Review by Booklist Review
Emiko Soong is a retired Blade for the Soong Clan, which means that, though she doesn't have magical abilities like others in her family, she was a bad-ass enforcer and protector. In retirement, Emiko slays monsters as needed and works with antiques. This comes in handy when a Jiārén horde item is uncovered, an item steeped in history and magic from the gods. Emiko is pulled into an adventure when the Ebony Gate, a sacred Jiārén item, is stolen from a park in San Francisco and a gateway to death opens. If Emiko can't close the gate, spirits from the underworld will be released. The first book in a new series from the writing duo Vee and Bebelle (Stakes and Bones, 2022) uses Asian mythologies to build an immersive, fascinating world. The fierce and strong character of Emiko will hook readers, and the slow burn and build of the plot will keep them interested. When handing this book to fans of Patricia Briggs and S. A. Chakraborty, make sure to tell them to set aside the time, as they will not want to stop reading once they start.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Vee and Bebelle (who previously collaborated on the Seattle Slayers series) launch their Phoenix Hoard series with an action-packed urban fantasy set in a supernatural San Francisco. Magic-less Emiko Soong has lived her life as her family's Blade, acting as a warrior, enforcer, and executioner and earning a reputation as the Butcher of Beijing, her Sword of Truth always strapped to her back. Now retired, Emiko seeks out a quiet life in California, hoping to leave bloodshed and violence in her past. But when a death god to whom her family owes a blood debt calls in a favor, Emiko can't say no; either she locates the Ebony Gate--a door that holds back the ghosts of the underworld--on the god's behalf or she'll be forced to forfeit her soul. The ensuing epic quest is full of humor, action, and well-executed fight scenes, while also exploring the weight of past traumas, violence, and transgressions. Emiko is a heroine readers will eagerly cheer on, hopefully for many books to come. (July)
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Review by Library Journal Review
As a member of one of the eight powerful magical families of the world, Emiko Soong might have been hindered by her lack of magic. However, she is the Blade of the Soong Clan and earned her moniker as the Butcher of Beijing through the blood of too many innocents. Setting aside her role and living in San Francisco, Emiko becomes an antiques dealer and tries to put the past behind her. When a family blood-debt is called in by a shinigami--a god of death--Emiko finds that her deadly skills are needed to keep an army of ghosts from invading the world. If Emiko cannot recover the Ebony Gate, then her own soul will be used to seal the gate to the underworld. Hints at family secrets and a possible relationship will have readers looking for the next book. VERDICT The contemporary setting and unusual magical system create an intriguing beginning to this series from Vee and Bebelle, who also write the "Seattle Slayers" series together. Put this book in the hands of fans of Fonda Lee's "Green Bone Saga."--Kristi Chadwick
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