I was excited to see how Emiko's journey would end. The first and last thirds of this book were well-paced and expanded the world. The middle third dragged quite a bit and made it difficult to want to continue. I'm glad I kept reading, though, and readers got to see Emiko's emerge into her true form as the city's Sentinel.

I'll do my best not to give too many spoilers, but the story picks up a week or two after the events in Blood Jade. Emiko is trying to forget her newfound hoard gift by delving deeper into her Sentinel duties and hiding from the dragon families, since she was outed at the tournament. We see her struggling to deal with it all.

This book was more emotional, if anything. We see Emiko reunite with her mother and finally come to terms with the decisions her family made regarding her power. We also see relationships tested and how everyone is dealing with that. I love that Vee and Bebelle rounded out Emiko's character arc. They made her more human, more understanding, and created a redemption arc for her.

An epic conclusion to an epic series. I'm sad to see it go

It is the long awaited conclusion to the Phoenix Hoard series, and I am so privileged to have received an ARC.

Pearl City is the last book of the Phoenix Hoard trilogy. This wildly fun and adventure of Emiko Soon comes to a tumultuous end as she embraces her role as San Francisco's Sentinel, and she learns of a doom prophecy that of course, directly involves her. This book picks up very quickly in the timeline where Book 2 has left off. Emiko needs to face reality of her untapped magical powers, relationships with family and exes, her role of protector, and unresolved entanglements, all while San Francisco is overtaken by an ancient dragon. Cue kit kats to the rescue, and a certain tiger.

I am so excited for Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle to see their story come to life. I have loved every moment of this book and the entire series, hooked from the very first chapter. Phoenix Hoard is a great urban fantasy with a strong female character, thrown in with magical realism, dragons, and clan power struggles. Oh, not to forget the fun sword/fighting scenes! Though I do feel like the third book does jump around a lot because the authors are trying to tie up all the loose ends that have been created over the series, I do recommend this underrated and under-hyped book/series to all.

Thank you Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Books for the opportunity in exchange for a review.

This was the perfect finale for this series that I absolutely recommend to anyone that enjoys urban fantasy or just fantasy novels in general.
in this final installment, we see Emiko take on the most difficult opponent she has ever come across, a literal dragon from another realm.
There will be far reaching consequences that will forever change the shape of Jiaren society and also Emiko herself.
I loved Emiko's character so much. She was so self aware, knowing that she had her limitations, and calling on her allies to help her save her city. She knew that her actions would change her relationship to those she once considered friends, but she knew that sacrifices had to be made in order to save San Francisco.
I loved how her family and friends showed up for her, and lent her all that they could to make sure that she succeeded in her plans.
This was a satisfying conclusion to this phenomenal series. I highly recommend.

This finale was everything I wanted and more. Pearl City closes out an urban fantasy trilogy that has genuinely become one of my favorites, and I’m honestly sad to see it go. It's one of those where it sat so strongly in my memory that I didn't have to reread before the next book, but I could reread the entire thing and get even more out of it the next time around. I truly think that is the highest compliment that I can bestow.

What stands out most in this series is the way Emiko and the wider cast feel so real. They are complicated, flawed, and layered in a way that makes you believe in them completely. The authors don’t just give us heroes and villains; they give us people with blind spots, histories, and messy relationships. Emiko, in particular, is one of the most fully realized protagonists I’ve read. She grows, sacrifices, and changes, but she never loses the core of who she is. By the end, it feels less like you’ve finished a story and more like you’ve walked alongside a friend who’s still out there living her life. Miss you already, Emiko.

The world-building and the plot in this book are equally impressive. Just when I thought I knew where it was heading, it surprised me with turns I didn’t see coming. The stakes keep escalating from book to book, and by this finale, the scope feels massive without ever losing the personal heart of the story. I especially loved how relationships and family remained central even while the fate of the world hung in the balance. Those family dynamics (messy, loving, painful, and healing) are what truly elevate this series.

As a trilogy, each book raised the bar, but Pearl City delivers a satisfying ending. It’s emotional, thoughtful, and powerful, but never strays from the core identity of the story. It left me completely fulfilled, even if I didn’t predict exactly where Emiko’s journey would land. This series has such a special place in my heart. If you love urban fantasy with high stakes, nuanced characters, and unforgettable family dynamics, you absolutely need to pick it up.

