An unlikely quartet of women who unite under disastrous circumstances. Did I stay up all night finishing this book? Yes. Am I typing this and working with a quarter of brain cells from being sleep deprived? Also yes.
I loved this book, it paints the realistic picture of survival. A story of women who have been stolen from, abused, neglected and kicked at their lowest....with the power to keep standing up and fighting. Kate Quinn will always be on my auto-buy and I will be diving into more Janie Chang novels.
I want to give you an eloquent and beautifully written review, but again, no sleep.
I will say, I would want to be friends with every single woman in this novel. Sally, Reggie, Alice, Suling, I'm fully convinced with the right backing y'all could have taken over the world!
3.5 stars and thank you to NetGalley & William Morrow for the ARC!

I give this book a 3.75. The story took a while for me to connect with. The characters were going instead of carrying a story. Towards the earthquake happening, the characters gain more agency. San Francisco is a stunning setting and a character. I loved that the story was set in a famous city yet not always portrayed in novels like New York City. The ending is satisfying.

Set in San Francisco, days before the 1906 earthquake Gemma Garland heads to the city to revive her opera career. Gemma has an exceptional voice, but is plagued by migraines that affect her performance. When she meets arts patron Henry Thornton, he promises to help make her a star. Henry is a railroad magnate who is obsessed with Chinese antiques. This also leads him to help Suling Feng, a Chinese embroideress who wants to make enough money to escape an arranged marriage. But Henry’s support may come with strings attached. This historical thriller ups the suspense as it counts down to the earthquake, but something big is uncovered even before the big disaster. I love Kate Quinn and adding a co-author Janie Chang gives the Chinese point of view authenticity. If you love suspense thrillers, but are a little wary of historical fiction, give this book a chance. It embodies the power of women working together across generations and ethnicities.

This was good, but not one that will stick with me forever like Quinn’s other novels. I didn’t think it had the same depth.

Kate Quinn has proven to be one of my favorite authors; her WWII-era works "The Huntress" and "The Diamond Eye" have been two of my favorite reads of the last couple of years, and so when I saw this one was available on NetGalley, I knew I had to request it. Her partnership here with Janie Chang is a seamless read, the perfect intertwining of two authors into one beautifully-rendered and expertly-crafted story. Both protagonists - Gemma, the would-be opera star, and Suling, the Chinese-American seamstress - are compelling leading ladies, and the characters who surround them are just as engaging. The thread of impending doom that weaves through the novel, thanks to the looming of what the reader knows is one of the worst natural disasters ever to hit the United States, and crippled San Francisco, accompanies the unraveling of what both Gemma and Suling have come to believe about some of the people in their lives; there is a sense of destruction coming that never quite lets up, and it provides the impetus to just. keep. reading. Overall, another notch in Quinn's success column, and I'm definitely looking forward to both Quinn's and Chang's next offerings, whether individually or together.

The Phoenix Crown is not my typical fare, and I have never read a book by authors Kate Quinn and Janie Chang, although I have heard wonderful things about Quinn from those who enjoy her style of historical fiction. So why have I picked up this novel that is so out of my usual league? The 52 Book Club chose it for a read-along, and I was excited to explore this novel along with a group.

Unfortunately, it says a lot when I find the Authors’ Note at the end of the book to be more interesting than the novel itself. I learned so much more from those few pages - including that Alice Greenwood was an actual person (would have loved to have known this while I was reading) - than I did from the entirety of The Phoenix Crown. With The Phoenix Crown, I was expecting a historical “National Treasure-esque” novel set against the backdrop of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, but what I actually got was something quite different.

For being a historical fiction novel, this book could practically take place in modern times - the attitudes of the characters and their manner of speaking was not in line with what I would expect from society in the early 1900s, more than 100 years ago. The fact that this novel features a mixed race sapphic relationship that anyone barely blinks an eye at did not feel authentic to me. Furthermore, the novel is powered by the women of the story, who all move freely around the world primarily without the constraints of men. I feel like the diminished, singular role of women in society would have been felt more prominently throughout this book if the airs and attitudes of the time had been more pronounced.

The San Francisco earthquake and the titular phoenix crown itself both play minor roles in this novel, after being touted as major plot points, The book spends much of its pages discussing the careers and relationships of the main characters, without really establishing a meaningful historical setting. Furthermore, I did not care for any of the characters and found them to be wholly uninspired.

