Phoenix Unbound

Grace Draven

Sep 2018 · The Fallen Empire Book 1 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

In this USA Today bestselling novel, a woman with power over fire and illusion and the enslaved son of a chieftain battle a corrupt empire in this powerful and deeply emotional romantic fantasy.

Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire's capital--her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village's tithe has been the same woman. Gilene's sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses.

But this year is different.

Azarion, the Empire's most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion--and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. Unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan.

To protect her family and village, she will abandon everything to return to the Empire--and burn once more.

Ratings and reviews

This book was well written. You'll admire the characters and their bravery especially the female lead. (Of course we love a powerful woman) There are A LOT of fight/gory scenes and the romance between the leads is "chef's kiss*. This is my first book from Grace Draven and I don't know if I should read the other 2 books from the series but this one was sooo good. I also admire how the male lead was written he's freaking cool Also, Some parts lowkey reminds me of Avatar the Legend of Aang.

I'm a sucker for uneasy alliances that turn into love and this is one of the most realistic I've ever read. Both the protagonists are amazing and really stand apart from the typical tropes. If you really love fantasy adventures and wish that the romantic subplot was just a bit more fleshed out, this book is what you're looking for.

I was doubtful that this book would be something I would enjoy. Boy was I wrong!! Now I need to see what happens next!!! 🤞

About the author

Grace Draven is a Louisiana native living in Texas with her husband, kids and a big, doofus dog. She is the winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice for Best Fantasy Romance of 2016 and a USA Today Bestselling author.