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Phoenix Hoard #3
Pearl City
Blade.
Butcher.
Thief.
Worldbreaker.
Emiko Soong has been called many things but Worldbreaker is the worst.
She unmasked the General and returned to San Francisco where her power is greatest. But the city, once her sanctuary from Jiaren intrigues, turns into her living nightmare. Clan war tears at the seams and her life becomes a treacherous quicksand of friend and foe. Unsure of who to trust, Emiko finds herself more alone than ever.
When an ancient power rips through the Realm to land in her city, the General will stop at nothing to take this power for his own. Emiko must face her past, her present, and her future, as she races to stop the General.
Is Emiko’s fate written to be the destroyer of worlds, or can she chart her own course to save her family?
Phoenix Hoard
#1 Ebony Gate
#2 Blood Jade
#3 Pearl City
Butcher.
Thief.
Worldbreaker.
Emiko Soong has been called many things but Worldbreaker is the worst.
She unmasked the General and returned to San Francisco where her power is greatest. But the city, once her sanctuary from Jiaren intrigues, turns into her living nightmare. Clan war tears at the seams and her life becomes a treacherous quicksand of friend and foe. Unsure of who to trust, Emiko finds herself more alone than ever.
When an ancient power rips through the Realm to land in her city, the General will stop at nothing to take this power for his own. Emiko must face her past, her present, and her future, as she races to stop the General.
Is Emiko’s fate written to be the destroyer of worlds, or can she chart her own course to save her family?
Phoenix Hoard
#1 Ebony Gate
#2 Blood Jade
#3 Pearl City
378 pages, Hardcover
Published July 15, 2025
28 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Julia Vee
25 books193 followersJulia is usually stuck in traffic in Silicon Valley. By day she is a trial lawyer. By night, she writes stories about heroes, monsters, and heroic monsters.
Also, eats a lot of dumplings.
Also, eats a lot of dumplings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
July 22, 2025
A worthy conclusion to The Phoenix Hoard trilogy!
The biggest thing that I love about this series is how Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle managed to write and create such strong and multidimensional Asian American characters that they feel and read like authentic voices. This is why I love to read and promote diverse voices in SFF.
Like with the first two novels, the authors balanced the action scenes and the dialogue heavy scenes really well. If I found myself starting to get distracted with a longer scene, then something more action-filled or suspenseful will show up next and keep me on my toes.
It's hard to talk about this book by itself without bringing up the other books. But I will say that Emiko's character arc, especially her roller coaster character growth, came to a satisfying conclusion. There was a lot of sacrifice involved on her part with the authors really putting her through the wringer. I knew she'd be able to handle them, but damn, I was really worried for my girl in certain scenes.
Ngl, I actually wanted more time spent with Emiko's family. There was a lot of that in the second book, and while I'm usually not a huge fan of family drama, Emiko's parents are interesting people. More than halfway through the book, I could easily picture a prequel with Emiko's mom. I already have a weak spot for shadow daddies. Guess I'll make room in my heart for a shadow mommy.
I want to give a wholehearted thank you to Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle for sending me the arcs! Thank you for including me in Emiko's journey.
This has been a fun adventure and I can't wait to see what the authors come up with next!
The biggest thing that I love about this series is how Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle managed to write and create such strong and multidimensional Asian American characters that they feel and read like authentic voices. This is why I love to read and promote diverse voices in SFF.
Like with the first two novels, the authors balanced the action scenes and the dialogue heavy scenes really well. If I found myself starting to get distracted with a longer scene, then something more action-filled or suspenseful will show up next and keep me on my toes.
It's hard to talk about this book by itself without bringing up the other books. But I will say that Emiko's character arc, especially her roller coaster character growth, came to a satisfying conclusion. There was a lot of sacrifice involved on her part with the authors really putting her through the wringer. I knew she'd be able to handle them, but damn, I was really worried for my girl in certain scenes.
Ngl, I actually wanted more time spent with Emiko's family. There was a lot of that in the second book, and while I'm usually not a huge fan of family drama, Emiko's parents are interesting people. More than halfway through the book, I could easily picture a prequel with Emiko's mom. I already have a weak spot for shadow daddies. Guess I'll make room in my heart for a shadow mommy.
I want to give a wholehearted thank you to Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle for sending me the arcs! Thank you for including me in Emiko's journey.
This has been a fun adventure and I can't wait to see what the authors come up with next!
January 7, 2025
I am so very sad this series is over, but what a ride it’s all been including this latest, and last, book. Emiko faces her biggest challenge yet when a previous foe decides to bring an ally to San Francisco, and the sacrifices she must make are huge. This book is a non-stop action-filled book, and I felt so much for poor Emiko at the end. I wish I could talk about it but can’t because of spoilers. However, I am hoping that we can come back to this world because of a few threads that seem to be left open…hint, hint. This an epic conclusion to an epic series, and this is sure to please fans of the series. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
July 22, 2025
Emiko's recent trip home did more than unearth family secrets, it shattered the very foundation her magical society is based on. And in the wake of the uncertainty created by the revelations, some clans are ready to strike, eager to use the chaos to solidify their own power base. War has come to Emiko's home, and it will take every ounce of her strength as Sentinel to guard those under her protection - especially when an enemy not seen in centuries appears once again.
PEARL CITY is a suitably epic finale to this urban fantasy adventure, bringing all of Emiko's newfound power to bear in one final battle in San Francisco. While Emiko was largely cut-off from her Sentinel powers in BLOOD JADE, she's now squarely back on her home turf and ready to finally embrace the power San Francisco is willing to give its protector. If it weren't a series finale, Emiko might seem a bit overpowered, but given the scope of the adversary she's facing, her new abilities are well-justified.
I will say that for the first third of the book, I was a little concerned that the plot was going to be overstuffed, as once again complication after complication was added to Emiko's pile. Thankfully by the halfway point, the plot becomes entirely focused on the final battle, and the extra clutter falls to the wayside. (I remain baffled about a plot complication that was introduced by the character Adam, as it largely disappeared from the story for most of the book and was only tangentially tied to the main conflict).
But putting those minor early missteps aside, I really enjoyed the second half of PEARLY CITY. It was a showstopper finale that also paid off some of the family and friend relationships that have been building over the course of the series. I loved seeing Emiko's community both locally and abroad come together in this moment of need, all those characters we've met over the series uniting in one final stand-off.
THE PHOENIX HOARD SAGA has been a great fun ride from start to finish. It's given us a heroine who arcs from isolated loner to integral leader of her city, someone who sees the need to shake things up and finally realizes she has the power to do so. If you're looking for a modern-day fantasy adventure with great action, give this series a shot.
