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Phoenix Unbound

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Phoenix Unbound

Written by: Grace Draven
Narrated by: Katharine Lee McEwan
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About this listen

 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. Classics Fantasy Fiction Romance Village Paranormal

What the critics say

Praise for Grace Draven and Phoenix Unbound
"Grace Draven is the gold standard for fantasy romance.”—BookRiot

“Grace Draven's exciting romantic fantasy features characters who are fresh and original. Their problems and triumphs will keep you reading into the night.”—Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Fierce and captivating, Phoenix Unbound is the story of a gladiator and a fire witch fighting for their freedom against an empire that wants them enslaved. With impossible odds, breathtaking battles, terrifying magic, and an unlikely love, this book is a must read. Grace Draven is a master of romantic heroic fantasy.”—Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Fabulous. Quite possibly Grace Draven's best book yet. I couldn't put it down, and I didn't want it to end!”—C.L. Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of The Sea King
"Must-read fantasy. . . . a wonderful story—full of romance, captivating characters and a fantasy world that’s beguiling and easily understood."--USAToday.com

"Draven’s outdone herself with this magnetic heroine and a magical world readers will be eager to return to."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“With exquisitely drawn characters and superb worldbuilding, Phoenix Unbound once again proves Grace Draven's mastery of fantasy romance. This is exactly the kind of sweepingly romantic adventure story that I've been yearning for—and I can't wait for more.”—Meljean Brook, New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Seas Series

“A tale of heartbreak and triumph, Grace Draven’s Phoenix Unbound is truly exceptional. Be prepared to fall under the spell of these fierce, passionate characters and to root for them with all your heart.”—Amanda Bouchet, USA Today bestselling author of The Kingmaker Chronicles

“Grace Draven is one of the finest romantic fantasy writers out there....Tense, gripping, and entirely believable, it hooked me from the first page.”—Thea Harrison, New York Times bestselling author

“Grace Draven weaves a spellbinding book that is impossible to forget....I can't give this book enough praise. I came into it with stupidly high expectations, and it exceeded them all.”—Laura Thalassa, author of The Four Horsemen series

“Stunning! This book entices and mesmerizes to an astonishing degree. Like an intoxicating elixir, the more I read, the more I craved.”—Darynda Jones, New York Times bestselling author

“When it comes to fantasy romance, Draven is in a class by herself....A phenomenal start to what is sure to be an amazing series.”—RT Book Reviews

Continue the series
Dragon Unleashed cover art
Dragon Unleashed Written by: Grace Draven
Raven Unveiled cover art
Raven Unveiled Written by: Grace Draven
All stars
Most Relevant
Great balance of story/action and romance. The interactions between all characters felt very realistic.

Perfect

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I loved this story! This the 1st book by Grace I’ve read and I’m looking forward to reading more. If you love gladiators and witches, this story is for you.

A great read!

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I changed the playback speed to 1.3x and I could listen to it without getting impatient. The editor should have fixed the authors overuse of adjectives like 'revelled' (4x) and extraordinary, to make her use a more varied set, but otherwise the story was decent and entertaining.

Narrator spoke too slow but was otherwise fine.

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Phoenix Unbound almost felt like two books, compressed into one. There are some parts that felt slightly rushed, where the passage of a great period of time occurs too quickly, with details that could have been filled in skipper.

I would have given an overall score of 4, but for a satisfying, if predictable, ending that I really enjoyed.

Some parts felt a little rushed

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