Ebony Gate

The Phoenix Hoard

By: Julia Vee, Ken Bebelle

Narrated by: Natalie Naudus

Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle's Ebony Gate is a female John Wick story with dragon magic set in contemporary San Francisco’s Chinatown.

Emiko Soong belongs to one of the eight premier magical families of the world. But Emiko never needed any magic. Because she is the Blade of the Soong Clan. Or was. Until she’s drenched in blood in the middle of a market in China, surrounded by bodies and the scent of blood and human waste as a lethal perfume.

The Butcher of Beijing now lives a quiet life in San Francisco, importing antiques. But when a shinigami, a god of death itself, calls in a family blood debt, Emiko must recover the Ebony Gate that holds back the hungry ghosts of the Yomi underworld. Or forfeit her soul as the anchor.

What's a retired assassin to do but save the City by the Bay from an army of the dead?

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books.

©2023 Julia Vee and Ken BeBelle (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Ebony Gate is a snarky Harry Dresden meets Shang-Chi, with a dash of Monster Hunter International.”—Kevin J. Anderson, New York Times bestselling co-author of Dune: House Atreides

“A wild, exhilarating ride through a living San Francisco populated with ghosts, magical beasts, and one tough-as-nails heroine. Adventurous and filled with heart, exploring the struggles of a bloody past and familial duty, Ebony Gate is a spectacular start to what promises to be an engrossing series.”—Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter

“Ebony Gate is a bizarre and exciting thrill ride! It’s Doctor Strange meets Shang-Chi with a big dose of original characters, modern fantasy, and dynamic action. Highly recommended!”—Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of the Joe Ledger Thrillers and Kagen the Damned

A delightful Asian Urban Fantasy

This was a great blend of Asian cultures centered on Chinese Dragon lore. It seamlessly incorporates Japanese and other cultures in a fantastic melange of modern story telling in the streets of San Francisco. The story is satisfying and I look forward to the next book.

What a fun ride!

I loved this book! I found myself getting far to many chores done just so I had an excuse to keep listening. This was an engrossing introduction to a kick ass heroine who rarely had it easy, but she didn't let setbacks get in her way. She reminded me a lot of Kate Daniels, but with Eastern Mythology. Narrator was excellent, and she really brought life to the story. I'm absolutely looking forward to the next book in the series.

a new author to follow!

I discovered this book because it came up as a "because you listened too: The Moons Shadow celestial beasts book 1" recommend reading. I am so glad I took the chance! this book had even MORE Asian Mythology! it was mostly Japanese Mythology. which is super cool.
I wanted to reserch shinigami, and because of the Fu dogs mentioned in the other book...I latched onto the Fu lion in this one.

altogether a great read!!! super adventurous, life and death, a tiger shifter, and figs on pizza.
(I kinda want to try that now)

5-stars and a standing ovation!

cool idea ...

it was a good time. For the subject matter, it was pretty light hearted.

Very easy to read/listen

Great story, really good reader. It’s simple it’s not complicated and I wanted more. I can’t wait for the next one.