Note: I was provided a free ARC by the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
PEARL CITY is a suitably epic finale to this urban fantasy adventure, bringing all of Emiko's newfound power to bear in one final battle in San Francisco. While Emiko was largely cut-off from her Sentinel powers in BLOOD JADE, she's now squarely back on her home turf and ready to finally embrace the power San Francisco is willing to give its protector. If it weren't a series finale, Emiko might seem a bit overpowered, but given the scope of the adversary she's facing, her new abilities are well-justified.
I will say that for the first third of the book, I was a little concerned that the plot was going to be overstuffed, as once again complication after complication was added to Emiko's pile. Thankfully by the halfway point, the plot becomes entirely focused on the final battle, and the extra clutter falls to the wayside. (I remain baffled about a plot complication that was introduced by the character Adam, as it largely disappeared from the story for most of the book and was only tangentially tied to the main conflict).
But putting those minor early missteps aside, I really enjoyed the second half of PEARLY CITY. It was a showstopper finale that also paid off some of the family and friend relationships that have been building over the course of the series. I loved seeing Emiko's community both locally and abroad come together in this moment of need, all those characters we've met over the series uniting in one final stand-off.
THE PHOENIX HOARD SAGA has been a great fun ride from start to finish. It's given us a heroine who arcs from isolated loner to integral leader of her city, someone who sees the need to shake things up and finally realizes she has the power to do so. If you're looking for a modern-day fantasy adventure with great action, give this series a shot.
Note: I was provided a free ARC by the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
July 22, 2025
If Ebony Gate pulled me in with its rich modern-day San Francisco setting and Blood Jade deepened my connection to Emiko through her navigation of her complicated family dynamics in Tokyo, Pearl City emotionally broke me…but in the best of ways!
This finale cements what I’ve felt since book one: Emiko Soong is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time. Her character arc spanning guilt, duty, fear of failure, and the slow, painful process of self-acceptance, is so layered and human. I’ve always related to Emiko’s struggle to balance the weight of responsibility with the desire to retreat, afraid of letting down the people who rely on her and that internal conflict is the beating heart of this trilogy.
What hit hardest for me was the evolution of her relationship with her parents. The resolution of that long-simmering tension, especially the clarity around her mother’s abandonment and the quiet, hard-earned recognition from her father honestly left me in tears. These weren’t easy moments for Emiko, but they felt true, and that’s what made them so powerful.
Emiko steps fully into her power in this book, never for glory, but for the people and the city she loves. That choice, and the way it’s framed not as a triumph of strength but as an act of selfless connection, feels deeply earned after everything she’s been through. And yes, we get dragons and clan wars and magic storms tearing through the Realm, but what I’ll remember most is Emiko. Her choices. Her pain. Her growth.
I can’t say enough about how well this trilogy builds on itself. Each book expands the world, deepens the mythology, and pushes Emiko to evolve in ways that you hope for but don’t always expect. Pearl City isn’t just a story about saving the world, it’s a story about surviving yourself, forgiving the people who broke you, and choosing to protect what you love and love what you protect.
Absolutely phenomenal end to a series I’ll be recommending for a long time.
This finale cements what I’ve felt since book one: Emiko Soong is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time. Her character arc spanning guilt, duty, fear of failure, and the slow, painful process of self-acceptance, is so layered and human. I’ve always related to Emiko’s struggle to balance the weight of responsibility with the desire to retreat, afraid of letting down the people who rely on her and that internal conflict is the beating heart of this trilogy.
What hit hardest for me was the evolution of her relationship with her parents. The resolution of that long-simmering tension, especially the clarity around her mother’s abandonment and the quiet, hard-earned recognition from her father honestly left me in tears. These weren’t easy moments for Emiko, but they felt true, and that’s what made them so powerful.
Emiko steps fully into her power in this book, never for glory, but for the people and the city she loves. That choice, and the way it’s framed not as a triumph of strength but as an act of selfless connection, feels deeply earned after everything she’s been through. And yes, we get dragons and clan wars and magic storms tearing through the Realm, but what I’ll remember most is Emiko. Her choices. Her pain. Her growth.
I can’t say enough about how well this trilogy builds on itself. Each book expands the world, deepens the mythology, and pushes Emiko to evolve in ways that you hope for but don’t always expect. Pearl City isn’t just a story about saving the world, it’s a story about surviving yourself, forgiving the people who broke you, and choosing to protect what you love and love what you protect.
Absolutely phenomenal end to a series I’ll be recommending for a long time.
July 10, 2025
The Phoenix Hoard series is what made me realize I could like urban fantasy, so look…. I’m a little biased.
This is such a great urban fantasy with crazy family drama, incredible dragon magic, martial arts, and a foo lion companion?!! If that doesn't sell you on it, I honestly don't know what will. This was an epic conclusion to this trilogy that is full of action and suspense. Ken and Julia nailed it!
A real selling point of this series are the characters. There is a traditionally long (fantasy readers get it) cast of characters but each person is so well fleshed out that there is no doubt in your mind who is who. This world and characters are in technicolour, there’s no doubt about it.
I don’t want to say too much plot-wise, because this is the last book of the series, but it wraps things up so nicely and it really is satisfying. This is a great series to invest in, there are no loose ends (although I do see that maybe this isn’t the end of Emiko’s story???? Please???)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available July 15, 2025
Thank you to Ken Bebelle, Julia Vee and Tor Books for a free advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is such a great urban fantasy with crazy family drama, incredible dragon magic, martial arts, and a foo lion companion?!! If that doesn't sell you on it, I honestly don't know what will. This was an epic conclusion to this trilogy that is full of action and suspense. Ken and Julia nailed it!
A real selling point of this series are the characters. There is a traditionally long (fantasy readers get it) cast of characters but each person is so well fleshed out that there is no doubt in your mind who is who. This world and characters are in technicolour, there’s no doubt about it.
I don’t want to say too much plot-wise, because this is the last book of the series, but it wraps things up so nicely and it really is satisfying. This is a great series to invest in, there are no loose ends (although I do see that maybe this isn’t the end of Emiko’s story???? Please???)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available July 15, 2025
Thank you to Ken Bebelle, Julia Vee and Tor Books for a free advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 4, 2025
Please be aware I am about to gush!!!
This was a transformative, incredible conclusion to a sparkling trilogy. An ending that matched every thing we learned and loved about our conflicted but noble heroine, Emiko.
