These Feathered Flames

by Alexandra Overy

Overview

“These Feathered Flames is a stunning debut as dark, lush, and captivating as the best fairy tales.”—Nina Varela, author of the Crier's War duology

When twin heirs are born in Tourin, their fates are decided at a young age. While Izaveta remained at court to learn the skills she’d need as the future queen, Asya was taken away to train with her aunt, the mysterious Firebird, who ensured magic remained balanced in the realm.

But before Asya’s training is completed, the ancient power blooms inside her, which can mean only one thing: the queen is dead, and a new ruler must be crowned.

As the princesses come to understand everything their roles entail, they’ll discover who they can trust, who they can love—and who killed their mother.

Books in the These Feathered Flames duology:
These Feathered Flames
This Cursed Crown

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781335147967
Publisher:	Inkyard Press
Publication date:	04/20/2021
Series:	These Feathered Flames , #1
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	496
Sales rank:	89,616
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.60(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Alexandra Overy grew up in London and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her undergraduate degree in history at UCLA, where she also completed her MFA in screenwriting, and stuck around for the weather and great ice cream. She loves writing in all formats, always centering on fierce women and morally gray characters, often with a bit of magic and murder. When she’s not writing, she can be found baking, fangirling over her favorite books, or cuddling her foster kittens.

Editorial Reviews

03/15/2021

Based on the Russian folktale “The Firebird,” Overy’s debut traces the intertwined paths of 17-year-old twins Asya and Izaveta, princesses of the realm of Tóurin. Chosen as heir by the gods, pale-haired Izaveta has learned queenly duties at court for the past seven years, becoming versed in statecraft under their remote mother. Meanwhile, crimson-haired Asya was taken at age 10 to train with their great-aunt Tarya, the queendom’s Firebird. Able to transform into a monstrous, flaming bird, Tarya’s duty—and Asya’s future role—is to exact the terrible price of performing magic from its practitioners. But when burning pain strikes one night, Asya learns there can only be one reason: the queen is dead, and a new Firebird has risen. Now, Asya needs to return to the palace to reunite with her estranged sister. Together, the twins must uncover the palace’s secrets—including who killed their mother. Though the prose feels slightly stilted at times, this lavish fantasy world is complemented by intricately plotted court intrigues and a range of well-drawn relationships, including a powerful sisterly bond between the morally complex heroines and a delicate queer romance. Ages 13–up. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

"These Feathered Flames is a stunning debut as dark, lush, and captivating as the best fairy tales. Overy’s writing is both lyrical and grounded, and I was just as taken by the court politics as I was by the complex, layered relationship between sisters Asya and Izaveta—one gentle and one ruthless, both destined to protect their kingdom. With themes of destiny, sisterhood, and sacrifice, plus a blossoming queer romance that left me yearning for Book Two, this retelling of a classic Russian fairy tale was a thrill from start to finish."—Nina Varela, author of the Crier’s War duology

“As brilliant as a firebird, These Feathered Flames has all the elements I love in young adult fantasy: lyrical prose, a unique spin on folklore, and the complicated relationship between sisters. From the first page to the last, Overy’s debut will have readers burning to know what happens next.”—Mara Rutherford, author of the Crown of Coral and Pearl duology

"These Feathered Flames is a beautiful story of sisterhood, court intrigue, and ancient magic that simultaneously draws on established folklore and breathes new life into it. With luscious worldbuilding and two skillfully crafted heroines that will ensnare your heart, this book is a fantastic start to a new series!"—Kalyn Josephson, author of The Storm Crow duology

“An engrossing fantasy tale about sisterhood and what it means to be able to fully trust another person.”—School Library Journal

"This compelling series opener is narrated by both sisters as they struggle to overcome fear and distrust to be true allies. Though the sisters’ relationship is paramount, their relationships with others, including Asya’s burgeoning romance with a female guard, prove crucial. This will appeal to those who enjoy character-driven stories of magic and courtly intrigue."—Booklist

"Asya’s exhilarating, tightly plotted fights and Izaveta’s clever political machinations play out against Slavic-inspired historical and cultural elements to create a thoroughly compelling tale of strength and sisterhood."—Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

10/01/2020

Gr 9 Up—Identical white twins Asya and Izaveta were separated at 10 after a ceremony determined Izaveta would be the next queen of Tourin, while Asya would be the next Firebird, a creature who demands a price in exchange for magic. Six years later, after the sudden death of their mother, they are reunited as the time has come to fulfill their predestined roles. Each maintains secrets as they struggle to get to know one another again. Izaveta has been taught everything is a game to be won, while Asya has been isolated with her strict aunt teaching her how to be the feared Firebird. Based on the Russian folktale "The Firebird," this debut fantasy novel, first in a series, slowly unfurls its world-building, creating a detailed setting where people are worried about "the fade," magic leaving the land. Told from both sisters' points of view, this is a story of court intrigue, loneliness, and two young women struggling to do the right thing in a world where they have no choices in their future. VERDICT An engrossing fantasy tale about sisterhood and what it means to be able to fully trust another person. A first purchase for libraries where fantasies are popular.—Rebecca Greer, Hillsborough County P.L. Coop., FL

School Library Journal

2021-02-05
Seventeen-year-old twin sisters become living legends in this reimagining of the Firebird folktale.

Tóurensi tradition dictates that one royal twin will become queen, responsible for the country, while the other will become the Firebird, responsible for maintaining the country’s magical balance. Where once Tóurin’s magic was abundant, requiring minimal payment in exchange for access, there is now a Fading, and those who do not (or cannot) pay may lose limbs—or their lives—to the Firebird. When the queen dies unexpectedly, Izaveta prepares to take her place while her twin, Asya, receives a Calling to right a magical imbalance related to their mother’s death. Desperate for answers, Asya struggles to wield the Firebird’s power even as she grows closer to Yuliana, the beautiful, antagonistic palace guard who shadows her. Asya’s naïve perspective alternates with Izaveta’s cunning as they each navigate the royal court, the increasingly dangerous consequences of Asya’s unfulfilled Calling, and the threats posed by foreign interests and the powerful Church. Asya’s exhilarating, tightly plotted fights and Izaveta’s clever political machinations play out against Slavic-inspired historical and cultural elements to create a thoroughly compelling tale of strength and sisterhood. A White default is assumed for main characters; some secondary characters have dark skin, and one secondary character communicates through sign language.

Richly constructed and wholly riveting. (map, pronunciation guide) (Fantasy. 12-18)

Kirkus Reviews