Years before the story begins, Ai Ling's parents married for love. They had only one child, a daughter. Many families would consider this a tragedy but Ai Ling's parents rejoiced in her. Her father taught her to read, an unheard of skill for a girl. Her mother taught her the skills a young woman needs. Together they taught her the value of love—which made Ai Ling less than enthusiastic about an arranged marriage. But as Ai Ling reaches the age of betrothal she finds out her ideal family hides a very old scandal and her own unusual skills include one she never expected. When her father goes on a trip and never returns, Ai Ling sets off to find him and bring him home. Along the way she meets loyal allies and dangerous foes as the gods and demons of legend come alive on her journey.

I've always found that as any book piles on more characters, each becomes less believable—but Cindy Pon has truly done the miraculous with Silver Phoenix. Even the most briefly visited villain is both believable and frightening. And the heroes make you fall in love and break your heart. Silver Phoenix takes you on such an incredible journey of magic and duty that I recommend clearing your schedule so you can read it from cover to cover—because putting it down is almost impossible.