Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

This title is epic. It reminds me of a sparkly silver bird that glitters in the sun. However, the book is unfortunately not about that. In fact, a phoenix isn't exactly the main focus of the book. It focuses on a girl. Her name is Ai Ling. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
3.5 out of 5 stars
Published 4.28.09
Summary from Goodreads: No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.

But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.

It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more.

Let me begin by saying this book this book is based on ancient Chinese beliefs. Its roots are from Chinese traditions. This is a book of Chinese culture and legend. Yet Silver Phoenix is so much more. Cindy Pon is very accurate with all the details.

Then there's all the action! There's not one boring part in this story! Sooner or later comes a part filled with fighting, death and honor. This plot is fast, set at a searing pace. Every moment (well almost) is suspenseful and tense. This is what I call a good plot.

Ai Ling is truly a great character. She isn't perfect, which is what I love. Sometimes shy and selfish, yet other times brave, compassionate and loving. You can tell she loves her father deeply and will do anything to save him. Yet she can also hate to the death.

The villian in this story is not clear in the beginning. In fact, you don't really find out who he is until the middle. He has a history of being evil and vicious. But of course you don't know that until you read the book...
I thought he was a unique villian worth reading about.

And I also loved all the talk about food! Ai Ling loves her food, so that gave Cindy Pon the perfect excuse to describe food. It literally had my mouth watering for just a bite of it. Such awesome descriptions, such delectable (probably) food!
Even so, reading > food. For now...