This Week's Recommendation

This Week's Recommendation

The Phoenix Empress ~ K. Arsenault Rivera

If it looks like I'm repeating myself, I am a little. The Phoenix Empress is the sequel to The Tiger's Daughter, a book I raved about a few short Monday's ago. 

Both The Tiger's Daughter and The Phoenix Empress are stories told both to you as the reader, and to one of the two main characters in the book. The books weave back and forth between the present and the past with effortless skill, never staying in one long enough to distract you from the other. 

A good first book is a joy to read, an equally excellent sequel in the series that manages to engage and surprise, and hold consistent tone, and not suddenly toss you into a maze of bizarre, out-of-character, questionably motivated character life choices - let's just say I hold a healthy dose of caution until an author has fully proven themselves to me, and K. Arsenault Rivera is well on the way to having my trust as a reader.

Read if: You're looking for diversity in your next read (cultural, LGBTQIA). You want a series that delivers a consistent tone, and doesn't blindside you with sudden betrayals by characters you previously quite liked (I know it's specific, but it's a legitimate fear. You like portrayals of strong relationships between flawed characters who are NOT blind to each other's faults. Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty. So many amazing female characters. Seriously.

Warnings: Violence. Death. Demons. Mind control - sort of? Possession - sort of? Guilt. PTSD. Unhealthy coping mechanisms.