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About The Book

Veronyka, Tristan, and Sev must stop the advancing empire from destroying the Phoenix Riders in this fiery sequel to Crown of Feathers, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Kendare Blake calls “absolutely unforgettable!”

You are a daughter of queens.

The world is balanced on the edge of a knife, and war is almost certain between the empire and the Phoenix Riders.

Like Nefyra before you, your life will be a trial by fire.

Veronyka finally got her wish to join the Riders, but while she’s supposed to be in training, all she really wants to do is fly out to defend the villages of Pyra from the advancing empire. Tristan has been promoted to Master Rider, but he has very different ideas about the best way to protect their people than his father, the commander. Sev has been sent to spy on the empire, but maintaining his cover may force him to fight on the wrong side of the war. And Veronyka’s sister, Val, is determined to regain the empire she lost—even if it means inciting the war herself.

Such is your inheritance. A name. A legacy. An empire in ruin.

As tensions reach a boiling point, the characters all find themselves drawn together into a fight that will shape the course of the empire—and determine the future of the Phoenix Riders. Each must decide how far they’re willing to go—and what they’re willing to lose in the process.

I pray you are able to pass through the flames.

About The Author

Photograph by Jessi Rae Fournier

Nicki Pau Preto is a fantasy author living just outside Toronto—though her dislike of hockey, snow, and geese makes her the worst Canadian in the country. She studied art and art history in university and worked as a graphic designer before becoming a full-time writer. She is the author of the Crown of Feathers trilogy and the House of the Dead Duology, and you can find her online at NickiPauPreto.com.

About The Readers

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (February 11, 2020)
  • Runtime: 23 hours and 17 minutes
  • ISBN13: 9781797109725
  • Grades: 7 and up
  • Ages: 12 - 99

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Raves and Reviews

"Catapulting listeners back into the Golden Empire and the heart of the Phoenix Riders, this stunning and highly anticipated sequel to the CROWN OF FEATHERS electrifies listeners. Cassandra Campbell, Michael Crouch, Samantha Desz, Gibson Frazier, Joy Osmanski, Timothy Andrés Pabon, and Jacques Roy unite for Nicki Pau Preto's series once again. With a complex storyline, the use of multiple narrators is an excellent choice, as collectively they give a unique feel to each of the main characters by using varied vocal effects, accents, and pacing. While embodying a large cast, the narrators take listeners on an epic adventure to save the fate of an empire and discover the importance of listening to one's heart, no matter the consequences."

– AudioFile Magazine

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More books from this author: Nicki Pau Preto

More books in this series: Crown of Feathers