Redbark

The Phoenix Feather #2

by Sherwood Smith

A generation ago, a sworn bodyguard and a reluctant bride fled an angry prince, married in secret, and vanished. That prince is now the emperor, with a very long memory.

The children of the missing pair are now making their way in the world under assumed names, hoping to avoid the emperor’s wrath while following their special Talents.

The eldest son Muin is rising the ranks of the army. The second son Yskanda, a remarkable painter, is a prisoner in the lethal, silken cage of the imperial court.
The youngest Ryu, disguised as a boy, studies martial arts and the mysterious Essence power while leading the Redbark Sect that fights for justice for commoners. Her closest companion hides dangerous secrets of his own.

Meanwhile the emperor’s own children test the boundaries of royal power and intrigue, stirring ripples that threaten guilty and innocent alike.

Genres: Fantasy

593 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2021

About the author

I am a writer,( Patreon here) but I'm on Goodreads to talk about books, as I've been a passionate reader as long as I've been a writer--since early childhood.

I'm not going to rate books--there are too many variables. I'd rather talk about the reading experience. My 'reviews' of my books are confined to the writing process.

Reviews

[Sherwood Smith]

I wrote most of this while in bed. It so happened that my reaction to the covid vaccines was quite strong; shot one put me in bed for a month, and shot two put me in bed for three months. I was not in pain, just very, very weak, with phantom symptoms of my stroke a few years back.

So I read a lot, watched a ton of Chinese historical and martial arts dramas, and wrote this book. Or rather, I let it write itself. Tried to stuff into it all the fun tropes that I could ("There Is Only One Bed!") and those I couldn't fit in waited for the next, because I realized halfway through it wasn't a two book story.

I don't know how it reads--that's entirely up to readers--but it was such fun to write.

[Francesca Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second one was, for me, even better than the first, because the parts with Yskanda trapped at the imperial court are just so, so good. Of course Ryu's and Shigan's adventures continue to be wonderful as well! The book ends in a super tense way, so you'll be happy to know book 3 is already done and there won't be long to wait before it's available too.

This series is truly delighting me. As of this writing (10/12/21) only ebooks of Redbark are available, but if you like holding a physical object (as I do for books I really like), no worries, the paperback will be ready soon.

[katayoun Masoodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

so the second in the series was for me more engaging and exciting than the first one! the only problem i think is that you really want to read the third one right away, so be warned. it doesn't end in a cliffhanger but i definitely wanted to read the rest of the stories of all the people i started to care about. this book, both Ryu and Yskanda and a little bit of Muin thrown in. the court parts in addition to the great swashbukling adventures of the Redbark Sect were also interesting and added to the story and i liked those bit alot. So on to the third book!

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting that in this series, published before the series I read first, Tribute , contains references to the later published trilogy. According to the author, this series occurs 25 years prior to the later published work. Same world. Yet the references here are past tense. In other words, the events in the later published series have already happened. Sherwood Smith is beyond prolific when it come to writing.

All the major characters in "Phoenix Feather" are now developed and secrets divulged. Well, perhaps not all secrets. Martial arts rule this series along with the use of Essence, an energy source for lack of a better word. Magic doesn't quite fit the bill, but would be close to Essence. Captivating is how Sherwood Smith sneakily lets you know from time to time that she is telling you this story. Much like a storyteller sitting around a camp fire or perhaps a minstrel in a pub sitting with a cup of rice wine.

Entertaining tales.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this more than the first one. I love seeing the growth in Mouse/Ryu as she navigates life outside of military school and establishes the Redbark sect. I first read this on Patreon and it is great now being able to read it all at once rather than in chapter a day. Contains: mild violence.

[Edith Pawlicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, Page-turning Adventure

"The desperate eyes haunted Ryu most, for they seemed to be carved by centuries of maltreatment inherited mother to daughter, their voices silenced by power, by indifference, by the inability even to write down grievances to be left behind."

This was even better than the first one. I am actually already a quarter into the 3rd because Holy Cliffhanger, Batman! This book split more evenly between following Ryu (who was called Mouse in the previous book), the mystical but humble warrior who accidentally started masquerading as a boy and her second oldest brother, the artist Yskanda. Smith does a lovely job contrasting their journeys, struggles, strengths, and foibles. Also, this book keeps the third person omniscient narrator, and Smith is even more obvious about being the narrator with asides to the reader that are more common in older books but are just so well done and so enjoyable! There were a lot of notes I highlighted because as Ryu became more thoughtful and reflective, the narrative also became deeper. It continues to be a fantastic swashbuckling adventure, and I simply loving this series! I cannot wait to see how everything resolves. Highly recommend,

[Howard Brazee]

You want to read these in order.

In this book the younger brother the artist has a bigger role, as does the emperor and his imperial palace. I'm not a fan of imperial palaces with everybody prostrating themselves in front of higher authorities, but most of the story is elsewhere. The oldest brother (the young military officer) isn't seen much in this book, but Mouse and her companions are the main characters.

We see more about the emperor's plans and of the empire.

I finished this and went straight to book #3.

[Naticia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and emotional, with plenty of action. The court scenes are causing me more stress than any of the battles.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good China-reminiscent fantasy. Sherwood Smith combines the slow-burn series (no need to finish the story in a mere 200 pages) with the person character-focused tale (the world is not going to end, these siblings are just trying to stay alive). I have a little trouble with the extremely naive youngest sister, who has survived two years in an army training camp plus quite some time after, yet who has so much trouble dealing with people outside of her inner circle. But this is seriously my only real problem with the book; I love the Redbark sect's adventures, the painter's struggles in the palace, and the magical being who is under a lot of noses yet goes undetected. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this one even better than the first. I loved seeing the evolution of Ryu. It took me a while to figure out the true identity of Shigan, but it was a fun realization when I put the pieces together. I was especially moved by Yskanda's portion of the story. I really enjoy books where the characters all have clear personalities and distinctions, and Yskanda is so different from many of the other characters. He's a truly admirable character who is undergoing tremendous pressure.
I also loved Yaso. He was so odd but calming, and his being a god (?) very believable. I especially liked his ways of speaking and answering questions, that he was a learner, that he was sent.

[Kim Aippersbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it was fun to write, it's such fun to read, too!

This series is a YA version of Inda—not a copy or a retelling, but everything I loved about Inda with slightly less sex, violence and emotional wrenching. If ebooks could get tattered and torn my Inda books would be in pieces from being re-read, and I anticipate re-reading these possibly even more. I adore the characters and the pacing is just right. Moving right along to Book 3. What a gift while I recover from Omicron!

[Tuftears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Asian fantasy

Characters really sing here, in what seems a very plausible Asian setting, replete with details and history. Mouse and Yskanda both get lots of screen time, one as a Gallant Wanderer, the other a Court Artist's apprentice in the midst of intrigue. I need the sequel now, but must wait a month!

[Helen M. Whitchurch]

Wuxia fantasy style

Unlike wuxia, heroes not bloodthirsty. At least one totally unexpected secret identity. Another expected, prince in disguise foreshadowed. Made obvious, girl
as fared hero of sword and psychic warrior.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, better than Inda?

What a great series. Awesome story, characters and their growth compelling. Hard to put down! Another incredible series by Sherwood Smith. I love rereading her books, they draw you in and immerse you into the story. Love it!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a lot of fun.

RTC.

[Rawrr... · Rating 5 out of 5]

so recommended

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stayed hooked through this one.

[Kaymarion Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dashed through this second series volume. Such engaging characters and interesting world.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun read. I felt like the characters developed nicely as they aged. Even though it jumps around a lot, I was very interested in everyone's point of view. I am very excited for the next book.