The Phoenix King is the start of a new sci-fantasy series inspired by Indian mythology. It has some cool world-building elements and political setups, including a complicated father-daughter relationship that has a big impact on the world. I did feel like it dragged through the middle and took a long time for things to happen sometimes, and I wanted more depth from the characters. That said, I think it's a pretty solid debut novel!

This follows multiple perspectives, but one of the main characters is Elena, heir to the throne and set to become queen soon as her father steps aside. But she must learn to control this holy fire before she can take his place and he refuses to teach her. Meanwhile there are other plots happening with an assassin, a foretold prophet, and hidden enemies. It's an interesting story and has some great scenes, though at times it got a bit convoluted and difficult to follow. To be fair, I was listening to this as an audiobook and it's possible I would have had more clarity with a physical copy. There are themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and how secrets can be harmful. Worth a look if you like political fantasy! I recieved an audio review copy of this book from NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

"The Phoenix King" audiobook took me on a mesmerizing adventure that seamlessly blended compelling narration, rich accents, and a refreshing twist on mythology. The audiobook's standout feature is undoubtedly the narrators' accents, which added an authentic layer to the storytelling, making the characters and the narrative feel incredibly real.
The choice of narrators was a stroke of genius, as their diverse accents not only brought the characters to life but also contributed to the immersive experience. Each voice was distinct, contributing to the overall charm of the audiobook.
The mythology woven into "The Phoenix King" is a breath of fresh air. The exploration of mythological themes was not only intriguing but also educational, adding depth to the overall narrative.
Despite my overall satisfaction, I gave "The Phoenix King" four stars. While the narration and mythology were exceptional, there were moments when the plot felt slightly predictable, preventing me from awarding it a perfect score. Nonetheless, this minor critique did not overshadow the audiobook's many strengths.

First of all, I absolutely loved hearing this story. This audiobook has a narrator for each point of view (Yassen, Elena, and Leo), and all of them did an incredible job of bringing the characters alive. Elena's chapters were definitely my favorite - I loved how expressive the narrator was, and I felt her voice fit Elena's character really well. I wasn't sure how I felt about Leo's narrator initially (his voice wasn't how i imagined Leo's to be) but that feeling went away as I continued listening. The narration was always clear and easy to understand.

Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the arc!

Generally I prefer a book with multiple points of view but I found this one to have a very slow start and the multiple POV in the beginning actually made it harder for me to connect with the characters. I also did not care for the King's POV really at all so his parts of the book dragged but that's not to say it wasn't beneficial to the storyline - I just did not prefer it. It's a pretty long audiobook and I feel that some of it could have been cut down but since it's intended to be the first book in a series, I expected the set up would make it a little less enjoyable and am hoping that the next ones will have a faster pace and flow more smoothly as a result. The narrators did a great job with the audio and I truly did enjoy the world-building and the concept of the story overall. Once I got to know some of the characters better I felt more invested in their story -- caring about the characters always makes a story 10x more enjoyable for me and helps me stay focused so I'm glad I got to that point. The author uses very descriptive language, so you can really picture the story unfolding in your mind and feel like you are transported to world of Ravence. The ending was also really well done and has me looking forward to the next book! With a few of my favorite fantasy series I didn't love the first book but the next ones were amazing, so I have high hopes that will be the case with this one too! There's a lot of political intrigue, religious ideology and secrecy so if you're into that and are a fan of fantasy I would recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio, Orbit for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is a very highly anticipated read of mine and it does not disappoint! Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook ARC. I enjoyed the book very much. ❤️ Aparna Verma is an author that I very much respect and I will read whatever she puts out!

No sé si caí víctima de su campaña de marketing o quizá mis expectativas eran demasiado elevadas, pero la lectura de The Phoenix King no me ha terminado de convencer. Probablemente sea debido en primer lugar a las cantidades homeopáticas de tecnología que se introducen en la historia para intentar que sea fantaciencia o el término que se utilice ahora para la fantasía que se mezcla con la ciencia ficción, o simplemente que la historia de Elena se hace muy pesada.