Huge thanks to the authors for generously sharing ARCs throughout this journey; I feel lucky to have been along for the ride. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

This final book in the Phoenix Hoard series is now my new favorite. Emiko has grown so much throughout the series and is now put to one final world-shattering test of her strength, ability, and ties to her friends and family. I smiled so much reading this and seeing her character growth. Having just recently read the first two books, it felt like seeing a friend complete her journey in this book and I felt so proud of her.

But there is also so much heartbreak, heartache, and heart scares in this one. If you love urban fantasy mixed with Asian folklore and haven’t checked out this series yet, you absolutely need to do so.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @torbooks for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

Pearl City: The Phoenix Hoard by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle is a phenomenal conclusion to the trilogy. From the very beginning, the story sweeps the reader back into the magical world of Emiko Soong as she begins to step into her power as a Sentinel. I love how engaging the novel is as she learns more about her new power and learns that she can use it without hurting the ones she cares about. The novel is explosive with non-stop action that keep the story exciting with a twist in the antagonist just as Emiko thinks she has a handle on the powerful enemies she is facing. This is a series that just keeps getting more intense and better, letting Emiko grow and develop strengths as a character that she didn’t even suspect she had.
If you love urban fantasy with diverse and powerful characters, this novel is for you. It takes the idea of “Big Trouble in Little China” and makes it believable with authentic Asian characters and explosive action. Even more, it is emotional and beautiful, especially the ending of the novel. While this appears to be the final book in the Phoenix Hoard, I have to admit that I hope for more from Emiko Soong and this world. It is way too enthralling and while this is a phenomenal conclusion, I feel like there is just too much story left for these characters.

Emiko's recent trip home did more than unearth family secrets, it shattered the very foundation her magical society is based on. And in the wake of the uncertainty created by the revelations, some clans are ready to strike, eager to use the chaos to solidify their own power base. War has come to Emiko's home, and it will take every ounce of her strength as Sentinel to guard those under her protection - especially when an enemy not seen in centuries appears once again.

PEARL CITY is a suitably epic finale to this urban fantasy adventure, bringing all of Emiko's newfound power to bear in one final battle in San Francisco. While Emiko was largely cut-off from her Sentinel powers in BLOOD JADE, she's now squarely back on her home turf and ready to finally embrace the power San Francisco is willing to give its protector. If it weren't a series finale, Emiko might seem a bit overpowered, but given the scope of the adversary she's facing, her new abilities are well-justified.

I will say that for the first third of the book, I was a little concerned that the plot was going to be overstuffed, as once again complication after complication was added to Emiko's pile. Thankfully by the halfway point, the plot becomes entirely focused on the final battle, and the extra clutter falls to the wayside. (I remain baffled about a plot complication that was introduced by the character Adam, as it largely disappeared from the story for most of the book and was only tangentially tied to the main conflict).

But putting those minor early missteps aside, I really enjoyed the second half of PEARL CITY. It was a showstopper finale that also paid off some of the family and friend relationships that have been building over the course of the series. I loved seeing Emiko's community both locally and abroad come together in this moment of need, all those characters we've met over the series uniting in one final stand-off.

THE PHOENIX HOARD SAGA has been a great fun ride from start to finish. It's given us a heroine who arcs from isolated loner to integral leader of her city, someone who sees the need to shake things up and finally realizes she has the power to do so. If you're looking for a modern-day fantasy adventure with great action, give this series a shot.

5/5 stars: This is the third entry in Vee's & Bebelle's Phoenix Hoard series, which is a BIPOC Urban Fantasy that follows a former assassin and new Sentinel for the sentient city of San Francisco who must learn how to control her deadly talent fast if she's going to stop the General from claiming an ancient power that rips through the Realm to land in her city. Vee's & Bebelle's fast-paced, non-stop tale is a breathtakingly magical and evocative world that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the final page. Smart and witty, Vee's & Bebelle's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Emiko's tough and has been on a tough journey. She's determined to do what is in her power to protect her city, family and friends. This series includes a great and complex cast of diverse characters that are unique and beloved. Additionally, the family dynamics are excellent and full of drama. While I hate to leave Emiko's world, I very much love how this trilogy was wrapped up. Vee's & Bebelle's world building, which is infused with both of their diverse Asian-American cultures, is top-notch. You'll find mythical beings and monsters, ancient magical artifacts with deadly secrets and plenty of sword fights, magical battles and so much more. Vee's & Bebelle's touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check the CWs. I highly recommend this book but since it's the final book in a trilogy, you'll want to pick up books one and two, Ebony Gate and Blood Jade first so that you can experience this great series as it should be.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

