Overall Rating: 3.5 ⭐ rounded up to 4
Spice Rating: 1 🌶️

Thanks to Orbit and Hachette Audio for providing me with an ALC of this book through Netgalley. I would like to apologize to the publishers for this embarrassingly late review. I have no one to blame but myself for forgetting I requested this and not checking the email I gave to NetGalley.

I have mixed feelings about this one, but I enjoyed it overall. Perhaps my favorite things about it were the plot twist and cliffhanger at the end. I was sure I knew which of the characters would turn out to be a certain mysterious figure only to be taken by surprise in the best way. The way the book wraps everything up is also a fantastic hook for the next installment in the series.

Another of this book's biggest strengths is the characters, all of whom are morally grey to some extent. You don't always agree with their actions, but they're written so well that you can understand why they do what they do. Each of the major players has lingered with me in the week since I finished listening. I can usually pick one or two favorite characters in a book, but I can't with this one because they were all so compelling.

This is a story about what it means to do what's right for the people you love and for your country. What does that look like when there are no easy answers? Where do you ultimately place your loyalty when you have to choose who and what will come first? The Phoenix King had a depth that surprised me as it caused me to ponder those questions.

Those looking for a romantasy should look elsewhere because this one is fantasy first, romance second. But the romance that was where was a beautifully written slow burn that unfolded in a way that felt very natural for the characters. While there is a sprinkling of spice, I would not call this a spicy read as what is there only takes up a tiny portion of the book and is pretty mild.

As an audiobook lover, I appreciated that this was a recording with a different narrator for each character. The production quality was good, and all of the narrators did a great job. I couldn't always understand what was being said at the beginning, but I chalk that up to my not being super used to hearing Indian accents rather than being an issue with the audiobook itself.

However, this book was slow in the beginning, and it was a while before I became invested. If it had not been a long overdue ARC, I might have DNFed. While I'm glad I kept going, this was definitely one where I had to push myself to do so. I'm also not sure it needed to be as long as it was and wonder if parts of it could have been shortened or cut.

The world-building and mythology were interesting, but they weren't the most riveting or creative I've ever come across. There were also some aspects of the world and the plot that didn't quite add up. I vaguely picked up on them while listening, and now that I've seen other reviewers pointing them out I can't unsee them. However, since this is only the first book in a trilogy, I hope that everything that seemed off in this one will make more sense in future installments.

Despite my misgivings, I'm looking forward to the release of The Burning Queen and am curious to see where the story is headed!

“The past is binding, but I want to break it…if we carry the burdens of our fathers, then we’ll never know what it means to be free.”

The Phoenix King is a fascinating tale inspired but Indian mythology with advanced technology that follows Elena, the heir to her kingdom's throne, as she pushes herself to prove her worth as a future leader despite not being able to wield the same magic her family can. Along the way, she meets Yassan, an assassin that pledge loyalty to Elena's father, but she feels something is not right about him.

I adored the characters. Their backstories were so in depth, I felt I actually know them. Not to mention the beautiful prose that had me swooning and the rich world building that left me feeling as if i could just right out and touch the world beyond the pages. Aparna Verma aced the pacing throughout the entire novel as well! I usually am a little nervous with books that have multiple POVs, but this one did such a wonderful job of it! I cannot recommend this one enough!

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC opportunity!

Aparna Verma’s The Phoenix King is an enthralling blend of fantasy, political intrigue, and rich world-building that shines brightly in audiobook format. The narration captures the vibrant essence of the story, immersing the listener in a world of fire and destiny. Verma’s writing style is vivid and poetic, making it easy to picture every scene and feel the tension simmering beneath the surface.
The characters are complex and well-developed, with each voice adding to the tapestry of the plot. I was particularly impressed by the nuanced portrayal of the Phoenix King’s inner conflict and the palpable chemistry between the leads. While there are a few moments where the pacing slows, the audiobook’s compelling delivery keeps you engaged throughout.
If you’re a fan of epic fantasy with dynamic characters and a touch of romance, The Phoenix King is a must-listen. It’s a solid start to what promises to be a captivating series.

