Series: Phoenix Hoard #3
Author: Julie Vee and Ken Bebelle
Publisher: Tor Books
Released: July 15, 2025
Received: NetGalley
Find it on Storygraph | More Urban Fantasy | Ebony Gate | Blood Jade
Book Summary:
Emiko Soong has survived many changes in life. She’s also been known by many names, including the Blade or Butcher. These days, she has a very different title, but that has also opened the door to another surprising name.
She may be the Sentinel of San Francisco, but that simply means she has more at stake when the end of the world comes calling. Emiko, her city, and her allies must rise up against an ancient power or risk losing everything.
My Review:
The Phoenix Hoard series was a whirlwind adventure, and I’m sad to see it go. That said, you couldn’t ask for a better send-off than Pearl City. All the worldbuilding, character development, tension, and political machinations pay off in this final novel, and it hits hard.
This entire series has a bit of everything for everyone, especially the urban fantasy fans out there. This is true even for the finale, which carefully wraps up dozens of plots, subplots, and character arcs.
There are some deeply satisfying moments because of this, and I am here for them. We have Emiko coming to terms with her power and role in life, family drama, politics up the wazoo, and more. There are some surprise twists in how things turn out, in the end, but they all make sense.
Likewise, there’s a fair bit of action in Pearl City, possibly more than the first two (that may be a recency bias). That alone will be enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats. What I wouldn’t give to see a live-action adaptation of Phoenix Hoard.
Pearl City, along with the entire series, is a blast to read from beginning to end. I highly recommend it, especially if you love urban fantasy with strong female leads (think Kate Daniels, but dragons).
Highlights:
- Urban Fantasy
- Dragons!
- Kate Daniels Vibes
- Secrets, Lore, and Politics Everywhere
Thanks to Tor Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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