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simplyalexandra 's review for:
Phoenix Unbound
by Grace Draven
Full Review:
4.25 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy fantasy with sweeping adventurous plots with a bit of romance.
Gilene has the ability to summon fire. When the empire culls girls and women as slaves for the Rites of Spring, they will be given to the gladiators for a bit of fun, and later burned as a sacrifice to the gods. Gilene attends each year out of duty and to save another from her fate. This year, she is recognized (despite her disguise) by the gladius prime, Azarion.When Azarion explains his goal to escape the arena, she must help him or risk her secret being exposed to the empire. Upon escape, however, Gilene is taken Azarion's prisoner and whisked across the world to his plainland home. He needs her help, and her gift of fire.
I loved the way this novel was set up, the world building was pretty cool. I specifically loved the Savatar section of the book. The culture was so interesting and unlike what I have read before in fantasy novels. It reminded me a wee bit of the Dothraki in GoT, but way less brutal, and way more culturally fleshed out (at least from the show). I became so attached to that whole world and all of those characters. I loved that while this book has romance, it's not really the center of the plot. The world building and character development are much more central. However, I did love the romance, and holy cow, Azarion is such a gentleman, lol! I thought the ending of the book was just a bit rushed, BUT I really like what the author did with it! I cried a little bit, and found the ending SO satisfying. I will 100% read the next books in this series!
Right After Reading:
SO MANY FEELINGS!
I was given advance access to this title by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
4.25 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy fantasy with sweeping adventurous plots with a bit of romance.
Gilene has the ability to summon fire. When the empire culls girls and women as slaves for the Rites of Spring, they will be given to the gladiators for a bit of fun, and later burned as a sacrifice to the gods. Gilene attends each year out of duty and to save another from her fate. This year, she is recognized (despite her disguise) by the gladius prime, Azarion.When Azarion explains his goal to escape the arena, she must help him or risk her secret being exposed to the empire. Upon escape, however, Gilene is taken Azarion's prisoner and whisked across the world to his plainland home. He needs her help, and her gift of fire.
I loved the way this novel was set up, the world building was pretty cool. I specifically loved the Savatar section of the book. The culture was so interesting and unlike what I have read before in fantasy novels. It reminded me a wee bit of the Dothraki in GoT, but way less brutal, and way more culturally fleshed out (at least from the show). I became so attached to that whole world and all of those characters. I loved that while this book has romance, it's not really the center of the plot. The world building and character development are much more central. However, I did love the romance, and holy cow, Azarion is such a gentleman, lol! I thought the ending of the book was just a bit rushed, BUT I really like what the author did with it! I cried a little bit, and found the ending SO satisfying. I will 100% read the next books in this series!
Right After Reading:
SO MANY FEELINGS!
I was given advance access to this title by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!