Just... wow. For me, this sequel was even better than Black City, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn't like Natalie keeping a secret from Ash, and I feel like realistically he would have started suspecting the same way she started suspecting, but other than that this was wonderful. I love the new characters we meet, and getting to know some of the smaller characters from the previous book even better this time. The thing I think I love most is that Elizabeth Richards wrote this book about a war, and she made it realistic. She didn't shy away from death and dying, deep heartache and grief and loss.... It is what it should be, even though MAN it is 
 heartbreaking. I am already about 120 pages in Wings, and I have a feeling that is going to continue. 
 Wonderful characters, character development and growth, suffering and pain, mixed with light moments of laughter and love, and a never slowing plot made Phoenix an exemplary YA fiction story! I would absolutely recommend this to anyone. I am 32 and I loved it, I would happily let my 18 year old niece read it, and I would give it to my 41 year old sister and know they would both love it as much as I have