Not every trilogy gives you a satisfying ending that has you screaming and cheering, but this one poured that out and more from chapter one to the final sentence.
The plot was simple. Whatever could go wrong...did. Furthermore, it all ended up in Emiko's lap and she had to find a way to fix it. From a dweller of a another realm, to her relationships with friends and family coming into screeching focus. There was no running away. There was no cowering. There was only Emiko standing in her truth and finding a way forward that may just break all the rules she was drilled to observe and follow.
With non stop action and continuous secrets being revealed the authors steal your breath away page by page. Whenever things seemed calm it was only a space for strategy and startling truths to be disclosed. It was all so exciting and dramatic at times lol...making it such a fun read!!!
For me though, one of the most important arcs throughout the series, was that relationship between Emiko and her parents. It started full of tension, mistrust, and with Emiko feeling as though she was so much less than they needed her to be. But in this book, we get that satisfaction of knowing exactly why things went the way they did, and when I say the fam bam SHOW UP...they SHOW UP!!!! Not going to lie, reading this specific part had me tearing up. It was perfectly written, for all of us trauma babies lol!
In reading this story, look forward to action, bad stuff happening, and unorthodox solutions... heavy on that part especially :D!!!!
Unreservedly, loudly, and with heartfelt fervor, I recommend this book, this series, these authors. When I picked up book 1 of Phoenix Hoard, Ebony Gate, last year I had no idea of the ride it would take me on. And I have ABSOLUTELY no regrets going on this journey. Sincerely, I hope many more join me as fanatics of Emiko and her world so we can get even more stories about them!
If action filled fantasy, relatable but bad a$$ FMCs, ancient lore, found family, and humor are your thing...you should be chapters deep in this series already. Stop stalling and get into it today!
Thank you so much to Net Galley and the authors for allowing me to review this arc. It was a true pleasure!
This was a transformative, incredible conclusion to a sparkling trilogy. An ending that matched every thing we learned and loved about our conflicted but noble heroine, Emiko.
Not every trilogy gives you a satisfying ending that has you screaming and cheering, but this one poured that out and more from chapter one to the final sentence.
The plot was simple. Whatever could go wrong...did. Furthermore, it all ended up in Emiko's lap and she had to find a way to fix it. From a dweller of a another realm, to her relationships with friends and family coming into screeching focus. There was no running away. There was no cowering. There was only Emiko standing in her truth and finding a way forward that may just break all the rules she was drilled to observe and follow.
With non stop action and continuous secrets being revealed the authors steal your breath away page by page. Whenever things seemed calm it was only a space for strategy and startling truths to be disclosed. It was all so exciting and dramatic at times lol...making it such a fun read!!!
For me though, one of the most important arcs throughout the series, was that relationship between Emiko and her parents. It started full of tension, mistrust, and with Emiko feeling as though she was so much less than they needed her to be. But in this book, we get that satisfaction of knowing exactly why things went the way they did, and when I say the fam bam SHOW UP...they SHOW UP!!!! Not going to lie, reading this specific part had me tearing up. It was perfectly written, for all of us trauma babies lol!
In reading this story, look forward to action, bad stuff happening, and unorthodox solutions... heavy on that part especially :D!!!!
Unreservedly, loudly, and with heartfelt fervor, I recommend this book, this series, these authors. When I picked up book 1 of Phoenix Hoard, Ebony Gate, last year I had no idea of the ride it would take me on. And I have ABSOLUTELY no regrets going on this journey. Sincerely, I hope many more join me as fanatics of Emiko and her world so we can get even more stories about them!
If action filled fantasy, relatable but bad a$$ FMCs, ancient lore, found family, and humor are your thing...you should be chapters deep in this series already. Stop stalling and get into it today!
Thank you so much to Net Galley and the authors for allowing me to review this arc. It was a true pleasure!
November 9, 2025
I’ve been waiting for this one, and it did not disappoint. Pearl City wraps up Emiko’s story in a way that feels intense, emotional, and totally earned. The action is nonstop, but what really stood out to me was how much Emiko has grown since Ebony Gate. You can feel the weight she’s carrying, the guilt, the determination — all of it.
The mix of modern world and mythic Asian fantasy is still one of my favorite parts of this series. It feels unique and lived-in, like these characters have real history. There were a few moments I wished slowed down a bit just to let things breathe, but overall it kept me hooked the entire time.
If you’ve been following the series, this finale ties everything together and gives you that “wow, we actually made it” feeling. Totally worth the read.
The mix of modern world and mythic Asian fantasy is still one of my favorite parts of this series. It feels unique and lived-in, like these characters have real history. There were a few moments I wished slowed down a bit just to let things breathe, but overall it kept me hooked the entire time.
If you’ve been following the series, this finale ties everything together and gives you that “wow, we actually made it” feeling. Totally worth the read.
November 16, 2025
I listened to the audio version for this last book and it was great. The whole book was a nonstop crash course through this unique world that the authors created. I still think my favorite character was Bao the giant foo lion. I wish there would be more in this series but this book does wrap it up the story fairly well. If you like the Dresden files this series is for you.
June 17, 2025
I just love this series so much. I am really going to struggle to review this without any other spoilers for the series and this book. But let me tell you Ken and Julia gave me everything I needed and wanted in this last book. If you were in the room with me for the last 20% you would have seen/heard laugh, crying, and lots of gasps. Ken and Julia knocked it out of the park with this last book, and I cannot wait to see what they come up with next. I am going to miss Emiko's story so much and wish it could go on forever, she is in my top five favorite FMCs. She has everything you are looking for when you are rooting for your main character and the side characters are just as lovable. I found in this series that it was constantly nonstop, the second and third book lived up to the greatness of the first book and built off the excellent world building, character plots, and overarching series plot. All of the character growth and development made sense and no one's character arc drastically changed from the first book. This trilogy will always be God tier for me. Asian fantasy is always some of my favorite fantasies, but this series had the pull of fantasy and the pull of the heart strings. For the millionth time, I implore you all to read this series!!! You will not regret it!!!
July 3, 2025
Pearl City, book three in the Phoenix Hoard series, and one urban fantasy novel in particular that I have been waiting for with baited breath since reading its predecessor, Blood Jade, last year. Thankfully, all that anticipation wasn’t wasted. Pearl City is just as, if not more, epic than the two books previous. It ups the ante with more magic, bigger monsters (*cough* dragons *cough*), and far deadlier clan politics.
That being said, it also surprised me with how introspective it got. While Blood Jade was a mile a minute action fest, Pearl City slowed down to focus on Emiko and how her newfound power and responsibilities have been weighing on her.
