The Phoenix Crown is the perfect book for Women’s history month. It is a love song to female friendships from women of a variety of backgrounds who connected in San Francisco in the early 1900’s, whose bond was strengthened through the earthquake of 1906 and their quest to bring down a man who wronged them all.

The dual POV novel switches between Suling, a skilled Chinese embroideress attempting to save money to avoid an arranged marriage, and Gemma, an aspiring opera singer who has come to town to perform and connect with her long-time friend and artist. Gemma’s and Suling’s lives collide when both women are made offers from the rich and powerful man, Henry Thornton, that neither can refuse. Thornton is seemingly a patron of the arts and collector of rare Chinese cultural treasures, and promises to make Gemma a star and Suling an incredible sum for repairing an ancient embroidered robe. However, when the enormous earthquake rips through the city, both women’s lives are upended, and Thornton’s secret past and possible criminal ties are revealed right as he disappears. Can the women move past their shared trauma and restart their lives? Or, when Thornton reappears in social circles years later, the women he once promised the world are determined to bring him to justice.

Quinn and Chang bring the sights, smells, clothing, music, and cultural diversity of 1906 San Francisco to life with their prose. I was fascinated by glitz, glamour, and hope of the young city. Their description of the earthquake was incredible realistic, harrowing, and shed light on how it impacted the different neighborhoods of the cities. Gemma and Suling’s character growth was admirable, and their friendships with Reggie and Alice spanned from San Fran, to Paris, Buenos Aires, New York, Colorado, and over years. This book accurately portrays the hardships women faced in the time while celebrating those who overcame obstacles in the quest to achieve their own dreams. Inspiring and touching, this is an absolute winner for historical fiction lovers!

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024; when two of your favourite authors decide to collaborate, you know it’s going to be good!

This book follows four very different women who are drawn together by fate and circumstance on the eve of the San Francisco earthquake.

Highlights include:

💪 - strong women in history
⏱️ - a seamless blending of historical and fictional characters
🇨🇳 - Asian representation
🏳️‍🌈 - LGBTQ2S+ representation
🧠 - migraine representation (As a migraine sufferer, this was huge! I’d never seen it included in a story like it was here. It validated and normalized my experience.)

The personalities of these two talented historical fiction authors shines through this book. Jamie Chang describes life Chinatown in the early 1900s like no one else could, while Kate Quinn vividly portrays the early 20th century Opera scene.

I did find that the second and third act seemed much slower than the first act, which counted down to the earthquake itself. (Maybe that part was just so good the rest couldn’t top it!)

Great historical fiction surrounding multiple characters in San Francisco earthquake in the early 1900s. A embroideress, millionaire, opera singer, botanist, something for everyone. Well written and researched but kept me wanting to pick up the book up to learn more.

While The Phoenix Crown started off a bit slow for me, and I had a hard time keeping track of the characters for the first quarter of the book, I ended up speeding through the last half to find out what was going to happen! As the earthquake countdown got closer and closer, I feel like the book got better and better, This was definitely a truly unique historical fiction, and I probably would not have normally picked it up just based on the description, but I'm such a Kate Quinn fan I couldn't miss it. And I'm glad I didn't! The characters really came to life as the plot progressed, and I really didn't have a prediction for what would happen, which is always a refreshing change for me. I wish I could see pictures of the flowers and the crown that are so central to the book.

The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn & Janie Chang: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format: ARC from William Morrow

When I stumbled across Kate Quinn’s feminist historical fiction novels in 2022, I couldn’t stop reading them. I remember them vividly, starting with The Diamond Eye, then The Rose Code, and The Alice Network. When I saw that Kate’s newest book, co-written with Janie Chang, was available, I was so excited to get a copy to review!

Quinn’s previous works feature women around the world during wartime, but in The Phoenix Crown, Quinn breaks from that mold. From the beginning of the story, the reader is aware that the infamous 1906 San Francisco earthquake is just days away, unbeknownst to the characters. The Phoenix Crown focuses on two women living in early-1900’s San Francisco, Gemma and Suling. They couldn’t be more different from each other, but when they are drawn into the orbit of a wealthy and mysterious patron the ladies form a bond to stand the test of time.

