These Feathered Flames
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4.5 • 6 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
“These Feathered Flames is a stunning debut as dark, lush, and captivating as the best fairy tales.”—Nina Varela, author of the Crier's War duology
When twin heirs are born in Tourin, their fates are decided at a young age. While Izaveta remained at court to learn the skills she’d need as the future queen, Asya was taken away to train with her aunt, the mysterious Firebird, who ensured magic remained balanced in the realm.
But before Asya’s training is completed, the ancient power blooms inside her, which can mean only one thing: the queen is dead, and a new ruler must be crowned.
As the princesses come to understand everything their roles entail, they’ll discover who they can trust, who they can love—and who killed their mother.
Books in the These Feathered Flames duology:
These Feathered Flames
This Cursed Crown
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Based on the Russian folktale "The Firebird," Overy's debut traces the intertwined paths of 17-year-old twins Asya and Izaveta, princesses of the realm of Tóurin. Chosen as heir by the gods, pale-haired Izaveta has learned queenly duties at court for the past seven years, becoming versed in statecraft under their remote mother. Meanwhile, crimson-haired Asya was taken at age 10 to train with their great-aunt Tarya, the queendom's Firebird. Able to transform into a monstrous, flaming bird, Tarya's duty—and Asya's future role—is to exact the terrible price of performing magic from its practitioners. But when burning pain strikes one night, Asya learns there can only be one reason: the queen is dead, and a new Firebird has risen. Now, Asya needs to return to the palace to reunite with her estranged sister. Together, the twins must uncover the palace's secrets—including who killed their mother. Though the prose feels slightly stilted at times, this lavish fantasy world is complemented by intricately plotted court intrigues and a range of well-drawn relationships, including a powerful sisterly bond between the morally complex heroines and a delicate queer romance. Ages 13–up.
Customer Reviews
Immersive
These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy is an immersive Russian folk tale retelling that took me on an emotional journey of self-discovery while hanging on to the edge of my seat.
What I Loved
The main characters, twin sisters Asya and Izaveta, held me in their thrall for the entire book. They were both irrevocably scarred by their destiny and upbringing, which provides many layers and textures in their development. I'm not sure that I genuinely liked either sister, but I did feel compassion for their reactions to the cards life had dealt them, particularly Asya, who comes across as more sincere. Whereas Iza, raised by a master manipulator, shows that she learned her lessons well.
I loved the themes of family connection and balance and how they intertwined, playing out in twisty turny ways that still surprise me as I think back on the story. The last third of the book is so shocking that all of a sudden, I no longer felt lost in descriptions and instead sat upright and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The twist at the very end reminded me of my favorite psychological thriller endings with its feeling of foreboding and even creepiness. I enjoyed this immensely.
I also enjoyed learning more about the Firebird, a fiercely overwhelming defender of the balance between magic and humanity. The role is fascinating, and the telling is so compelling. I could feel what it must be like to be born to such an essential yet terrible destiny. The Firebird's responsibility means living a life of uncompromising solitude, as for it to be any different would open the door to gray areas that are not part of the Firebird's world. A Firebird must remain black and white when maintaining the balance that the survival of humanity depends on.
The manner the story is told reminds me of the tone and style of a genuine folktale, and I enjoyed that immensely. It's very character-driven, as many folktales are, though, at times, the descriptive language took over, and I found myself having trouble seeing the story through the words. Even though I became somewhat lost in the descriptions, they provided what world-building exists.
To read or not to read
If you are looking for an immersive and compelling fantasy story, then look no further. This story will leave you on the edge of your seat and have you anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.