Phoenix Unbound

By: Grace Draven

Narrated by: Katharine Lee McEwan

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.

Critic reviews

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

Now on our auto-buy list!

Grace Draven became a favorite after reading a previous series. We bought this one knowing very little about it. We also hadn't heard this narrator before. We loved both! The world-building is, as expected, amazing. We could imagine being there, interacting with the main characters and all of the supporting cast. The narrator did a fabulous job of taking us inside the heads of the cast without being over-the-top. When the next book of the series arrives, you can be sure we'll be one-clicking. We hope we get the same narrator, too!

magnificent!

Unsurprisingly, Grace Draven has written another magnificent story. The narrator was a perfect choice! So worth a credit!

Loved!

Freakin loved it! I’m so sad it’s over! I want MORE!!!! Grace draven never disappoints!

Beautiful

This was a wonderful adventure and I would highly recommend taking a chance on this one. The world this writer and narrator created will leave you breathless. Thank you for this amazing new add to my favorites!

Very gripping

This is a very gripping book, I found it hard to put it down! After reading too many books recently that couldn’t grab my attention, this one definitely did the job.
I’m not really a romance reader, so I’m glad to say the romance didn’t bother me too much. It was more than I usually need in my books, but it wasn’t overbearing (except toward the end, oh well), and it allowed the story and characters to develop and be a part of it.
I liked the world building, but it could have been a little more robust to my liking. Again, this isn’t something that really bothered me, because I was drawn in by the characters and what they were going through.

The audiobook version was great. The narrator read a bit slow, but that’s why we can speed up. ;) after that - she really did a wonderful job.