Kingdom of Xia (Phoenix) Books in Order

The Phoenix books are a young adult fantasy duology set in the Kingdom of Xia, a place of imperial palaces, long roads, dangerous waterways, spirits, and dark magic. The story follows Ai Ling, a seventeen-year-old who begins with a problem that feels painfully ordinary: a marriage arrangement has fallen apart, bringing shame to her family but leaving her quietly relieved to avoid a life she did not choose.

That relief does not last. Ai Ling's father has been gone too long, and something frightening begins pursuing her. As she leaves home to search for him, she discovers powers she cannot explain. Her journey takes her toward the Palace of Fragrant Dreams, but it quickly becomes clear that finding her father is only part of a much bigger conflict.

Ai Ling has to learn fast.

In Silver Phoenix, she is joined by Chen Yong, a young man on a search of his own. Together, they travel through a kingdom where old stories, spiritual forces, and human ambition keep colliding. Ai Ling's growing abilities make her a target, but they also give her a chance to stand up to dangers that others cannot face.

The sequel, Fury of the Phoenix, stays with Ai Ling as her powers strengthen and her connection with Chen Yong deepens. She follows him aboard a cargo ship during his search for his missing father, and the voyage brings its own dangers. Demonic predators and the pull of the kingdom of the dead make the trip far more than a simple rescue mission.

The tone is adventurous and romantic, with plenty of supernatural threats, travel, and palace intrigue. Pon draws on Chinese history and mythology without turning the books into a history lesson. Food, clothes, landscape, and family customs help make Xia feel lived in, while Ai Ling's choices keep the story moving.

Read Silver Phoenix before Fury of the Phoenix. The second book builds on Ai Ling's powers, her history with Chen Yong, and the larger magical conflict introduced in the first.