I'd like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me a chance at reading this book.

It came to my surprise that I already owned a copy of it after I requested it / was approved. I had not dipped into that book, but I decided that this was the published / official copy and I should read that over the other.

I made it through 30% of the book and decided - there is too much going on and not enough explained. Which appears to be a huge thing that a lot of readers and reviews state. There are a lot of good things but they come across as a mish-mash of tropes without any coherency. Also, I can't envision this world... it seems like a blend of both pre 1900's middle east with futuristic skyscrapers and what not.

I just don't think it's very clear to the reader and therefore, I'm unable to finish this book.

Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma.

The phoenix king is an enjoyable read, with multi-POVs. The plot line is enjoyable but takes a little bit to get into. Once you do get into this book it opens up. The book is slightly flawed and fell short in some areas. Overall, it is a decent/good book. My biggest issues are, I wanted more from the characters and less world-building but for me, it sits at 4 stars.
I believe that the future books are going to make the series even better and I can not wait.

Thank you to Orbit Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really wanted to like this book, as it seemed so interesting and right up my alley, but unfortunately, it didn't capture my attention the way I really wanted it to, and I had to DNF it at around 30%.

However, there WERE a few things that I did enjoy about the book, and the main thing is the worldbuilding. Verma certainly has much talent in this area of the book, and the way she's crafted her world was executed very nicely and was both complex and full of wonder. Paired with her vivid writing style, it really seemed to bring the book to life.

But when it comes to pacing, plot and characters, this is where it fell flat and what made me DNF the book in the first place. While I don't mind slower pacing and I understand why some writers do it, this book just didn't seem to grasp me. Especially because I don't quite know what the plot is or where it's going to go, which doesn't give me much to look forward to and be excited about. In fact, I was actually quite lost around the 25% mark and had no idea what was going on. As for the characters, I just felt detached from them and I couldn't really understand them the way I wanted to. From the premise as well as the beginning of the book, it seemed like they contained a lot of promise and would be the type to root for. However as the book progressed, I lost sight of who the characters were and couldn't care for them the way I wanted to.

I'm definitely very disappointed with this book, especially as it was one of my most anticipated reads, but the execution wasn't my favourite. However, I AM willing to pick this up again in the future when I'm feeling up for it and who knows? Maybe it'll become my next favourite book. 2/5 stars.

The sci-fi combined with fantasy elements were an interesting take and Elena’s struggle with her fire was well-written. Also kudos where kudos are owed, because the three POVs were juggled really well.

However, ultimately the structure of the plot felt like it needed more editing to tighten pacing (some reveals/suspicions felt too staggered, which meant there was no real shock when it was finally confirmed) and erase plot holes/keep the logic (keeping this vague to avoid spoilers, but e.g. if the king’s going to feel so bad about doing this one inarguably bad thing, why not use the method that’ll cause less guilt and harm, which is what he uses later??). This made me start to drift a little, so I’m not sure if the plot had confusing moments or if I missed something, but at times I just had to nod and roll with it.

The romance also felt off to me in that the couple had very little chemistry and it felt more like the author was trying to persuade me of it rather than show them organically.

The big reveal at the end wasn’t bad, to be fair. There isn’t much, if any, foreshadowing, but the character it concerns definitely had untrustworthy vibes and there was some great misdirection throughout, which I enjoyed.

Overall, not a bad book. It had potential. If only the snarls in plot could’ve been smoothed over better.

This could be a result of a reading slump but I could not get into this, the story seemingly get started right off the bat but it takes so long for anything important to happen.

The relationships felt a bit sparse and not built up enough for me. I wanted a bit more from this but I can definitely see this becoming a TikTok fan favorite.

Will like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me arc to review and will be honest. I end up dnf the book I could not get into the story it was sometimes confusing and difficult to read, there were times in the story that I did like it and but this was not for me and hope someone will like it.

This was so good!! I am completely hooked! I am going to be on pins and needles waiting for the next 2 books!! This was absolutely enchanting.
I just reviewed The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma. #NetGalley
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This was an interesting read. The concept of this book was what made me want to read it. Prophecies and mythology are two of the things I love the most in books. I think this is a pretty solid debut, with my favorite parts being the writing and the way Aparna describes everything. The writing is direct but beautiful. It's easy to understand and yet, you can feel the emotion of it. I loved the way dialogue and action was written and the worldbuilding seemed so interesting.

I wanted to like this one so bad. I first saw it on TikTok when it was The Boy With Fire. I spent most of the book trying to figure out where that title came from, and was genuinely shocked by the end, but not in a good way. There were a lot of characters, a lot of perspectives, a lot of plot threads being woven. There was intricate world-building, complex politics, a heavy focus on religion and its corrupting influence, and a blending of fantasy and sci-fi. But, in the words of Ron Swanson, never half-ass two things, whole-ass one thing. This book was trying to do SO MUCH, that it ended up doing very little. Even with a 500+ page book, it didn't seem like there was enough space to give every character, plot line, and theme the development they deserved.

