The Phoenix King, Aparna Verma
The Phoenix King, Aparna Verma
List: $38.99 | Sale: $27.30
Club: $19.49

The Phoenix King

Author: Aparna Verma

Narrator: Soneela Nankani, Deepti Gupta, Vikas Adam, Akshay Kumar

Unabridged: 19 hr 36 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Orbit

Published: 11/28/2023


Synopsis

From a stunning new voice in science fantasy comes an action-packed debut of fire magic and ancient prophecy, in which the fate of a futuristic desert kingdom rests in the hands of a princess desperate for power and an assassin with a dark secret.

"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.

"Come for the science fantasy worldbuilding and stay for the 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

Reviews

Goodreads review by Aparna on March 20, 2022

Hi everyone! Since this is my book, I'm a bit biased towards the 5-star review, but I wanted to take this chance to talk more about THE BOY WITH FIRE. I started writing this book back in 2017. It was just a spark of an idea that didn't grow into a fire until the pandemic of 2020. The world was crumbl......more

Goodreads review by SK on September 30, 2023

I had a good time with this book and it's no doubt a debut well done. There is A LOT of potential in the series. BUT I am conflicted about a few things. ✔️ Sci-fi + High fantasy ✔️ Fire bending ✔️ Political intrigue ✔️ Romance is a subplot (slow burn) A kingdom set in the desert and born out of a prop......more

Goodreads review by Arundhati on January 25, 2022

I have followed Aparna Verma on Tiktok for a while, and so was excited to read the ARC of The Boy With Fire. Though I read it just before release, I have held off on reviewing for a while in order to adequately collect my thoughts. I also didn't want my mixed review to cloud the excitement of releas......more

Goodreads review by Lila on May 11, 2022

Big thank you to NetGalley for providing this free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! I cannot believe this is a debut novel for Aparna Verma! This high fantasy, inspired by Indian myth, is a thrilling story of redemption. One of my favourite aspects is when each chapter has a quote at the begin......more

Goodreads review by Jasmine on August 15, 2023

The Phoenix King is the first instalment of a new sci-fi fantasy trilogy loosely inspired by Indian mythology. Elena Aadya Ravence will soon inherit the crown, but she first needs to learn how to control the Eternal Flame. Her father, Leo Ravence is not ready to step down; there are still things he......more


Quotes

“A captivating adventure from a gifted new voice.”—Peter V. Brett, New York Times bestselling author of the Demon Cycle

“The kind of book you sit down with to read one chapter and end up spending the whole day on. Come for the science fantasy worldbuilding and stay for the characters you just can’t get out of your head.”—Vaishnavi Patel, New York Times bestselling author of Kaikeyi

"A heady and seamless blend of sci fi and fantasy infused with Indian inspiration. An engrossing read that will have you quickly turning through the chapters."—R.R. Virdi, USA Today bestselling author of The First Binding

"The worldbuilding is seamlessly woven into the plot, alongside the threads of love, sacrifice, betrayal, and greed. There’s also a dash of enemies-to-lovers romance among the morally gray characters, who are both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is elegant and intelligent storytelling that starts out as conniving and treacherous intrigue and transforms into an exhilarating adventure without losing that touch of mystery. Perfect for fans of S.A. Chakraborty."—Library Journal

"A riveting page-turner...which will leave readers anxiously awaiting the next book."—Booklist

“Vast and fascinating.…A satisfying slow-burn romance only enhances the political machinations. This exciting fantasy promises good things from the series to come.”—Publishers Weekly

“Verma seamlessly blends fantasy with sci-fi.…A highly recommended read.”—Fantasy Hive