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Ebony Gate: The Phoenix Hoard Kindle Edition

by Julia Vee (Author), Ken Bebelle (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 128 ratings
See all formats and editions

A CALIBA 2023 Golden Poppy Book Award Finalist

Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle's Ebony Gate is a female John Wick story with dragon magic set in contemporary San Francisco’s Chinatown.

Emiko Soong belongs to one of the eight premier magical families of the world. But Emiko never needed any magic. Because she is the Blade of the Soong Clan. Or was. Until she’s drenched in blood in the middle of a market in China, surrounded by bodies and the scent of blood and human waste as a lethal perfume.

The Butcher of Beijing now lives a quiet life in San Francisco, importing antiques. But when a shinigami, a god of death itself, calls in a family blood debt, Emiko must recover the Ebony Gate that holds back the hungry ghosts of the Yomi underworld. Or forfeit her soul as the anchor.

What's a retired assassin to do but save the City by the Bay from an army of the dead?

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Phoenix Hoard
  2. Print length
    439 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Tor Books
  6. Publication date
    July 11, 2023
  7. File size
    4967 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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From the Publisher

Ebony Gate Julia Vee Ken Bebelle Jennifer Estep quote

Ebony Gate Julia Vee Ken Bebelle Andrea Stewart quote

Ebony Gate Julia Vee Ken Bebelle Jonathan Maberry quote

Ebony Gate Julia Vee Ken Bebelle Kevin J. Anderson quote

Editorial Reviews

Review

Featured in Paste magazine's “Most Anticipated Fantasy Books of Summer 2023”

Praise for Ebony Gate

“Ebony Gate is a snarky Harry Dresden meets Shang-Chi, with a dash of Monster Hunter International.” ― Kevin J. Anderson, New York Times bestselling co-author of Dune: House Atreides

“A wild, exhilarating ride through a living San Francisco populated with ghosts, magical beasts, and one tough-as-nails heroine. Adventurous and filled with heart, exploring the struggles of a bloody past and familial duty, Ebony Gate is a spectacular start to what promises to be an engrossing series.” ― Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter

“Ebony Gate is a bizarre and exciting thrill ride! It’s Doctor Strange meets Shang-Chi with a big dose of original characters, modern fantasy, and dynamic action. Highly recommended!” ― Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of the Joe Ledger Thrillers and Kagen the Damned

“It’s like reading my favorite martial arts movies, with magic that will blow your mind.” ― Brian D. Anderson, bestselling author of The Godling Chronicles

“Perfect for fans of Fonda Lee’s The Green Bone Saga series.”― San Francisco Bay Times

“Set against the vivid background of San Francisco's singular neighborhoods, the novel's plot is clever and wildly adventurous, boasts an authentic sensibility, and is populated with well-drawn characters.” ― Shelf Awareness, starred review

“Put this book in the hands of fans of Fonda Lee’s ‘Green Bone Saga.’” ― Library Journal

About the Author

Julia Vee likes stories about monsters, money, and good food. Vee was born in Macao and grew up in Northern California, where she studied at UC Berkeley and majored in Asian Studies. She is a graduate of the Viable Paradise workshop.

Ken Bebelle turned his childhood love for reading sci-fi and fantasy into a career in prosthetics. After twenty years he came back to books, writing about plucky underdogs and ancient magical artifacts with deadly secrets. He and his wife live in the Pacific Northwest and he still dreams of growing perfect tomatoes.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B9KVR1M9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tor Books (July 11, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 11, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4967 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 439 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 128 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
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  1. Julia Vee

    Julia Vee

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Julia loves stories about heroes, monsters, and heroic monsters.

    She attended U.C Berkeley and majored in Asian Studies. She often writes with co-author Ken Bebelle. Their novel Ebony Gate, an Asian-inspired urban fantasy, was published by TOR in July 2023. Blood Jade releases in July of 2024.

    Sign up for their newsletter and receive the ebook novelette of Breaker's Dawn, the prequel story of Roxy Lim's journey to join the Seattle Slayers.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Ken Bebelle

    Ken Bebelle

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    In real life I make new arms and legs for people. In fiction I cut them off first...then make new arms and legs for people.

    My favorites: Saga, Neuromancer, Harry Dresden, Fables, Kate Daniels, Astro City, Wool, Powers, The Expanse, anything Neil Gaiman, Descender, Monstress...

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
128 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the character development complex and strong. They describe the fantasy content as action-packed, fresh, and fun. Readers also love the whole concept of the book.

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Character developmentFantasy content
3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters complex, badass, and strong.