Nonetheless, I am giving this book 3 stars because although it was clearly not the book for me and failed to meet what I expected of it, there is a satisfying story here for those who can put aside what they thought this novel would be and accept it for what it is.

In this incredible multi-perspective historical fiction novel, Kate Quinn and Janie Chang bring readers to San Francisco in the weeks before the great earthquake of 1906. Following four women, their relationships with each other, and their relationship with a wealthy San Franciscan man. The four protagonists -- opera singer Gemma, seamstress Suling, botanist Alice, and artist Reggie -- are all connected to Henry Thornton, but the earthquake will reveal some dark and uncomfortable secrets for all of them. Readers will journey past the earthquake to see how the women rebuild themselves and protect themselves and others from Thornton in a dramatic tale that takes readers around the world with the four protagonists. Quinn and Chang have brought San Francisco’s business and diversity to life, including the anti-Chinese racism of the period, and their characters interact with this reality in genuine, realistic ways. They balance the different characters and alternating perspectives of Gemma and Suling very well, and their world-building and interest in historical detail is fascinating. The combination of Quinn and Chang’s prose, attention to detail and character development, and the strength of the narrative itself make this an incredible, immersive, and fascinating read for fans of both authors and the historical fiction genre.

Sadly, this was a DNF for me at 24% because I was just plain bored. Also, I recently read Janie Chang's The Porcelain Moon and I felt some similarities to parts of this story and added to my lack of investment in the story.

The Phoenix Crown, a valuable headdress worn by Chinese royalty, is locked up by wealthy and influential businessman Henry Thornton. He owns many Chinese artifacts and is a ruthless collector of many things.
This book centers around four main characters: Gemma a singer looking for her big break, her old friend from NY, Reggie, a fearless and talented painter, Alice, a knowledgeable and well known San Francisco botanist and Suling, a brave, Chinese American seamstress searching for her love.
These four lives are connected by the phoenix crown. Each character realizes how they have been manipulated by Thornton, and the action climaxes during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
After surviving this devastating earthquake, these women are able to create new lives for themselves, thinking that Thornton died in the disaster. Until the Phoenix Crown resurfaces and the search for its owner begins.
#netgalley

I love this historical fiction novel set in San Francisco around the earthquake of 1906. This duo writing team did a great job of bringing two different perspectives during this time.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this novel! It was so unique and written very well. I loved the dual perspective, the settings, and the character development. There were so many things happening, but loved that they all came together at the end.

We had book club last night where we had a great discussion about this book. My book club tends to prefer historical fiction so I thought this would be a perfect pick. We loved the developing, individual stories of the women in this book. There was a little something for everyone: murder, mystery, romance, the arts and of course the great city of San Francisco. This book provides so much to discuss - issues of race, class, gender and more can be explored and debated. I'm a huge fan of Kate Quinn and look forward to discovering more from Janie Chang.

I was really excited to read The Phoenix Crown and am so glad I finally got the chance to do so. It was really good throughout and I loved both Gemma and Suling. Having both their narratives moved the story along nicely.

The authors captured the horror of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake really well. I also liked the plot of this novel and how it all connected with the disaster that destroyed a city. There were things I didn't expect, which made for some interesting surprises. There was even an element of mystery and suspense which had the characters racing with the clock while the city was in turmoil.

I didn't know much about the racism toward the Asian community during that time period. It definitely felt relatable to present times, even with being of a different race and nationality.

I definitely recommend this novel (and have been doing so a lot lately) and I hope this writing duo will pair up again! I'm excited to attend an online discussion with them next week. Speaking of pairs, this story goes along well with The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner.

Movie casting suggestions:
Gemma: Lily James
Suling: Tiffany Espensen
Nellie: Jessica De Gouw
Alice: Radha Mitchell
Thornton: Finn Wittrock
George: Diego Boneta

This one started off a bit slow for me, but switching to audio really helped. Once I got into a groove with it, I felt like the story picked up and held my interest, as there were a few exciting and intense moments that had me on the edge of my seat. The part I enjoyed the most about the book were the female friendships, as this was a prevalent theme throughout the book. The authors did a great job of bringing together four very different women through an interesting plot.