That being said, the narrative does still maintain that very dynamic and fast-paced fantasy quality that originally made me fall in love with the series. It’s just not to the extent where things feel like they lack explanation. I also continued to love the Japanese folklore aspect, and the general vibe of the theology surrounding the secret societies and the clans, and how they operate almost like dynastic gangs. The entire book honestly felt very prophetic, in that a lot of stuff that has been building since Ebony Gate feels like it has come full circle to finally be addressed, but in a way that also seems to take into account the character journey. Kind of like a prophecy coming to pass not because of fate, but because a character’s morality would not allow anything else.
Overall I could not recommend this series enough. It is a wild ride that I hope so many more people discover for themselves. My only hope is that it doesn’t end here, and we get more of Emiko Soong and this amazing world that these two authors have created.
That being said, it also surprised me with how introspective it got. While Blood Jade was a mile a minute action fest, Pearl City slowed down to focus on Emiko and how her newfound power and responsibilities have been weighing on her.
That being said, the narrative does still maintain that very dynamic and fast-paced fantasy quality that originally made me fall in love with the series. It’s just not to the extent where things feel like they lack explanation. I also continued to love the Japanese folklore aspect, and the general vibe of the theology surrounding the secret societies and the clans, and how they operate almost like dynastic gangs. The entire book honestly felt very prophetic, in that a lot of stuff that has been building since Ebony Gate feels like it has come full circle to finally be addressed, but in a way that also seems to take into account the character journey. Kind of like a prophecy coming to pass not because of fate, but because a character’s morality would not allow anything else.
Overall I could not recommend this series enough. It is a wild ride that I hope so many more people discover for themselves. My only hope is that it doesn’t end here, and we get more of Emiko Soong and this amazing world that these two authors have created.
July 16, 2025
I'm sad to see the trilogy end. Emiko is now one of my favorite fictional characters. Perhaps even my literary waifu. Pearl City was the perfect way to cap off this trilogy and I especially appreciate how each of her interpersonal relationships ebb and flow throughout. I love that we got to know her mother a little more and that it humanized her father a bit as well. I also appreciate that so many events from the first 2 books came into full circle here. Julia and Ken wrapped up all the loose ends into a neat package and I'm hoping they create an entire expansive universe with these characters. Perhaps a book about the Trans, one about Oda and even one centered on her mother would be amazing!
February 12, 2025
Giving this book a 5 star.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of Pearl City.
Overall, I'm very satisfied with the way the book ended. READING THE ENDING COMMENTS FROM THE AUTHORS. I was like omg. Yes Emiko, did we go full circle from book 1 to now. and the answer is YES. YES WE DID.
This book is full of non-stop action. Seriously, I'm like.. how many fights are we going through? That said, even though Julia and Ken include a summary of previous books, I think I needed to reread the entire series because sometimes I was like wait what happened. I did not want to wait and go back and read the two books so honestly that's on me. LOL. I have questions about the ending in the sense that ...like Julia and Ken you two know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. I have questions. I want answers. LOL.
My only "complaint" is that I wish we could actually spend more time with Emiko and her family. There are some things that could be a bit more flushed out, like I just wanna know more, but take that as a good thing. Julia and Ken made me love the characters so much I want to know more.
Like I mentioned in my review of Ebony Gate, it's fun and weird to be reading about books set in SF because..is there or is there not jiaren in the city? Will I basically walk past Emiko on the streets. Is Bao just a big chow chow I walked past. Is there a *insert spoiler* in Japantown??? LOL
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of Pearl City.
Overall, I'm very satisfied with the way the book ended. READING THE ENDING COMMENTS FROM THE AUTHORS. I was like omg. Yes Emiko, did we go full circle from book 1 to now. and the answer is YES. YES WE DID.
This book is full of non-stop action. Seriously, I'm like.. how many fights are we going through? That said, even though Julia and Ken include a summary of previous books, I think I needed to reread the entire series because sometimes I was like wait what happened. I did not want to wait and go back and read the two books so honestly that's on me. LOL. I have questions about the ending in the sense that ...like Julia and Ken you two know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. I have questions. I want answers. LOL.
My only "complaint" is that I wish we could actually spend more time with Emiko and her family. There are some things that could be a bit more flushed out, like I just wanna know more, but take that as a good thing. Julia and Ken made me love the characters so much I want to know more.
Like I mentioned in my review of Ebony Gate, it's fun and weird to be reading about books set in SF because..is there or is there not jiaren in the city? Will I basically walk past Emiko on the streets. Is Bao just a big chow chow I walked past. Is there a *insert spoiler* in Japantown??? LOL
August 28, 2025
Fantastic conclusion to one of my favourite fantasy series. Now that this series is completed, I'm excited to reread it from book 1 🤭
August 16, 2025
This finale was everything I wanted and more. Pearl City closes out an urban fantasy trilogy that has genuinely become one of my favorites, and I’m honestly sad to see it go. It's one of those where it sat so strongly in my memory that I didn't have to reread before the next book, but I could reread the entire thing and get even more out of it the next time around. I truly think that is the highest compliment that I can bestow.
What stands out most in this series is the way Emiko and the wider cast feel so real. They are complicated, flawed, and layered in a way that makes you believe in them completely. The authors don’t just give us heroes and villains; they give us people with blind spots, histories, and messy relationships. Emiko, in particular, is one of the most fully realized protagonists I’ve read. She grows, sacrifices, and changes, but she never loses the core of who she is. By the end, it feels less like you’ve finished a story and more like you’ve walked alongside a friend who’s still out there living her life. Miss you already, Emiko.
The world-building and the plot in this book are equally impressive. Just when I thought I knew where it was heading, it surprised me with turns I didn’t see coming. The stakes keep escalating from book to book, and by this finale, the scope feels massive without ever losing the personal heart of the story. I especially loved how relationships and family remained central even while the fate of the world hung in the balance. Those family dynamics (messy, loving, painful, and healing) are what truly elevate this series.
As a trilogy, each book raised the bar, but Pearl City delivers a satisfying ending. It’s emotional, thoughtful, and powerful, but never strays from the core identity of the story. It left me completely fulfilled, even if I didn’t predict exactly where Emiko’s journey would land. This series has such a special place in my heart. If you love urban fantasy with high stakes, nuanced characters, and unforgettable family dynamics, you absolutely need to pick it up.
