Rise of the Empress: Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix (Series #2) (Hardcover)

Following a changeable map and clues from folk tales, Princess Jade embarks on a quest to summon the Dragon Lords, defeat her evil stepmother Empress Xifeng, and bring peace to the kingdoms of Feng Lu in this sequel to "Forest of a Thousand Lanterns." This fairy tale retelling lives in a mystical world inspired by the Far East, where the Dragon Lord and the Serpent God battle for control of the earthly realm; it is here that the flawed heroine of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns finally meets her match. An epic fantasy finale to that breathtaking and dazzling story.

Princess Jade has grown up in exile, hidden away in a monastery while her stepmother, the ruthless Xifeng, rules as Empress of Feng Lu. But the empire is in distress and its people are sinking into poverty and despair. Even though Jade doesn't want the crown, she knows she is the only one who can dethrone the Empress and set the world right. Ready to reclaim her place as rightful heir, Jade embarks on a quest to raise the Dragon Lords and defeat Xifeng and the Serpent God once and for all. But will the same darkness that took Xifeng take Jade, too? Or will she find the strength within to save herself, her friends, and her empire?

Set in an East Asian-inspired fantasy world filled with breathtaking pain and beauty, Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is filled with dazzling magic, powerful prose, and characters readers won't soon forget.

Fans of Stealing Snow, Red Queen, and The Wrath and the Dawn will hungrily devour this page-turning read.

Praise for Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix

"There aren't many authors who could so precisely undo their first book with their second, but it is this clever unweaving that shows Dao's brilliance and skill. With heart-stopping action and wonderful new characters, this is not a sequel to be missed." --EK Johnston, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"A lush, enchanting tale of magic, myth, and absolute courage. At once gorgeously woven and deliciously gruesome, Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is a thrilling end to a series that feels like a classic in its own right." --Natalie Mae, author of The Kinder Poison

"Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is the stunning counterpoint to Forest of a Thousand Lanterns. A refreshing take on the classic heroine, and an adventure of stories nestled within stories, this is a book fairytale lovers will tuck among their most beloved treasures." --Emily X.R. Pan, New York Times bestselling author of The Astonishing Color of After

"Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix broke my heart and filled it, all at once. In the process, Julie C. Dao has turned a well-worn tale into something thrilling and new. Ornate, tender, and magical. I could not put this book down." --Tochi Onyebuchi, author of Beasts Made of Night and Crown of Thunder

"Beautifully written and masterfully told, Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix feels at once timeless and entirely new . . . I loved it with my whole heart." --Margaret Rogerson, New York Times bestselling author of An Enchantment of Ravens

"Utterly brilliant in every way, Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is the perfect follow-up to Julie C. Dao's debut. This is the dark fantasy I've been waiting for, and I can't get enough!" --Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of Give the Dark My Love

A grand adventure for fans of fairy tales, fables, and legends coupled with the vibrant history of Chinese dynasties.--Kirkus Reviews

* A top purchase for most fantasy collections. --School Library Journal, starred review