Crown Of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto // Book Review

Crown Of Feathers
Crown Of Feathers (#1)
Nicki Pau Preto
Published by Simon Pulse on February 12th, 2019
496 pages
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I had a sister, once…

In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riders—legendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fire—until a war between two sisters ripped it all apart.

I promised her the throne would not come between us.

Sixteen years later, Veronyka is a war orphan who dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider from the stories of old. After a shocking betrayal from her controlling sister, Veronyka strikes out alone to find the Riders—even if that means disguising herself as a boy to join their ranks.

But it is a fact of life that one must kill or be killed. Rule or be ruled.

Just as Veronyka finally feels like she belongs, her sister turns up and reveals a tangled web of lies between them that will change everything. And meanwhile, the new empire has learned of the Riders’ return and intends to destroy them once and for all.

Sometimes the title of queen is given. Sometimes it must be taken.

Overall Thoughts

This seems like a well-liked book in the bookish community. Unfortunately, I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. With that said, I am still going to continue with this series. I'm reading Heart Of Flames as soon as I have the desire to pick up an audiobook. I'm hoping that book is more fast paced than this one... that's my main gripe about this book. It dragged on and on. I liked getting multiple perspectives. I love the idea of the Phoenix Rider's. I feel like it has some Mulan vibes with Veronyca dressing up as a boy in order to train.

I feel like if this book didn't wait until the end to get things happening, I would have liked it a lot more!

☆☆☆

Spoilers below this line!

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Story

This book had a lot of potential. There were quite a few things I didn't care for. I hate that the twist on the sisters thing happened so late in the book. I kind of guessed it earlier on. I wish Veronyca learned more about it so we could. Is Veronyca also one of the sisters mentioned? I honestly didn't pay much attention to the parts that showed us what happened in the past, I feel like it will be touched on in the second book.

I'm hoping the next book will have more of Veronyca and Val. I want them to fight. Val deserves to get her ass kicked for what she did to Xephyra.

I also really hate that since this camp, can't remember what it's called, won't train girls because they only have a limited amount of Phoenixes. That's not fair. I guess it wouldn't have been as interesting if they just let her join with no questions asked.

This story was dragged out. It took too long to get to the good parts. Those good parts ended very quickly.

Also, that scene where Veronyca goes into the mans bathing room reminded me so much of that scene in Mulan. It made me laugh a little.

Romance

There are two romances hinted at in this story. Both do not take flight. It was rather disappointing. Don't bring it up unless you're gonna expand! Sev and Kade seemed like they liked each other. Nothing really happens except that one scene where it was kind of hinted that they were gonna kiss or something. Pretty sure nothing else is going to happen with their storyline.

Veronyca and Tristan kinda seemed like they were going to end up with each other. That was just kind of thrown under the rug. Nothing happens but a few blushes. I was disappointed.

Bondmates

I love this idea that a person can be bonded with their Phoenix. It was sad to read about Veronyca's bond going to nothing with Val killed Xephyra. Veronyca is able to block certain parts of her mind which is how she doesn't know that Xephyra actually was resurrected from her ashes. I can't wait to read more about bondmates in action! I feel like we got so little of it seeing as Veronyca thought her Phoenix has been dead the entire time.

War

This "war" was too short. I wouldn't even call it a war. Maybe a fight with a lot of people and deaths. Everything happened quickly. It lasted all of like maybe two chapters... I'm hoping for the next book, if there is a fight, for it to be LONGER.