Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto (Crown of Feathers book 1)

“I had a sister, once…

In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riders—legendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fire—until a war between two sisters ripped it all apart.

I promised her the throne would not come between us.

Sixteen years later, Veronyka is a war orphan who dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider from the stories of old. After a shocking betrayal from her controlling sister, Veronyka strikes out alone to find the Riders—even if that means disguising herself as a boy to join their ranks.

But it is a fact of life that one must kill or be killed. Rule or be ruled.

Just as Veronyka finally feels like she belongs, her sister turns up and reveals a tangled web of lies between them that will change everything. And meanwhile, the new empire has learned of the Riders’ return and intends to destroy them once and for all.

Sometimes the title of queen is given. Sometimes it must be taken. “ - taken from Goodreads.com

This book started a bit slow for me but boy did it pack a punch by the end. Crown of Feathers has everything that a fantastic fantasy read needs; secrets, deception, mystery, and romance. When everything comes tumbling down and reveals are made, readers will be floored. Even better, that incredible epilogue will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book to see how this fantastic story moves forward. Definitely one of my favorite reads of this year!!

Book two, Heart of Flames, is due out February 11, 2020.

Visit Nicki Pau Preto's website.

Smoke in the Sun by Renee Adhieh (Flame in the Mist book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Flame in the Mist, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first book.

“For weeks, seventeen-year-old Mariko pretended to be a boy to infiltrate the notorious Black Clan and bring her would-be murderer to justice. She didn't expect to find a place for herself among the group of fighters—a life of usefulness—and she certainly didn't expect to fall in love. Now she heads to the imperial castle to resume a life she never wanted to save the boy she loves.

Ōkami has been captured, and his execution is a certainty. Mariko will do what she must to ensure his survival—even marry the sovereign's brother, saying goodbye to a life with Ōkami forever.

As Mariko settles into her days at court—making both friends and enemies—and attempting Ōkami's rescue at night, the secrets of the royal court begin to unravel as competing agendas collide. One arrow sets into motion a series of deadly events even the most powerful magic cannot contain. Mariko and Ōkami risk everything to right past wrongs and restore the honor of a kingdom thrown into chaos by a sudden war, hoping against hope that when the dust settles, they will find a way to be together.

Set against the backdrop of feudal Japan, Smoke in the Sun is the breathless, romantic, not-to-be-missed fiery conclusion to a spell-binding adventure.” taken from Goodreads.com

Picking up immediately where the first book left off, Mariko and Okami find themselves in the clutches of Emperor Roku. Mariko is desperate to free Okami, even if it means giving up her own chance at happiness. Finding herself in a rapidly escalating power struggle, she finds that sticking to her principles wins over the one person that matters. I did feel like the ending was wrapped up a little too neatly, but this is still an enjoyable read.

There are also two enovellas available that take place between the two books, Okami and Yumi that give a bit of insight into both of these characters’ minds between books one and two. 

Visit Renee Adhieh’s website.