Silver Phoenix (Kingdom of Xia Series), by Cindy Pon

Title: Silver Phoenix
Author: Cindy Pon
Series: Kingdom of Xia Series
Release Date: April 2009
Publisher: Harper Collins
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
Source: Vroman’s Bookstore at YA in Bloom

SYNOPSIS – (From Goodreads)
No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger’s subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.
But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn’t only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.
Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.
It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more.

THOUGHTS
Silver Phoenix was awesome! Cindy Pon knows how to capture your attention and make you hungry. Seriously, almost every other page had vivid descriptions of food! Including dumplings (my favorite!), rice dishes, and fruit.
After simply devouring this book (not just the mouthwatering food) there were many things that I enjoyed while reading Silver Phoenix. Like Ai Ling! She was a great heroine. She’s strong, she’s smart, and she’s determined. Also, not to mention her stubborn side, which I loved. The supernatural side of Ai Ling and Chen Yong’s journey was one of my favorite parts. Pon’s action scenes showed how exciting their journey was and how strong both of them were. Not to mention there connection with each other! I would have liked to see more of their relationship and why they were so drawn to each other. Hopefully there will be much more in Fury of the Phoenix!
Silver Phoenix is not just an ordinary supernatural story. Readers will enjoy the diversity and learning about the Chinese culture. Its what makes the whole story so unique! I learned a lot about their way of life, the amazing food dishes that they eat, and other things that they practice that we don’t do here in the U.S. (Like Chinese brush art!)
Finally, Pon’s writing style was extremely satisfying. I absolutely love how she’s so vivid with her descriptions. I feel like I’m with the characters! (I wish I was!) I am very glad I read Silver Phoenix. Fans of the supernatural genre and the fun twist of China and the Kingdom of Xia will especially like this novel. I can’t wait to read more!

Rating:

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