There is something so bittersweet about coming to the conclusion of a series. However, if it has to end this is exactly the way it should. This third installment of the Pheonix Hoard was nonstop, heart pounding action and I was here for every last world. Emiko is really a character that you watch grow and stretch herself to her limits and at times it's uncomfortable and there is so many internal battles that she fights, but she comes out the other side and you end up feeling proud of her. Heir character arc through all three books is nothing short of a masterpiece. The sacrifices she makes in this installment are monumental and the way she handled it for the love of her city was inspiring. Without spoiling anything or giving to much away this book is faster, more action packed, more brutal, and there is more redemption than the previous books and it will leave you feeling satisfied at its conclusion. I really can't wait to see what these authors come up with next because I will definitely be first in line!

4.5/5 Stars
If Ebony Gate pulled me in with its rich modern-day San Francisco setting and Blood Jade deepened my connection to Emiko through her navigation of her complicated family dynamics in Tokyo, Pearl City emotionally broke me…but in the best of ways!

This finale cements what I’ve felt since book one: Emiko Soong is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time. Her character arc spanning guilt, duty, fear of failure, and the slow, painful process of self-acceptance, is so layered and human. I’ve always related to Emiko’s struggle to balance the weight of responsibility with the desire to retreat, afraid of letting down the people who rely on her and that internal conflict is the beating heart of this trilogy.

What hit hardest for me was the evolution of her relationship with her parents. The resolution of that long-simmering tension, especially the clarity around her mother’s abandonment and the quiet, hard-earned recognition from her father honestly left me in tears. These weren’t easy moments for Emiko, but they felt true, and that’s what made them so powerful.

Emiko steps fully into her power in this book, never for glory, but for the people and the city she loves. That choice, and the way it’s framed not as a triumph of strength but as an act of selfless connection, feels deeply earned after everything she’s been through. And yes, we get dragons and clan wars and magic storms tearing through the Realm, but what I’ll remember most is Emiko. Her choices. Her pain. Her growth.

I can’t say enough about how well this trilogy builds on itself. Each book expands the world, deepens the mythology, and pushes Emiko to evolve in ways that you hope for but don’t always expect. Pearl City isn’t just a story about saving the world, it’s a story about surviving yourself, forgiving the people who broke you, and choosing to protect what you love and love what you protect.

Absolutely phenomenal end to a series I’ll be recommending for a long time.

A worthy conclusion to The Phoenix Hoard trilogy!

The biggest thing that I love about this series is how Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle managed to write and create such strong and multidimensional Asian American characters that they feel and read like authentic voices. This is why I love to read and promote diverse voices in SFF.

Like with the first two novels, the authors balanced the action scenes and the dialogue heavy scenes really well. If I found myself starting to get distracted with a longer scene, then something more action-filled or suspenseful will show up next and keep me on my toes.

It's hard to talk about this book by itself without bringing up the other books. But I will say that Emiko's character arc, especially her roller coaster character growth, came to a satisfying conclusion. There was a lot of sacrifice involved on her part with the authors really putting her through the wringer. I knew she'd be able to handle them, but damn, I was really worried for my girl in certain scenes.

Ngl, I actually wanted more time spent with Emiko's family. There was a lot of that in the second book, and while I'm usually not a huge fan of family drama, Emiko's parents are interesting people. More than halfway through the book, I could easily picture a prequel with Emiko's mom. I already have a weak spot for shadow daddies. Guess I'll make room in my heart for a shadow mommy.

I want to give a wholehearted thank you to Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle for sending me the arcs! Thank you for including me in Emiko's journey.

This has been a fun adventure and I can't wait to see what the authors come up with next!

I'm sad to see the Phoenix Hoard series come to an end, but this was an amazing final chapter. During book two, Emiko's power has fully emerged and she almost breaks the world as she knows it. After a disastrous rip in the world that her mother is able to close, Emiko returns to San Francisco, but the city that has become her sanctuary is now a living nightmare as dangerous clan wars erupt and Emiko has no idea she can trust. An ancient power from the Realm Emiko ripped into rips back into her city, and power hungry clan members will stop at nothing to take this power for their own. Emiko must finally face her past, present, and future to stop this powerful invasion and protect her city. Emiko desperately wants to unwrite fate and save her city and her family.

