Ebony Gate by Julia Vee, Ken Bebelle

Ebony Gate (Phoenix Hoard, #1)

by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle

Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle's Ebony Gate is a female John Wick story with dragon magic set in contemporary San Francisco's Chinatown.

Emiko Soong belongs to one of the eight premier magical families of the world. But Emiko never needed any magic. Because she is the Blade of the Soong Clan. Or was. Until she's drenched in blood in the middle of a market in China, surrounded by bodies and the scent of blood and human waste as a lethal perfume.

The Butcher of Beijing now lives a quiet life in San Francisco, importing antiques. But when a shinigami, a god of death itself, calls in a family blood debt, Emiko must recover the Ebony Gate that holds back the hungry ghosts of the Yomi underworld. Or forfeit her soul as the anchor.

What's a retired assassin to do but save the City by the Bay from an army of the dead?

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

5 of 5 stars

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Book Summary:

Emiko Soong was born into one of the eight magical families of the world. That said, her life has been anything but ordinary – even by their standards. She once walked the path of the Blade (of the Soong Clan). Now, she walks her own path in life.

Well, mostly. As it turns out, when a blood debt is called against her family, even Emiko can't ignore it. So now she must find the missing Ebony Gate anchor, or else ghosts will take over San Francisco. Hardly ideal.

My Review:

Okay, can somebody please explain to me why I didn't read Ebony Gate sooner? This book is AMAZING! No, seriously, if you're craving a solid urban fantasy series to dive into, this is the one. I promise.

Ebony Gate has been described as a female John Wick story with dragons. The former didn't catch/hold my attention, as I haven't seen the movies (don't kill me – I don't want to see what happens to the dog). However, the dragon's promise tempted me.

I am so glad I gave this series a try. It has a similar vibe to the Kate Daniels series (one of my all-time favorite series). Mostly because Emiko is also a badass and stubborn heroine. Admittedly, the comparison ends there because both series are incredibly unique in their own rights.

There's so much to love about this book: the world, the characters, the magical system, and the intrigue. Wait, did I say intrigue? You bet! Even in this first book of the series, you can tell that there's a lot Emiko is holding back. Likewise, I'm certain there's much about her family that she doesn't yet know. I can't wait to follow this series (Phoenix Hoard) and learn more.

Highlights:
Urban Fantasy
Dragons!
Kate Daniels vibes
Pitched as Female John Wick

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

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 11 September, 2023: Finished reading
  • 11 September, 2023: Reviewed