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The Cinder Goddess Chronicles #2
The Phoenix of Fire and Rage
In the wake of death’s shadow, Verenya finds herself consumed by grief, haunted by the fire that sings in the back of her mind, the fire that she cannot seem to reach. Once the chosen daughter of the Goddess of Wind and War, she struggles to understand the power raging inside her, a divine force she’s not sure she wants.
As she and her companions journey east in search of the Nowhere King amongst the unforgiving winter snows, Verenya wrestles to find meaning in the chaos that’s been unleashed upon the world- and upon her. Old creatures stir in forgotten places, and ancient loyalties begin to fray as the threads between heaven and earth pull taught.
In the aftermath of loss and betrayal, she walks a blade’s edge as she fights to balance political alliances, friendships, and her own sanity, torn between the woman she was and the fire she’s destined to be.
As she and her companions journey east in search of the Nowhere King amongst the unforgiving winter snows, Verenya wrestles to find meaning in the chaos that’s been unleashed upon the world- and upon her. Old creatures stir in forgotten places, and ancient loyalties begin to fray as the threads between heaven and earth pull taught.
In the aftermath of loss and betrayal, she walks a blade’s edge as she fights to balance political alliances, friendships, and her own sanity, torn between the woman she was and the fire she’s destined to be.
Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2026
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About the author
Elayne Douglas
3 books10 followersElayne Douglas is an indie author who published her debut novel The Daughter of Dust and Blood in September of 2023. It is the first in a trilogy. Her second work, Symphony, is a provoking feminist anthology.
Coffee addicted and always reading or writing, she lives with her husband in North Carolina. She is currently working on several writing projects, including a cyberpunk novel, a coming-of-age novel, and a handful of Dramione fan fiction among other unhinged writing projects.
Coffee addicted and always reading or writing, she lives with her husband in North Carolina. She is currently working on several writing projects, including a cyberpunk novel, a coming-of-age novel, and a handful of Dramione fan fiction among other unhinged writing projects.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
December 29, 2025
steeped in cultural exploration, ancient lore, atmospheric settings, and cinematic sequences, the phoenix of fire and rage is the shining second installment of the cinder goddess chronicles by elayne douglas. i would like to offer a deep and humble thank you to elayne for allowing me to beta read this masterpiece. and so continues my ever growing love for fantasy.
verenya's ascension is truly one of the best parts of this book. details of her changing physical appearance mentioned in passing, combined with fierce battle scenes where her fire and rage take center stage, paint a beautiful portrait of verenya learning how much power she truly has. i think it is rare to find a heroine with shortcomings that aren't painfully superficial, but you find that heroine in verenya. she is selfish, she is crippled with grief, she is rash; but she is also powerful, makes distinction between right and wrong (even when she finds herself trapped in the wrong), and loves her friends deeply.
another thing douglas does well in book two is establishing background lore and culture. to me, both were woven into the plot seamlessly; it didn't feel like a lecture. because of verenya's background of being essentially dead for one thousand years, the reader gets to learn along with her in a way that doesn't feel trite or overdone.
douglas's characters are complex both emotionally and morally. the reader gets to watch characters develop and mature amidst a crumbling world. relationships deepen, political alliances form and waver, faith prevails. her plot lines were largely unpredictable (to me at least) and even her battle scenes kept my attention and weren't confusing (i haaaate battle scenes cause genuinely what is happening).
the final chapter, the epilogue, and the post-epilogue genuinely wrecked me. i will need book three on my desk by tomorrow morning, thank you!!!
( to my students who follow me on goodreads: this book has one or two mature scenes so uhhh yeah that's your warning. maybe skip this one. love you boogers. )
verenya's ascension is truly one of the best parts of this book. details of her changing physical appearance mentioned in passing, combined with fierce battle scenes where her fire and rage take center stage, paint a beautiful portrait of verenya learning how much power she truly has. i think it is rare to find a heroine with shortcomings that aren't painfully superficial, but you find that heroine in verenya. she is selfish, she is crippled with grief, she is rash; but she is also powerful, makes distinction between right and wrong (even when she finds herself trapped in the wrong), and loves her friends deeply.
another thing douglas does well in book two is establishing background lore and culture. to me, both were woven into the plot seamlessly; it didn't feel like a lecture. because of verenya's background of being essentially dead for one thousand years, the reader gets to learn along with her in a way that doesn't feel trite or overdone.
douglas's characters are complex both emotionally and morally. the reader gets to watch characters develop and mature amidst a crumbling world. relationships deepen, political alliances form and waver, faith prevails. her plot lines were largely unpredictable (to me at least) and even her battle scenes kept my attention and weren't confusing (i haaaate battle scenes cause genuinely what is happening).
the final chapter, the epilogue, and the post-epilogue genuinely wrecked me. i will need book three on my desk by tomorrow morning, thank you!!!
( to my students who follow me on goodreads: this book has one or two mature scenes so uhhh yeah that's your warning. maybe skip this one. love you boogers. )
Displaying 1 of 1 review