While I really enjoyed the first book in this series I found the pacing in this sequel to be off. Unfortunately I didn't really become engaged with the plot until the last quarter of the book. Until that point the book was quite slow and didn't foster engagement with the characters or the story for me. Once the pace picked up I enjoyed this read as much as the first one, so I'm hopeful that the next book in the series will pick up on the high note. I would still recommend this series to readers who enjoy P.C. Cast, and late middle grade or early young adult fiction focusing on magic and connection with animals.

What can I say about this book other than that I absolutely loved it and that this series is becoming one of my favourites. Seriously, the only thing I did not like about it is that I now have to wait to find out what will happen next.

So if you enjoy magic, heroes and Phoenixes-do your a big favour and read this series.

I was lucky to get an early ecopy thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. Still getting the hardcover when it out. Getting the Owlcrate edition.

Heart of flames is the sequel to Crown of feathers. I have really loved the first book in this trilogy that I got with my Owlcrate subscription last year and was impatiently waiting to be able to read the sequel.

It takes off after the event of the first book. Veronyka as finally joined the Phoenix Riders as she always as dream of and Tristan is now a Master Rider. Val (Avalkyra) is still trying to rule to whole country and won't back down. We have different PoV at every chapter wich I really like (Tristan, Veronika, Val, Sev and Kade.

I really loved it and could barely put it down. Can't wait for the next book in this serie.

This was a solid sequel. I found it slow going at first as things were getting set up. We follow our characters where we left them in the first book, and they continue training and developing their storylines. I wouldn't say any of it was superfluous, but I didn't really get excited until about 70% when the action really gets going. All the set ups start paying off, and at that point I couldn't put the book down.

There was good character development throughout and interesting reveals from the past in the form of letters and history essays, which really added to the richness of the world.

The end is quite the cliffhanger, and I'm hoping the wait for the next book isn't too long!

For full disclosure, I debated between giving this a 2 or a 3 stars. Critically, I would give this 2.5 stars, but because I really enjoy the world Pau Preto created, I boosted this. However, I cannot take away that this novel was a slug to read. It definitely suffers from middle book syndrome - which I can handle, when a novel is 300 pages. But when it is over 600 pages, I think major editing would have severely benefited this book. There are around 50-75 pages of this book where major plot points happened, but for most of the book, there was nothing really happening. Much like the first book, a lot of elements were constantly repeated to readers in each of the perspectives. Speaking of which, there were <i>far</i> too many perspectives that I think the novel could have gone without. I can pick two characters off the top of my head whose perspectives can be integrated with others or taking out completely. (To be honest, I skim read the last 20 pages because I had had enough). It is a shame because I really really like the world and I'm engaged enough with the story that i do actually want to see this series through and find out how it ends! I feel like with a lot of editing, Pau Preto can create a really captivating ending. Val and Veronyka are really interesting characters, so I am still interested.

Wow this book was even better than Crown of Feathers! It's unusual for me to like the second book in the series better than the first but I love when it happens. This book is filled with more phoenixes and magical creatures and we get to learn more about the world, it's history, and the magic. I loved all the character developments as well as the developments in the relationships. There are a lot of slow burn romances in this book which I absolutely loved. There are moments when characters I really care about are flung into dangerous situations and really stressed me out. I love all the characters we get to meet in this sequel and am excited to learn more about them as well as the world and the magic in the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this early in exchange for an honest review.

In Heart of Flames we are once again thrust into Nicki Pau Preto's incredible world and taken for a ride.

We follow the same cast of characters (Veronyka, Tristan and Sev), but with the addition of Elliot, Kade and Val's perspectives, which were great additions. Being able to experience the other aspects of the story is always such a great touch and really adds depth. We also had the pleasure of watching the relationships of each character grow and develop, which was really satisfying. There isn't a single character in this book who is one dimensional. Everyone is very fleshed out; even side characters we are just meeting for the first time.

Slow burn romances (m/m and m/f), a great political plot and twists had me powering through this book. We learn more about the Blood War, get even more lore and documents through the chapters breaks and get to experience a past life through letters once again.

