Phoenix Rider. Tristan is the son of the commander of the Phoenix Riders, and he must face his fears of fire if he wants to have an impact on the war. Sev is a magical soldier, hiding in the army to save his own life until he is dragged into a web of spies and betrayal. The pacing is well-done so that there's rarely a dull moment, and I just love the storytelling and the themes of history repeating itself.
I also love the characters and their dynamics. The only character I don't love is Val, but I think there are admirable traits in her. Usually I don't like first-book Sev, but on this read, I found myself excited for his POVs because he's an interesting character morally. Veronyka is such a strong female protagonist and I love how she and Tristan interact with each other. Their relationship is technically romantic, but it gives strong platonic vibes and I just love them so much. I also love the design of the phoenixes.
I know this series is one that gets better with each book, so I am excited to continue. If you're looking for an epic high-fantasy with magical creatures, a strong history and worldbuilding, and lovable characters, I will always recommend Crown of Feathers.
4.75/5