Ashlords

Phoenix horses burst into flames at sunset and is reborn at sunrise. Being a skilled alchemist, with the use of specific components added to the ashes, the phoenix rises in all sorts of intriguing forms.

That thought alone had me dive into this novel head first ??? I don't think I've read anything like this before.

There are 3 main POVs. There's an Ashlord, a Longhand (which is an Ashlord who refuses to worship the gods), and a Dividian (which is lowest of all ranks). There's a daughter of champions, a son of a revolutionary, and a skilled alchemist who relies on being chosen as The Qualifier, or she won't be able to afford participating in The Races.

This year, the races is not just about winning the race. There's so much more at stake. A war is looming on the horizon.

It's a solid, fast-paced YA. The worldbuilding is not as tight as I wish it were, but the concept of phoenix horses is more than making up for it (imo).

The writing is more prose-like at times than I had expected, a good surprise.

The 3 narratives all have different journeys. I don't know why the author decided to make Pippa's voice a 2nd POV, but maybe because it's so, she's the one I feel more invested in.

I really, really need to read the sequel (duology), but I want to save it for the next time I need an easy, exciting read between the heavy ones I usually read.

Characters never rise beyond their tropes, which is disappointing because his character work was SO strong in the Nyxia trilogy. Not quite enough building with the gods plotline/worldview, but maybe that'll come through more in the second one. Think students will be interested in the action once they get to the races, but beyond a great premise, this felt by-the-numbers. Will definitely booktalk and hope kids dig it, he has a strong audience in my kids.