What I love about historical fiction is that not only is the story captivating, but you also learn so much about history while reading. Learning about early San Francisco and the 1906 earthquake is interesting, and even more so from the viewpoints of two women who lived in that time. Suling’s character was born and raised in the Chinatown district of San Francisco, and of course her perspective regarding the unchecked racism and prejudice of the time was eye opening and insightful.

I ended up really enjoying this book, though I suspect I would have enjoyed the audiobook more, and there are some pacing issues in the beginning of the book. The first 20% was mostly setup and felt very slow as the nuanced characters and the time are introduced. The plot only truly hooked me starting at around 40% when our characters begin interacting with each other in a meaningful way. The pacing of the story continued to be off throughout the rest of the book; the events outlined in the blurb actually summarize the entire novel, so the readers already knows what is going to happen, creating an illusion of a slow pace. The Phoenix Crown is not wholly character driven or plot driven, but rather a mix of the two- but characters that don’t radically develop during the book and a plot that is completely given away by the blurb will probably hinder the book’s reception.

Again, I really did enjoy this book overall and of course recommend it to feminist historical fiction readers. Thank you so much to William Morrow books for the ARC of The Phoenix Crown, which is available now.

I finished this one a little while ago and I've been sitting with my review because my feelings are mixed.

I really enjoyed reading and learning about the San Francisco earthquake. It's a period of history that was new for me and had me Googling away (I love when books do this!). As is common for Quinn's books, there is an element of female empowerment and found family. Both of which I liked!

Alternatively, there were a few times that I simply lost interest in the overall plot and had to suspend belief over what some characters actions were and how quickly solutions appeared. There were times it just didn't jive with me.

The highlight of the book for me was the authors' note at the end! The research and history behind the book was more interesting than some of actual storyline for me.

While this isn't my favourite from Quinn, I'll continue to pick up her books over and over again. This was my first book from Chang and I'm definitely going to look into her backlist!

The setting is 1906 San Francisco on the eve of the big earthquake and fires that destroyed much of the city. Gemma is a newcomer to the city and an opera singer. Suling, a local laundry worker and seamstress is trying to escape before she's married off by her gambler of an uncle. Their paths cross and their lives become entangled together in the weeks leading up to the earthquake.

The authors did an amazing job with their research in presenting a world that feels historically accurate both before and after the earthquake/fires. I think this book is a slower pace but would be good if you like historical fiction. I also appreciated the diverse depictions of women of different classes and races which you don't find in many books.

More books need to be collaborations. Imagine say a Stephen King and Samantha Irby book! I didn't know much about this book but I like both authors - and was extremely pleased to find out it's pure Ally bait: set in San Francisco right before the Great Earthquake of 1906 focused on friends, trash men and lots of history. I found I was interested more in the first part of the book when it was more separated out per friend then the end when the get back together (no spoilers) but overall, it was a very interesting book and very zippy. Great trip/plane book.

If you’re looking for riveting historical fiction that takes place outside of a wartime setting and tackles a variety of social issues, this is it! Kate Quinn, one of my all-time favorite authors, has teamed up with Janie Chang, author of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 (on my TBR!), to bring us a captivating story of four women whose lives become interconnected in an effort to defeat a powerful enemy, all while the clock is ticking down to the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906.

The story unfolds from the dual perspectives of Gemma, an opera singer who has fled New York City, and Suling, an embroidery artist from Chinatown. They are both chasing their dreams and working towards a life of independence when they become caught in the web of a shady philanthropist who is using the arts to further his own agenda and gain power in the city. Soon they discover their connection to each other as well as Alice, a botanist, and Nellie, an artist, and the four women band together to fight for both justice and survival in a city on fire.

As with all Kate Quinn novels, this story is impeccably researched, and Chang’s influence and style paints a vibrant portrait of lesser known facts about this era. I learned so much from about San Francisco and its proliferation of the arts at the turn of the century, along with the unconscionable treatment of Chinese immigrants and the policies and laws that further entrenched the racism, drug abuse, and poverty that afflicted this community.

From enrapturing arpeggios and glittering Parisian soirées, to the devastating earthquake and its aftermath, Quinn and Chang’s storytelling is vivid and immersive. Each woman brings something special to the story, and together they are a force to be reckoned with. While it didn’t pack quite the same emotional punch as other Quinn books, it was an immensely entertaining read that I highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley, William Morrow, and UpLit Reads for the eARC!

