Crown of Feathers

By: Nicki Pau Preto

Narrated by: Samantha Desz, Jacques Roy, Joy Osmanski, Gibson Frazier, Cassandra Campbell

“Absolutely unforgettable.” —Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series
“A beautifully told story about justice, sisterhood, and warrior women.” —Shea Ernshaw, New York Times bestselling author of The Wicked Deep
“Epic in the truest sense.” —Quill and Quire

An Ember in the Ashes meets Three Dark Crowns in this lush debut fantasy novel about a girl who disguises herself as a boy to join a secret group of warriors that ride phoenixes into battle.

I had a sister, once…

In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riders—legendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fire—until a war between two sisters ripped it all apart.

I promised her the throne would not come between us.

Sixteen years later, Veronyka is a war orphan who dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider from the stories of old. After a shocking betrayal from her controlling sister, Veronyka strikes out alone to find the Riders—even if that means disguising herself as a boy to join their ranks.

But it is a fact of life that one must kill or be killed. Rule or be ruled.

Just as Veronyka finally feels like she belongs, her sister turns up and reveals a tangled web of lies between them that will change everything. And meanwhile, the new empire has learned of the Riders’ return and intends to destroy them once and for all.

Sometimes the title of queen is given. Sometimes it must be taken.

Crown of Feathers is an epic fantasy about love’s incredible power to save—or to destroy. Interspersed throughout is the story of Avalkyra Ashfire, the last Rider queen, who would rather see her empire burn than fall into her sister’s hands.

Critic reviews

"A skilled cast of narrators brings a compelling fantasy world to life in Niki Pau Preto's first novel. Joy Osmanski voices Veronyka, a war orphan whose betrayal by her sister, Val, spurs her to disguise herself as a boy in order to join the rebel phoenix riders. Sev, a war orphan on a different path, is voiced in a wary, rumbling tone by Jacques Roy, whose excellent narration enables Sev's adjacent storyline to hold its own against the main thread. The cast works together flawlessly, echoing each others' personalities and cadences to create a seamless image of each character. Drama and action are interspersed with a deeply woven history that will draw listeners into the politics and mythology of this richly developed world."

A great beginning to a new series

A outstanding beginning to a new series. Nicki brings us a new twist of the magical bound between a human and mythical creature, this time a Phoenix. This story has great characters, plot twist, and will have you ready for the next book.

Overall really good

The only thing for me was the middle was a little bit slow but it definitely picked up at the end

definitely recommend

i loved this book, i loved the narration and the storyline, im already got to start the second one. i loved it so much. i cant wait to find out what happens them in the next book.

AMAZING!

i never writes reviews but I love the concept of Phoenix riders. The use of Dragons is a bit overdone but I love the originality of using legendary birds instead. The middle was a little drawn out but the overall book makes up for it and that END! I definitely didn't see that coming. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for the sequel.

slow burn

the female reader is great. the male readers are ok. the story gets better the further on you go.