The world has grown cold in the light of the dying sun, but Mara’s phoenix fire burns hotter than she can control. Her father taught her to fear herself because he was the only one who could stop her from exploding. Under his instruction, Mara learns to cut her wings, tame her fire, and avoid the hollow human hunters who only want the phoenix for their warmth against the frozen world. Sleep calls to the phoenix flock and Mara must stand watch. When she fails and her family goes missing, her explosion will burn the world. Or will it? She encounters a human named Eli who isn’t like the hunters her father taught her to fear, and he seems to know more about being a Phoenix than she does. As Mara’s wings grow again, she must decide if she can save her family or herself.
Wow, just wow. This book has so many unique concepts and plot twists. As a fantasy lover, I have the problem of finding books too similar and not original enough. This tale gives a fresh take on the mythical phoenix creature and a frozen tundra setting. I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Mara, who just wants to please her father and do what is right while battling the whirlwind of herself and her untamed mind. The cold feel of the world, along with the burning crystal wings of the phoenix, were beyond intriguing. I also enjoyed Eli’s selfless spirit and kindness towards Mara as he tries to show her the strength she didn’t know she had. I would 100% recommend this to any fantasy and or mythology-loving reader!!!!
Scoresheet:
Category: YA Fantasy
Spice/Romance: Clean read/No spice. Only the beginnings of romantic interest
Violence: Mild warning. Humans hunt Phoenix blood for warmth so there is mention of death and bloodletting multiple times as well as wing removal.
Morals/Worldview: Christian worldview in symbolic form. Good morals.
Recommended reading age: 16+