I really wanted to love this one, the recording and general quality of the audio was top notching, but the book it self had some pretty confusing world building which made it difficult for me to continue with the book. I'm interested in reading more by the author and hearing more audio books by the narrators but unfortunately this wasn't the book for me.

I recently read The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma and absolutely loved it!!

Some of the highlights for me were:

✨ The emotional complexities of the relationship between the FMC Elena and her father King Leo

✨ The fire magic - I recently read The Poppy War and found myself comparing the predatory fire magic quite often

✨ The Bollywood-esque romance! There are a couple of what can only be described as cinematic masterpiece moments that reminded me of movies I grew up with 🥰

✨ The worldbuilding - It’s incredibly well thought-out with futuristic sci-fi modes of communication & travel, established political tensions between nations, internal conflicts between royalists & rebels, and Indian-mythology inspired elements interspersed throughout

I’m very excited to see what comes next from this incredible author!!

DNF after 30%

Not sure if it was me, my mood, or the book, but I couldn’t remain interested enough in the story and the characters to bring myself to finish this.

Yes!!

I adored this, it’s only book one of what’s going to be a trilogy- so there’s definitely still a long way to go- but this first books a big win, definitely enough that I’ll be heavily anticipating the next piece of the story.

What Worked:
- The writing style, smooth and pleasing. Very well done!
- Vivid and unique concept. It was so easy to picture the desert and setting. I loved that it was a High Fantasy world with Futuristic SciFi Tech.
- Characters!!! I’m attached to Yassen; Very. His backstory is extremely well done, I can’t help but want to see him get the freedom he deserves. Leo is also a well balanced anti-hero. From the beginning, he manages to maintain both an air of ‘can’t trust him/what the fuck did he just do?’ AND ‘oh, damn he’s really trying to make the hard choices and do what he thinks is for the best’ it’s weirdly sympathetic.
- Who doesn’t love Fire Magic?

What I’m hoping is cleaned up/ expanded more in book 2
- Rebel Groups and political alliances: there’s just a lot going on. For a really well written book it was at times difficult to tell who was doing what and who was on whose side. Maybe this was intentional? But personally, I like to have some inclination of who to root for.
- Samson. Kind of obvious, he started out a fairly inactive character on the scene. With the way the first book ends, I’d like and expect more from him going forward.
- Elana. I feel like this is kind of typical for the main female protagonist in the first book of a series. I want more emotional development from her, her backstories feels super well laid out - I just need to see it go somewhere!

So yeah, definitely recommend!

Honestly I feel like most of my gripes are rooted in the fact that there’s still a lot of story left to happen before the end. The groundwork is all there though, and I’m not disappointed in the journey. This is definitely an enjoyable and engaging read, it feels fast paced even though a lot of the book was building to set up the crux of the series’s overarching plot.

Audiobook 3.5/5:

The voice actors were all so talented, and I cannot overstate how much I appreciate having different actors for different narrators. Everyone was easy to follow and did a great job distinguishing dialogues from narratives. What didn’t work for me was that honesty I just thought the voices didn’t suit the character. Elana sounded far too old sometimes, she’s only supposed to be 25. And stranger, Leo sounds too young. Younger than Yassen’s actor. This is a personal opinion of course, it just took me out of the story occasionally.

If you like:
3 Pov's
Political intrigue
Assassins
Prophecy
Dark fantasy touch of sci fi
Little bit of a slow burn
Strong female characters
Fire magic

This book has vibes!! If you liked the vibes of The City Brass and the assassins from Throne Glass with a little bit of futuristic elements and political intrigue this book is for you. Not going to lie, this book was a little heavier in the political intrigue then I was ready for but I can see why people would love this book. It has definitely has laid the groundwork for the rest of the series. I look forward to seeing more from this author.