Kate Quinn does it again- this was a wonderful dual point of view historical fiction book for fans of Diamond Eye!

(3.5⭐️) Thank you @uplitreads and @williammorrow for the #gifted free copy of this book.

“It wasn’t enough for a woman to be talented, clever, and good.”

Powerhouse historical fiction authors, Quinn (one of my forever favorite authors) and Chang (this is my first by her), combine forces to tell the tale of unlikely friends surviving the unthinkable and united for justice.

The heart of this story is its women and the bonds they form. Four dynamic females: Gemma the opera singer, Suling the Chinese seamstress, Alice the botanist, and Nellie the artist.

Alice was my favorite. She shined on these pages just as she shined in real life. I was fascinated by her. So enigmatic. So different from the women of her time. Bold. Brazen. A true standout!

These women: fully capable and talented as individuals, yet fierce and unparalleled when they joined forces. A true testament to the female bond.

The author’s note (a must read) highlights the meticulous research that went into this book. The storyline is rich in history and well explores San Francisco’s heyday in juxtaposition to the lowly Chinese community. Vivid scenes from the earthquake and subsequent fire were well depicted. I especially appreciated the look at stollen Chinese antiquities and the racist laws of the time.

For fellow Quinn devotees, it’s important to note that this read is different than what we find in her solo endeavors. With alternating narratives, the depth and complexity I associate with her writing was not prominent. Instead, the elements of collaboration are given space, allowing Chang’s style room to breathe.

It felt apropos to read a book about female friendship with some fabulous female friends: @bookmarked.by.becky @rachellelovesbooks @readingfortheseasons @sarahgreatbooktoread @shesbecomingbookish @thatsoneforthebooks

The Phoenix Crown made my to-read list because I love Kate Quinn, and now I will have to add Janie Chang's books to my to-read list as well! TPC told the story of four women leading up to and in the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Despite telling the tales of fictional women, it blended their stories with real figures, including botanist Alice Eastwood. TPC is suspenseful and manages not to be too heavy, despite its setting. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for smart historical fiction with a touch of romance.

I really loved that this book focused on the time period surrounding the San Francisco earthquake as well as learning about the different cultural aspects. These two aspects combined brought a really unique storytelling element to the book. Kate Quinn is an autobuy author for me, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. It wasn't a favorite of min, but I'm glad I gave it a chance!

The lives of four women intertwine in San Francisco, days before the earthquake of 1906 hits.

Gemma, an opera singer is heading to California to join a traveling theater group and hoping to reunite with her artist friend, Nellie. Upon arriving in San Francisco, Gemma finds her friend is missing. At the boarding house, Gemma befriends Alice - a botanist and curator at the University. Suling, a Chinese embroideress, is being forced in to an arranged marriage by her uncle. Suling has fallen in love with an employee of the rich and famous Henry Thornton, and one day finds that her love has gone missing.

The paths of these women cross during Thornton's lavish parties, where he shows off his antique collection, including the famous Phoenix Crown. Together the women unravel the mysterious past of Thornton, just as the San Francisco earthquake hits.

This was a great historical fiction novel, set in a unique time and place, that kept me interested through the whole story.

Even though I have most of her books on my shelf, this was my first Kate Quinn read and I’ve got to tell you, I was pretty disappointed. I was so intrigued by the setting of this book: the big earthquake and fires that ruined San Francisco in 1906 and I enjoyed learning more about the city, especially Chinatown, in the early 1900s, but it wasn’t as much of a focus as I expected. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and wasn’t really invested in their stories. I thought the last few chapters in Paris were the most interesting and I loved seeing the women work together to get justice.

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Book Club Girl for the ARC.

