Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
Ai Ling has always led a straightforward life, but that all changes when first her betrothal is broken off because she's "unacceptable" and then her father does not return from a trip to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams. Determined not to stay at home and worry like a good female, Ai Ling sets off to the Palace to find out what happened to her father.
Along the way she meets Chen Yong, a half-foreign young man who is also on the way to the Palace. Not all the company Ai Ling happens upon are as good as him, though; in fact, Ai Ling and Chen Yong find themselves repeatedly engaged in battles with fierce demons that neither of them had ever believed existed. It seems as if Ai Ling is not the ordinary girl she thinks she is, and that something is definitely trying to prevent her from achieving her goal. Armed with her friends, the Immortals' help, and the power of her legacy, however, Ai Ling just might be able to overthrow the dark forces at work and succeed.
SILVER PHOENIX is first and foremost a nonstop tale of fantastical adventure. Demons and mythical places pop out of the pages nonstop, and so there is an almost constant stream of butt-kicking, done by an extremely appealing heroine. Ai Ling is an enviable protagonist, with her neverending arsenal of abilities. Even with all the unwanted problems that destiny has placed upon her shoulders, she forges on, not relying on others to do what she needs to get done.
The heavy reliance on evil creatures to move the plot along, however, is also what disappointed me about the story. The strength of the book lies in the imagined details, but not in the overarching story line. Characters fall flat in the face of such physical adversaries; almost all of the challenges that Ai Ling and Chen Yong face can be overcome with physical actions, leaving very little psychology and mental study in the story.
Despite the distance I felt from the characters, however, I know that SILVER PHOENIX will appeal to the tomboy who wants a different heroine and setting than the norm.
Along the way she meets Chen Yong, a half-foreign young man who is also on the way to the Palace. Not all the company Ai Ling happens upon are as good as him, though; in fact, Ai Ling and Chen Yong find themselves repeatedly engaged in battles with fierce demons that neither of them had ever believed existed. It seems as if Ai Ling is not the ordinary girl she thinks she is, and that something is definitely trying to prevent her from achieving her goal. Armed with her friends, the Immortals' help, and the power of her legacy, however, Ai Ling just might be able to overthrow the dark forces at work and succeed.
SILVER PHOENIX is first and foremost a nonstop tale of fantastical adventure. Demons and mythical places pop out of the pages nonstop, and so there is an almost constant stream of butt-kicking, done by an extremely appealing heroine. Ai Ling is an enviable protagonist, with her neverending arsenal of abilities. Even with all the unwanted problems that destiny has placed upon her shoulders, she forges on, not relying on others to do what she needs to get done.
The heavy reliance on evil creatures to move the plot along, however, is also what disappointed me about the story. The strength of the book lies in the imagined details, but not in the overarching story line. Characters fall flat in the face of such physical adversaries; almost all of the challenges that Ai Ling and Chen Yong face can be overcome with physical actions, leaving very little psychology and mental study in the story.
Despite the distance I felt from the characters, however, I know that SILVER PHOENIX will appeal to the tomboy who wants a different heroine and setting than the norm.
Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Silver Phoenix: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Cat for TeensReadToo.com
From the beginning, Ai Ling has lived life differently from most young women in Xia. Born of parents who married for love, she is a cherished only child in a society that prizes sons, educated by her scholarly father and, as she comes of age, the ability to sense the thoughts of those around her.
When her father is called to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams expecting to be away no longer than two months, he leave his daughter with two things: a green jade pendant carved with the character "spirit" and the reminder that she is special beyond the belief held by a doting father.
A woman traveling alone is a dangerous undertaking, but more than three months pass and an opportunistic merchant tries to force her into an unwanted marriage, and Ai Ling knows that she must journey to the Palace herself and bring her father home. Attack by an unknown, dark force brings rescue and a traveling companion in the form of nineteen-year-old Chen Yong, a young man also searching for his father.
It is only after another attack, the counsel of Master Tan, and a glimpse at The Book of The Dead, that Ai Ling truly begins to grasp the enormity of her power and the menace she faces. Joined by Chen Wong's brother, the outrageously flirtatious Li Rong, the three teenagers embark on a pilgrimage that will lead to the gods themselves...and eventually to a confrontation with an evil sorcerer Ai Ling has (unknowingly) faced before.
Where do I start with all the things I love about Cindy Pon's debut fantasy SILVER PHOENIX? Finally, a novel based on Chinese legends and myth rather than the same, tired rehash of Celtic and other western European folklore. I relished Ms. Pon's vividly rendered portraits of both Ai Ling's normal and paranormal "worlds," from the quiet tranquility of her family's home, to the lush splendor of the Golden Palace, or the frightening grotesqueness of The Chief and The Anatomist.
