Heart of Flames by Nicki Pau Preto (Crown of Feathers #2)

Reviewed by Sam!

What I drank prior: so i realized that we were so behind on reviews, like i read this book a months go, but we usually have like a backlog scheduled but actually we don’t so i drank a bottle of wine. It’s Ben a long time since I’ve had a bottle o wine alone…

Goodreads Overview

Veronyka, Tristan, and Sev must stop the advancing empire from destroying the Phoenix Riders in this fiery sequel to Crown of Feathers, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Kendare Blake calls “absolutely unforgettable!”

You are a daughter of queens.

The world is balanced on the edge of a knife, and war is almost certain between the empire and the Phoenix Riders.

Like Nefyra before you, your life will be a trial by fire.

Veronyka finally got her wish to join the Riders, but while she’s supposed to be in training, all she really wants to do is fly out to defend the villages of Pyra from the advancing empire. Tristan has been promoted to Master Rider, but he has very different ideas about the best way to protect their people than his father, the commander. Sev has been sent to spy on the empire, but maintaining his cover may force him to fight on the wrong side of the war. And Veronyka’s sister, Val, is determined to regain the empire she lost—even if it means inciting the war herself.

Such is your inheritance. A name. A legacy. An empire in ruin.

As tensions reach a boiling point, the characters all find themselves drawn together into a fight that will shape the course of the empire—and determine the future of the Phoenix Riders. Each must decide how far they’re willing to go—and what they’re willing to lose in the process.

I pray you are able to pass through the flames.

Drunk Overview: ok so this is the sequel to book one so if you haven’t read book one GET OUT. But actually, we’ve got our friends Tristan and Veronika who are dragon riders. Tristan’s dad is sexist and thinks only men can do the job. Oh by the way, Tristan and Nik and Val (the evil one) are bonded weirdly, but Tristan doesn’t know. We’ve also got Sel tryna be a spy for the rebels. It’s hard though… anyway shit happens

Spoiler-free Thoughts: holy crap, this story is YA but just so good story-wise. It’s different from other YA and everyone loves that. Is it diverse? No. Is it not chosen one? No. But is it a weird world with fucking phoenixes and badassery then yes. Yes it is.

Characters: I honestly love these characters. They’re the reason i keep reading this series. We’ve got our “heroes,” Nik and Tristan and Sel tryna live their best lives. Nik has this whole world that she’s supposed to keep silent, but no one really knows why. Tristan has NO IDEA why he’s got this strong connection with Nik hat he does, but he does. Also Sel… my poor son, Sel. He’s not really poor cause nothing extraordinarily bad happens to him in this book… even in the last book, only from his background… But anyway, he’s so sweet and precious and must be protected at all costs

There are a few side characters I want to talk about, the first is Tristan’s dad ,the general. YA fiction tells us parents die or they’re evil. What I love is that this story is neither. We get to know this man through his son, and we still end up loving him. The second is Val. The villain. She’s got one of the best origin stories I’ve read and you can totally understand where she comes from. It’s rare that you get that in YA. And I’m happy I do. Lastly, but not as much, I love Kade. I love him so very much. I can’t tell if it’s his broody nature or because off his ahdearance to the cause.. but i love him.

Plot: Ok, so while I love the characters… I really and truly wish things actually happened. The last third? Things happened. The first two thirds OH MY GOD JUST MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN. Like seriously, for a book over 500 pages, you should have more than what I got. Literally. This was so annoying listening to an audiobook, trying to figure out what’s happening but thinking you’ve missed something but you’ve listened for 45 min and realized, no, it wasn’t you it was the book.

Writing Style: eh.

World Building: I really and truly love this world. I just wish I got what I needed plot-wise v page count. I got a lot of the history with this book but by that point i didn’t fucking CARE.

What to pair it with: Sauv Blanc – delicious but boring

Rating: 2/5

Until next time, we remain forever drunkenly yours,
Sam