If you're looking for a book with fire magic, assassin, great vibes, with a touch of sci fi, political intrigue and badass female characters ( the men are cool too ) then this is your book.

Morally grey characters in a sci-fi/fantasy world? Sign me up!
I am such a fan of romance being a true sub-plot. The romance element didn't take away from the story at all in my opinion.
This book does get a little heavy (if that's the right word for it) most of the time so if you are a mood reader I would definitely take that into consideration but overall a very good book and I can't wait to see how the trilogy progresses.

Thank you Orbit Books and Hachette Audio for providing me with an eARC and complementary audiobook in exchange for my honest thoughts.

THE PHOENIX KING is an exciting start to what should shape up to be an amazing science-fantasy series! The world Verma builds is rich and her point-of-view characters are complex. I loved how all three POV characters had different motivations and struggles. By far, my favorite POV chapters were Elena’s. I liked reading about Elena’s journey to becoming a worthy queen of her people while struggling with the immense power she holds.

The audiobook features a full-cast narration and I am so glad the series is going in this direction! Multiple narrators adds a certain richness to a story that you just can’t get from a single-narrator book. All narrators, Soneela Nankani, Deepti Gupta, Vikas Adam, and Akshay Kumar all did amazing performances.

Can’t wait to see what Verma does with the rest of this series!

A futuristic desert kingdom shaped by fire magic and ancient prophecy sets the stage for a riveting tale of power, destiny, and the secrets that lie within its ruling bloodline. The Ravani kingdom, born of prophecy and carved from unforgiving desert sands, is governed by the Ravence bloodline—a lineage blessed with the power to command the Eternal Fire. Elena Aadya, the heir to the throne, stands on the brink of her coronation. However, unlike her forebears, Elena cannot wield her family's legendary magic. Determined to prove herself a worthy successor, she faces the imminent challenge of her father's legacy.

Unexpectedly, Yassen Knight, a notorious assassin with a mysterious past, enters the scene and claims allegiance to the throne. While Elena's father trusts Yassen, she harbours suspicions, convinced that he conceals a hidden agenda. As the kingdom faces the looming threat of war, Elena and Yassen become entangled in a perilous dance of intrigue, trust, and betrayal. The choices they make have the potential to set the world ablaze.

Verma weaves a captivating narrative that blends action, fantasy, and prophecy, delivering a story that explores the complexities of power, loyalty, and the consequences of uncovering long-buried truths. "The Phoenix King" takes readers on a journey through a world where magic, politics, and destiny collide, leaving an indelible mark on the fate of the futuristic desert kingdom.

The Phoenix King immerses readers in a richly imagined world of fire magic, prophecy, and political intrigue. The author's debut showcases a masterful blend of fantasy elements, creating a narrative that is both action-packed and emotionally resonant. Elena Aadya's struggle to prove herself as the heir to the Ravani throne despite lacking the family's magical abilities adds depth to her character, making her journey relatable and engaging. Yassen Knight's enigmatic presence introduces an element of mystery and unpredictability, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Verma's world-building is vivid and immersive, transporting readers to a desert kingdom where the stakes are high, and ancient prophecies shape destinies. The dynamic interplay between the characters, the looming threat of war, and the intricate dance of intrigue contribute to the novel's captivating atmosphere. It is a captivating adventure that introduces Aparna Verma as a compelling new voice in science fantasy. Fans of the genre will find themselves drawn into the gripping tale of power, magic, and the choices that can alter the course of an entire kingdom.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I thought the world building and magic system were very interesting. However the deep world building came at the cost of the pacing. The pacing was very slow and casued me to not understand what was going on for a majority of the book.
Even though this book was not for me, I know others will love it! There are patrons who come in for slow-paced, high world building fantasy/scifi books a lot at my library. Happy to connect them with this story.
(2.5 stars rounded up)

thank you net galley for the audiobook, so this is a blend of sci-fi and fantasy, genera told in 3 povs. there are parts that are wonderfuly done and other i have no clue on. i struggled to get into this book.