I can safely say that this book is no where near a "bridge" or "filler" book. We piggybacked off of what happened in the first book and got even more than expected. We get more Phoenix riders, more backstory, more politics and more action. The start of the book is definitely a slow burn, but I love that about this series. It sets up for a really strong finish and you just know that the final book is going to be incredible.

The fact that this series has flown (HA) under the radar actually is a good thing, in my opinion. You don't go into Crown of Feathers with monumental expectations, but are absolutely blown away by the characters, world building and strength of the writing.

I would recommend this book and series without hesitation to anyone who enjoys political fantasy and really wants to dive into a world that has magical creatures, war and multi-layered relationships.

*ARC provided by Simon and Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review**
Veroynka has got her job of her dreams as a Phoenix Rider and Tristan is a master Rider. Veryonka's sister Val is trying to regain the empire that she lost. They are all drawn together in a fight that will shape the course of the empire.

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this novel. I think it was a lot better than the first novel. The world building was well down I thought with the side bits between chapters and being shown throughout the story. The characters were developed and their motivations made sense. Riding phoenixes is different and a very under-utilized magical creatures. Her writing was also a lot better, than the first one. It pulled me in a lot better.

My big issue, was while it was different enough to not feel like a stock YA fantasy, it didn't feel like it brought anything new to the genre. The tropes were the standard ones always found in current YAs. It was still a fun read and I liked reading about the Phoenixes. I'm also well aware that I am not in the target demographic, and I would've absolutely loved this if I was a teenager reading it.

I'm interested in seeing how Nicki PauPreto's writing grows and matures. i already see a step up between novels, so it should be interesting to see how much better she gets the more she publishes.

3.5/5
I'd recommend this to teenagers who are fans of YA fantasy. It's a quick and fun read.

I have but one word to describe Nicki Pau Preto’s follow-up to the amazing book that is Crown of Feathers. Spell it out with me now. E-P-I-C! Yes. Over 600 pages of perfect, magical, phoenix-riding, EPICNESS!

For those who have kept up with me, you will know how much I adored CoF. And how could I not? A high-fantasy with queens of lore, phoenix riders and a main character who disguises herself as a boy to prove them all wrong—it’s all I never knew I wanted until it fell in my lap. For my full review of Crown of Feathers, click here. Initially, this series was meant to be a duology, but a few months ago it turned into a trilogy and I could not be more thrilled! Especially when one considers that HoF is over 600 pages and there is still so much goodness to come! I was riveted from start to finish and had my nose glued to my Kindle every spare moment I had. And after that ending? How on earth am I supposed to wait another year to find out what happens?!

As with the first book, I loved how the chapters are broken up by quotes, letters and excerpts from Phoenix rider history. It’s so damn clever and adds another level of understanding to this incredible story! My particular favourite are the excerpts that shed light on the phoenix rider queens of old. It’s remarkable world-building that hits a level few YA fantasies get the space to do. It simply lends more to the sheer epicness of this series. From the phoenix rider history to the goddess lore, from the magical aspects to the political undertones and warfare—all are a true testament to Pau Preto’s story-telling ability. There is a constant thread of worry throughout that kept me reading. Who would come out on top in each battle, and what did the scheming and interactions from either side mean? I was always trying to figure out what would come next, and Pau Preto kept me entirely on my toes.

Also like CoF, this story is broken into multiple PoVs (beware CoF spoilers here.) As with the last book, we are told the story through:

🔥 Veronyka: My darling girl. I have nothing but praise for Veronyka and what she has to endure. This book is a lot of self-discovery for her, especially after the bombshell her dear “sister” dropped on her at the end of the last book. This includes who her true parents are—which I did not expect—and how to control her shadow magic.

🔥 Tristan: I was a big fan of Tristan in the first book, and that love has only grown with this next instalment. He has such a big heart and cares so deeply that it’s really a treat to be inside his head. I like how his relationship develops with Veronyka, and I can’t wait to find out what happens with him.

🔥 Sev: He was my least favourite of the original trio, and second least this time, only because his story isn’t as exciting as Veronyka’s or Tristan’s. However! I do adore him. He grows so much in his work as a spy for the phoenix riders while re-joining the Empire’s army, and frankly, I’m quite proud of him.

But we also get the welcomed addition of:

🔥 Avalkyra: You cannot know how ecstatic I was to see parts of this story from Val’s eyes. This woman is completely and utterly fascinating, given her backstory. She is also a perfect villain. She is ruthless, cold, manipulative … and desperate. The nuances to her character are unending and I want so much more of her.

🔥 Elliot: Last, not least, but definitely my least favourite PoV, if only because I didn’t think him all that important compared to the others. Elliot is having a hard time after being grounded and shunned after being revealed as a spy for the Empire. Really, I just liked his chapters because it gave a glimpse of my darling Sparrow.

Can I just take a second to say that Pau Preto’s writing has improved immensely with her sophomore effort. While still a five star read, my biggest complaint about the first book was that there was a lot of info-dumping, especially in the first quarter. It can absolutely be justified—given how much information needed to be shared because of how big this story is—but it was still a lot. This, however, was the perfect balance of rehashing previous events and carrying on without bogging down the reader with heavy details and lore. I did not re-read CoF before this one, and while it would definitely be beneficial to pick up the first book, I was never lost or confused.

I feel like I scream at people to read this series often, and you can consider this just another attempt. IF YOU HAVEN’T PICKED UP THIS SERIES YET WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?

Yikes.

I was so looking forward to this sequel. Crown of Feathers was among my favourite books of 2019. I loved the world they built, I loved the characters, I loved the idea of phoenix riders. I could hardly wait to dive back into this thrilling story and enjoy more of the phoenix riders. But this ain’t it.

I don’t know if I just suddenly changed in the few months since reading the first book but Heart of Flames has excruciating pacing. It took my forever to finish it and I dreaded picking it up until about the last fourth of the book. The first three quarters feel like almost nothing happens. There’s so many points of view that you never really get to settle into one and enjoy it. Tristan and Veronyka both get POVs despite almost never being apart. It makes the relationship tensionless because you KNOW how they both feel and they just won’t talk.

The relationship is actually my biggest problem with the book. I don’t feel like this romance was needed or well executed. Kade and Sev are a much more compelling romance. Tristan and Veronyka are bland, boring and don’t feel like they have any chemistry. Scenes with them drag on and on…and there’s so much time spent on them mooning over each other instead of action that I think the romance is really what dragged the pacing down.

I did like the “twist” even if it was cliche. I felt like Pau Preto made it her own and I was actually invested in how Veronyka would handle it. The phoenix fights were still amazing. Anytime Val showed up was very exciting. There were still things I loved about this book.

It just felt like way too much of the story took place inside of Veronyka and Tristan’s heads exploring their connection and their feelings for each other. It was awful reading the first parts of the book and I couldn’t get into it at all. I think this is one of the starkest drops in quality from a first book to a sequel I’ve ever experienced.

It hurts to write this review because I LOVED Crown of Feathers. So much. I wanted to love Heart of Flames. I missed the characters and the world and then when I finally got to read it it was like all the magic had been sucked from the story to focus on making the romance believable before they could have the plot move forward.

This story should be about Veronyka and Val. Sev and Kade. Tristan really doesn’t need a POV. He’d be a fine love interest if the romance didn’t absorb most of the story and pause the actual plot to make space for itself. I’m disappointed. I don’t know if I’ll bother reading the third book despite how intriguing the ending was and the huge cliffhanger. Reading the first part of this book was like watching paint dry and I don’t know that the story ended up being worth it.

This series has heart, a wonderfully intricate plot, unexpected yet glorious twists, and a wonderful host of story lines about believable relationships of all kinds woven throughout. I heartily enjoyed it and can't wait for the sequel. The characters develop in ways that encourage thoughtful introspection about how we would all react in difficult relationships and circumstances, and the imagination involved in creating the added dimension of magic and phoenix lore gives an added dimension to how people relate to the (somewhat super)natural world around them.

«i did not think it would be possible to love this sequel more than the first installment of this serie, but I did. It was magnicent. Everything about this book is amazing. it's a long book, the author did not go easy on the details of this story, but it makes this world and these characters all the more interesting. I cannot wait for the third book. I never wanted this book to finish I am actually a little heartbroken.

This book was such a great sequel! I loved every minute of it. The characters were more flushed out in this novel, and the plot was riveting, with twists and turns I was never expecting. I can’t wait for the third book!!