The Phoenix King

By: Aparna Verma

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani, Deepti Gupta, Vikas Adam, Akshay Kumar

From a stunning new voice in science fantasy comes an action-packed debut of fire magic and ancient prophecy, in which the fate of a futuristic desert kingdom rests in the hands of a princess desperate for power and an assassin with a dark secret.

"A CAPTIVATING ADVENTURE." —Peter V. Brett

The Ravani kingdom was born of a prophecy, carved from unforgiving desert sands and ruled by the Ravence bloodline: those with the power to command the Eternal Fire.

Elena Aadya is the heir to the throne—and the only Ravence who cannot wield her family’s legendary magic. As her coronation approaches, she will do whatever it takes to prove herself a worthy successor to her revered father. But she doesn’t anticipate the arrival of Yassen Knight, the notorious assassin who now claims fealty to the throne. Elena’s father might trust Yassen to be a member of her royal guard, but she is certain he is hiding something.

As the threat of war looms like a storm on the horizon, the two begin a dangerous dance of intrigue and betrayal. And the choices they make could burn down the world.

"Come for the science fantasy worldbuilding and stay for the characters you just can’t get out of your head.” —Vaishnavi Patel, NYT bestselling author of Kaikeyi

"Elegant and intelligent storytelling...an exhilarating adventure perfect for fans of S.A. Chakraborty." —Library Journal

"A riveting page turner." —Booklist

"This exciting fantasy promises good things from the series to come." —Publishers Weekly

©2023 Aparna Verma (P)2023 Orbit

Critic reviews

"A heady and seamless blend of sci fi and fantasy infused with Indian inspiration. An engrossing read that will have you quickly turning through the chapters."—R.R. Virdi, USA Today bestselling author of The First Binding

"The worldbuilding is seamlessly woven into the plot, alongside the threads of love, sacrifice, betrayal, and greed. There’s also a dash of enemies-to-lovers romance among the morally gray characters, who are both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is elegant and intelligent storytelling that starts out as conniving and treacherous intrigue and transforms into an exhilarating adventure without losing that touch of mystery. Perfect for fans of S.A. Chakraborty."—Library Journal

“Vast and fascinating.…A satisfying slow-burn romance only enhances the political machinations. This exciting fantasy promises good things from the series to come.”—Publishers Weekly

Not what was expected

Set in a future world but with many old traditions. Laser guns and hover vehicles. Has many traditional aspects and many new. Some “magical” or fantasy elements.
Good story, complex compelling characters and relationships.

Loved!

Fascinating new world! Loved the narration and different variety of narrators. Characters were rich, complex and the storyline compelling. I laughed and cried, Would highly recommend!

fire

fire fire fire death fire and betrayals really good listen would definitely recommend this title. I like the culture in it.

Great first book and amazing narration

Verma did a great job building a universe with a slow build. Her love for the desert is beautifully illustrated. A fallible but strong female lead. I can’t wait for the second book. Also the narration adds so much to the prose. It was a joy to listen to.

Loved the narrators

There is something very unique and engaging about this book and the narrators add a level of authenticity that makes it even better

Great characters very little description of the world around.

Over half of the story takes place outside of Raavens in the desert. This is well described. The other half is in the city and super underwhelming. There's a highly advanced city, but no explanation of the tech or how it got there. There's little description of the character’s features. The action is well written but very little guided imagination

Vocals did amazingly! The characters were all compelling and I genuinely cared about each death.

wow!!!

WOW!!! I need the rest of this series ASAP! Elena is my queen! I really loved this book and could not put it down!!

Brilliant narrators + story

The multicast narrators brought the story to life with such rich detail that I felt that the world of Ravence had come to life. A big job well done to the audio team!

Incredible world building, morally grey characters, romance—why aren’t more people talking about this book?

Why aren’t more people raving about this book? Nearly five hundred pages of remarkably rich world building, tense plotting, twists and turns, and rich, remarkable characters that get under your skin. Stands shoulder to shoulder with all the best fantasy. Can’t wait for book 2!

The worldbuilding and characters are great!

The Phoenix king is a great example of non-western fantasy that really captures traditional readers hearts.