Review: Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
Description: No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down, she is relieved--despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family--to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger’s subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.
But now, something is after her. Something terrifying--a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn’t only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.
Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard…she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.
It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help…and perhaps more.
Review: Cindy Pon’s Silver Phoenix is a refreshing addition to the wide array of fantasies currently available in the YA genre. Ai Ling is an easily likable character as she struggles against not just the disapproval from others for not being betrothed, as is custom in her culture, but also the sudden development of paranormal abilities--which eventually ties into attacks by equally fantastical, but much more malevolent, entities--and the disappearance of her father. Naturally, fueled by an independence so frowned upon for girls, as well as the deep love she has for her father, Ai Ling goes on a journey to find him, gaining allies and enemies alike, along with a startling discovery about herself that changes her journey in ways she never once expected.
I must admit, the plot sometimes dragged, and also felt uneven at parts, but overall, I highly recommend Silver Phoenix. The inclusion of Chinese mythos is a breath of fresh air compared to many other fantasies, the rich lore made even more vivid by Cindy Pon’s lush descriptions. (Beware, she loves describing food--you may get hungry while reading!) The family element was also something I appreciated, since it is far too easy for some YA writers to disregard their importance for their teen characters. I found myself caring deeply for these characters, and it is them most of all that is making me as eager as I am for the sequel. For an enthralling YA fantasy that steps away from the ever-growing clichés of the genre, Cindy Pon’s Silver Phoenix is a must!