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Hiraeth Song #2
Phoenix Caged
The Peace Talks were a lie.Kidnapped, chained and bound, Moira finds herself at the mercy of a band of Outlanders led by the Warlord’s son. With only the clothes on her back and a fellow kidnapped companion, she must escape by any means necessary.
Brought deeper into the fractured kingdom of Diablus, things are not as easy as they seem. Seduction quickly turns into a dangerous game of prying information and tip-toeing trust. As allies become enemies and enemies become somewhat more than friends.
With time running out, Moira must battle violence, betrayals and lust as she struggles to return home to Lyrely before it's too late.
Phoenix Caged is an adult romantic fantasy novel and the second book in the Hiraeth Song series; containing an enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, a kidnapped princess, and all consuming darkness.
Brought deeper into the fractured kingdom of Diablus, things are not as easy as they seem. Seduction quickly turns into a dangerous game of prying information and tip-toeing trust. As allies become enemies and enemies become somewhat more than friends.
With time running out, Moira must battle violence, betrayals and lust as she struggles to return home to Lyrely before it's too late.
Phoenix Caged is an adult romantic fantasy novel and the second book in the Hiraeth Song series; containing an enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, a kidnapped princess, and all consuming darkness.
528 pages, Hardcover
Published August 23, 2024
10 people want to read
About the author
Krys E. Jay
2 books7 followersKrys. E. Jay has always dreamed of becoming a published author, ever since she was handed a writing journal in fifth grade. Now she enjoys creating twisted plots, horrific villains and stuffing as much angst into her manuscripts as humanly possible.
When she is not writing, Krys spends most of her days enjoying walks surrounded by nature, devouring romance books and cuddling with her furbabies.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 14, 2025
╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟺 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
the ending???? WHAT
hmm
I liked this more than book one? I think? I have mixed feelings, a lot more action packed, enemies to lovers (would have liked more romance scenes besides smut between Bryce+ Moira)
I need to sleep on this one
rtc!
_________________________________
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│ ⊹ 𝟺 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
the ending???? WHAT
hmm
I liked this more than book one? I think? I have mixed feelings, a lot more action packed, enemies to lovers (would have liked more romance scenes besides smut between Bryce+ Moira)
I need to sleep on this one
rtc!
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
September 27, 2024
4 ⭐ - Phoenix Caged, Book 2 of Hiraeth Song was a wild ride - with allies becoming enemies and enemies becoming allies.
This book continued to grow and grow on me as I read! By 35% I was rooting for Moira - who mind you is still as spoiled as ever (like girl you are not getting a waffle buffet while you’re imprisoned). This book showed so much more depth to Moira as a whole, her cunning, her gifts, her ability to think not only of herself but her people and those she cares about - looking at you Otis.
I was thrilled to see more of the magic in this book develop, though I have so many more questions. It makes me excited for book 3!! There are so many moments where I was yelling at my kindle when reading, and I find that is a gift. Whether a book elicits anger, joy or sadness, I LOVE feeling something intensely.
Now enough about Moira, I want to know more about Bryce! I loved getting to see more of him this book, with him being a more focal character. I would even love to see some POVs from him. Bryce to me is still an enigma, and I cannot wait to see where the story takes him.
Can’t wait for Book 3!! While I’m not always a fan of a cliffhanger this one got me hooked. I am ready to have some plot lines resolved and my questions answered! I would definitely say to give this series a read if you enjoy a good fantasy romance with twists and turns with a splash of magic.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book continued to grow and grow on me as I read! By 35% I was rooting for Moira - who mind you is still as spoiled as ever (like girl you are not getting a waffle buffet while you’re imprisoned). This book showed so much more depth to Moira as a whole, her cunning, her gifts, her ability to think not only of herself but her people and those she cares about - looking at you Otis.
I was thrilled to see more of the magic in this book develop, though I have so many more questions. It makes me excited for book 3!! There are so many moments where I was yelling at my kindle when reading, and I find that is a gift. Whether a book elicits anger, joy or sadness, I LOVE feeling something intensely.
Now enough about Moira, I want to know more about Bryce! I loved getting to see more of him this book, with him being a more focal character. I would even love to see some POVs from him. Bryce to me is still an enigma, and I cannot wait to see where the story takes him.
Can’t wait for Book 3!! While I’m not always a fan of a cliffhanger this one got me hooked. I am ready to have some plot lines resolved and my questions answered! I would definitely say to give this series a read if you enjoy a good fantasy romance with twists and turns with a splash of magic.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 18, 2024
eARC review
I liked the first book of this series for the most part but it felt more like a stepping stone to this book. I was worried that this book was going to fall flat because I had such high hopes but it really exceeded my expectations.