Ms. Pon exhibits a deft ability in characterization, giving us multidimensional humans, appropriately removed deities, and viciously single-minded evil entities. Even Zhong Ye boasts enough shading and nuance to become more than the stereotypical archvillain. Ai Ling is a compelling protagonist and, though some might say it's unusual for a young woman in her position to so easily overstep society's boundaries (even to save a beloved parent), Ms. Pon has already established that Ai Ling is unaccustomed to those restraints. My only complaint in this area is that while Chong Ye is clearly the odds-on favorite for Ai Ling's romantic interest, he falls flat in the presence of Li Rong's flare and charm.
And while the continued reference to characters packing and unloading their knapsacks (did knapsacks even exist in ancient China?) kept jarring me out of the story, I loved everything about SILVER PHOENIX.
This is one of those rare books that has made my "keeper" shelf.
From the beginning, Ai Ling has lived life differently from most young women in Xia. Born of parents who married for love, she is a cherished only child in a society that prizes sons, educated by her scholarly father and, as she comes of age, the ability to sense the thoughts of those around her.
When her father is called to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams expecting to be away no longer than two months, he leave his daughter with two things: a green jade pendant carved with the character "spirit" and the reminder that she is special beyond the belief held by a doting father.
A woman traveling alone is a dangerous undertaking, but more than three months pass and an opportunistic merchant tries to force her into an unwanted marriage, and Ai Ling knows that she must journey to the Palace herself and bring her father home. Attack by an unknown, dark force brings rescue and a traveling companion in the form of nineteen-year-old Chen Yong, a young man also searching for his father.
It is only after another attack, the counsel of Master Tan, and a glimpse at The Book of The Dead, that Ai Ling truly begins to grasp the enormity of her power and the menace she faces. Joined by Chen Wong's brother, the outrageously flirtatious Li Rong, the three teenagers embark on a pilgrimage that will lead to the gods themselves...and eventually to a confrontation with an evil sorcerer Ai Ling has (unknowingly) faced before.
Where do I start with all the things I love about Cindy Pon's debut fantasy SILVER PHOENIX? Finally, a novel based on Chinese legends and myth rather than the same, tired rehash of Celtic and other western European folklore. I relished Ms. Pon's vividly rendered portraits of both Ai Ling's normal and paranormal "worlds," from the quiet tranquility of her family's home, to the lush splendor of the Golden Palace, or the frightening grotesqueness of The Chief and The Anatomist.
Ms. Pon exhibits a deft ability in characterization, giving us multidimensional humans, appropriately removed deities, and viciously single-minded evil entities. Even Zhong Ye boasts enough shading and nuance to become more than the stereotypical archvillain. Ai Ling is a compelling protagonist and, though some might say it's unusual for a young woman in her position to so easily overstep society's boundaries (even to save a beloved parent), Ms. Pon has already established that Ai Ling is unaccustomed to those restraints. My only complaint in this area is that while Chong Ye is clearly the odds-on favorite for Ai Ling's romantic interest, he falls flat in the presence of Li Rong's flare and charm.
And while the continued reference to characters packing and unloading their knapsacks (did knapsacks even exist in ancient China?) kept jarring me out of the story, I loved everything about SILVER PHOENIX.
This is one of those rare books that has made my "keeper" shelf.
If you want to take a journey across ancient China and through mythical Chinese lands of beauty this book will not disappoint. It is also a wonderful paranormal journey with a beautiful young woman when such things were unheard of for women. Her journey to find her father is met with mythological creatures she only read about in her father's books. She also finds an enigmatic companion who's life becomes entwined with her own. Chen Young and Ai Ling become fast friends and true allies throughout this colorful, mythical adventure.
This book is a wonderful and fun journey much like the art films recently making it's debut on the American culture scene. The main character Ai Ling is very likable and I love the fact that she was a strong character even though she had no defensive training and had lead a sequestered life which was typical within her ranking in society. Sometimes she was frustrating in her rash decisions, but she learned from those decisions as well. I loved that about her character. There was violence and some sexual references which may not be appropriate for very young kids, but I think it was well done and it was within a cultural reference. Older teens will love this book. I gave this book 5 stars and can't wait for the next installment of this series. "The Fury of the Phoenix" should be here in April, 2011.
This book is a wonderful and fun journey much like the art films recently making it's debut on the American culture scene. The main character Ai Ling is very likable and I love the fact that she was a strong character even though she had no defensive training and had lead a sequestered life which was typical within her ranking in society. Sometimes she was frustrating in her rash decisions, but she learned from those decisions as well. I loved that about her character. There was violence and some sexual references which may not be appropriate for very young kids, but I think it was well done and it was within a cultural reference. Older teens will love this book. I gave this book 5 stars and can't wait for the next installment of this series. "The Fury of the Phoenix" should be here in April, 2011.
