The Archivist and the Knife

Phoenix Empress #1

by Clarissa Gosling

Refusing to accept a position under her childhood rival, Samira opts instead to leave the Tindersands Family and take on the role of Imperial Archivist. Thrown out of her home for her betrayal, she must learn more about the role she chose in anger. What had once been an important position, has languished in the decades the Phoenix throne has lain empty.

Tajamar can't understand why she would throw away all she's worked towards because he was chosen first. The golden boy of the Tindersands Family, Samira is the only person to ever challenge him or get on his nerves. Happy the thorn in his side has left, he looks forward to enjoying the favour of his new position.

Meanwhile, servants turn up missing their shadows, ignored by the five families battling each other for supremacy in their Council. The empty throne looms as the prize over them all. Both Samira and Tajamar hunt for an explanation. Can they trust each other for long enough to bring the truth to light?

Exploring the hidden archives, Samira must draw on all her skills to weave a way between the familial politics, crystal magic, and uncertain alliances. Finding herself at the centre of a conspiracy, she must call on friends and enemies to help save the Empire. Before stories that should never have been forgotten repeat themselves.

Genres: Fantasy

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2024

About the author

Clarissa has always lived more in the world of daydream and fiction than in reality. In her writing she explores purpose and belonging across worlds. Having never found an actual portal to faeryland, she creates her own fantastical worlds where dragons, fae and other magical creatures rule.

She now lives in the Netherlands with her family, where she writes as much as they will let her. When not reading or writing, she drinks too much tea and has a burgeoning obsession with Bundt cakes.

Reviews

[Clarissa Gosling]

And it is out!
Get your copy now!
https://clarissagosling.com/phoenix-e...

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely a slow read, but it was a fun one! The characters were developed just enough, but as we went along the book, their growth started to become obvious, which is great!"Another thing is that the plot was fun tho it didn't quite intrigue me, but it did keep me engaged when I read it! Overall, it was a fun read that helped me take a break from things going on in my private life. Nothing heavy! I liked it!! Well deserved break from stress. I received an advanced revenue copy for free but this review is my own original idea about the book!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading Clarissa Gosling's writing, it had that charm that I was looking for and enjoyed the world. The feel worked with the epic fantasy element and enjoyed getting to know this story. I enjoyed the way the characters were created and was engaged with the story with them. This was a strong start to the Phoenix Empress series and left me wanting to read more in this series. I liked the idea of family and how Samira worked with the story. It had that writing style that I was looking for and glad it was a strong opening chapter.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen D Haughn]

I was excited to read The Archivist and the Knife and I was not disappointed! This page turner had me entranced throughout the entire book. My emotions when reading were all over the place; matching those of the main characters: insecurity, fear, excitement, worry, joy, despair, and confusion. I'm a reader that likes to guess what is happening further on in the book; but this book kept surprising me with its plot twists. I highly recommend reading The Archivist and the Knife. I eagerly await the chance to dive further into this fascinating series!

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story and its feel of an epic beginning. It introduces Samira and Tajamar on the day they graduate and take on their new rolls. But all it not what it seems and Samira discovers some things and that a danger is around. I liked the characters with its drama, danger and intrigue. Drew me in and kept me reading to try and figure out what was going on and what Samira and Tajamar would discover and if they could learn to not hate each other.

[Sarah-Jane Elizabeth]

Though a little slow through the exposition this story built to a beautiful climax and left me wanting the second book! The character development is well thought out, while not always obvious. The setting is unique and the storyline is different. I love the use of "squirrels" creating an illusion of parallels. I will read the second book and any consecutive books in this series as soon as they are released!

[Lj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one largely based on some of the glowing reviews I'd seen about it, but having read it I have to say I can't really agree with those reviews. Yes, it had lots of good points, for example, the overall concept and world building was good, but there were flaws too. The main flaw I think is the lack of any sort of climax at the end. The story seemed to set a pace and stick to it until it came to an end with the characters not really having achieved much, without any dramatic battle or event, and without anything to make a reader really satisifed to have reached the end. For at least half the book there was a predicted attack from the 'enemy' that never happened. There were lots of questions about the situation, but very few real answers. So basically, you spend a lot of time waiting for something (indeed, anything) to happen, but it never does. Maybe the idea is to keep you in suspense waiting for something to happen until the next book and maybe it will, but only if you don't lose all interest before then.

[Kendra Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a surprising read for me. I will admit I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I started it and was coming off a marathon of dark romance books. But this book took a little bit of world building that hooked me pretty quickly and then managed to keep building. I found myself loving the main character Samira and sharing the same emotions. I cannot wait to see where it goes in the sequel!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was unexpected and so much fun. There is just enough intrigue and strife with just a smidge of romantic interest thrown in. I love Samira she developed more backbone than I expected and she is so very smart. She is naively shy and does not get that Tajamar is interested in her and is turning backflips to attract her attention. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written fantasy and mystery put together. A few twists and turns to keep you hooked. The characters are nicely developed. The world building is fantastic. I really like Samira's character and Tajamar is starting to grow on me. The book ends on a cliff hanger making you want more. I definitely recommend reading this book.