Moira is a princess of Ignis who was captured and taken away from peace talks by the son of the warlord looking to overthrow the kings of the other lands. In the first book, we met Moira as she was a petulant, immature princess who felt everything was to be handed to her and she whined non-stop. As this book progressed, we see some growth. She’s still spoiled and expects some amenities but for the most part, uses her’ demands’ to rile her jailers and use this to her advantage to gain information to try to escape and aid the war effort.
As the book goes on, the romance part of the story starts to really take flight which was a nice addition to the content of the story. Moira grows into a pretty intense person with some badass tendencies as she learns that she can and should stand up for herself. Along the way, she learns that she can’t control everyone and how the react and sometimes even with the best intentions, she can be too late.
This book ended in a cliffhanger but not one that had me cursing Krys never of it. I enjoyed this book and I’m really interested to see how Moira’s story pans out!
*I did receive this ARC with the expectation that I would leave an honest review *
I liked the first book of this series for the most part but it felt more like a stepping stone to this book. I was worried that this book was going to fall flat because I had such high hopes but it really exceeded my expectations.
Moira is a princess of Ignis who was captured and taken away from peace talks by the son of the warlord looking to overthrow the kings of the other lands. In the first book, we met Moira as she was a petulant, immature princess who felt everything was to be handed to her and she whined non-stop. As this book progressed, we see some growth. She’s still spoiled and expects some amenities but for the most part, uses her’ demands’ to rile her jailers and use this to her advantage to gain information to try to escape and aid the war effort.
As the book goes on, the romance part of the story starts to really take flight which was a nice addition to the content of the story. Moira grows into a pretty intense person with some badass tendencies as she learns that she can and should stand up for herself. Along the way, she learns that she can’t control everyone and how the react and sometimes even with the best intentions, she can be too late.
This book ended in a cliffhanger but not one that had me cursing Krys never of it. I enjoyed this book and I’m really interested to see how Moira’s story pans out!
*I did receive this ARC with the expectation that I would leave an honest review *
September 5, 2024
This book was sooo good! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me want to punch some of the characters! When a book can get that much of a rise out of me, I know it’s a good one!
I didn’t want to put this book down, and was very annoyed that I had to go about normal life activities such as eating and sleeping!
There was another reviewer that said they liked the first book in the series, but that it felt like a stepping stone into this book, and I couldn’t agree more. The first book definitely held my interest but this second book sucked me into the story. I really felt like I was right there with Moira.
I enjoyed that this book gave Moira much more of a personality than just “spoiled princess”, you begin to see her depth of character and strong sense of justice.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and i definitely cannot wait until the next one comes out!
If you like enemies to lovers, sunshine and grumpy, badass female characters, war, political intrigue, and spies, you’ll definitely like this book.
I received an eARC of this book. I am leaving a review voluntarily, all opinions expressed are my own.
I didn’t want to put this book down, and was very annoyed that I had to go about normal life activities such as eating and sleeping!
There was another reviewer that said they liked the first book in the series, but that it felt like a stepping stone into this book, and I couldn’t agree more. The first book definitely held my interest but this second book sucked me into the story. I really felt like I was right there with Moira.
I enjoyed that this book gave Moira much more of a personality than just “spoiled princess”, you begin to see her depth of character and strong sense of justice.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and i definitely cannot wait until the next one comes out!
If you like enemies to lovers, sunshine and grumpy, badass female characters, war, political intrigue, and spies, you’ll definitely like this book.
I received an eARC of this book. I am leaving a review voluntarily, all opinions expressed are my own.
September 5, 2024
The Peace Talks Were a Lie. Kidnapped and chained, Moira must escape the Outlanders' clutches and navigate the dark, treacherous kingdom of Diablus. As alliances shift and trust wavers, she faces a dangerous mix of betrayal, violence, and forbidden romance. 📚
**SPOILERS**
Moira’s character has undergone a significant transformation 🐦🔥. Though she still exhibits her high-maintenance and flirtatious traits, there’s a deeper layer of cunning and intelligence that she employs to her advantage. She skillfully uses her femininity to make others underestimate her while subtly maneuvering to improve her own situation. The slow-burn romance between the captor and prisoner is intense, with both characters struggling to resist crossing the line despite their mutual desires.
However, my biggest critique is that none of the plot lines are resolved by the end of the book. While I appreciate a good cliffhanger, it feels like the story has stalled in terms of plot progression, focusing mainly on character development. Despite this, I’m intrigued by the author’s growth from the first to the second book and am looking forward to seeing how the next installment unfolds.
**SPOILERS**
Moira’s character has undergone a significant transformation 🐦🔥. Though she still exhibits her high-maintenance and flirtatious traits, there’s a deeper layer of cunning and intelligence that she employs to her advantage. She skillfully uses her femininity to make others underestimate her while subtly maneuvering to improve her own situation. The slow-burn romance between the captor and prisoner is intense, with both characters struggling to resist crossing the line despite their mutual desires.
