In the stunning follow up to her debut, Julie Dao returns us to the sweeping empire of Feng Lu. KINGDOM OF THE BLAZING PHOENIX is both the sequel and conclusion to this gorgeously dark retelling, and is guaranteed to leave readers breathless from beginning to end.
Fans of FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS will rejoice in this beautiful finale. More than just a retelling of a beloved story, Dao has created an incredible journey told through stunning prose and vivid world-building. She makes this story bold and uniquely it's own, while seamlessly weaving in the facets of the classic tale. Rather than choosing which side of the fairy tale to focus on, that of the wicked step-mother or the hunted step-daughter, she has done both, and the result is stunning.
The dark undertones that made FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS so addicting, is alive and thriving in this new book. The shift in narrators serves to highlight the darkness rather than brighten the story. We see the tragedy of Xifeng's choices along with the devastating consequences. And Jade has plenty of her own dark challenges to overcome, both on her quest and within herself. Showing us both of their perspectives really shows how choice can determine fate, and I think that is a fantastic message. Fate can only take us so far, and the consequences of our choices are far more powerful than simply relying on destiny.