I really enjoyed These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy! The main characters were interesting and Asya especially showed some intriguing character development. I loved what world-building there was, but I definitely wanted more, especially from a nearly 500 page book. There were so many great moments in this story, but I think it could have either been shorter or had a more complex and defined world. I really liked the sapphic romance in this book and look forward to seeing what Overy does in book two! This was an excellent debut!

This book had so many things I look for in a fantasy novel - a folktale retelling, interesting characters, thorough world building, romance, and an intriguing magical system. Overall, the concept of this story was really interesting. Twin sisters who are destined to have one become Queen and the other become a Firebird who maintains the balance of magic. They are naturally pitted against each other after they were raised to fulfill their roles and duties and I loved how they interacted and learned to step into their new roles.

Even with all the things I liked about this book it left me with mixed feelings because of the pacing. It felt much too slow for me in the beginning and I found myself picking up and putting down this book several times before I really got pulled in. By the end I did enjoy it and loved some of the surprise twists. With the way the story ended I’d certainly be interested in reading the sequel.

I liked this better than I expected to, especially with the seeming overabundance of “Russian-inspired” YA fantasy recently (that doesn’t always hit the mark). Basing the story on a Russian folk tale makes the rationale for the setting more convincing, here. The magic system was interesting and everything tracked for me in the first part of the book. Things felt a bit more rushed toward the end and I think the clarity of the plot and world building suffered a bit as a result, but not so much that I wouldn’t want to pick up the sequel. The sister relationship at the heart of the book is wonderful and really drives the narrative. The romance element has potential, but it felt rushed to me (there weren’t enough scenes with the love interest for it to feel convincing by the end of the book.) Overall, I liked this one and would recommend it to YA fantasy readers and those who enjoy stories about magical siblings.

In this queer retelling of the Russian folktale, “The Firebird,” twins Izaveta and Asya are separated in order to fulfill their destinies. Izaveta remains at court to learn everything she needs to rule, Asya is whisked away to her aunt’s for Firebird training to ensure that magic remained balanced in the realm. When Asya comes into her powers early, she knows her mother has died and Izaveta must now rule. The sisters must reunite to learn who killed their mother and learn who they can trust, and who they can love.

Queer retellings are my jam, and I love a good folklore inspired story, but I couldn’t wholeheartedly get into this one like I’d hoped. I did do it on audio, so perhaps it was just the narration that threw me off, but I kept getting distracted and having to check back in with the story. One of the sisters is queer, which is cool, but the outside relationships of the sisters is just one part of the story.

I did like their dynamic and how they had to work to come back together, pulled apart by their families and politics. They had to do something not usually done by the ruler and the Firebird, work together instead of just controlling one faction of their realm. The evolution of their relationship was interesting.

If you’re up for some YA Fantasy with two strong lady protagonists, give this one a go. I think I’ll try again at a different time.

These Feathered Flames is fantastic fantasy novel set in Tourin, a world loosely inspired by Russia. The story of twin sisters, Isaveta and Asya, one to be crowned the next queen, the other to be trained for her future as the magical Firebird, whose job is to maintain the balance of magic used in Tourin - and to exact the price when it becomes unbalanced. For those who love the politics and drama of court, as well as for those who love magic and sister stories and hate-to-love (and queer love stories), this is definitely a great read.

This YA fantasy has great world building with an interesting premise: 2 twin sisters fated to become 2 pieces on the opposite ends of a political gameboard, the queen and the mythical Firebird.

The first half of the book was slow-paced, and not much happens action-wise, but it really focuses on the political posturing of council and church leaders jockeying for positions of power in the soon-to-be queen's court. Deceit and betrayal are definitely the rule, rather than the exception.

I was somewhat perplexed as to why the new firebird was so clueless about her new power. She had spent years as an apprentice to the former firebird, so she should have learned something. Also, it didn't make sense that she got such very little guidance from the former firebird after she came into power, other than disapproving stares. Like, why would someone with so much sudden power be left to struggle and figure things out on her own when someone with all the answers was right there? That sharing of knowledge would have prevented so many of the ensuing issues and drama.

