This summer, Kimberly is embarking on the Diversify Your Reading Challenge! Authors Cindy Pon and Malinda Lo of Diversity in YA are challenging readers to read beyond their comfort zones. Publishers have provided some awesome prizes for a library and one lucky blogger/reader to win. There's still time to join! You can get all the details on the challenge page. The deadline for entries is September 1, 2011.
Here's what Kimberly is reading for the challenge:
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |
.jpeg?picon=3655)
By: Read Now Sleep Later,
on 6/30/2011
Blog: Read Now Sleep Later (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap) JacketFlap tags: HarperTeen, Silver Phoenix, CindyPon, Add a tag
Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
Publication date: 28 April 2009 by HarperTeen
ISBN 10/13: 0061730211 | 9780061730214
Category: Young Adult Fantasy
Format: Paperback
Keywords: Mythology, Asian, power
Thuy's review:
Ai Ling comes from a pretty traditional family and is on her way to becoming betrothed. However, it seems like the old rumors of her father's exile from the Palace haven't died, and her family is unable to find her a match. Her father is then summoned back to the Palace but, when he doesn't return and an associate tries to blackmail Ai Ling into marriage, she flees the city to bring him back.
On her journey she encounters Chen Yong, a young man of mixed heritage who is also searching for his own answers as well as a whole slew of demons, witches and other mythical creatures all intent on stopping Ai Ling. Luckily for her, her father gives her a jade pendant before he leaves that has mythical properties that protect her and it saves her on more than one occasion. Ai Ling is also coming into powers of her own that she must learn to use.
I have to admit that I didn't really know what to expect when I picked up this book. I found it by way of a blog post about diversity in young adult lit (sorry but the source escapes me now) and picked it up on the basis of some positive reviews and a beautiful cover (more on that later).
It took me awhile to get really get into this book. I liked the idea of the story but the writing felt a bit formal and I had a hard time getting into the characters and story. Eventually I did though and I found myself really rooting for Ai Ling and her companions. I would have liked to have learned more about Silver Phoenix. We get a little bit of information on her but not much. I also want to learn more about the origins of Ai Ling's powers and what they mean.
The descriptions of the demons and creatures was great. I don't know which ones are actual myths but Pon writes them so it doesn't matter. All of them seem like they could have come out of an ancient text. Some people have said that the ending was too abrupt but I liked
4 Comments on Silver Phoenix - Review, last added: 7/1/2011
Display Comments
Add a Comment
|
I totally loved Silver Phoenix and bought it in hardcover.
Even though I bought the original cover, I prefer the new covers.
I didn't like the hot pink dress, and the back cover copy font was hard to read. Too many design elements all competing for attention.
The new covers do take away that immediate Asian look, but good on the publishers for doing a repackage so Cindy Pon's books reach a winder audience. I have the second book, Silver Phoenix, on my TBR bedside table.
I mean Fury of the Phoenix. I looked over to the book and misread it sideways. Durrr! :-{
I forgot I had this book until I saw this review. I got it for Christmas (a signed copy and everything!) and started reading it, but then I got WAY distracted by other books and forgot to pick it back up. So I'll definitely be doing that now. Thanks for the review!
Thank you for sharing about this book today - it sounds very good.