Huge thanks to the authors for generously sharing ARCs throughout this journey; I feel lucky to have been along for the ride. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
What stands out most in this series is the way Emiko and the wider cast feel so real. They are complicated, flawed, and layered in a way that makes you believe in them completely. The authors don’t just give us heroes and villains; they give us people with blind spots, histories, and messy relationships. Emiko, in particular, is one of the most fully realized protagonists I’ve read. She grows, sacrifices, and changes, but she never loses the core of who she is. By the end, it feels less like you’ve finished a story and more like you’ve walked alongside a friend who’s still out there living her life. Miss you already, Emiko.
The world-building and the plot in this book are equally impressive. Just when I thought I knew where it was heading, it surprised me with turns I didn’t see coming. The stakes keep escalating from book to book, and by this finale, the scope feels massive without ever losing the personal heart of the story. I especially loved how relationships and family remained central even while the fate of the world hung in the balance. Those family dynamics (messy, loving, painful, and healing) are what truly elevate this series.
As a trilogy, each book raised the bar, but Pearl City delivers a satisfying ending. It’s emotional, thoughtful, and powerful, but never strays from the core identity of the story. It left me completely fulfilled, even if I didn’t predict exactly where Emiko’s journey would land. This series has such a special place in my heart. If you love urban fantasy with high stakes, nuanced characters, and unforgettable family dynamics, you absolutely need to pick it up.
Huge thanks to the authors for generously sharing ARCs throughout this journey; I feel lucky to have been along for the ride. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
July 25, 2025
There is something so bittersweet about coming to the conclusion of a series. However, if it has to end this is exactly the way it should. This third installment of the Pheonix Hoard was nonstop, heart pounding action and I was here for every last world. Emiko is really a character that you watch grow and stretch herself to her limits and at times it's uncomfortable and there is so many internal battles that she fights, but she comes out the other side and you end up feeling proud of her. Heir character arc through all three books is nothing short of a masterpiece. The sacrifices she makes in this installment are monumental and the way she handled it for the love of her city was inspiring. Without spoiling anything or giving to much away this book is faster, more action packed, more brutal, and there is more redemption than the previous books and it will leave you feeling satisfied at its conclusion. I really can't wait to see what these authors come up with next because I will definitely be first in line!
August 6, 2025
4.5
Strangely enough, I feel like I have the same complaint as the one I had for the second book.
Missed opportunity for emotionally charged moments to be finally addressed. However, in this case, after everything that happens to the characters & how some characters treat each other, a lot of conversations were simply glossed over. Like everything that happened was simply swept under the rug and they never talked about it. I think it would have benefited the characters to have some honesty between them. It lacked in this instalment as well.
I still think this was a great ending & remained very action-packed (like all the instalments)!
Strangely enough, I feel like I have the same complaint as the one I had for the second book.
Missed opportunity for emotionally charged moments to be finally addressed. However, in this case, after everything that happens to the characters & how some characters treat each other, a lot of conversations were simply glossed over. Like everything that happened was simply swept under the rug and they never talked about it. I think it would have benefited the characters to have some honesty between them. It lacked in this instalment as well.
I still think this was a great ending & remained very action-packed (like all the instalments)!
July 31, 2025
Friendships are fickle. It's strange seeing her befriend a person and then lose their trust. Then see an enemy place their trust in her.
Many unexpected heart-felt moments with the mom and the dad. I even liked her brother's friends. Perfect ending.
Many unexpected heart-felt moments with the mom and the dad. I even liked her brother's friends. Perfect ending.
July 26, 2025
*chefs kiss*
Full circle moment for Emiko back to her home stomping grounds. I've been stalking this page till the book released, I'm so happy to have read this but sad that the series is now ended.
I wonder if we could get more stories into the rich world building, there's so much to explore 🫶🏾
Full circle moment for Emiko back to her home stomping grounds. I've been stalking this page till the book released, I'm so happy to have read this but sad that the series is now ended.
I wonder if we could get more stories into the rich world building, there's so much to explore 🫶🏾
August 2, 2025
I’m a sucker for urban fantasy and it’s cool to have a modern day San Francisco with a mystical twist. The world feels like the world of John Wick but instead of being filled with a secret underworld of assassins its mystic arts. The book gives a strong Shang-Chi vibe. I love the main character and while the ending sticks the landing and has a satisfying conclusion to end the trilogy. The was my least favorite of the trilogy. I didn’t love the story but the story they told I enjoyed
October 15, 2025
A perfect end to this amazing trilogy - Vee and Bebelle impress once again with an immersive and exciting novel filled with lore, action and tension. This was an immensely satisfying read - my only regret was that I couldn't binge the entire series in one shot! 🤩
October 17, 2025
An action packed satisfying ending to this martial arts fantasy series.
This did not at all end the way I thought it would, which is a nice surprise and there is room for continuation.
This did not at all end the way I thought it would, which is a nice surprise and there is room for continuation.
July 29, 2025
Fantastic book.
June 5, 2025
I need everyone to read this series! What an end to this fabulous series. The authors freaking killed it. I was stressed for about 60% of Pearl City and was so worried about these characters especially Bao, Freddy, and Emiko.
I loved seeing how all of the different storylines we explored in book 1 and 2 came together in the end and it felt like the gathering of the Avengers during Endgame.
I'm not going to say anything else right now because I don't want to spoil it for people but just wanted to say, go read this series! You won't be disappointed!
I loved seeing how all of the different storylines we explored in book 1 and 2 came together in the end and it felt like the gathering of the Avengers during Endgame.
I'm not going to say anything else right now because I don't want to spoil it for people but just wanted to say, go read this series! You won't be disappointed!
September 30, 2025
I think maybe the thing that’s been bugging me about this series the entire time, the thing that’s keeping me from being 100% into it, is the amount of telling vs showing.
Maybe the best example of this is Emiko’s relationship with Leanna. I think we only ever actually saw a training session with her once, back in the first book. After that, we’re only told that Emiko has this connection to and fondness for this kid, we’re never shown their relationship actually developing in a meaningful way. And I think that’s true for basically everything else: we’re told that Emiko feels bad for the pain she caused Kamon. We’re told Emiko feels rage about what Ray Ray was doing with Leanna, and what Batuhan has done. It doesn’t really seem like we’re ever shown what she’s feeling.
I also feel like for a large portion of this book, thereabouts the entire first half of it, there wasn’t actually a tangible plot. Things that are vaguely interconnected just keep happening to Emiko.
The first two books had actual, tangible things she was working towards, fairly quickly from the start of the book: Returning/fixing the Ebony Gate, and training Tatsuya. But what exactly was Emiko working towards for the first 200 pages of this book?
