Blood Jade (Phoenix Hoard, #2)

by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle

Emiko Soong, newly minted Sentinel of San Francisco, just can't catch a break. Just after she becomes the guardian for a sentient city, a murder strikes close to home. Called by the city and one of the most powerful clans to investigate, she traces the killer whose scent signature bears a haunting similarity to her mother’s talent.

The trail will lead her back to Tokyo where the thread she pulls threatens to unravel her whole world and bring dark family secrets to light.

Meanwhile, the General rises in the East and Emiko must fight the hidden enemies of his growing army who are amped up on Blood Jade, while keeping her promises to her brother Tatsuya as he prepares for his tourney.

Her duties as Sentinel and her loyalties collide when she must choose between hiding her deepest shame or stopping the General’s relentless march.

• ISBN10: 1250837928
• ISBN13: 9781250837929
• Publish Date: 19 August 2024 (first published 16 July 2024)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: St Martin's Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 448
• Language: English
• URL: http://melia.co.uk/page/detail/?k=9781250837929

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Book Summary:

Emiko Soong is still adjusting to her new role as the Sentinel of San Francisco. So imagine her surprise when it comes time to travel - to Tokyo. Are Sentintel’s allowed to travel, and if so, what are the consequences of doing so?

Not that Emiko has much time to ponder these questions. She has to go home for her family (her brother) and to protect those around her from a much bigger threat. In doing so, Emiko might just learn something about herself.

My Review:

Yes! The second novel for the Phoenix Hoard is here, and I couldn't be more excited about it. Blood Jade continues Emiko's story, bringing new dangers and powers into the mix. In short, it was everything I could have hoped for.

Ohhh wow. A lot happens in this book. We have new powers, new stakes, and old hurts. Thanks to our writing duo, it's a heady mixture and flows so well. Admittedly, given the new magical information, character development, and dynamic changes, there's a lot to take in. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

The conclusion for Blood Jade really sets up for an exciting sequel. I don't know how many novels the Phoenix Hoard series will be (if you know, don't tell me; I want to be surprised), but I hope I can count on reading it for many more years.

I had previously compared the Phoenix Hoard series to Kate Daniels' world. I still maintain that the overall vibe is there (kick-ass heroine facing up against all odds), but each chapter fleshes out the world and makes it something more standalone. It's more like it's a series to be compared against, not the other way around. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Highlights:
Urban Fantasy
Dragons!
Kate Daniels vibes
Secrets, Lore, and Politics Everywhere

Thanks to Tor Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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