Author: Alexandra Overy
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Publication Date: 20 April 2021
Pages: 448
Format: eBook - PDF
Genre: YA / Fantasy / LGBT
Source: ARC via NetGalley
Three Dark Crowns meets Wicked Saints in this queer #ownvoices retelling of “The Firebird,” a Russian folktale, by debut author Alexandra Overy.
When twin heirs are born in Tourin, their fates are decided at a young age. While Izaveta remained at court to learn the skills she’d need as the future queen, Asya was taken away to train with her aunt, the mysterious Firebird, who ensured magic remained balanced in the realm.
But before Asya’s training is completed, the ancient power blooms inside her, which can mean only one thing: the queen is dead, and a new ruler must be crowned.
As the princesses come to understand everything their roles entail, they’ll discover who they can trust, who they can love—and who killed their mother.
The premise of These Feathered Flames, centred on the myth of the Firebird, was really interesting. Izaveta and Asya were both well-drawn characters whose actions and adventures held my attention throughout. Some of the side characters also stood out. However, one or two I would have liked to have seen developed a little more. That said, this is the first book in a series, so we may get to know them better in book two. The pacing on the whole was good, and although the book did end in a way that clearly shows there's more to come, it was not such a major cliff-hanger that it left me gnashing my teeth over having to wait a year or more to learn what will happen next. All up, this is a commendable debut work that presents a folklore-inspired tale with LGBT representation that is sure to appeal to YA fantasy fans.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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