To be honest, I bought this book due to the huge "white-washing" controversy and not on the storyline itself. I got lucky, bc it was such a great story! If you liked/loved "Graceling" or "Fire" by Kristine Cashore, you'll also enjoy this one.
I loved this book, but I will warn you: the author goes into detail about food ALL the time...made my stomach growl a lot! I had no idea what 99% of it was, tasted like, etc, and still it made me want to try them all.
I loved this book, but I will warn you: the author goes into detail about food ALL the time...made my stomach growl a lot! I had no idea what 99% of it was, tasted like, etc, and still it made me want to try them all.
Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed Silver Phoenix: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia on + 2527 more book reviews
This is the first book in Beyond the Kingdom of Xia duology by Pon. The second book, Fury of the Phoenix, has already been released. I have not heard about any additional books after that one. This was a decent read, but a bit simplistic in writing style.
Ai Lang is the daughter of a couple of parents who married for love; her father is a well learned professor. He is forced to go on a journey to the palace and leaves Ai Lang a special necklace that is supposed to protect her. When her father doesnt return for many months Ai Lang decides to leave her mother and journey on her own to the palace. Along the road she meets Chen Yong and finds that the road is plagued by many demons.
I enjoyed the story but found the writing to be a bit simplistic and the dialogue between characters a bit clunky and awkward sounding. This made it very hard to engage with the characters because they just come off as awkward and simplistic.
Ai Lang comes off as too timid and naive but occasionally, uncharacteristically, she does something brash and bold. The main hero of the story, Chen Yong, comes off as a colossal jerk...he constantly has boyish fits of anger and is at best dismissive to Ai Lang. Needless to say I had a lot of trouble connecting and engaging with these characters.
--------------SPOILER START--------------------------
When Ai Lang is nearly raped Chen Yong stomps off in a boyish fit and blames her for causing a scene. Ugh...really...it was the epitome of what is wrong with the society portrayed in this novel.
--------------SPOILER START--------------------------
There is a lot of emphasis put on women as male property and as sexual objects to males. Not my favorite type of society to read about, in fact I was a bit surprised by the emphasis on sex in this book. There arent any explicit sex acts described, but there is a lot of discussion about it.
The book is an okay read, but I just found everything about it to be okay. Nothing really blew me away. The story was fairly predictable. The magic system not all that well explained. Some parts of the story where the characters journey beyond Xia are fairly ambiguous as well.
On a side note Pon evidently likes her food a lot because there are a lot of detailed descriptions about what the characters eat in this book. Seriously they stop to eat a lot and by the end of the book I felt like I knew more about what food the characters liked to eat than the characters themselves.
Overall an okay read but not great. The writing style was too simplistic, the characters hard to engage with, and the story predictable. I usually love these type of adventure fantasy stories, but this one left me feeling cold. Looking back at this review there just wasnt a lot I actually enjoyed about this book. At this point I dont plan on reading Fury of the Phoenix...I have the book but will just pass it on to someone who wants to read it more than I do.
Ai Lang is the daughter of a couple of parents who married for love; her father is a well learned professor. He is forced to go on a journey to the palace and leaves Ai Lang a special necklace that is supposed to protect her. When her father doesnt return for many months Ai Lang decides to leave her mother and journey on her own to the palace. Along the road she meets Chen Yong and finds that the road is plagued by many demons.
I enjoyed the story but found the writing to be a bit simplistic and the dialogue between characters a bit clunky and awkward sounding. This made it very hard to engage with the characters because they just come off as awkward and simplistic.
Ai Lang comes off as too timid and naive but occasionally, uncharacteristically, she does something brash and bold. The main hero of the story, Chen Yong, comes off as a colossal jerk...he constantly has boyish fits of anger and is at best dismissive to Ai Lang. Needless to say I had a lot of trouble connecting and engaging with these characters.
--------------SPOILER START--------------------------
When Ai Lang is nearly raped Chen Yong stomps off in a boyish fit and blames her for causing a scene. Ugh...really...it was the epitome of what is wrong with the society portrayed in this novel.
--------------SPOILER START--------------------------
There is a lot of emphasis put on women as male property and as sexual objects to males. Not my favorite type of society to read about, in fact I was a bit surprised by the emphasis on sex in this book. There arent any explicit sex acts described, but there is a lot of discussion about it.
The book is an okay read, but I just found everything about it to be okay. Nothing really blew me away. The story was fairly predictable. The magic system not all that well explained. Some parts of the story where the characters journey beyond Xia are fairly ambiguous as well.