Los valores de producción del audiolibro son muy altos, con cuatro intérpretes distintos para cada punto de vista, todos desarrollando una labor encomiable con un texto al que quizá no le habría venido mal un poco de poda. Los lectores son Soneela Nankani, Deepti Gupta, Vikas Adam y Akshay Kumar.

El relato en sí es bastante previsible, con un rey que prepara la sucesión del trono para su hija, aunque esta sea incapaz de doblegar el fuego sagrado que es el fundamento de su poder. Las profecías auguran el advenimiento de un poder que pondrá en peligro el reino, ya de por sí rodeado de poderosos enemigos y el rey decide cortar por lo sano para evitar esta presencia desequilibrante, desencadenando una ola de muertes que no parece la más correcta para mantener la paz en el reino. ¡Qué manía de intentar destruir las profecías de raíz en vez de retorcerlas para su conveniencia!

La presencia de Yassen Knight, su ejército y su compañero, es un mal necesario para afrontar los previsibles ataques de los reinos vecinos ante la supuesta debilidad de la heredera. También es mala suerte tener que poner al zorro a cuida a las gallinas, desde luego este rey es un fino estratega.

El resto del libro, de considerable duración, son las vueltas y más vuelta que Elena da para ir descubriendo en los documentos más antiguos la raíz de la magia y qué sucedió en realidad con su madre en el pasado, unido a una totalmente inesperada (cof, cof, previsible hasta decir basta) relación amorosa que pondrá en peligro el reino. Una serie desordenada de peripecias que quizá convenzan a otros lectores pero que a mi, la verdad, me dejaron muy fría.

Entiendo que es un libro que tuvo el suficiente éxito como para ser republicado por una editorial con más músculo como Orbit, pero sinceramente, no sé qué le vieron.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for sending me an early copy of this audiobook! All opinions are my own!

Repeat after me: I will not let a stellar ending gaslight me into thinking I loved the book!!

This book had such a great premise, but I think it really lacked the execution. Part of this might have been my misconceptions that I had from the marketing of the book. But I think it really suffered from apathy. For much more than half of the book, I just simply did not yet care about the characters. It took until about 75% for me to start rooting for them, be into the romance, or really like any of them more than an acquaintance.

The world that's created is really beautiful and very unique in the fantasy realm. I really liked the magic system and the way that it doesn't feel like anything I've ever read before. I did want a bit more information about magic and if there are kinds other than fire, but I think that it did a really good job at establishing the world and giving the characters a place in it.

The ending was amazing and one that I never saw coming. I wish that the whole book had made me feel the way the cliffhanger did.

You might find a new favorite fantasy series here. I will probably give the next book a go!

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC of Pheonix King by Aparna Verma.

Phoenix King is a really cool mix of sci-fi and fantasy, and I loved the multiple POV's right from the off.

The narrators did a fantastic job and I'm looking forward to seeing what Verma writes next.

I enjoyed the story. I'm excited to see what the author writes next and potentially what the sequel for this book will be like. The narrators did a great job of portraying the characters and keeping me entranced in the story. I kept wanting to listen to more after the story ended. I would recommend this book for those who enjoy found family and political fantasy. It was certainly quite an adventure.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful high fantasy story with sci-fi elements that will entrap you! I enjoyed the morally grey characters and the political intrigue immensely. And the narrators really brought the characters and the world to life! A 5 star book

Audiobooks for scifi and fantasy can be hit or miss for so many reasons. The narrators of this book did a great job but the intricacies of the world building would have been better absorbed via reading for me. That being said, I want to try to review the plot and characters themselves, separate from the format.

Non western fantasies are quickly becoming my favorites and I’m so glad they are finding their space to exist. It’s very refreshing. I can see how this book sets up the series and lays the ground work for future books. That does make it a bit on the slower side for pacing. The character development was okay but again feels like it’s leading to greater things to come.

