THE BLOOD PHOENIX

Two sisters face tough challenges as their island realm simultaneously suffers betrayal from within and invading pirate fleets from without in this sequel to 2024’s Of Jade and Dragons.

Chen picks up two years after the events of the first book in this entry that offers readers fiery explosions but overall focuses more on characters and feelings. Young Aihui Nian is honing her political skills at the intrigue-laden court of Qianlei Palace, while her mechanically adept big sister, Ying, is engineering weapons in response to the invaders’ new submersible ironclads. Nian and Ying repeatedly reunite for adventures (and also go off on separate ones), but their attention and emotional engagement are also occupied by their love interests, mercurial prince Ye-kan and secretive, overprotective Ye-yang, respectively. Ying has multiple encounters with the titular fleet of fearsome, all-woman pirates, but rather than violent or intricately choreographed battle scenes and details about silkpunk technology, the strength of this work lies in its courageous, independent women. What stands out most prominently throughout is a solid sisterly love that endures separation, guilty secrets, devastating revelations, and conflicts of the heart. The author leaves some plotlines ambiguously open, perhaps paving the way for a sequel. Names and dress imply diversity in the cast of this tale set in a world inspired by Qing dynasty China.

A colorful, angsty, character-driven fantasy: Cue the feels.