The action really picked up in the last part of the book, and kept the pages turning. I definitely want to see what happens in the 2nd book of this duology.

These Feathered Flames is the beginning of a new fantasy, retelling of The Firebird fairy tale. I found this book to be extremely enjoyable, while also being very hard to get into. Personally, I have a harder time reading Russian inspired books due to the names and lore - so this is likely a me thing, not necessarily a fault of the book. The Russian influence is heavy within the plot, names, and backgrounds of the characters so it has a large presence in the story.

I LOVED the concept of the two twin sisters being born, one to be queen and one to become the mythical Firebird. It reminded me a lot of the Three Dark Crowns series by Kendare Blake in terms of the sisters. When their mother, the Queen, dies the Firebird is called back to the palace after many years to begin the Mourning period. But politics and maneuvering take over, with many attempting to depose the sister meant to be the next Queen.

The writing in this book is beautiful, and whereas it took me some time to become invested in the story, the ending 10% had me on the absolute edge of my seat and taking me on a shocking journey to set up the next book. The sister's dynamic was engaging and interesting, as they both came into their own powers and became what was expected of them at court.

**Thank you to Inkyard Press and Netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

THESE FEATHERED FLAMES is a promising debut, It’s brimming with intricate magic, lush worldbuilding, and a deliciously complex sisterly relationship! The ending immediate left me craving the sequel.

This was such a wonderful retelling. I loved the fact that this book was about twin sisters and that their relationship was the main one. So many books don't have sibling relationships as the main one but this one does and I love it! The sisters were so interesting to read about, especially because they are so different from each other.
This book has so many things I love in it! Mystery, betrayal, magic, and some romance too! Did I mention there is some hate to love in this book! I really thought the world-building was well done. The characters were well written and I really liked the magic system as well! If you like any of the things I've mentioned than you need to add These Feathered Flames to your tbr!

These Feathered Flames is a diverse retelling of the Russian folktale The Firebird. The story follows two twin heirs who were separated at a young age to fulfill both their fates. Izaveta remained at court to learn the skills needed to become the future queen and Asya went to train with her aunt, the mysterious firebird, who ensured magic remained balanced in the realm. When their mother suddenly dies, the girls are brought back together and must face their destinies sooner than planned. The plot is fast-paced and engaging. The world-building is phenomenal with rich detail throughout. The characters are well-developed and compelling. The romance at the center of the story is sweet and one readers will root for. The romance doesn't overtake the plot, but flows nicely within the plot. If you're looking for a refreshing YA fantasy with diversity and a sweet romance, These Feathered Flames is not to be missed!

I’m not much into retellings, but this book was really great. I have never heard the firebird folklore before and having to hear it in this way was amazing. This story did have a few bumps but overall it was really well written, especially for a first book. It definitely seemed original compared to a lot of other ya/ adult books.Overall, it was a great book I’d recommend to others!

I'm not going to lie, it did take me a bit of time to get into the book and it had some pacing issues that made me put the book down for a while before getting back to it, but I am glad that I pushed thru because I did enjoy it. That ending had me wishing I had the next book which is how I know that I really did enjoy the book overall. The protagonists are engaging and the world building is done very well. I liked that the romance didn't overpower the book but was there just enough to bring some more drama. I know nothing about Russian culture or the legend of the Firebird but reading this had me intrigued enough to look up more and hoping that the next book comes soon.

If you are looking for a book that is full of tension and intrigue, deceit and betrayal, with a splash of family dynamics and enemies to lovers, These Feathered Flames is a great place to look. This book is highly inspired by Russian folklore, and tells the story of two sisters who were separated at a very young age and brought up in two very different lives. Even with their vastly different upbringings and current circumstances, they remain connected by the bond of sisterhood--but don't think that their reunion will be an easy one! There's no doubt the book leaves you wanting more, and I can't wait to continue to explore the duology in book 2!

Did not read it entirely, but the plot is a good one, and one I believe will be likes by YA/fantasy readers. Very much a good choice to recommend.

