Phoenix Unbound by Grace DravenMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
GENRE: Fantasy Romance
THEME: Magic
RECEIVED: Netgalley
Phoenix Unbound (Fallen Empire, #1)
BLURB:
A woman with power over fire and illusion and an enslaved son of a chieftain battle a corrupt empire in this powerful and deeply emotional romantic fantasy from the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance.
Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire's capital--her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village's tithe has been the same woman. Gilene's sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses.
But this year is different.
Azarion, the Empire's most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion--and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. Unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan.
To protect her family and village, she will abandon everything to return to the Empire--and burn once more.
Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire's capital--her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village's tithe has been the same woman. Gilene's sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses.
But this year is different.
Azarion, the Empire's most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion--and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. Unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan.
To protect her family and village, she will abandon everything to return to the Empire--and burn once more.
REVIEW:
Wow! I have to say its been a while for me to find a fantasy romance that seriously left me wanting to do a re-read but Draven's writing and world building was fantastic and I so want more! This was my first introduction to Grace Draven and she totally has a new fan in mePhoenix Unbound follows two very different individuals, Gilene a young woman who each year protects her village but sacrificing herself for the empire, she has the ability to not burn during the yearly sacrifice, with her being a fire witch. Though painful and a horrible thing to endure every year, but she will do it for her family and people. Then there is Azarion, a brave and fierce warrior, who battles others like him just to survive for the empires entertainment. He is a favorite of the empress to torture and uses a plat thing, but he has had enough and Gilene using her power is his way back to his people and his rightful place as their leader.
Both are flawed and beautifully at that, they each have ensured so much for others enjoyment, but neither realized that there is always another way. They are stubborn and would do anything to help others like them. But what I enjoyed the most is their journey together, Azarion's people believe women like Gilene who are fire witches are to be celebrated and honored, he believe he would be welcomed back with her by his side, after being sent off by his horrible relative to slavery. They make an agreement after a lot of arguing and soon Gilene sees the possibilities of herself being happy, but still the guilt if she cant help her people and family.
Together these two plan the impossible while also growing closer and really seeing each other for the first time. I loved watching these two fall in love, both despise each other in the beginning. The world building and Azarion's village were my favorites next to the romance. I loved his people, their beliefs and the Goddess they believed in. I couldn't get enough and really hope that they author comes back to this world and these character to catch up with them. Thankfully there is no cliffhanger and I was really pleased with who the author concluded everything. This is definitely now one of my favorite fantasy romance books, I highly recommend it.
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GIVEAWAY
Want to build the ultimate fantasy romance collection? Don't miss out these fantastic starter kit giveaway of my favorite authors! The always phenomenal Anne Bishop, Patricia Briggs, Chloe Neill, Ilona Andrews and Nalini Singh. With my new favorite Grace Draven!
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