Review: Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

 

One of my favorite movies is The Neverending Story. I love the scene where Bastian is secluded in his room opening that  huge book and then magically becomes transported into the world of the book. That's the feeling I had while experiencing Silver Phoenix. I deliberately say experience instead of  read because its really difficult for me to describe in words how wonderfully enveloping this book is. The story centers around Ai Ling who is stepping into womanhood and all that entails. After a failed marriage meeting Ai finds herself wondering what will become of her, since her failed meeting makes her a less than desired partner.

When her father is called away to the Emperor's court she focuses on being a help to her mother while they wait for her Father's return. Two women on their own in Ai's  world can face many dangers, so when an oily merchant shows up claiming a debt is owed to him, the women are shocked. Ai is also suspicious especially since the merchant will conveniently forgive the debt if Ai Ling agrees to marry him.

Knowing she could never embrace that fate Ai Ling sets out to the Emperor's Palace to bring her father home. She is armed only with her wits and a fantastic power to read others minds, and sometimes step into their spirits. On the path she meets Chen Yong, a young man on a quest to find his birth father. These two find themselves immediately drawn to each other and share an adventure together they couldn't possibly imagine.

I adored this book!!! I devoured it in one sitting and will be buying the sequel immediately. I love learning about different cultures and this book really gives you a glimpse of Chinese mythology. Full of action and adventure along with as a touch of romance, this book is a wonderful read.

Ai Ling is such a great  character. I love her strength and her appreciation of a good meal :) I also like how she keeps her head about her as she draws closer to Chen Yong. I love how they build a friendship and are mutually supportive of each other. It also takes a brave woman to let a man go no matter how much she would like him to stay. I'm so looking forward to the sequel Fury of the Phoenix!