Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Some violence in swashbuckling, complex silkpunk finale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE BLOOD PHOENIX, Ying is engaged to Feng-kai on the island of Larut. It's two years after she left the Engineer's Guild and Ye-yang, the High Commander, behind, and two years after her brother arranged an engagement between the High Commander and Ying's sister Nian. On Larut, Ying just wants to build tools to help the local fishermen, including a submersible that looks like an octopus, and escape to another island before her wedding day. That's before pirates attack and Feng-kai and many others are killed by a lethal submersible called the Blade. When Ye-yang arrives by airship to assess the damage, he urges Ying to return with him to Fei and build something that can defeat the Blade. Ying realizes it will be a difficult task, almost as difficult as managing her complicated and forbidden feelings for Ye-yang.
Is It Any Good?
If you're not drawn in by the spectacular cover of this swashbuckling, inventive, dark, and many-layered silkpunk duology finale, can you even call yourself a fantasy fan? The pirate ship with blood-red sails, giant flailing tentacles, and monster waves with pagodas peeking out in the background, plus a fiery phoenix and airships in the skies are a promise that's delivered. These elements meld into the story, along with two royal romances, an attempted coup, lots of family drama, a few major betrayals, and an all-pirate boat race. And once, characters almost walk the plank. Swashbuckling indeed.
But The Blood Phoenix is also a bit dark. The royal romances are complicated. Poor Ying is ambushed by Ye-yang's protective vibe and, oh yeah, he's already engaged to Ying's sister. At least there's another prince standing by who's a better fit for her. Friendships are also tested, and end in either tragedy or betrayal. It's surprising and a bit refreshing to see a new author test her characters so thoroughly. If only the pacing of the story were a bit slower and the details more grounding, especially as the story flits from land to sea, island to island, and when setting up the big action scenes. This is a minor issue in an otherwise exciting duology from a very promising author.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Ying and Ye-yang's relationship in The Blood Phoenix. How is it not a typical love story? What does Ye-yang need to learn about himself before he can be a good partner? What is the line between controlling and caring in a relationship?
What ways does Ying show empathy for the pirates on the Blood Phoenix? What does she learn about them to help her understand them better?
What ways do women shape this story? What influence does Ying have over the Guild? What about Nian in the palace? Li-na with the pirates? Who else? What do all these women have in common?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : STEM , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Pirates
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : June 17, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 464
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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