However, my biggest critique is that none of the plot lines are resolved by the end of the book. While I appreciate a good cliffhanger, it feels like the story has stalled in terms of plot progression, focusing mainly on character development. Despite this, I’m intrigued by the author’s growth from the first to the second book and am looking forward to seeing how the next installment unfolds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
ARC read******
I loved this book. it is the second book in the series. This series has a way of pulling you in from the start. The best way that I can describe this world is 2010 with no electronics and a horse and carriage. I know that it is more in-depth but that is what I think of. In this book we follow Moira in her journey of finding the good in people. You see her making sure that people have a sliver of hope in what they think is a hopeless world. I loved watching the moments of budding romance that she experiences and can't wait to see where that road leads. I was kept on my toes the whole time. Even when I thought I knew where it was going I was completely wrong. I will say some of the dialogue was a little hit or miss for me. I felt that Moira was a little naïve just as the people around her thought. However the more you read the more you understand the author is going somewhere with that. I loved this book and think it is a perfect read. I can not wait for the next one. I am truly waiting with bated breath.
I loved this book. it is the second book in the series. This series has a way of pulling you in from the start. The best way that I can describe this world is 2010 with no electronics and a horse and carriage. I know that it is more in-depth but that is what I think of. In this book we follow Moira in her journey of finding the good in people. You see her making sure that people have a sliver of hope in what they think is a hopeless world. I loved watching the moments of budding romance that she experiences and can't wait to see where that road leads. I was kept on my toes the whole time. Even when I thought I knew where it was going I was completely wrong. I will say some of the dialogue was a little hit or miss for me. I felt that Moira was a little naïve just as the people around her thought. However the more you read the more you understand the author is going somewhere with that. I loved this book and think it is a perfect read. I can not wait for the next one. I am truly waiting with bated breath.
August 28, 2024
3.25 really
I received this book as an E-ARC! I enjoyed the story Krys is trying to tell but I really wish there had been more character development from her FMC. Moira still feels naive and underdeveloped.
She was captured by the invading army at a peace talk, and yet she seems to focus more on herself and her inconvenience. Yes, she does see how it's an issue but it's almost like it's always on the back burner as something she has to remind herself of between asking for more conveniences while in captivity and flirting with the prince.
I also wanted to learn more about the villain. I know he's supposed to be this big bad guy, but he's not mentioned enough. I also was hoping to see more of Moira experimenting with the Phoenix powers. She has so much potential and it still felt like she wasn't living up to it.
Overall it wasn't a bad book, the story has a lot of potential and I think I'll keep reading the series because Moira is plucky enough that I want to see her succeed.
I received this book as an E-ARC! I enjoyed the story Krys is trying to tell but I really wish there had been more character development from her FMC. Moira still feels naive and underdeveloped.
She was captured by the invading army at a peace talk, and yet she seems to focus more on herself and her inconvenience. Yes, she does see how it's an issue but it's almost like it's always on the back burner as something she has to remind herself of between asking for more conveniences while in captivity and flirting with the prince.
I also wanted to learn more about the villain. I know he's supposed to be this big bad guy, but he's not mentioned enough. I also was hoping to see more of Moira experimenting with the Phoenix powers. She has so much potential and it still felt like she wasn't living up to it.
Overall it wasn't a bad book, the story has a lot of potential and I think I'll keep reading the series because Moira is plucky enough that I want to see her succeed.
August 23, 2024
Phoenix Caged is the second book in the Hiraeth Song series. It follows Moira, princess of Ignis, as she tries to escape the group of Outlanders that kidnapped her at the end of book one. But the lead captor, Bryce, intrigues her. There is more to him than meets the eye, and though escape is imperative, Moira's ever growing feelings for Bryce are dangerous.
I loved the character growth in this one. Moira is still very much the bratty princess she was in book one, but you can tell she also grew in confidence. Her bratty behaviour towards Bryce was so fun to read about! Bryce is her complete opposite: stoic and serious. But as the story moves forward, his defenses start to soften. I LOVED Bryce, tbh! And the banter between him and Moira was entertaining. The plot was nerve wracking but also super interesting. I'm excited to see what happens next!
Overall, a great novel by a great friend 🥰 Thank you, Krys, for the physical arc copy in exchange for an honest review!
I loved the character growth in this one. Moira is still very much the bratty princess she was in book one, but you can tell she also grew in confidence. Her bratty behaviour towards Bryce was so fun to read about! Bryce is her complete opposite: stoic and serious. But as the story moves forward, his defenses start to soften. I LOVED Bryce, tbh! And the banter between him and Moira was entertaining. The plot was nerve wracking but also super interesting. I'm excited to see what happens next!