"...I 1000% RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!Emiko is such a BADDIE AND STRONG Character! I honestly just loved the whole concept of this book...." Read more

"...Emiko is a strong female character, but she has closed herself off to friends and relationships...." Read more

"...Emiko is a complex, badass character equal parts self righteous and self loathing who must find peace with her past in order to move past it...." Read more

3 customers mention "Fantasy content"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the fantasy content action-packed, fresh, and fun. They also love the whole concept of the book.

"...I honestly just loved the whole concept of this book. I can’t wait to start book 2...." Read more

"...The Magic system was fresh and fun and who doesn’t love a Fu lion?..." Read more

"Action Packed Fantasy, and a Foo Lion Companion!..." Read more

AMAZING! I LOVED IT!
5 out of 5 stars
AMAZING! I LOVED IT!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK SO SO MUCH!! I 1000% RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!Emiko is such a BADDIE AND STRONG Character! I honestly just loved the whole concept of this book. I can’t wait to start book 2.The narrator Natalie Naudus did a fantastic job with bringing this book to life. I absolutely loved her voice in this book I can’t wait to listen to more books that she narrated.
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Top reviews from the United States

Zoe
5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING! I LOVED IT!
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK SO SO MUCH!! I 1000% RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!
Emiko is such a BADDIE AND STRONG Character! I honestly just loved the whole concept of this book. I can’t wait to start book 2.

The narrator Natalie Naudus did a fantastic job with bringing this book to life. I absolutely loved her voice in this book I can’t wait to listen to more books that she narrated.
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Zoe
5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING! I LOVED IT!
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK SO SO MUCH!! I 1000% RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!
Emiko is such a BADDIE AND STRONG Character! I honestly just loved the whole concept of this book. I can’t wait to start book 2.

The narrator Natalie Naudus did a fantastic job with bringing this book to life. I absolutely loved her voice in this book I can’t wait to listen to more books that she narrated.
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2 people found this helpful
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Meg
4.0 out of 5 stars Contemporary Fantasy with Japanese Folklore
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
This contemporary fantasy ended up being too cinematic for me, but if you like vivid descriptions and a lot of action, this could be for you! I'm hoping the sequel hits a little better for me.
2 people found this helpful
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LB (Book & Nature Professor)
5.0 out of 5 stars Action Packed Fantasy, and a Foo Lion Companion!
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
Ebony Gate, the first book in The Pheonix Hoard Series, was thrill ride through San Francisco of magic, swords, ancient artifacts, and ultimately sealing the Ebony Gate which keeps the realm of darkness locked away. Magicless Emiko Soong, an assassin once known as the Butcher of Beijing, is trying to live a peaceful life importing antiques in San Francisco. Not wanting to shed any more blood, she gave up her family clan and her former life. With her mother making a blood debt to Sugiwara, a god of death, Emiko is called back to her former life to find the stolen Ebony Gate, return it, or forfeit her soul to act as the Guardian. Turning into a stone statue was not on Emiko’s bucket list. Emiko is a strong female character, but she has closed herself off to friends and relationships. Her upbringing left little time for friends, and her parents were not at all demonstrative in showing affection. Emiko is full of sass, deadly, and smart. But there’s always room to grow, and her character arc is one of the best I have read. I love that fantasy is becoming more diverse. This was an Asian fantasy, complete with Emiko having a live foo lion named Bao. Her business partner, Tessa, has a wife, which was wonderful to see LBGTQIA+ representation. This story grabbed me from the first page and never let up. There were so many surprises. Just when I thought I had something figured out, another twist and I am totally wrong. I loved this book and can’t wait to read more of Emiko’s adventures. I highly recommend Ebony Gate.
Customer image
LB (Book & Nature Professor)
5.0 out of 5 stars Action Packed Fantasy, and a Foo Lion Companion!
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2023
Ebony Gate, the first book in The Pheonix Hoard Series, was thrill ride through San Francisco of magic, swords, ancient artifacts, and ultimately sealing the Ebony Gate which keeps the realm of darkness locked away. Magicless Emiko Soong, an assassin once known as the Butcher of Beijing, is trying to live a peaceful life importing antiques in San Francisco. Not wanting to shed any more blood, she gave up her family clan and her former life. With her mother making a blood debt to Sugiwara, a god of death, Emiko is called back to her former life to find the stolen Ebony Gate, return it, or forfeit her soul to act as the Guardian. Turning into a stone statue was not on Emiko’s bucket list. Emiko is a strong female character, but she has closed herself off to friends and relationships. Her upbringing left little time for friends, and her parents were not at all demonstrative in showing affection. Emiko is full of sass, deadly, and smart. But there’s always room to grow, and her character arc is one of the best I have read. I love that fantasy is becoming more diverse. This was an Asian fantasy, complete with Emiko having a live foo lion named Bao. Her business partner, Tessa, has a wife, which was wonderful to see LBGTQIA+ representation. This story grabbed me from the first page and never let up. There were so many surprises. Just when I thought I had something figured out, another twist and I am totally wrong. I loved this book and can’t wait to read more of Emiko’s adventures. I highly recommend Ebony Gate.
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6 people found this helpful
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Eddi Bonsall
5.0 out of 5 stars Dragon infused
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
Absolutely loved this book!! So very well written and a page turner following our heroine Emiko who is destined to be the new Sentinel of San Francisco. Please keep writing!!
2 people found this helpful
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kmart
4.0 out of 5 stars SO fun
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2024
This is an urban fantasy tale set in contemporary San Francisco's Chinatown, blending ancient, bloodline magic and a female-driven narrative reminiscent of John Wick. It is exceptional and quite unlike anything I've read. I do highly recommend the audiobook.