I would recommend this books to friends and customers but may wait to really make judgement for myself until the next book comes out.

The Phoenix King is backed by a world of rich worldbuilding, strong characters, and political high stakes. It’s impossible to put down. Aparna Verma created a world that I long to dive into, despite the fact that I do not like hot weather, sand, and also that I would not survive for long.

This story unfolds through three perspectives: Elena’s, Yassen’s, and Leo’s. It’s a marvel to listen to as different storylines begin to merge, and with each chapter, more secrets are unveiled, and I was on the edge of my seat because there will be times that I know more than another character does.

Each narrator was perfectly cast for this story, and they bring the book to life. Through listening, I’m no longer in temperature-unsure Oklahoma, but in the desert, in the kingdom of Ravence.
The narration is crisp, with no part being difficult to follow.

If you enjoy audiobooks, you should listen & read at the same time if you want to see this story absolutely transform.

This story is a marvel. Fast-paced, and enough to make my heart pound. I can’t wait for book two.

Quote:
“But I would still be there. With you. Even if we were on opposite sides again, I’ll still find you.”

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderful Desi inspired fantasy with an intricate magic system, futuristic technology and well written characters.

The Phoenix King follows multiple points of view and I did have a little trouble following who was who at the beginning of the book, I really enjoyed Elena and Leo’s point of view. As a father and daughter I loved seeing their different thoughts and motivations for how they treated each other and the other characters.

I also really enjoyed the minor characters of Ferma and Samson. Ferma was an amazing example of a strong female character and role model for Elena.

I also really enjoyed the prose of this book and it felt very vibrant and immersive in the world, the narrators were also wonderful for this audiobook and felt like a wonderful fit for the characters.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the trilogy. The Phoenix King will be released on November 28th 2023.

Thank you Netgalley, Aparna Verma and Orbit books for giving me an audiobook copy of this book. This book has been released already but the audiobook is up and coming in 3 days. The production, voice actors and the way the audiobook flowed was smooth and I really appreciate it. I love how it was made however the story just wasn't for me. I got so lost in the world building and I felt like there were too many characters to keep track of. I know the main characters are the King, Yassen and the King's daughter but I just couldn't bring myself to get attached to these characters. I for one is the type of reader who loves to get hooked with the character's storyline and if I don't care much for what is going to happen to them I just can't be forced to continue. I rarely DNF books, I usually just pause it for long periods of time and try to revisit it in the future. So maybe now is not the right time for me to appreciate this book - from the parts that I've already listened to I felt like it's so well written and appreciate the fact that a lot of Indian culture has been incorporated in this book. I just got confused at times with the setting - sometimes it felt futuristic and at times it felt like it's in the medieval times. So maybe it's a mix of both? Kinda like Dune? So maybe, if I'm in the more sci fi mood I'll probably appreciate this more. I've been so stuck in the romantasy bubble that I just didn't feel so much tension between Yassen and Elena -- been so used to reading Slow burn with lots of tension so maybe that's why. This book just wasn't for me, I was probably not the right audience for this. But if you're into sci fi, magic, prophecies, betrayal, plotting and urban myths/legends then this book is for you. I urge you to give this book a try as some people do appreciate this too. I just wasn't the right audience for it. I'm rating it 3⭐️ for that reason. Thank you!

* The official review will be on my SM the day of the premiere, the latest *

I like when a book absorbs me in so deep, I want to stay in the world for the longest time possible. As much, as I binged at the beginning, in the second half I sip slowly like an expensive wine, worrying I'll be close to the end before I know it. And that is exactly what happened. I was left wanting more. Especially since, in the end, I realize who is who and which character is the actual main character. Because, don't get it twisted. The author knew exactly what she was doing, playing with us like that the whole time. The attention to detail and politics reminds me very much of The Jasmine Throne, but it has its simplicity to it. Nothing wrong with that, actually the plot became a character on its own, and I became accustomed to it so it wasn't so jarring. Plus, in the way of great, epic fantasy authors, we see explanations over and over again. I didn't mind it at all.