I loved the family dynamics throughout the series and how they changed - I wasn't sure about Emiko's parents, but she learned so much about them (and herself) as the books went out and I think that is so true to life.. learning new things and finally understanding your parents a little better in adulthood. I also loved how Emiko developed throughout the series, but especially in this final installment, and how her relationship with Kamon was able to grow. This was such a cool story of personal struggle and redemption that had a really unique setting and magic system and I will so miss this world and these characters!

I'm sad to see the trilogy end. Emiko is now one of my favorite fictional characters. Perhaps even my literary waifu. Pearl City was the perfect way to cap off this trilogy and I especially appreciate how each of her interpersonal relationships ebb and flow throughout. I love that we got to know her mother a little more and that it humanized her father a bit as well. I also appreciate that so many events from the first 2 books came into full circle here. Julia and Ken wrapped up all the loose ends into a neat package and I'm hoping they create an entire expansive universe with these characters. Perhaps a book about the Trans, one about Oda and even one centered on her mother would be amazing!

This was a fun series! I am both glad it ended in a moderate for the genre three books and a little sorry it’s over. Or at least it felt like a good ending place. I’d absolutely read the next book by these authors. I’ve got them both marked to follow now and I see they’ve got some older ebooks. I’ll look at those too. While I got to enjoy the arc I also dropped money on the ebook just now in support.

The finale in the epic urban fantasy series! Emiko has just found out that she has powers that she can barely control, powers that all other clans hate.... she can steal other's gifts. On top of being outcast by her family and the other clans... she's torn a rift in the world and now a dangerous Dragon has come in and threatens to devour everyone and destroy her city. Emiko has her work cut out for her if she wants to save her city and find a way to control her gifts. Not knowing who is an ally or an enemy... Emiko must find a way to navigate the treacherous city and stop the evil before her fate as a destroyer of worlds comes true. I absolutely adored this finale in the series, It was a action packed ride from the start to the end. And can we take a moment to talk about Kamon, my most beloved tiger shifter... like YES YES YESSSSSS. The romance definitely ramped up in this and everything wrapped up beautifully. I adored this series from the start to the end and would absolutely recommend this for fans of urban fantasy stories!

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Pearl City is the final book in the Phoenix Hoard series, and I can't recommend the series enough. I read the first book, Ebony Gate, when I first started a new job working as a bookseller. It was one of the first times I wrote a review and got the awesome privilege of hearing back from the authors who penned the book. Julia and Ken are a fantastic team, and I am so glad they brought this story to print.

As a little background, I grew up watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer on repeat. Although it is ostensibly a show about killing vampires, it is also full of wit and heart that make you feel like part of the family. When I heard about Ebony Gate and I read more about Julia and Ken, check out their Seattle Slayer series, I was immediately intrigued. I picked up the book and couldn't put it down. To be fair, I am a sucker for a book with good food, but also the sense of heart I found in Buffy was recreated in this book. I am happy to say that Pearl City does not disappoint and is an amazing story to wrap up Emiko's story.

So, this is now the part of the review where I warn you that what is to come may include spoilers from some of the previous books in the series. If you have not read the rest of The Phoenix Hoard, please read no further.

When we last saw Emiko, she was fighting to save her brother's life. While fighting her estranged cousin, she unleashed her long buried talent, to the horror of all in attendance, siphoning her cousin's abilities and unwittingly opening a portal to The Realm. With her mother's assistance, the portal was closed, but the cat was out of the bag and all of her people now knew what she was capable of.

Where Pearl City picks up, Emiko eventually returns to San Francisco to find so much of her city changed. Tensions are high between rival families, and her blooming connection with her City is a reminder of all the things she still does not know. How to use her connection to the City, how to control this new power living inside her, and what is next for The General? All of these problems and more come to a head when the family of her biggest supporter, Freddy, is attacked and their hoard gold threatened. Emiko must find a way to restore the Peace to her city, even if she has to pay the price in blood.