Emiko, a member of a prominent magical family, was once known as the Blade of the Soong Clan and an assassin with unparalleled skill. After a traumatic event, she now leads a quiet life in San Francisco as an antique importer. However, when the god of death calls upon her to fulfill a family blood debt, she must retrieve the Ebony Gate, which holds back vengeful spirits from the underworld. Faced with the choice of saving the city from an army of the dead or risking her soul as the anchor, Emiko is drawn back into a world of danger and dark magic, forced to confront her past and use her lethal skills to protect her newfound home.

This was so freaking good. I love the inner voice of the protagonist; she's all snark. The characters and the world-building are what make this book wonderful.
4 people found this helpful
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P.Sharma
3.0 out of 5 stars Magical Feuds Amongst Clans in SF
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
Emiko has escaped her life as the clan blade/assassin and is trying to find a new life away from clan politics and drama in San Francisco. But when an old debt comes calling, she is dragged back into the her former life and find herself fighting to find her new place in the world.

This took me a while to get into, but I ended up really enjoying it. It is action filled and has a characteristic but fun cast of characters. The world building slowly comes together pulling elements of a spectrum of Asian mythology and the fight to stay hidden within a non-magical society. There are pieces that could have been revealed sooner to help move the story along, specifically the city magic seemed to come out of nowhere. I loved Emiko's grumpy energy contrasted with some of the more fun and silly characters. The characters are all versions of well known archetypes so I can easily see this being adapted into a TV show or a movie. I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing Emiko come into herself even more.

Thank you to Tor Books and the authors for the gifted copy.
3 people found this helpful
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Nicole Doss-Haskell
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read!
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2023
Verified Purchase
The complex personal, world history, and clan dynamics is intriguing, adding multiple layers of tension as the story unfolds and raising the stakes of the main character with each chapter. The Magic system was fresh and fun and who doesn’t love a Fu lion?
Emiko is a complex, badass character equal parts self righteous and self loathing who must find peace with her past in order to move past it. And her family/clan doesn’t make it easy on her.
Plus, as a former west coaster, this story captured the energy and heart of San Francisco in a way I haven’t read before.
I am looking forward to Emiko’s next journey.
Customer image
Nicole Doss-Haskell
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read!
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2023
The complex personal, world history, and clan dynamics is intriguing, adding multiple layers of tension as the story unfolds and raising the stakes of the main character with each chapter. The Magic system was fresh and fun and who doesn’t love a Fu lion?
Emiko is a complex, badass character equal parts self righteous and self loathing who must find peace with her past in order to move past it. And her family/clan doesn’t make it easy on her.
Plus, as a former west coaster, this story captured the energy and heart of San Francisco in a way I haven’t read before.
I am looking forward to Emiko’s next journey.
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3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 18, 2024
Verified Purchase
I loved the heroine, her lion, her whole surroundings. The other characters were both believable and fun too. Off to buy the sequel now
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A cracking book
Reviewed in Australia on August 3, 2024
Verified Purchase
If you love the Midnight Mayor series by Kate Griffin then this will feel like an old friend.

Cracking story with our main character working her way through problems & issues like an actual adult and not some over hyped teenager.

The story itself if great, and the world building is top notch. 100% recommend.
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Nat
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
Reviewed in Australia on January 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
What an enthralling read. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Found myself going back over passages to ensure I didn't miss a word. Thank you!
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