I feel like I was lied to, tho. The promotion led me to believe it was some kind of romance. Wow, I have waited for that until I grew gray and wrinkled, and still, I just saw two souls who are so lost, yet drawn to each other that I won't call it romance but the real deal. Y'all know how much I HATE those descriptive erotic scenes. Of course, we had to have one, but luckily my "oh squirrel" brain just wandered off long enough to come back just when it needed. I'm grateful for that. Also, I wanted to underline that this story is a commitment. Oh, boi it was worth it. Commitment nonetheless. It was clear from the way it was all set up that foundation for the great journey and meddling around the fire god and prophecies which probably shatter my heart in the future.

Elena and Yassin are my Roman Empire from now on. They are everything I wanted The Poppy War to be.

And to be honest completely - I am not objective - I can see how many of y'all will be bored all the way. For me, especially recently, I find slow stories which appreciate my attention are the best way to finish up the year in a mindful and gratifying way.

One last thing. I had an opportunity to review an audiobook that comes out November 28th and as much as there are some technical issues with the audio itself, I loved all narrators who did a hella of a job bringing those characters alive (except those moments when Leo's voice tried to do Elena - I was wondering if she's adult or not ...really).

A standout fantasy debut! The world building in this book was fantastic and I loved the fast-paced storyline. Full of magic, romance and adventure and great on audio too. I look forward to more from this author. Recommended for fans of authors like S.A. Chakraborty. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

A man desperate for freedom... a father trying to protect his legacy... a daughter trying to master fire and a man out for revenge... All of them together make for an explosive coronation...

Elena is on weeks away from being crowned queen which would be great if not for her inability to control fire like her ancestors before her. She thinks her father won’t teach her because he doesn’t want to give up his power as king but the truth is little more complicated. Fire demands sacrifice and the cost is too high something Leo knows from experience. Due to a variety of threats against Elena he ends up hiring an infamous assassin to protect her while simultaneously hunting down members of his former terrorist organization. Being a guard isn’t exactly easy for Yassen, especially when his princess has her own secrets and plans going on. But his friend offered him this job as a way to escape his former life and finally grab the freedom he’s been so desperate for. Samson is a man who has completely changed his own life but wants revenge against those that oppressed his people. Aligning himself with Leo and Elena makes the most sense to him so does becoming her king.
The lead up to coronation day is rather disasterous with chaos and bloodshed. What’s worse is that the day does not go as planned leaving Elena and Yassen on the run. Now armed with her fire and secrets from her family’s past Elena is determined to protect her people from their enemies and burn anyone who gets in her way...

I really liked this book and I NEED to know what happens next. Some things Elena did were a bit naive but her heart was always in the right place. Yassen make you want to like him even when maybe you know you shouldn’t. The things Leo did... completely insane and so unnecessary and Samson is definitely an interesting person I want to know more about. I also really loved Ferma. Can’t wait till the next book comes out!

The narrators did a fantastic job with the story!

DNFd. Unfortunately, I struggle with some accents, especially the stronger ones and our narrators all had accents. I understand that this was probably on purpose to give you the feel of an eastern world atmosphere, however I struggled.
I had to stop at 10%, as whilst the context itself seemed interesting, the audiobook didn’t work for me. As this book is nearly 19hours long I knew I could not cope with the whole book in audio form. This is purely from a personal enjoyment standpoint and no disrespect intended to the narrators. I will probably be picking up the physical copy at some point.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for a free ALC for review.

