Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven

Phoenix Unbound (The Fallen Empire, #1)

by Grace Draven

In this USA Today bestselling novel, a woman with power over fire and illusion and the enslaved son of a chieftain battle a corrupt empire in this powerful and deeply emotional romantic fantasy.

Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire's capital--her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village's tithe has been the same woman. Gilene's sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses.

But this year is different.

Azarion, the Empire's most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion--and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. Unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan.

To protect her family and village, she will abandon everything to return to the Empire--and burn once more.

Reviewed by stacey_is_sassy on

5 of 5 stars

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My heart is pounding...

Phoenix Unbound was so bloody good. The storyline was captivating, the characters original and I was emotionally invested in seeing good conquer evil. Grace Draven is an extraordinary storyteller, and I'm convinced she can do no wrong... when it comes to writing Fantasy Romance.

There are parts of this story that are a little hard to take but it was never too much. Rape is used to control and punish both men and women. Fortunately, we don't have to deal with it too much and the one time we do, it wasn't overly descriptive. The worst part is the haunting memories that linger from the abuse.

While at first the relationship seems doomed between the hero and heroine, with time, we realise that the captor has become the captured. It's obvious that there is an attraction between the two, but even more obvious was that they needed to trust each other before they can have a relationship.

Phoenix Unbound was an action-packed adventure that kept my attention from start to finish. I can't wait to read more from this amazing author.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 19 July, 2020: Finished reading
  • 19 July, 2020: Reviewed