| Series: | Fallen Empire #1 |
| Pub. Date: | Sept 25, 2018 |
| Publisher: | Ace Roc Books |
| Length: | 400 pgs |
| Source: | NetGalley |
Phoenix Unbound is an exciting start to the new Fallen Empire series by Grace Draven, an epic fantasy romance sure to appeal to those who like to see a little romance with their Game of Thrones type stories. In true fantasy style, this story is not for the faint of heart. There are vile villians, abhorrent behavior and treatment of people, slavery, and a manner of forced activities that may be triggers to some.
Our hero of this epic tale is Gilene of Beroe, a fire witch who serves as savior of her city while being reviled by the residents. Gilene must sacrifice herself bodily every year to the enslaved warriors and the pyre of the ruling city, and she gets no thanks for such a horrid task. But Gilene perseveres. She is a survivor through and through, and seemingly selfless at every turn. I had no qualms with her as a heroine. While I didn't form a warm and fuzzy connection with her character, I did like her and I was hoping that she would come out on top.
Our fierce and fantastic hero was Azarion of the Sky Below. Enslaved gladiator who has risen to the ranks of Gladius Prime by his fighting skills, die hard determination, and probably some of his unfortunate favor by the evil empress. Azarion was a great hero... fierce, determined and ruthless. But he also had a softer side when it came to Gilene, and we saw his protectiveness come through with hints of vulnerability.
Azarion concocted a crazy plan to escape his chains, and forcing Gilene to be his accomplice was both mad and genius. I enjoyed watching the two of them grow closer as they tried to stay alive during their flight. But I enjoyed their growing bond as they transformed from enemies to something more during their time together. Parts of the story were heartwrenching, but the action was great and I was captivated from the beginning to the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
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