I think I've already made it pretty clear that I'm a big fan of the series and of Emiko. I will say that there is a lot happening in this final volume, so there may not have been as much time for distractions like dumplings or rare KitKats. Not to say that it's not there at all, but Pearl City is much more fast-paced, and for good reason. The fight scenes are really great, and as always the lore and world building is wonderful, and so unique. I recommend this series to all of my Sci-fi and fantasy readers. If you enjoy contemporary fantasy, martial arts fantasy, or just a twist on the classic chosen one story then check this out.

If you've read this far thanks for reading my review, and I sincerely hope you enjoy the book.

Nailed the finale of "Pearl City" Julia and Ken. On 15 July 2025 folks can enjoy this conclusion to Emiko's journey from Butcher to Worldbreaker. Plus the ending evoked vibes of one of my favorite pieces of media. Thank you for the copy, been my pleasure to lend my platform to The Phoenix Hoard.

The General has shown themselves. But Emiko's Talent has been unleashed before the Jiaren, just what she needed, another reason for them to fear The Butcher. Clan War erupts in San Francisco pulling her friends and city into a conflict no one is prepared for.

Reasons to read:
-The ending
-A journey of redemption for one who thinks she isn't deserving of it
-The arcs for the side characters, Freddy coming into his own was a joy to see
-Ripped my heart out of my chest and then put it back (thankfully in less than 2 chapters)
-The growth!
-More creatures from myths a lot of folks might not be familiar with
-The food and style
-I mark out at a place deciding that "Yea I like this one" and just supporting them
-The crows
-Bao

Cons:
-Tiny thing, a mention or two about a certain tiger smelling nice while a tiger. That has to be magic because they are kinda stinky up close.

The Phoenix Hoard series is what made me realize I could like urban fantasy, so look…. I’m a little biased.

This is such a great urban fantasy with crazy family drama, incredible dragon magic, martial arts, and a foo lion companion?!! If that doesn't sell you on it, I honestly don't know what will. This was an epic conclusion to this trilogy that is full of action and suspense. Ken and Julia nailed it!

A real selling point of this series are the characters. There is a traditionally long (fantasy readers get it) cast of characters but each person is so well fleshed out that there is no doubt in your mind who is who. This world and characters are in technicolour, there’s no doubt about it.

I don’t want to say too much plot-wise, because this is the last book of the series, but it wraps things up so nicely and it really is satisfying. This is a great series to invest in, there are no loose ends (although I do see that maybe this isn’t the end of Emiko’s story???? Please???)

This is the third (and final?) book of The Phoenix Hoard, a pan-Asian urban fantasy series that features lots of fighting scenes, political intrigue, the damage that our parents do to us, and minimal romance.

Pearl City starts shortly after the second book ends with Emiko unsure of her new status as Sentinel and unskilled with her talent. The shapeshifter Kamon has asked Emiko– with her new powers– to help his family. It’s a great way to see Emiko in action and the positives and negatives of her new talent before the lingering conflicts from the second book arise.

Like the other books, this felt pretty episodic in nature with small arcs throughout that connect into a larger plot. (I think it would be a great pick for a prestige TV series. The amount of narration Emiko does would be a challenge, but the Murderbot adaptation has shown this can be done well.) This felt almost like one encounter after another– my impression is that there was less time for the non-violent character interactions that charmed me in the prior books, though there are some here. In particular, we get a little more time devoted to Emiko’s complex relationship with her parents. There’s also resolution to the very small romantic subplot in the book. I found it personally disappointing because I think it deserved more attention, but the conclusion did make sense.

While many of the threads from the first two books connected to Emiko are resolved in this volume, there are many lingering questions and ample room for sequels, especially stories centered around Emiko’s family, Kaida, or Oda. I think this trilogy can be viewed as one arc about Emiko and an introduction to the Jiārén world. There’s still a lot to explore, and that left me feeling unsatisfied despite the resolutions we did get.

Reflecting on the series as a whole (so far!), I think this is one of the best urban fantasy series out there. It’s an interesting world. Emiko, with all of her complexities, is a fantastic POV character. The earlier volumes reveal her complex past in really enticing trickles. It’s fantastic to see a series focused on Asian characters. There are also lots of representations of female characters who are strong in different ways. And despite my complaints above, the plot can stand on its own without the romance. Last but not least, it has one of my favorite himbos in fiction, Freddy Tran, who shows unexpected depth.

And y’all– just like the second book, this book has also has a synopsis of the prior volume. SO appreciated. I wish more books did this.