Heart of Flames (Crown of Feathers #2)

Synopsis

In the second book of Nicki Pau Preto's Crown of Feathers series, Veronyka has become a Phoenix Rider and is reeling from a recent discovery about her family. Tristan is juggling his growing affection for Veronyka, his desire to be a leader, and his rocky relationship with his father, the Commander. Sev has become a spy for the Phoenix Riders and is back in the Empire's army. The stakes get higher as politics, history, and shocking discoveries make the Phoenix Riders' existence more precarious and dangerous than ever.

Loved

• These characters. Ah, I just adore these guys, and reading this again after two years is like visiting old friends. Tristan just never fails me with his unwavering loyalty, heart-on-his-sleeve sincerity, and desire to be accountable for his own mistakes. We come to love Veronyka even more with her intensity, determination, and compassion. And Sev- ah, Sev- he's adorable. Always the charmer, quick on his feet, and brave in spite of himself. He has my heart. I could rave about all the characters because I just adore them all.

• The slow burn romances! I just love Tristan and Veronyka. So dang much. I love their relationship and I love that although they have a few angsty moments, they seem to show more maturity, trust, and understanding in their relationship than many other teenage/YW romances. And can we talk Sev and Kade? Both so insecure around each other, but always encouraging the other to be better. I love how slowly their relationship builds, but so much chemistry going on amidst the slow build.

• The character development. We have major character development going on in this second book- with so many of the characters. Everyone becomes more relatable as they face their demons and challenges, and choose to be brave- even Cassian, our ever-stoic Commander. I love that even Val develops in this, although not necessarily in a good direction. It's refreshing to me that most of the characters have to decide to fight for what they believe is right, but have moments of uncertainty, doubt, and even selfishness. It seems more realistic that they aren't close to perfect at all, and have to choose to fight their weaknesses and fears continually throughout the story. 

• The magic. I love that we get to learn so much more about shadow magic as Veronyka learns about it and discovers it throughout the story. I love the contrast of how Val uses her magic to control versus how Veronyka uses it to empower, just like we can use any gift we're given for our own benefit or that of others.

• The continued world building. I love that we are still learning so much about the history, politics and culture of these countries. I love how the chapters are supplemented by texts from history that make the world so vivid and lifelike.

Didn't Love

• Normally I love Veronyka, but there is one decision she makes that drove me crazy! I was so frustrated with her, but also appreciated that she understands how bad this mistake was and she does all she can to make up for it in the third book.

Content

• Language: 
• A few uses of "damn" and "hell."
• They swear by the gods of this book, such as "gods no," or "godsforsaken"- referring to the gods of Pyra and other lands in the book.

• Sexual content: 
• The male-female romance develops more in this story than in the first. They kiss one time, where she is pushed against a tree and he puts his hands through her hair. 
• The male-male romance also develops in this book. There are quite a few references to Sev feeling embarrassed when another male helps undress him to tend to a wound on his shoulder, and one instance where he wishes this character was undressing him under different circumstances. 
• These two characters share one rushed kiss that is not described in detail as it happens quickly.
• Sev's healer Hestia sends good looking girls and boys to Sev's room in an effort to give him "company." She makes a reference to "not exerting himself" too much when one of the boys offers him "company." Sev is extremely embarrassed by this and sends all the boys and girl servants away as soon as they come.
• An arranged marriage is negotiated, and references to consummating the marriage and "bedding" each other.

• Violence: 
• Throughout the book there are raids on different villages, which describe homes burning and soldiers running through villages massacring the villagers. 
• As Sev acts as a soldier, he witnesses a massacre of a village where he sees men, women and children murdered. He kills a man with a spear in an act of revenge. He is greatly disturbed by the murders he witnesses. They are described fairly vaguely.
• There is one battle scene where many soldiers are killed by phoenix fire, spears and arrows. Burning flesh is described, but not specific blood or wounds.
• Physical, hand-to-hand fighting happens between Veronyka and Val multiple times in the book. A few slaps in the face, hair pulling, punching, etc.
• References to past violence by the Empire and deaths of other Phoenix Riders who were executed or died in battle.

 Overall Thoughts

So pumped to have a sequel that doesn't suffer from second-book syndrome like so many other fantasy trilogies. Though not quite as action packed and fast moving as the first book, the character development, growing tension, unpredictable plot twists, and slow burn romances keep readers hooked and interested. It's fun to watch so many characters grow and face individual challenges, and decide where they stands in the face of oncoming war and betrayal on all sides. I waited impatiently for two years for the third book and I cannot wait to see where the story leads and what happens to my crew in this story!