We know that she has trouble controlling her power, but then we have *two separate conversations* covering the same thing, about how she needs to learn to control it and treat it not like a beast but like another part of herself. Okay. After that it kind of doesn't seem like it's remotely an issue for her anymore. So that’s kind of…already dealt with I guess?
We know she’s pretty widely reviled by the community, but to be honest that’s nothing new, it’s just for a different reason now.
We’re on the verge of clan warfare. What’s she doing about that? Nothing significant, it kind of seems like she’s just waiting for Fiona to get back to her, until Uncle Jimmy asks her for help. Then Freddy declares war on the Louie clan…and then a couple chapters later Fiona is working with Uncle Jimmy against Batuhan. So…I guess we’re done with that part of the clan warfare. Freddy’s whole speech recitation felt kind of immediately worthless as soon as he killed Ray Ray since we the audience know that Uncle Jimmy, the actual head of clan, wasn’t involved in that at all.
Also her mom is there now, and she’s gonna be vague and largely unhelpful when it comes to the Gate that’s now in the city. But Emiko can hide that right away so basically it’s a problem that can be placed on the back burner for now. Cool.
The General is also still Out There. But we’re not worried about that right now. It’s just a thing we have to deal with eventually.
Also Adam is still there. Are we supposed to root for them? I don’t know. I guess not. He’s going to foist some random dude onto her as her new responsibility, for some reason, and then it isn’t going to get brought up for roughly 150 pages because other stuff is happening. I got to the end of this book and I had to wonder what purpose Adam and Kenji really served. Kenji could have been entirely removed and nothing would have changed. I understand Adam can't be entirely erased from the narrative because he's involved with her clan now, but...really it seems like the only role he played was stepping up as sort of an intermediary for Wairen and Jiaren at the end of the book.
There’s also the beginning chapters, with Kamon. You have this interaction with the Sentinel of Bangkok that…largely accomplishes nothing. You could have removed her entirely and achieved the same thing. Take her out and ask “Why doesn’t Emiko want to go back to Bangkok to get home?” And have the answer be “She trespassed already because it was time sensitive, and doesn’t want to trespass again like she did in Tokyo, especially because everyone hates her for a new reason now” and still end up with her getting on a plane chartered by Kamon.
And why are the two of them fighting in a park around Wairen? Isn’t Kamon naked after he turns back into a person? This little tussle doesn’t even feel like it accomplished anything meaningful because she still barely kept a hold of her power (in that moment AND with Prem) and still doubts herself. Just put us on the chase for Kamon’s possessed family member and call it good.
I guess I also expected a little bit more from the whole museum exhibition we've been working towards for literally three books. That entire chapter felt kind of pointless, in the long run.
So for 200 pages…what exactly was she working towards? I’m genuinely not sure. Then suddenly Batuhan is getting possessed by a dragon god with approximately 170 odd pages left…and I’m supposed to take that seriously? Genuinely: What are we working towards? Because the first half felt utterly directionless.
As for the second half of the book, it was fine, I guess? I got kind of frustrated with the characters repeatedly being vague and mysterious (which is something Emiko also got irritated with) but it just got kind of old feeling like I didn't really know what was going on. I'm also kind of completely at a loss for Fiona's and Freddy's abrupt change in behavior toward Emiko after Chaofeng arrived. Yeah, her power technically helped open the Gate, but it wasn't like she did it on purpose? She was trying to stop Batuhan, so I don't understand why, literally like two chapters before that, Fiona was fine letting Emiko hug her, and now suddenly she's acting like Emiko's carrying the plague. It just felt sort of contrived, idk. Whatever.
I guess I like that she kind of truly came into her power by the end of the book, and she has more of the support of the community. I'm also glad that they really stuck to "she's gonna lose her arm" because I feel like that sort of thing can sometimes be there purely for momentary shock factor, and then they find a magic way to fix it and undo losing it at all. I also like the consistency of the style of covers: usually I don't really like covers that have actual human models on the front, but I think these actually worked really well for this series.
Maybe the best example of this is Emiko’s relationship with Leanna. I think we only ever actually saw a training session with her once, back in the first book. After that, we’re only told that Emiko has this connection to and fondness for this kid, we’re never shown their relationship actually developing in a meaningful way. And I think that’s true for basically everything else: we’re told that Emiko feels bad for the pain she caused Kamon. We’re told Emiko feels rage about what Ray Ray was doing with Leanna, and what Batuhan has done. It doesn’t really seem like we’re ever shown what she’s feeling.
I also feel like for a large portion of this book, thereabouts the entire first half of it, there wasn’t actually a tangible plot. Things that are vaguely interconnected just keep happening to Emiko.
The first two books had actual, tangible things she was working towards, fairly quickly from the start of the book: Returning/fixing the Ebony Gate, and training Tatsuya. But what exactly was Emiko working towards for the first 200 pages of this book?
We know that she has trouble controlling her power, but then we have *two separate conversations* covering the same thing, about how she needs to learn to control it and treat it not like a beast but like another part of herself. Okay. After that it kind of doesn't seem like it's remotely an issue for her anymore. So that’s kind of…already dealt with I guess?
We know she’s pretty widely reviled by the community, but to be honest that’s nothing new, it’s just for a different reason now.
We’re on the verge of clan warfare. What’s she doing about that? Nothing significant, it kind of seems like she’s just waiting for Fiona to get back to her, until Uncle Jimmy asks her for help. Then Freddy declares war on the Louie clan…and then a couple chapters later Fiona is working with Uncle Jimmy against Batuhan. So…I guess we’re done with that part of the clan warfare. Freddy’s whole speech recitation felt kind of immediately worthless as soon as he killed Ray Ray since we the audience know that Uncle Jimmy, the actual head of clan, wasn’t involved in that at all.
Also her mom is there now, and she’s gonna be vague and largely unhelpful when it comes to the Gate that’s now in the city. But Emiko can hide that right away so basically it’s a problem that can be placed on the back burner for now. Cool.
The General is also still Out There. But we’re not worried about that right now. It’s just a thing we have to deal with eventually.
Also Adam is still there. Are we supposed to root for them? I don’t know. I guess not. He’s going to foist some random dude onto her as her new responsibility, for some reason, and then it isn’t going to get brought up for roughly 150 pages because other stuff is happening. I got to the end of this book and I had to wonder what purpose Adam and Kenji really served. Kenji could have been entirely removed and nothing would have changed. I understand Adam can't be entirely erased from the narrative because he's involved with her clan now, but...really it seems like the only role he played was stepping up as sort of an intermediary for Wairen and Jiaren at the end of the book.
