Phoenix Flame

October 30, 2020

GR 9 UP-This sequel to Havenfall begins after the battle with the Silver Prince. Armed with new information, Maddie Morrow is on a quest to stop the Soul Silver trade and find her brother, Nate, who might still be alive. Aided by a piece mythological armor, Maddie enters Fiordenkill with Brekken to visit the estate of the man she believes stole her brother. A surprising encounter leads to several plot twists that will make readers by turns fearful and joyful. Maddie and her friends make decisions that create a domino effect that could destroy the peace between the realms. Slowly, Maddie pieces her friends and family back together and takes on the Silver Prince again as he continues his efforts to control Havenfall. Throughout, she deals with her attraction to both Brekken and Taya, trying to understand if she can build a future with either one of them, or if they will return to their realms. This story is prefaced by an old Fiorden folktale and a brief introduction to the magical realms the inn has doorways to. VERDICT A fast-paced adventure about rebuilding lives and family. A good purchase if you already have the first book.-Tamara Saarinen, Pierce County Lib., WA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2021
After Havenfall (2020), Maddie's determined to fight the soul trade. The defeated Silver Prince is still out there and therefore still a threat to the Inn at Havenfall--and so recovering Innkeeper Marcus is focusing on stabilizing the diplomacy of the realms' peace summit and protecting the inn. By contrast, Maddie searches for leads on the soul trade (captured Solarians have parts of their souls put in silver objects to enchant them), including visiting her mother on death row to learn the full truth about when her adopted Solarian brother was abducted. The story frequently circles back to an old Fiordenkill fairy tale involving a set of armor made out of phoenix flame, a magical substance that enables wearers to safely travel to other realms. Though some plot elements rely on credibility-straining decisions (such as Maddie's being allowed on a mission she's not qualified for) and coincidences, the expanded settings, quick pacing, and compelling characters (with complicated emotional ties and suspiciousness) give readers plenty of incentive to suspend their disbelief and enjoy the ride. The romantic storyline is well incorporated into the main plot, which itself combines multiple threads smoothly for a climax that soundly handles an imminent problem and sets up for a changed status quo for a next book. While many characters are not described, most who are default to White. Highly enjoyable, engrossing escapism. (introduction to the Adjacent Realms, bonus chapter) (Fantasy. 12-adult)

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January 1, 2021
Grades 9-12 In Havenfall (2020), Maddie saved the worlds from the Silver Prince, which should mean everything is safe again. Her uncle Marcus is slowly recovering from a strange, magical coma, and Maddie's ready to enjoy a few more weeks at his enchanted inn, a sanctuary between the magical worlds, before going back home--until trouble starts brewing again. While the representatives of Byrn and Fiordenkill have agreed on details for a new peace treaty, there's some concern about the lack of delegates from the mysterious Solaria, and there's still so much they don't know about the sadistic soul trade that happens behind closed doors. In order for the treaty to succeed, Maddie must venture into the frozen realm of Fiordenkill to seek out the perpetrators of this dark trade and bring them to justice. Picking up where Havenfall left off, this sequel gives readers more of what they loved in Maddie's first adventure, expanding the world and its intriguing mythology even further.

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