The full blog post on Back Shelf Books will be posted on November 25, 2024, at the following link: https://backshelfbooks.com/2023/11/24/audiobook-review-the-phoenix-king-by-aparna-verma/

The Phoenix King is an epic sci-fantasy filled with deadly fire, organized crime, royal prophecies, and a desert that hides its secrets. When I saw it also had three POVs, morally grey characters, and a South-Asian-inspired fantasy world, I was sold. From the moment I started The Phoenix King on audio, it felt like I was swept away in the sand and heat of the Ravani desert. The characters’ distinct voices contrast to create a novel full of strength, intrigue, and power struggles.

It’s been a while since I loved an adult fantasy novel as much as I loved The Phoenix King – probably not since Robert Jackson Bennett’s Foundryside. While I wouldn’t call The Phoenix King and Foundryside similar novels, they both evoked similar feelings while reading; each has a diverse cast of characters, a sci-fantasy world with an underbelly of criminal gangs, and, most importantly, a setting that feels gritty and lived-in. I felt transported to the Ravani kingdom, with its prophets and priestesses, threats of war, and delicious cloud cookies. By the end of the epilogue, I didn’t want to leave Aparna Verma’s world.

The characters of this book – well, there are morally grey characters and then there are Verma’s characters. The characters in The Phoenix King were another level of grey. They bordered on morally dark grey, which was delightful to read, honestly. We follow the points of view of Leo, the current king of the Ravani kingdom, Elena, his heir, and Yassen, a deadly assassin seeking redemption for his crimes. The choices these characters made never felt forced. Because readers get to see the points of view of Leo, Elena, and Yassen, we understand their decisions and deceptions, even when the choices they make are questionable, at best.

The Phoenix King audiobook is narrated by a cast of excellent narrators. Soneela Nankani, Deepti Gupta, Vikas Adam, and Akshay Kumar provide voices throughout the audiobook. You may recognize these narrators from audiobooks such as Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Fall of Ruin and Wrath, S.A. Chakraborty’s The City of Brass, and Yann Martel’s Life of Pi. These are top-tier narrators and they make this audiobook a stellar epic to enjoy. I highly recommend picking up this audiobook if you’re the type of person (like me) who likes to distinguish different POVs by different narrative voices.

Rating: 5/5 Stars. It’s going on my Infinity Stars Shelf. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. No pressure, Aparna, but I need this book ASAP.

Thanks to Hachette Audio/Orbit for an audio review copy of The Phoenix King! All the above thoughts are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, Aparma Verma and Orbit for both the physical arc & audio arc of The Phoenix King in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis is quoted below with the review following.

Synopsis: "The Ravani kingdom was born of a prophecy, carved from unforgiving desert sands and ruled by the Ravence bloodline: those with the power to command the Eternal Fire.

Elena Aadya is the heir to the throne—and the only Ravence who cannot wield her family’s legendary magic. As her coronation approaches, she will do whatever it takes to prove herself a worthy successor to her revered father. But she doesn’t anticipate the arrival of Yassen Knight, the notorious assassin who now claims fealty to the throne. Elena’s father might trust Yassen to be a member of her royal guard, but she is certain he is hiding something.

As the threat of war looms like a storm on the horizon, the two begin a dangerous dance of intrigue and betrayal. And the choices they make could burn down the world."

In a year that had some truly outstanding fantasy release & debuts, The Phoenix King fell a little short for me. I can't say whether I would have felt differently if it came out prior to the other outstanding fantasy novels, but it's possible.

For a debut, it was pretty well done. Kudos to the author. Just getting published is amazing.

For me, I wasn't a fan of the pacing and would have liked a little more romance. It wasn't the romantasy I was hoping for, but maybe the author has plans to include more of that aspect in the future of the series.

The world-building was a bit too intricate, causing it to become confusing. I also do not feel that the characters were written or developed well enough. I had zero attachment to any of them and still don't.. This one was just a bit slow & painful to get through, but hey, I didn't DNF it.

I rating it generously at 3 Stars (I don't like to go below 3 Stars unless it is truly horrid & a definite DNF).

I wouldn't outright discourage anyone from reading this book - I just won't be promoting it either.