I loved this book! I've been very interested in Russian folklore over the last few years, and Overy's take on this classic story was so refreshing! From that introduction in the cabin in the woods in chapter one to the very last page, I was hooked! Overy managed to keep things interesting with emotional investment, and really that's all I want in a story. Fantastic! I loved every minute of it!

I LOVED this book. It's sapphic, enemies to livers, interesting sister dynamics, and the political intrigue just makes the book *that* much more interesting. I'm glad this is a series because I feel we weren't given enough time in just one book to completely flesh out the world and relationship dynamics especially with eh frustrating miscommunication and withholding information between the sisters, but I'm really looking forward to these relationships progressing in the future! 5 stars :)

This is a fantastic YA book. I completely buoyed reading this one..
I have added this one to my buy in the future list .

I do recommend it

If you’re looking for your next YA fantasy read, look no further. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 is a great retelling that offers diversity, an enemies-to-lovers romance, as well as, political intrigue. While I felt that the magical system is still being unveiled and may develop as the series progresses, I really enjoyed the twins’ POVs and their polar personalities. I’m excited to see where Overy takes these characters and this supernatural world.
Oh and I love that they ride bears! What creature would you want to ride?

Thank you to @harpercollins for an invitation to this blog tour and a #gifted copy.

These Feathered Flames is a wonderful Russian-inspired novel that follows twin sisters who have been separated and trained for the lives they are supposed to lead. One sister is set to become Queen, while the other is being trained to follow in the footsteps of her aunt, the mysterious Firebird.
The author created a strong plot. It has a strong beginning and and shattering ending. The author does a great job pulling you into each of the narrator's chapters. You truly feel what the characters are feeling. There is also the classic enemies to lovers trope, which I love. She also did a great job with the world building without it feeling overwhelming. You can tell there was a great deal of research that happened in order to vividly create this beautiful world.
The only criticism I have is that I sometimes felt lost in some of the politics. It could get a little overwhelming. Overall, this is a wonderfully written young adult fantasy book that I think many will enjoy.

I was really excited for These Feathered Flames because I grew up loving Russian Fairy/Folk Tales. I was excited to see how this retelling would take the stories and make its own. I loved the way it was infused together as well as the strong bond between the sisters.

Izaveta and Asya were such great characters. They are twin sisters that have been separated and then reunited. Living in two very different worlds before coming back together. We get to see them struggle with figuring out who they were before and who they are now and how that plays into their lives. I loved the up and downs in their relationship because it felt real.

Izaveta seems to be the stronger willed and confident of the two. Yet she is trying to find her way around what it means to suddenly be Queen. She is still young and not perfect. The court is a complicated place. I think I felt mixed feelings about her, on if I like her or not. Which made me enjoy her character.

Asya on the other hand had that quality about her that makes you like her right away. She is less confident than Izaveta but also seems to lay her feelings out more. She is not good at putting on the emotional blank mask. Which makes her feel like it leads her to failure but also proves that she is more than just the Firebird. I really liked how she feared her fate at first but found ways to understand it and move towards embracing it.

My Grandma immigrated from Russia and my Grandfather immigrated from Lithuania and I love anything that infuses some of their culture.I have many lacquered boxes and golden images with that Firebird on them. I also love that Asya bears' name is Mishka, ha ha. It made me chuckle when I first read it. I like how this plot took parts of the original story and gave it that nod of appreciation but also crafted this into it’s own thing. It felt like I had stepped through a painting of the Firebird and found the real world behind it. I enjoyed and I love that the plot had an air of mystery and murder to it as well. There were twist that I was like ya okay but there were some good ones that had me thinking. Okay wait, what? So I liked that. I forgot it’s not a standalone so at the ending I was like. Um wait wait I need to know what’s happening here where are you going!!

The romance was great because it did not overpower the rest of the story. It happened so organically that I loved it. I didn’t need it, the plot would have moved forward fine without it but I think it gave the characters themselves a little more depth with their feelings. I was glad it did not take away from the importance of the sisters evolving relationship.

I really liked this and I thought it was a great retelling. I also really like the pronunciation guide at the end and was grateful that pelmeni was mentioned at one the feast because it’s one of my favorite foods. Lol.