3.5
The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma is a slow burn heavily geopolitical adult blend of science fiction and fantasy featuring a richly imagined world of prophecy and fire. This novel, inspired by Indian mythology, is told in three different points of view: a morally grey king who's at the end go his reign, a powerless princess, and an ex-assassin hiding a secret. My favorite of the three is the utterly complex King Leo whose descent was told through brilliant exposition on his character. I almost wish the entire novel was told through his eyes as Elena and Yassen felt a lot flat next to him.

Additionally, whoever was narrating for Yassen was incredibly monotonous and I had to repeat the opening chapter multiple times as I struggled so hard to get through his chapters and understand what was being said.

I do feel like this book could've used a little work on the pacing as nothing was really happening in the first 2/3 of the book while at the same time, there would've been so much more impact if the book ended at the 85% mark. The last bit was quite a drag and the sequel should've opened there. Nonetheless, this was quite an intricate novel, although I don't think I'm interested enough to continue on with the series.

DNF 45% in

Unfortunately did not like this and could not care about anything happening. The writing felt juvenile. I also didn't care for the audiobook

DNF.
I don't know what bothered me about this audiobook. Definitely the voice actors weren't too enjoyable to listen to, but also, I couldn't get into the story at all. Even the start seemed too torn apart for my taste.
I'll still give the book a chance and read it, but the audiobook is really not something for me.

Fabulously executed, I loved the narration which really kept the pacing tight and made the chat tears feel distinct from each other. It was an immersive experience in the best way and while the plot and content itself lost me a bit, the narration and production was well done.

✨Book Review - The Phoenix King✨

⭐️🌑🌑🌑🌑

*I was provided this book free of charge by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

DNF- I didn’t finish this book. I tried so hard to get into it and there was way too much world building. I love world building but this went on for the first half of the book and nothing really happened. Unfortunately, even though this was an audio book, I couldn’t get through it. I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrators either. I honestly tried to read this book for about a month and just couldn’t do it. Sorry!

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The world in this book was not what I was expecting! I enjoyed learning about the magic systems, as they were different than other's I've read about. I didn't expect the ending, and that's always a positive for me. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes magic, slow burn romance, a little bit of political intrigue, and multiple POVs.

The Phoenix King is an intriguing beginning to a sci-fi/fantasy series that draws inspiration from Indian culture/mythology!

I give this book 4/5 stars:

I listened to an audiobook of this story and found that it was a well-paced story that centers around political intrigue familial bonds and the sacrifices that leaders must make to protect their people. The narration by each of the three main voices in this book was almost flawless. Each of the three main narrators made their main characters their own and did justice to the supporting characters with distinct voices and accents. Yassen's narrator especially was able to completely pull me into the story!

The characters are all equally complex, all of them have their motivations, and desires and all of them have something to hide. Elina struggles to feel worthy of the throne she is to inherit. Yassen has a troubled past that stops him from feeling like he fits in anywhere in the world. Leo wants to protect his daughter but can no longer recognize the lines between good and bad.

Verma does an amazing job of writing a character's descent to madness and as the reader, we get to see it in real-time as the antagonist's actions go from questionable to completely unjustifiable and paranoid throughout the story. Another aspect of the writing that I enjoyed was how Verma mixed futuristic technology within her magical world and how they managed to fit so well together.

My only complaint with this story is that at times, the internal struggle that Elina faces becomes very repetitive to listen to. I know it is a very big part of her life and her image of herself but listening to it became a bit of a drag in the later chapters at times. This disrupts the pace of the book which feels faster in Leo and Yassen's chapters than it does in Elina's and I feel that this is a disservice to her because she is very interesting. The writing in her chapters forces the story to slow down in places it does not need to.

This book was very effective as an audiobook and I feel that it would be just as fun to read. Overall, I loved the characters, even the ones I hated, the world-building was engaging and I loved the writing!