Pick this one up if you enjoy:
-historical fiction
-San Francisco in the early 1900s
-female friendships
-music, art, and fashion
-botany

Synopsis: San Francisco, 1906. In a city bustling with newly minted millionaires and scheming upstarts, two very different women hope to change their fortunes: Gemma, a golden-haired, silver-voiced soprano whose career desperately needs rekindling, and Suling, a petite and resolute Chinatown embroideress who is determined to escape an arranged marriage. Their paths cross when they are drawn into the orbit of Henry Thornton, a charming railroad magnate whose extraordinary collection of Chinese antiques includes the fabled Phoenix Crown, a legendary relic of Beijing’s fallen Summer Palace.

My thoughts: The Phoenix Crown is set in 1906 San Fransico. It starts with the days leading up to the earthquake of 1906 and then follows four women through the events before, during, and after the quake. I enjoyed that this book included the history of San Francisco and the Chinese during that time period.

One of the many things that make this story so appealing is that Quinn's women come from all walks of life but have one experience in common. Life has taught them that to have any chance of living their best life, they must take matters into their own hands and fight for it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this must–read for historical fiction lovers and, really, just about anyone who loves reading strong female characters.

Gemma an and Suling are miles apart in privilege and careers. But their lives intersect in 1906 in San Francisco when they bit meet Henry, a railroad magnate. Then the devastating earthquake hits, and Henry disappears with a famous Chinese artifact. When the artifact, The Phoenix Crown, reappear five years later, the two women seek justice.

This book will draw you in and keep you turning the pages. It’s great.

I was so disappointed in this book. I usually love everything Kate Quinn and I was so excited for this book to be published. I couldn't even finish it. Big letdown.

I just love Kate Quinn. The characters you fall in love with, the rich history, and even the somewhat predictable plot outline- the big reveal and confrontation at the end after some time has passed. Janie Chang added a richness with Suling, and things I’d never known or considered before, proving how important it is to tell all facets of a culture’s story. Even with seeing a slightly formulaic pattern- I LOVED IT. I need to not be totally surprised by books and this story is lovely, well-written and researched, and above all it makes you feel things. Go forth and read!

Kate Quinn? Slam the request button!!!

Most of Quinn's books that I've read have taken place during WW2 so it was a surprise to be reading something outside of that time frame (I haven't read any of her novels from The Borgias or Empress of Rome series so my experience is limited!!). There are two parts to this book --- Before... and After. The main event? The devasting San Francisco earthquake of 1906 and the fires that followed. Through the eyes of four diverse women—Gemma, a spirited Nebraskan opera diva; Suling, a skilled Chinese American embroiderer; Nellie, a free-spirited Bohemian painter; and Alice, a renowned botanist (who was a real historical figure)—we're drawn into a tapestry of ambition, betrayal, and resilience. Their lives intersect under the patronage of the enigmatic entrepreneur Henry Thornton, whose prized possession, is the Phoenix Crown--the title of the novel!

After the earthquake, Thornton disappears and the women scatter to various parts of the globe. It's only when the Phoenix Crown arrives in Paris, that the women come together to seek the justice they so desperately deserve. (You'll need to read to find out!!)

What I loved:
- A compelling ensemble of strong, determined women, driving the narrative forward
- Despicable antagonist adding layers of tension and intrigue.
- Skillful integration of historical figures like Alice Eastwood and Caruso (an Italian opera singer), enriching the narrative with authenticity.
- Vivid description of some Chinese antiquities -- the phoenix crown, the dragon robe to name a few
- Globetrotting -- San Francisco, Northern California, Argentina, France

Although I hadn't previously delved into Janie Chang's works, experiencing these two authors side by side has firmly placed her on my must-read list. The seamlessness of their storytelling is nothing short of amazing!

Thank you Netgalley, Kate Quinn, Janie Chang and William Morrow for an advanced e-copy of this book. I'm a bit behind -- so you can grab your copy now!!!

I was excited to pick up The Phoenix Crown because I had read books by both authors before and thoroughly enjoyed them. I expected that combined, they would write a stunning, richly historical tale, but alas, that was not the case.

