Book Review – Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto

In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riders legendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fire until a war between two sisters ripped it all apart.

Sixteen years later, Veronyka is a war orphan who dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider from the stories of old. After a shocking betrayal from her controlling sister, Veronyka strikes out alone to find the Riders even if that means disguising herself as a boy to join their ranks.

Just as Veronyka finally feels like she belongs, her sister turns up and reveals a tangled web of lies between them that will change everything. And, meanwhile, the new empire has learned of the Riders’ return and intends to destroy them once and for all.

Crown of Feathers is an epic fantasy about love’s incredible power to save or to destroy. Throughout is interspersed the story of Avalkyra Ashfire, the last Rider Queen, who would rather see her empire burn than fall into her sister’s hands.

My rating:

I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the magic and the animage/ Phoenix bond in this book, it was really lovely. And with the other animals too – especially Wind and Chirp, who are the cutest.

The book starts slow, and the relationship between Veronyka and Val is sometimes very hard to read. Val is controlling and tough. And as the book goes on, it’s still hard to get a real insight as to her motivations. Even at the end which is the only time we learn more about her, I was left with more questions than answers. However the end overall definitely left me dying for the next book!

Veronyka is naturally a much softer character than Val, and I love how she sees the world and interacts with the people and animals around her. Her relationship with Tristan was just lovely, too. It edges towards romance, but feels a natural build and doesn’t overdo it, especially given her deception. I have to say I always love a pretending to be a boy trope, and it works well here, but I also particularly like how well she still defines herself as a girl.

Sev was also a good character, but his chapters felt a little stilted at first. I did love his story in the end though – and him and Kade are super cuuuuute.

Buy Crown of Feathers from Amazon UK.