On a side note Pon evidently likes her food a lot because there are a lot of detailed descriptions about what the characters eat in this book. Seriously they stop to eat a lot and by the end of the book I felt like I knew more about what food the characters liked to eat than the characters themselves.
Overall an okay read but not great. The writing style was too simplistic, the characters hard to engage with, and the story predictable. I usually love these type of adventure fantasy stories, but this one left me feeling cold. Looking back at this review there just wasnt a lot I actually enjoyed about this book. At this point I dont plan on reading Fury of the Phoenix...I have the book but will just pass it on to someone who wants to read it more than I do.
Wendy H. (donkeycheese) -
A young girl with a heart of gold, on a quest to find her father, finds herself. The path is rocky and troubled, but you must fight for what you believe in with everything you have and are.
Ai Ling has brought shame and dishonor to her family. Born to a former scholar of the Emperer, she should have no problem getting betrothed. However, since her father left the Palace of Fragrant Dreams in dishonor, no one wants to marry Ai Ling. Ai Ling doesn't know the details of the scandal, but is relieved as she wants to be no stranger's subservient bride and quarantined to the inner living quarters. Ai Ling desires her freedom and wants to marry for love.
When Ai Ling turned sixteen, an oddity began to happen to her. With just a touch, she could hear people's thoughts. She never mentions it to anyone because she is confused and unsure of her new power growing within her. A year later, Ai Ling's father suddenly leaves to travel to the palace without explanation, but before he goes,he bestows upon Ai Ling a jade trinket to hang around her neck. The trinket is marked with the word spirit, and is legended to protect her. When Ai Ling's father does not come home after several months, Ai Ling takes matters into her own hands. No one wants her, and staying home is just creating another mouth to feed, so she leaves in the darkest part of night to travel to the palace and find her father.
When a water demon almost kills Ai Ling when she is resting, a young man comes to her aid and pulls her to safety. Chen Yong is also travelling to the Palace to find out information about his birth parents. Ai Ling is drawn to Chen, and soon the two are travelling together. Ai Ling finds comfort in his company, and Chen worries about Ai Ling's safety. As the two travel, strange beings follow and attack them. Ai Ling believes they are there to kill her, and soon her beliefs are confirmed. Ai Ling is on a quest for the Immortals, and only her bravery, intelligence, and quick wit is going to save them all.
An epic quest of fantastic proportions draws you into a world of such surrealism, you won't want to leave. Cindy Pon does an excellent job of depicting just the right amount of details to create this colorful world filled with unforgettable beings and characters. Ai Ling reminded me alot of Disney's Mulan, but with more fiestiness and heart. Fantasy and romance fans alike will adore SILVER PHOENIX: BEYOND THE KINGDOM OF XIA. Young adult is not just for teenagers! I look forward to more of Cindy Pon's work.
Ai Ling has brought shame and dishonor to her family. Born to a former scholar of the Emperer, she should have no problem getting betrothed. However, since her father left the Palace of Fragrant Dreams in dishonor, no one wants to marry Ai Ling. Ai Ling doesn't know the details of the scandal, but is relieved as she wants to be no stranger's subservient bride and quarantined to the inner living quarters. Ai Ling desires her freedom and wants to marry for love.
When Ai Ling turned sixteen, an oddity began to happen to her. With just a touch, she could hear people's thoughts. She never mentions it to anyone because she is confused and unsure of her new power growing within her. A year later, Ai Ling's father suddenly leaves to travel to the palace without explanation, but before he goes,he bestows upon Ai Ling a jade trinket to hang around her neck. The trinket is marked with the word spirit, and is legended to protect her. When Ai Ling's father does not come home after several months, Ai Ling takes matters into her own hands. No one wants her, and staying home is just creating another mouth to feed, so she leaves in the darkest part of night to travel to the palace and find her father.
When a water demon almost kills Ai Ling when she is resting, a young man comes to her aid and pulls her to safety. Chen Yong is also travelling to the Palace to find out information about his birth parents. Ai Ling is drawn to Chen, and soon the two are travelling together. Ai Ling finds comfort in his company, and Chen worries about Ai Ling's safety. As the two travel, strange beings follow and attack them. Ai Ling believes they are there to kill her, and soon her beliefs are confirmed. Ai Ling is on a quest for the Immortals, and only her bravery, intelligence, and quick wit is going to save them all.
An epic quest of fantastic proportions draws you into a world of such surrealism, you won't want to leave. Cindy Pon does an excellent job of depicting just the right amount of details to create this colorful world filled with unforgettable beings and characters. Ai Ling reminded me alot of Disney's Mulan, but with more fiestiness and heart. Fantasy and romance fans alike will adore SILVER PHOENIX: BEYOND THE KINGDOM OF XIA. Young adult is not just for teenagers! I look forward to more of Cindy Pon's work.