There’s also the beginning chapters, with Kamon. You have this interaction with the Sentinel of Bangkok that…largely accomplishes nothing. You could have removed her entirely and achieved the same thing. Take her out and ask “Why doesn’t Emiko want to go back to Bangkok to get home?” And have the answer be “She trespassed already because it was time sensitive, and doesn’t want to trespass again like she did in Tokyo, especially because everyone hates her for a new reason now” and still end up with her getting on a plane chartered by Kamon.
And why are the two of them fighting in a park around Wairen? Isn’t Kamon naked after he turns back into a person? This little tussle doesn’t even feel like it accomplished anything meaningful because she still barely kept a hold of her power (in that moment AND with Prem) and still doubts herself. Just put us on the chase for Kamon’s possessed family member and call it good.
I guess I also expected a little bit more from the whole museum exhibition we've been working towards for literally three books. That entire chapter felt kind of pointless, in the long run.
So for 200 pages…what exactly was she working towards? I’m genuinely not sure. Then suddenly Batuhan is getting possessed by a dragon god with approximately 170 odd pages left…and I’m supposed to take that seriously? Genuinely: What are we working towards? Because the first half felt utterly directionless.
As for the second half of the book, it was fine, I guess? I got kind of frustrated with the characters repeatedly being vague and mysterious (which is something Emiko also got irritated with) but it just got kind of old feeling like I didn't really know what was going on. I'm also kind of completely at a loss for Fiona's and Freddy's abrupt change in behavior toward Emiko after Chaofeng arrived. Yeah, her power technically helped open the Gate, but it wasn't like she did it on purpose? She was trying to stop Batuhan, so I don't understand why, literally like two chapters before that, Fiona was fine letting Emiko hug her, and now suddenly she's acting like Emiko's carrying the plague. It just felt sort of contrived, idk. Whatever.
I guess I like that she kind of truly came into her power by the end of the book, and she has more of the support of the community. I'm also glad that they really stuck to "she's gonna lose her arm" because I feel like that sort of thing can sometimes be there purely for momentary shock factor, and then they find a magic way to fix it and undo losing it at all. I also like the consistency of the style of covers: usually I don't really like covers that have actual human models on the front, but I think these actually worked really well for this series.
July 23, 2025
I'm sad to see the Phoenix Hoard series come to an end, but this was an amazing final chapter. During book two, Emiko's power has fully emerged and she almost breaks the world as she knows it. After a disastrous rip in the world that her mother is able to close, Emiko returns to San Francisco, but the city that has become her sanctuary is now a living nightmare as dangerous clan wars erupt and Emiko has no idea she can trust. An ancient power from the Realm Emiko ripped into rips back into her city, and power hungry clan members will stop at nothing to take this power for their own. Emiko must finally face her past, present, and future to stop this powerful invasion and protect her city. Emiko desperately wants to unwrite fate and save her city and her family.
I loved the family dynamics throughout the series and how they changed - I wasn't sure about Emiko's parents, but she learned so much about them (and herself) as the books went out and I think that is so true to life.. learning new things and finally understanding your parents a little better in adulthood. I also loved how Emiko developed throughout the series, but especially in this final installment, and how her relationship with Kamon was able to grow. This was such a cool story of personal struggle and redemption that had a really unique setting and magic system and I will so miss this world and these characters!
I loved the family dynamics throughout the series and how they changed - I wasn't sure about Emiko's parents, but she learned so much about them (and herself) as the books went out and I think that is so true to life.. learning new things and finally understanding your parents a little better in adulthood. I also loved how Emiko developed throughout the series, but especially in this final installment, and how her relationship with Kamon was able to grow. This was such a cool story of personal struggle and redemption that had a really unique setting and magic system and I will so miss this world and these characters!
July 4, 2025
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Pearl City is a fabulous series ender. It ties up these threads that have been building for the past two books. Emiko and who she is, what she stands for, has been a theme that has been steadily climbing. She doesn't want to be known for destruction and violence, especially with her past. Pearl City begins with action. It hits the ground running and doesn't let up. In the aftermath of Blood Jade, Emiko struggles with everything she has given up and taken from others. And when one thing seems to be doing okay another crumbles at her feet.
Pearl City is a fabulous series ender. It ties up these threads that have been building for the past two books. Emiko and who she is, what she stands for, has been a theme that has been steadily climbing. She doesn't want to be known for destruction and violence, especially with her past. Pearl City begins with action. It hits the ground running and doesn't let up. In the aftermath of Blood Jade, Emiko struggles with everything she has given up and taken from others. And when one thing seems to be doing okay another crumbles at her feet.
July 15, 2025
“Fall back Emi-Chan..”
Emiko is back! I thought hard about which quotes to include in this review and that one stood out to me. Emiko begins to truly learn what it means to Fall back. No more controlling things and micromanaging. No more fighting. Now is time to Fall back into flow with her city and herself. If you’ve been following this series, you know that Emiko’s strong suit has never been in connection. Now in this final installment, it’s a necessary step in order to save her city and the people she loves. Emiko faces off with The General in this final installment and her character arc is a DOOZY. Get ready to feel all the things. I never cry but I was shouting and crying, on the edge of my seat, rooting for our girl Emi! Found family is a strong theme in this book as well as redemption.
Written from Emiko’s first person perspective, Ken and Julia’s writing style is straight forward, relatable, and unpretentious. This book is paced perfectly as are the other two in the trilogy- medium paced. Lots of lightning paced action which help along the slightly slower paced relational aspects.
I absolutely cannot believe this series is over. To say I EMPHATICALLY INSIST you pick up this trilogy is an understatement. Twists abound in this one- new characters are introduced and old favorites return too. 🐅Kamon is back, Fiona is fabulous as ever, and Freddy gets a sort of makeover 🏄🏻 ALSO DOES ANYONE LIKE DRAGONS? 🐉 CUZ THIS ONE HAS DRAGONS!
Every element felt perfect and right in this and the ending was bittersweet and lovely. I’m sad to see this fantastic trilogy end, but very happy to have read all 3 and thoroughly enjoyed sharing my life with these fantastic characters and stories.
PEARL CITY RELEASED TODAY and is AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE EVERYWHERE!