Overall, a great novel by a great friend 🥰 Thank you, Krys, for the physical arc copy in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
Phoenix Caged
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
Moira has been taken hostage after the Peace Talks were a lie. Though she has not been captured alone, will her fellow captive help to escape the Outlanders who have taken them? Through her skills of seduction and deception, she has charmed the Warlord’s son to provide her information for an escape.
Allies become enemies, enemies become friends (well, more than that). Moira must make a life altering decision, save her stoic prince or save her kingdom. Now that she’s chosen, is all hell breaking loose?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I received it as an ARC, but as the ✨ACTUAL✨ slowest reader, I finally finished it and am now going to IMPATIENTLY await the next book.
Phoenix Caged
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
Moira has been taken hostage after the Peace Talks were a lie. Though she has not been captured alone, will her fellow captive help to escape the Outlanders who have taken them? Through her skills of seduction and deception, she has charmed the Warlord’s son to provide her information for an escape.
Allies become enemies, enemies become friends (well, more than that). Moira must make a life altering decision, save her stoic prince or save her kingdom. Now that she’s chosen, is all hell breaking loose?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I received it as an ARC, but as the ✨ACTUAL✨ slowest reader, I finally finished it and am now going to IMPATIENTLY await the next book.
August 25, 2024
I thought this one was better than the first! The storyline was so descriptive and timeline meshed well. The FMC was written so well in my opinion, I found myself really annoyed with how she held herself but dammit is she resilient. She comes off as this worthless princess but she is feisty and so brave. As for Bryce, buddy boy no use in denying a princess what she wants 🤷🏻♀️. His fierceness matched her feisty, they just work so well even if love between them is forbidden. The ending left me wanting so much more and asking so many questions. Definitely recommend!! I cannot wait for the third one!!
September 6, 2024
ARC Review
I read book one and two back-to-back so I was grateful that I didn't have to wait too long for the story to pick back up again. Phoenix Caged picked right up where book one ended off and we got to follow our FMC as she was kidnapped and journeyed through unknown lands. The book seemed to start off pretty slow but really picked up once it hit its stride. I found Moira very naive and a little annoying in the beginning, but I really warmed up to her character and enjoyed her growth throughout the book. This one ends on a cliffhanger (as expected) but I'm looking forward to see how the series continues.
⭐⭐⭐1/2 /5 Stars, 🌶️🌶️/5 Spice
I read book one and two back-to-back so I was grateful that I didn't have to wait too long for the story to pick back up again. Phoenix Caged picked right up where book one ended off and we got to follow our FMC as she was kidnapped and journeyed through unknown lands. The book seemed to start off pretty slow but really picked up once it hit its stride. I found Moira very naive and a little annoying in the beginning, but I really warmed up to her character and enjoyed her growth throughout the book. This one ends on a cliffhanger (as expected) but I'm looking forward to see how the series continues.
⭐⭐⭐1/2 /5 Stars, 🌶️🌶️/5 Spice
September 3, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I’m so thankful I did! It was a good read 📖
I didn’t get a chance to read book 1 in the series (Phoenix Awakening) before reading this one but I was still able to follow along easily and piece together what happened leading up to it thanks to the authors writing and storytelling ✍️
Enemies to lovers, betrayal, magic powers, I can wait to see where it goes in the next book! Thank you @authorkrysejay I’m hooked
I didn’t get a chance to read book 1 in the series (Phoenix Awakening) before reading this one but I was still able to follow along easily and piece together what happened leading up to it thanks to the authors writing and storytelling ✍️
Enemies to lovers, betrayal, magic powers, I can wait to see where it goes in the next book! Thank you @authorkrysejay I’m hooked
August 23, 2024
I absolutely loved reading this book. Moira is such a unique character in the way that you can both understand her actions while also wanting to scream at her for them at the same time😂. I have never read a FMC that drove me up a wall as much as Moira but also made me want to keep reading. Her growing affections towards Bryce and the way that their relationship has grown this book has been so fun to watch and I have loved every second of it. Their banter is so much fun and the amount of times that I cackled at what Moira made them so much more loveable. I can’t wait to read the next book!
October 18, 2024
Hiraeth Song #2
Phoenix Caged
Krys E. Jay
this is her second book. she is getting better. the sex scenes are believable and quite extensive. She likes dark themes, and this doesn’t disappoint. even though most of the book she is caged, as the title explains, there are enough characters to keep it interesting. highly recommended.
Phoenix Caged
Krys E. Jay
this is her second book. she is getting better. the sex scenes are believable and quite extensive. She likes dark themes, and this doesn’t disappoint. even though most of the book she is caged, as the title explains, there are enough characters to keep it interesting. highly recommended.
August 27, 2024
phoenix caged was definitely my favourite by far in the series, i really liked how it felt like moira grew up and gained some more perspective and confidence while also still leaning towards her bratty princess side, especially while interacting with bryce
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