Book Review: Heart of Flames (Crown of Feathers #2)

Heart of Flames

Nicki Pau Preto

5/5

I'm not usually a fan of books with a ton of POVs, but there are always exceptions to that. I loved the first book in this series and took a long time really getting into this one because when you love one book it's so easy to be let down by the next. This one had none of that let down, none of the unfortunately typical lag of the middle book in a trilogy. Nearly the entire book was action and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Veronyka is dealing with a lot of things, the revelation of her heritage and her actual relation to the girl she thought was her sister. She's confused about where they stand, but Val is also confused despite her experience and relative standing. They have one of those relationships that keeps you wanting more, they're toxic and not good together and everything is wrong but they're also sisters and understand each other in a way that no one else can. You hate Val and you want Veronyka to ditch her but you can understand where she's trying to come from. 

The romances also hit pretty hard though they kind of take a back seat to the action. Totally okay with the complicated nature of all of the other relationships. Veronyka and Tristan overcame all of the secrets and barriers and did so in such a logical and mature manner. I have a difficult time reading about 16 year old protagonists- can only do so when it's firmly planted in fantasy worlds. Tristan and Veronyka simultaneously act older than they are while respecting their age and inexperience. I don't know how to explain it it's just perfect. Sev and Kade also have a beautiful relationship, their partnership and the way that they have each other's backs. They bring out the best in one another in such a subtle and completely underrated way. 

This entire series is so underrated and I have to recommend it strongly. Phoenixes that you can ride flaming into battle are cool enough on their own but add the political intrigue and the beautifully written characters and you have a book that will hold your attention for all 620 pages.