Emiko is back! I thought hard about which quotes to include in this review and that one stood out to me. Emiko begins to truly learn what it means to Fall back. No more controlling things and micromanaging. No more fighting. Now is time to Fall back into flow with her city and herself. If you’ve been following this series, you know that Emiko’s strong suit has never been in connection. Now in this final installment, it’s a necessary step in order to save her city and the people she loves. Emiko faces off with The General in this final installment and her character arc is a DOOZY. Get ready to feel all the things. I never cry but I was shouting and crying, on the edge of my seat, rooting for our girl Emi! Found family is a strong theme in this book as well as redemption.
Written from Emiko’s first person perspective, Ken and Julia’s writing style is straight forward, relatable, and unpretentious. This book is paced perfectly as are the other two in the trilogy- medium paced. Lots of lightning paced action which help along the slightly slower paced relational aspects.
I absolutely cannot believe this series is over. To say I EMPHATICALLY INSIST you pick up this trilogy is an understatement. Twists abound in this one- new characters are introduced and old favorites return too. 🐅Kamon is back, Fiona is fabulous as ever, and Freddy gets a sort of makeover 🏄🏻 ALSO DOES ANYONE LIKE DRAGONS? 🐉 CUZ THIS ONE HAS DRAGONS!
Every element felt perfect and right in this and the ending was bittersweet and lovely. I’m sad to see this fantastic trilogy end, but very happy to have read all 3 and thoroughly enjoyed sharing my life with these fantastic characters and stories.
PEARL CITY RELEASED TODAY and is AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE EVERYWHERE!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2025
Pearl City is the final book in the Phoenix Hoard series, and I can't recommend the series enough. I read the first book, Ebony Gate, when I first started a new job working as a bookseller. It was one of the first times I wrote a review and got the awesome privilege of hearing back from the authors who penned the book. Julia and Ken are a fantastic team, and I am so glad they brought this story to print.
As a little background, I grew up watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer on repeat. Although it is ostensibly a show about killing vampires, it is also full of wit and heart that make you feel like part of the family. When I heard about Ebony Gate and I read more about Julia and Ken, check out their Seattle Slayer series, I was immediately intrigued. I picked up the book and couldn't put it down. To be fair, I am a sucker for a book with good food, but also the sense of heart I found in Buffy was recreated in this book. I am happy to say that Pearl City does not disappoint and is an amazing story to wrap up Emiko's story.
So, this is now the part of the review where I warn you that what is to come may include spoilers from some of the previous books in the series. If you have not read the rest of The Phoenix Hoard, please read no further.
When we last saw Emiko, she was fighting to save her brother's life. While fighting her estranged cousin, she unleashed her long buried talent, to the horror of all in attendance, siphoning her cousin's abilities and unwittingly opening a portal to The Realm. With her mother's assistance, the portal was closed, but the cat was out of the bag and all of her people now knew what she was capable of.
Where Pearl City picks up, Emiko eventually returns to San Francisco to find so much of her city changed. Tensions are high between rival families, and her blooming connection with her City is a reminder of all the things she still does not know. How to use her connection to the City, how to control this new power living inside her, and what is next for The General? All of these problems and more come to a head when the family of her biggest supporter, Freddy, is attacked and their hoard gold threatened. Emiko must find a way to restore the Peace to her city, even if she has to pay the price in blood.
I think I've already made it pretty clear that I'm a big fan of the series and of Emiko. I will say that there is a lot happening in this final volume, so there may not have been as much time for distractions like dumplings or rare KitKats. Not to say that it's not there at all, but Pearl City is much more fast-paced, and for good reason. The fight scenes are really great, and as always the lore and world building is wonderful, and so unique. I recommend this series to all of my Sci-fi and fantasy readers. If you enjoy contemporary fantasy, martial arts fantasy, or just a twist on the classic chosen one story then check this out.
If you've read this far thanks for reading my review, and I sincerely hope you enjoy the book.
As a little background, I grew up watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer on repeat. Although it is ostensibly a show about killing vampires, it is also full of wit and heart that make you feel like part of the family. When I heard about Ebony Gate and I read more about Julia and Ken, check out their Seattle Slayer series, I was immediately intrigued. I picked up the book and couldn't put it down. To be fair, I am a sucker for a book with good food, but also the sense of heart I found in Buffy was recreated in this book. I am happy to say that Pearl City does not disappoint and is an amazing story to wrap up Emiko's story.
So, this is now the part of the review where I warn you that what is to come may include spoilers from some of the previous books in the series. If you have not read the rest of The Phoenix Hoard, please read no further.
When we last saw Emiko, she was fighting to save her brother's life. While fighting her estranged cousin, she unleashed her long buried talent, to the horror of all in attendance, siphoning her cousin's abilities and unwittingly opening a portal to The Realm. With her mother's assistance, the portal was closed, but the cat was out of the bag and all of her people now knew what she was capable of.
Where Pearl City picks up, Emiko eventually returns to San Francisco to find so much of her city changed. Tensions are high between rival families, and her blooming connection with her City is a reminder of all the things she still does not know. How to use her connection to the City, how to control this new power living inside her, and what is next for The General? All of these problems and more come to a head when the family of her biggest supporter, Freddy, is attacked and their hoard gold threatened. Emiko must find a way to restore the Peace to her city, even if she has to pay the price in blood.
I think I've already made it pretty clear that I'm a big fan of the series and of Emiko. I will say that there is a lot happening in this final volume, so there may not have been as much time for distractions like dumplings or rare KitKats. Not to say that it's not there at all, but Pearl City is much more fast-paced, and for good reason. The fight scenes are really great, and as always the lore and world building is wonderful, and so unique. I recommend this series to all of my Sci-fi and fantasy readers. If you enjoy contemporary fantasy, martial arts fantasy, or just a twist on the classic chosen one story then check this out.
If you've read this far thanks for reading my review, and I sincerely hope you enjoy the book.
August 20, 2025
I hadn't listened to an audiobook at work in over a year & I did this whole series in 2 & a half weeks. I haven't devoured a series at that rate since maybe the Maze Runner series over a decade ago & that is when I was jobless.
This is unquestionably my favorite of the series. The perfect culmination of everything in the previous 2. I absolutely had to step into the bathroom & cry during parts. I loved this
This is unquestionably my favorite of the series. The perfect culmination of everything in the previous 2. I absolutely had to step into the bathroom & cry during parts. I loved this
September 6, 2025
Man, I knew the magic system would probably rocket up to 11 based on the foreshadowing in Blood Jade, but WOW! I did not expect it to develop the way it did in the Big Final Battle. Cool as hell. 11/10
Also the culmination of the family saga was just so well done.
Also the culmination of the family saga was just so well done.
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