The Blood Phoenix (OF JADE AND DRAGONS)

It’s been two years since Ying left the engineers’ guild. It hasn’t been easy; the past still haunts her, but she’s found some semblance of normal. The notorious Blood Phoenixes put an end to that with a horrific attack. Then Ye-yang shows up, desperate to persuade her to help end a war before it starts.

Meanwhile, Nian is making do at the palace. The High Commander is distant, and she wonders if they’ll ever marry. But Ye-kan makes it bearable as they unveil a plot that could be the end of Ye-yang’s command.

The Blood Phoenix spins a fast-paced conclusion to the duology. Though occasionally too fast-paced, it sometimes skips over details. Many characters return from the first book, but things aren’t the same, and yet they are, making it a realistic reunion. Ye-yang’s and Ying’s relationship is heartbreaking. The feelings are still there, but who they are keeps them apart. When they finally realize this, it’s a beautiful moment of understanding between them, letting the end be all the more heartbreaking. But in some ways, the end felt cheap, not exactly a bad ending, it just didn’t feel right. It’s left open, and I really hope there will be more for both Ying and Nian.