I've been a big fan of Kate Quinn's books starting when I read The Alice Network. When I saw the promos with "The Phoenix Crown" coming out soon, I was so excited not just about the authors, but the subject of San Francisco in the early 1900's and when the city was devasted by the earthquake. That city has so much history. I haven't read Janie Chang's books, but I will be looking into them. I do love historical fiction and I see that's what she is known for. The story is based on two strong women, Gemma a soprano singer who comes to San Francisco to perform in the opera. She was an orphan and has been through some very tough times. Also, there is Sulie a Chinatown girl who is trying to better herself and is an amazing seamstress and embroideress. Two other women are Nellie an artist and Alice a botanist that add to the story. All their lives are intertwined as they become friends. They all fall prey in many different ways to Henry Thornton a philanthropist who was known for his collection of Chinese antiques and the main one being the Phoenix Crown. Henry buys his fame through the arts and women are his victims. I will say it took me about 100 pages to get into the flow of book and then something happened that made me think I'm hooked.
The whole world for these characters fell apart when the earthquake hit and truths came out, but I say strong women survive. The authors
have written an impressive novel with copious amounts of research. I would compare their work to authors such as Stephanie Dray and
Alison Pataki. Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins I've upped my joy of reading.

I really liked this one but didn't quite love it. I do think it's worth the read but go into it aware that it's slower-paced and at times feels like a lot going on with three main characters. I did love all three women after getting to know them. There's Gemma, a fancy opera singer who's trying to further her career. Suling, a young and talented embroideress trying to save enough money to leave Chinatown. Last but not least, Alice, a highly successful botanist. All three women live very separate lives until their stories intertwine when they're wronged by the same man. The story is set in 1906 San Francisco and begins shortly before the devastating earthquake and fire (that sadly happened in real life and took more than 3,000 lives.) I liked that this felt like two or three stories in one. It's obvious the authors did a great deal of research and I hope they decide to write more books together.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for providing me a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This was an enjoyable read that delved into a period of time I wasn't very familiar with - the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. There are four women from different walks of life whose paths cross and they become friends. Alice is a botanist who makes plants her life's work - she's no-nonsense, I can do anything I set my mind to, societal rules be damned woman - and personally my favorite character. Reggie is an artist and Gemma's life-long friend who convinces her to start anew in San Francisco but mysteriously disappears. Told primarily from the perspectives of Gemma - an older opera singer trying to make it, and Suling - a Chinese American that is skilled in embroidery, these women have to make their way through a world filled with dreams, challenges, and unexpected friendships.

Kate Quinn is one of my favorite authors. She has the ability to bring historical women to life in a gripping and engaging style that I always enjoy. While The Phoenix Crown was meticulously researched and focused around several women, I felt the essence of a Kate Quinn book was lost.

The Phoenix Crown was a slow burn historical fiction. While I enjoyed the characters I never felt truly invested. In my notes, at the 20% mark, I wrote that I still wasn’t sure what the plot conflict was. At 40%, the pacing begins to make some headway, and then at 50% the plot conflict finally reveals itself and gives the book some direction. For me, if the character development isn’t central, the plot unfolding at the halfway point took too long.

I did love the historical details of the book — clothing, societal norms, the glitz and glamour. I got to feel what it was like to live in San Francisco in 1906. The setting and timeframe were the strongest aspects in the book for me. The actual earthquake and the following hours after were especially poignant as San Francisco was virtually leveled by destruction and fire.

I’d recommend this to any historical fiction aficionados who enjoy a slow-burn read about the strength of female relationships mixed with gilt and glamour.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Publication date: Feburary 13, 2024
Pages: 384

Thank you to @netgalley and @williammorrowbooks for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the uncorrected e-proof in exchange for an honest review!

I have loved Kate Quinn's novels since The Alice Network and this one did not disappoint! While I haven't read anything by Janie Chang just yet I have already added most of her books to my tbr to read as soon as I can!

The novel follows Suling, a Chinese American seamstress, and Gemma, a Nebraskan farm girl turned opera singer as they navigate a society that does not make it easy for them to succeed. I admired both of the main characters and the way that they grew and came into themselves throughout the course of the novel. It would be really cool to see both of them along with a few of the side characters such as Alice and Reggie make appearances in future novels.

This was one of my anticipated new releases this year after seeing all of the work that both of the authors put into the research and development of the novel. The descriptions of San Francisco during its' Golden Age were great, especially in the way that it hi-lighted the beauty of a Chinatown that was lost in the fire. The earthquake and the fire that followed were described so well that I could picture the confusion of the city and the panic that they faced as they tried to save the city from destruction.