1906. This may very well be Gemma Garland’s last chance. A soprano who has been on stage for over a decade but is still working the chorus, she has all but given up on her dreams of stardom when she arrives in San Francisco. The good news is that she will be sharing the stage with Enrico Caruso, an honor even if she won’t be standing close to him. The bad news is that her arrival in the city by the bay is marked by several difficult events. For starters, she has no money to pay the porter to get her travel trunk to her friend’s apartment, and it’s an all-uphill walk. Second, her friend has disappeared from her rented rooms without a trace, leaving poor Gemma with nowhere to stay. She solves both problems handily - she negotiates with a young boy delivering laundry to use his cart to get the luggage uphill and then finagles the landlady into letting her stay in her absconded friend’s flat. That good luck stays with her: As she practices on stage, she is overheard by Henry Thornton, a wealthy businessman who wishes to become a renowned patron of the arts. He feels Gemma has the talent to be a headliner, and his patronage will get her there. Gemma is initially reluctant to meet him for dinner to discuss the possibilities - all too often, these offers come with strings attached, and she doesn’t play that game. She agrees after his insistence that their relationship will be purely business.

He is faithful to his word. Henry arranges for her to sing at a party he is throwing that introduces her to essential players in the city’s art scene. While there, she encounters Susie, a young Chinese waitress, and Alice Eastwood, a fellow boarder at Gemma’s lodgings and the curator of botany at the California Academy of Sciences. Alice is there to see a rare breed of orchid Henry has recently acquired. She knows Susie, whose real name is Suling, because the young lady runs the laundry which serves her boarding house. Alice praises Suling’s exquisite embroidery to Henry, and he offers the girl an important, well-paying job. He is going to sponsor an event where Gemma sings Madame Butterfly with Caruso, and he needs Suling to repair the lavish, ancient gown he wants Gemma to wear. She is excited to accept. She needs money to escape an arranged marriage that will be taking place in just a few weeks. (Le sigh, this trope again.)

None of the women know that they are just days away from an earthquake that will destroy the city. Nor do they know that Henry Thornton has a terrible secret, one that will be revealed in the tumultuous days just before the catastrophe and will affect them all in ways they could never have suspected.

The prose here is very smooth, and the descriptions of art, locations such as Henry Stanhope’s home, and the music Gemma sings are lovely. I could almost hear Gemma’s rich voice belting from the pages. The story also does a terrific job of building tension - our heroines are in a dual race against time. They are trying to outwit the villain before said enemy can figure out what they are up to, and unbeknownst to them, they must do so before disaster strikes. I could feel the mounting pressure as the story progressed, and the characters' complete cluelessness about the coming catastrophe added a chilling effect to the mystery aspect of the tale.

Unfortunately, those are the only real positives. One of the things I look for in a historical novel is characters who feel as though they could conceivably belong in the era in which they are placed rather than in the late twentieth/early twenty-first century. None of the characters in this novel meet that criteria. Their mannerisms, speech, beliefs, and behaviors are all more appropriate today than 120 years ago. Even more disconcerting is the ambiguity of their location. Not only could simple costume changes have made the characters feel at home in a contemporary novel, but the setting feels like anywhere USA. Anyone who has been to the San Francisco area knows that the landscape makes that impossible because it’s so different from most places in this country. To be fair, there is a vague mention of the uniqueness of Chinatown, but the authors do nothing to make that locale come to life.

The characters are also rote and generic - even Suling, who is aware of her heritage only as history, food, artifacts, and clothes. All of the women are career-oriented, independent, and shockingly open-minded for their era, and their personalities are so similar, they could easily have been swapped out for each other without a glitch. Their talents and education are unique, but their characteristics are all very similar, with the exception of someone we meet in the second half of the book. That particular person is a bit louder than the others, but in their thinking and attitudes, they are similar.

The villain is a cliché and a contradiction. Something they do at the end completely confused me because it goes against their established character up to that point.

Another confounding point is how the heroines all instantly trust each other. At one point, Gemma takes the word of Suling, whom she doesn’t know, over someone she knows fairly well because the plot needs her to trust Suling. It made little sense to me since being told someone we like is iffy might arouse our suspicions, but it would typically not inspire us to switch loyalties in an instant.

There are romances here, but they aren’t well drawn, and I honestly couldn’t figure out how the folks involved had fallen in love with each other. For added fun, the authors pontificate plentifully on how powerful men mistreated women and minorities in this era.

With all that I’ve listed wrong with The Phoenix Crown, you might wonder why the grade isn’t lower, but the simple truth is, the book isn’t bad, just generic and predictable. All the things the authors do to try to make the story unique -setting, the careers of the characters, including LGBTQ+ characters - actually delivered a fairly typical read for the current market. And there is nothing wrong with average if you are enjoying those stories - just don’t expect to find something new or exceptional here.