That being said, the prose is beautiful written and the characters are likable. The world-building was interesting, if leaving something to be desired. As someone totally unfamiliar with Indian cultures in general, the desi-inspired parts were easy to grasp, and the glossary was a big help. I don't see myself reading the rest of the series, but I can see potential in the author.

This book was not at all what I was expecting. However, it was still an enjoyable read. Out of everything this book brings to the table - Multi POV's, an interesting plot line, and more - The political atmosphere is really what stuck out to me. However, the hiccups in the book were definitely present and most of them were due to pacing. I enjoyed the characters and I kept wanting more from the story and as I noticed the progression I was left with the feeling of "oh? that was it?" I cannot exactly pinpoint what I was expecting this book to give me, I just felt like it had the potential to be a bit more grand in execution. On the other hand, I think it was a good place to finish the first book and I'll be interested to pick up later installments in the future.

I absolutely love books inspired by different cultural mythologies. Often times, those cultures are rich with beautiful stories I've never even heard of, and it makes for a really fun reading experience. I was really excited about this book for that reason, and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the complex characters and the world building. I was a lite thrown off at first by the Sci fi elements, but I ended up liking that addition to the story, too.

Full disclosure, it took me a bit to get into this book but once I did...OMG. The world of The Phoenix King is so detailed and lush that it feels as if you can reach out and touch it. Verma's use of multi-POV, both in who got to share their story and what they revealed, was masterful. I cannot wait to read book 2 and see where Elena's story goes.

This book was a solid 3 stars. What I liked were the representation and the enemies-to-lovers theme. What didn't work for me was the pacing. Barely any action happened for most of the book, and it got to a point where I considered not finishing it. Also, the romance was so slow burn that by the time the characters got together, it felt rushed and underdeveloped. I was expecting a lot from this book but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. Hopefully, the next book will pick up the pace and turn out to be an exciting read :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit books for this opportunity to read rage and review this arc which will be available Aug 29,2023!

Holy mother of Pearl but I need more of this book! I devoured it. I love it!

You want a powerful fantasy story with a strong Desi woman as the main character then this book is it! It has magic, a wee bit of romance, a plot forward well plotted out fantasy world that sucks you in! I honestly hope others pick up this book and support South Asian stories that aren’t mainstream.

The Phoenix King is a debut Indian-inspired sci-fi adult fantasy told in three POVs. The <u>assassin</u> is trying to vie for his freedom. The <u>king</u> is trying to keep his kingdom together while also keeping his daughter, the next queen, safe and well supported when she ascends the throne. The <u>heir</u> is trying to find her place among her father’s kingdom and make it her own. They take us on their journeys while navigating from the brink of an inevitable war.

I think this book definitely had a lot of promise, but unfortunately it fell flat for me.

The characters felt underdeveloped— the most developed being Yassen (the assassin) and FERMA, MY FERMA— which is probably why they were my favorite. Elena is a badass for sure, since she was trained to be a warrior princess. But she seemed naive and reckless and it was hard to get behind her. Leo (the king) is so stuck in the past that he felt one dimensional. (Prevalent side characters) Samson and the priestess were interesting, but seemed to only popped up to push the plot. And I think because I felt disconnected from the characters, I didn’t really understand the romance. It seemed rushed and forced and the whole enemies-to-lovers trope felt falsely advertised.

Though the <i>morally grey characters</i> part: very on point.

It was written well and the world building was beautiful. However, there was just <i>too much</i> that made the pacing extremely slow. There were also some chapters that were so long and some just a few pages that made it not flow well. Finally at the 70% mark, it was full speed ahead! It was non-stop action. But then the last 20% of the book, a new plot emerged? And it seemed like we were just supposed to accept everything that happened leading up to that point and move on? I think the whole plot in general kind of bounced all over the place which made the book feel longer than it actually was. Also, <i><b>the ending was so out of the blue</b></i>! I’m all for a plot twist and misleading clues but there didn’t seem to be any foreshadowing at all to that last revelation. It was dissatisfying.

All in all, I think this was a good set-up/introductory book since the series will be a trilogy. I’m curious to see where the characters go from here and maybe get some explanations on big questions that come up. <b>Cliffhanger for sure!</b>

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Orbit and NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC of this book.

First, I want to say that this was a very strong debut book by Aparna Verma. I think the series does have promise and that I would be interested in reading any sequels. This book ticks off some good boxes: mature characters in their mid-twenties, true morally grey characters, strong female lead, enemies to lovers, and an intriguing fantasy world.

I think the pacing of this book was the biggest issue. There was a *ton* of setup for about 2/3 of the book filled with a lot of political intrigue and filler scenes and reading this part of the book took sooooo long. Though there was a lot of world-building, I still felt like the author kept the world confined to just a small collection of characters and thus it didn't feel fully fleshed out. It didn't feel high stakes and I felt apathetic toward the plight of the people. Yassen was the most interesting character to me and I enjoyed his POV chapters a lot. I mostly skimmed through Leo's. The pacing picked up a ton during the last third or so of the book and I was like "yes! this is what I've been waiting for!"

The romance also felt lackluster and I felt like Yassen and Elena lacked chemistry. There were a lot of instances where it could have been built up earlier in the book but there were only just the smallest morsels of it. I honestly felt like Samson and Elena had much more chemistry. There is spice but it was brief and underwhelming.

"The Phoenix King" by Aparna Verma, formerly known as "The Boy with Fire," is a riveting fantasy novel that enthralls readers with its intricate world-building, political intrigue, and a beautifully portrayed progression between the two main characters, Yessen and Elena.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "The Phoenix King" is undoubtedly its vividly crafted world. Verma's attention to detail and imagination shine through, creating a rich and immersive setting that is both familiar and unique in interesting ways. On both a macro and micro scale, every location comes alive with vibrant descriptions, allowing readers to feel fully transported into this captivating realm.

The novel's political intrigue and examination of the complexity of religion adds an extra layer of depth to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the foundations of faith in this community from both the side of the fervent and the skeptic. Verma skillfully weaves together complex alliances, betrayals, and power struggles, presenting a dynamic and unpredictable landscape. The author's ability to balance intricate politics with engaging storytelling ensures that readers are constantly engrossed and eager to uncover the next twist or turn.

Furthermore, the slow burn progression between Yessen and Elena, the central characters, was a masterful and realistic transition from enemies to lovers. Verma masterfully portrays their relationship, showcasing their inherent attraction despite philosophical differences and their development as the narrative unfolds. While the progression may be slow at times, it allows for a deeper exploration of their individual journeys which adds to the story of their overall connection.

Despite its strengths, I found the world building dense early on and hard for me to track. There were also some sections in the middle that were slower paced, which might not appeal to readers seeking a non-stop fast-paced adventure. However, this deliberate pacing provides an opportunity for readers to fully immerse themselves in the world and its characters, allowing for a more profound connection and understanding of the story's nuances.

In conclusion, "The Phoenix King" by Aparna Verma is a captivating tale of power, growth, and intricate relationships. With its exceptional world-building, political intrigue, and a slow-burn romantic subplot between Yessen and Elena, the novel is a true gem for fans of fantasy and character-driven narratives. While the pace might be considered slow by some, it ultimately enriches the overall reading experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader seeking an immersive and thought-provoking adventure.

An interesting plot and non-western setting somewhat spoiled by slow pacing and underdeveloped characters. Themes of immigration and religious fanaticism frame story and drive action but aren't touched on deeply enough to elevate this fantasy beyond some all-too-common tropes. Found the king the most interesting, fleshed-out character, and I suspect the book suffers most from too many (and the wrong) POVs.

The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma is a book I've seen plenty of times, and the praise it receives is very well due. Verma is an incredibly talented author, and I think one of the most impressive things about the Phoenix King is the incredibly strong start this book has. From that alone, it is easy for a reader to tell that this is a project the author cares deeply about and that this story holds an incredible amount of meaning to someone. It is beautiful, and while it carried throughout the story, I was surprised and delighted by how early on both me and the author felt invested in the character's motives.

Compared to many other novels of a similar vein, the setting The Phoenix King takes felt unique to me as a reader. The modern sensibilities mixed with the allure of Hindu mythology was fascinating. Verma was neither holding my hand or leaving the reader to sink or swim in her explanations of the world, and in such a rich setting, it was delightful.

I believe if I had to point to two things I disliked, Elena's characterization at times felt weak to me. I could point to a few key traits, but it felt like she was a background player to her own interactions and that her dialogue and actions were meant to service a plot rather than her pushing it forward. I experienced this similarly with some of the other main characters. Additionally, I felt the writing could be dense. In the middle of The Phoenix King, while the story itself was exciting, sometimes it felt like the writing dragged.

Overall, I'm interested in where the relationships and plot of this book will go, and it is a strong debut from an author who deserves the praise she has gotten. Thank you so much for the arc!

I was having trouble establishing an early connection between the Princess, the king and the assassin from the written text. I wasn’t feeling very high-stakes. I gave up at 7% into the book. The premise is really cool so I’d possibly consider going back to it when the sequel comes out. I didn’t feel like the POVs shined with individual voices, but instead were same-same. That said, it’s a debut… there’s a lot of room to grow as an author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC.