REVIEW The Phoenix Illusion (SPI Files #6) by Lisa Shearin

The Phoenix Illusion (SPI Files #6) by Lisa Shearin
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: November 6, 2018
Format: eBook + Audiobook (Personal Library)
Publisher: Murwood Media LLC (Self Published by Author) 

Check out my review of book one in the series, The Grendel Affair

Check out my review of book seven in the series, The Solstice Countdown

The Phoenix Illusion is the sixth book in Lisa Shearin’s SPI Files series, and Ms. Shearin continues to outdo herself. Makenna Fraser, seer extraordinaire for the Supernatural Protection and Investigations team (SPI), was having a fun night out with her coworkers and boyfriend, goblin dark mage Rake Danescu, when the evening is disrupted as Rake’s house (from another dimension) gets dropped onto an empty lot. Things get even crazier from here, with SPI again being responsible for stopping the evil supernaturals in the world from enacting their plans. 

Unlike some of the previous books in the series, The Phoenix Illusion puts a lot of the spotlight on Rake and his cousin Tam. There are some side characters from previous books that don’t make as big of an appearance, but I think that's ok because the author does a great job of rotating the characters from her ensemble cast in the series in and out of the books. It was fun getting to see how Tam trained Ben Sadler, SPI’s resident gem mage, in the best way to deal with the magical crystals at the story's center.  

As a note, Johanna Parker does an excellent job narrating this book. I’m always cackling whenever I’m listening to any of Makenna’s antics, and this book has no shortage of mischief. This is the last book of the series that she’s narrating, but I’m excited to see (and hear) how the author does narrating the books in the future. The book is best suited for those who are already familiar with the series. Still, the author does drop enough information such that any newcomers should be able to follow the plot with minimal issues (or missing context). 

Overall, The Phoenix Illusion is another amazing and entertaining book by Lisa Shearin. SPI Files is still one of my favorite urban fantasy series of all time. If you enjoy laugh-out-loud urban fantasy tales with headstrong heroines, then this book is for you. 

About the Book

The agents of Supernatural Protection & Investigation (SPI) are used to dealing with the weird and the wacky, but even they are stunned when a building from another world suddenly appears on an empty lot in New York. . .

I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI, and it’s just my luck that my birthday party is literally crashed by a building from another planet. And it’s not just any building—it’s my goblin boyfriend’s house from his home world. SPI’s mission, to keep the public clueless about the supernatural, has us scrambling to find who did this and why, not to mention how.

The deeper we dig, the more we realize this incident is the opening gambit to a much larger event. Old enemies have combined forces with an even older nemesis to develop the means to kidnap an entire building and everyone in it. But who, or what, is their ultimate target? Finding out and getting to the mark before they do will require all hands on deck, including some extraterrestrial help from the goblin home world. We’re running out of time, and if we can’t get our act together, we’ll have front-row seats for the end of the world as we know it.

About the Author

Lisa is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Raine Benares novels and The SPI Files.

Lisa is a voracious collector of fountain pens, teapots & teacups both vintage and modern. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her husband, four spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and enough deer and woodland creatures to fill a Disney movie.

Connect with the author on Twitter

Connect with the author on Instagram

Connect with the author via their website

Check out my reviews of other books by the same author

REVIEW Burn Bright (Alpha and Omega #5) by Patricia Briggs

Burn Bright (Alpha and Omega #5) 

by Patricia Briggs
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Format: Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Ace 

Check out my review of the sequel and sixth book in the series, Wild Sign

With the two most dominant werewolves on the continent at the helm, the Marrok’s pack in Aspen Creek is home to werewolves that would not be able to function anywhere else. This includes a group of old and unstable werewolves known collectively as the Wildlings - wolves who live in the Marrok’s territory but are unable to safely be around the rest of the pack. In Burn Bright, the fifth book in the Alpha and Omega series, Charles has been put in charge of the pack in Bran’s absence. When one of the Wildlings reaches out for help, Charles and Anna head out to investigate. Once there, they realize that things are (like usual) much more complicated than anticipated and that everyone in Aspen Creek might be in danger. 

“You cannot look at a person, and say, 'If I could change this or that, if I could pick what I want and discard other things, I could love this one.’ Such a love is pale and weak - and doomed to failure.”

Anna and Charles’ relationship is one of the healthiest I’ve ever seen in an urban fantasy series. Charles celebrates her strength and intelligence, and despite the fact that he is literally one of the most dominant werewolves in the world he’s never attempted to dominate her. He is also cognizant of her past and how that has shaped her. The relationship isn’t one sided though. Anna has always accepted Charles for who he is, and never questioned the role he plays for the wolves (though she occasionally questions the toll it has on him). She’s also brought light back into his life, and reminded him what it’s like to experience joy. It was particularly heart-warming to see how devoted Charles and Brother Wolf are to Anna, and vice versa.   

2022 is not the first time I’ve read Burn Bright (nor is it likely the last), so I’m coming into the book with the benefit of having read its sequel. The villain of the story was not obvious the first time I’d read the book, but on a re-read I noticed all the hints that the author had thrown in. I also want to note that, unlike some of the other books in the series, the events of Burn Bright connect very strongly to that of the main Mercy Thompson series (specifically Silence Fallen). While you can get through this book without having read that one, I do recommend reading Silence Fallen first for the best reading experience. 

Holter Graham once again did an excellent job bringing both Anna and Charles’ perspectives to life. There is a major theme of the villains in the most recent releases, so I’m excited to see where Ms. Briggs will take that story thread. Urban fantasy and paranormal romance readers who are looking for a book with great worldbuilding, a well-developed cast of main characters and ensemble characters, and another heart pounding mystery at the center of the story pick up the Alpha and Omega series as soon as possible. 

About the Book

Now mated werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham face a threat like no other–one that lurks too close to home…

They are the wild and the broken. The werewolves too damaged to live safely among their own kind. For their own good, they have been exiled to the outskirts of Aspen Creek, Montana. Close enough to the Marrok’s pack to have its support; far enough away to not cause any harm.

With their Alpha out of the country, Charles and Anna are on call when an SOS comes in from the fae mate of one such wildling. Heading into the mountainous wilderness, they interrupt the abduction of the wolf–but can’t stop blood from being shed. Now Charles and Anna must use their skills–his as enforcer, hers as peacemaker–to track down the attackers, reopening a painful chapter in the past that springs from the darkest magic of the witchborn…

About the Author

Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.

BLOG TOUR The Genes of Isis by Justin Newland

Hi friends! I'm excited to be a part of the tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions for The Genes of Isis by Justin Newland. The author will be awarding one signed copy of the paperback (US or International) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Make sure you follow the tour and show the other hosts some love as well - the more you comment, the more chances you have to win!

The Genes of Isis by Justin Newland Tour Schedule (Goddess Fish Promotions)

About the Book

Akasha is a precocious young woman who lives in a world where oceans circulate in the aquamarine sky waters.

Before she was born, the Helios, a tribe of angels from the sun, came to Earth to deliver the Surge, the next step in the evolution of an embryonic human race. Instead, they left humanity on the brink of extinction and spawned a race of monstrous hybrids. 

Horque is a Solarii, another tribe of angels, sent to Earth to rescue the genetic mix-up and release the Surge. 

When Akasha has a premonition that a great flood is imminent and falls in love with Horque, her life becomes an instrument for apocalyptic change. But will it save the three races - humans, hybrids and Solarii – from the killing waters?

Excerpt 

The moonlight flooded through the window but Issa was still awake. Once the street cats grew tired of fighting and the hyenas and foxes stopped scavenging, she roused herself and began her descent. Clutching a glow lamp in one hand and Fryme's package in the other, she crept downstairs and stopped in the middle of a corridor, beside a section of wall that would have appeared unremarkable to anyone else. She knew otherwise. 

A few words, an arcane utterance, followed by a shimmer of light and the astral curtain disappeared, revealing the secret door. She stepped through it, into the corridor beyond. She was going to the God Crucible, an occult chamber beneath her house. Its astral protections were such that no one, not even Cheiron, suspected its existence. Her breathing was shallow. This was the first point of no return. 

Her glow-lamp threw long shadows down the narrow, sloping tunnel. Divided in two, it had steps on one side and a slanting ramp on the other. In front of her on the ground was a piece of white bandage, accidentally torn off the mummified body of her son, which she'd dragged down the ramp before Cheiron had arrived. How heavy he had been. They didn't call it a dead weight for nothing. She could still smell the musty odour of the dust particles she'd dislodged.

At the bottom of the ramp, the tunnel gave way to a dome-shaped chamber, the God Crucible. Her son’s cadaver lay on a bench, and she ran her hand over the embalming bandages. Beside it was a second, vacant bench. There, she would lie during the ritual she was about to perform. 

The Anubis embalmers had washed Horque’s body, encased it in natron salt, and mummified it according to all but one of the traditions of the Jackal-headed God - the exception being that they had not removed any of his organs. On his chest, she laid out a scarab pectoral and into his mouth, she placed a length of straw. 

Q&A with the Author

Hi Dusty, thanks for hosting this stop on the Goddess Fish promotional tour of my novel, The Genes of Isis.

Where do you get your inspiration, information, and ideas for books?

 

Everywhere and anywhere is the short answer. I’m an avid researcher and eclectic reader. I’ve read and studied all my life; philosophy, literature, history, science, plays, art and the whole kaboodle. 

 

One massive source for plot threads and characters comes from history. The saying ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ really does ring true where history is concerned.

 

And ideas come from my own experience of life, which is now quite considerable. They say the older you get, the more you have something to write about, which is true too.

 

And alongside history and experience, inspiration and ideas seep into the semi-conscious. I read somewhere that everything has come to us through the imagination, through the semi-conscious, and that’s true too.

 

And especially when you’re stuck for ideas and inspiration. When that happens, I follow Stephen King’s advice in his book ‘On Writing’ in which he suggested consulting, if not relying on, ‘the boys in the basement,’ aka your unconscious. They know everything. We tend to confine it to our mental arrangements, only allowing ourselves a limited view where there’s a panorama out there. 

 

One way I’ve found to allow that inspiration to seep through from the unconscious is to remind yourself, just before going to sleep, of where you have got to with the plot and what issues you want to resolve. Then usually, by the morning, the boys (and girls) in the basement have got to work on the issue and come up with an imaginative solution.

 

What was your hardest scene to write and why?

 

I think the last chapter is the most complex scene to write.

That’s because the balances in the ending are difficult to juggle and are often complicated.

Here’s how I think about endings…  

Imagine the structure of a novel as an upward-pointing triangle. The base represents the beginning, the triangle gets thinner in the middle, and reaches the apex at the top - that’s the ending. 

Like the base of the triangle, the novel’s beginning is a broad base and light on tension.  The characters and settings are introduced. As the novel proceeds, the tension thickens as the characters interact and their arcs develop, and the threads are grown.

As the story culminates, there are many plot threads to resolve. There are the main character arcs to fulfil. But just as the tension at the beginning is broad, the tension at the end, where the triangle reaches the apex, is thick. The plot threads are pulled taut. Any wrong move dissipates the tension, lowers expectancy. So, at the end of the novel, at the narrow apex, every word, every gesture, every dialogue counts. 

That’s why endings are difficult. 

The ending of The Genes of Isis was no different.

 

What exciting projects do you have coming up next?

 

I’m working on a two-book series set in Elizabethan times, 16th century England in the Tudor era.

It was only supposed to be one novel, but my muse had other ideas, and I’ve ended up with two. 

The hero is Nelan, a young Flemish-Dutch émigré who flees to England to escape Spanish persecution of his Protestant family in the Netherlands.

Nelan then participates in two of the most formative events in English history: Francis Drake’s circumnavigation of the world and the repulse of the Spanish Armada. Those stories form the basis for the two books.

The series is called The Shoes That Don’t Wear Out, and the enigmatic title alludes to my penchant for writing secret history thrillers. 

The questions I wanted to explore in these novels are: What is the nature of (the land of) England? Why were these two events turning points in the development of England as a nation?

About the Author

Justin Newland is an author of historical fantasy and secret history thrillers - that’s history with a supernatural twist. His stories feature known events and real people from history which are re-told and examined through the lens of the supernatural. He gives author talks and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Bristol’s Thought for the Day. He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England. 

His Books

The Genes of Isis is a tale of love, destruction and ephemeral power set under the skies of Ancient Egypt. A re-telling of the Biblical story of the flood, it reveals the mystery of the genes of Isis – or genesis – of mankind. ISBN 9781789014860.

“The novel is creative, sophisticated, and downright brilliant! I couldn’t ask more of an Egyptian-esque book!” – Lauren, Books Beyond the Story.

The Old Dragon’s Head is a historical fantasy and supernatural thriller set during the Ming Dynasty and played out in the shadows the Great Wall of China. It explores the secret history of the influences that shaped the beginnings of modern times.  ISBN 9781789015829.

‘The author is an excellent storyteller.” – British Fantasy Society. 

Set during the Great Enlightenment, The Coronation reveals the secret history of the Industrial Revolution. ISBN 9781838591885.

“The novel explores the themes of belonging, outsiders… religion and war…  filtered through the lens of the other-worldly.” – A. Deane, Page Farer Book Blog.

His latest, The Abdication (July, 2021), is a suspense thriller, a journey of destiny, wisdom and self-discovery. ISBN 9781800463950.  

“In Topeth, Tula confronts the truth, her faith in herself, faith in a higher purpose, and ultimately, what it means to abdicate that faith.” 

http://www.justinnewland.com/ https://www.facebook.com/justin.newland.author/

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Genes-Isis-Justin-Newland-ebook/dp/B07D7FMDZG/

Question of the Day: What is your favorite god from Egyptian mythology?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW Tess of the Road (Tess of the Road #1) by Rachel Hartman

Tess of the Road (Tess of the Road #1) by Rachel Hartman
Rating: 3 Stars
Release Date: February 27, 2018
Format: Audiobook (library)
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers 

Check out the book on Goodreads

Purchase the book on Bookshop.org

Purchase the book on Amazon

Purchase the book on Libro.fm

Check out my review of the second book in the series, In the Serpent's Wake

Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman is a hard book to review. Not because I didn’t enjoy it (because I did), but more for the length and the content that it covers. Please check out the trigger warnings at the bottom of the review before starting this book - Tess of the Road does include some heavy topics and themes, so I wouldn’t want anyone to go in unprepared. I also want to note that this book doesn’t have that much to do with dragons (despite what the cover might lead you to believe). 

At its core, Tess of the Road has very strong themes of female empowerment. It's never shoved in the reader's faces; it's more of a subtle thread woven throughout the story. I enjoy fantasy books that tackle some of the issues our world faces  - Ms. Hartman did just that with this book. For example, one of the issues that are broached is the preoccupation with sexual “purity”. As a female, Tess was ostracized and shamed for a mistake and tragedy that happened in her past (check the trigger warnings if you want an idea of what happened). When she disguises herself as a male, her fellow workers put together a pool of money so “Tes’puco” can lose his virginity and they practically throw a party for the occasion. I also appreciated how Ms. Hartman touched on the fact that part of the issue stems from the lack of education on safe sex and how to prevent unwanted pregnancies (which Tess was affected by). 

The story does wander a bit (which could be off-putting for some in a book of 500 plus pages), and borders on rambling at times. However, I think that was more of a purposeful decision and less of a flaw in the writing. A majority of this book focuses on Tess’ journey to finding herself - as she does so, the narration becomes gradually less disjointed. Tess is such an endearing character, and you can’t help but feel for her. Fans of stories focused on broken characters and their journeys of healing will inevitably find themselves drawn to her. 

I’m excited to see what comes next in the sequel, In the Serpent’s Wake (the ending of this book makes it clear that Tess of the Road was not intended to be a standalone book).  I also plan to go back to read the prequel books Seraphina and Shadow Scale (as a note, it’s not necessary to read these books to be able to enjoy Tess of the Road). I would not recommend this book for the faint of heart. However, if you don’t feel that the content would be triggering and you want a story that’s educational, entertaining, and thought-provoking, then I would recommend you give Tess of the Road a chance.  

Trigger Warnings: Rape, Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Underage Drinking, Sex Shaming, Drunkenness, Infant Loss

About the Author

Rachel Hartman is the author of three young adult fantasy novels: SERAPHINA, SHADOW SCALE, and TESS OF THE ROAD. Her fourth novel, IN THE SERPENT’S WAKE, will be published February 1st, 2022. Her novels have been on the New York Times bestseller list and have received many awards, including the Morris Award, the Sunburst Prize, and the Monica Hughes Award. Rachel lives in Vancouver, BC, with her husband and whippet.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

REVIEW Last Shot: A Han and Lando Novel by Daniel Jose Older

Last Shot: A Han and Lando Novel by Daniel Jose Older
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Release Date: April 17, 2018
Format: Audiobook (Library)
Publisher: Del Rey 

Check out the book on Bookshop.org

Check out the book on Book Depository

*Please note - this post contains affiliate links, from which we may earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase

QUICK SUMMARY OF THE BOOK

This book follows Chuck Wendig’s trilogy, where Lando and Han must face a new threat emerging in the galaxy. Han’s actions are, of course, partially to blame for what’s happening. Lando and Han end up assembling a ragtag crew to track down a piece of technology Han encountered years ago, and an evil scientist who wants to use the technology for nefarious purposes. 

WHAT I LIKED

• Han and Lando! The author did a great job capturing the vibe of the two characters that Billy Dee Williams and Harrison Ford gave off (which was my original exposure to the characters). The narrators, Marc Thompson and January LaVoy elevated that aspect with their performance in the audiobook - the music and the sound effects interwoven with the actual narration were like the icing on the cake. It was exciting to hear things like blaster fire in the background. 

• The tone. I would place the book somewhere between young adult and adult on the intended audience level. It would be equally appropriate for either age group. There were moments where it was a bit juvenile, moments of maturity, but it all blended together well to work for this story.  

• The look into Ben Solo/Kylo Ren’s early life. I loved his character in the newer movies, and I was excited to see a glimpse into his life before he went over to the dark side and became Kylo Ren. 

• The worldbuilding. Daniel Jose Older did a great job adding to the already existing Star Wars lore and worlds.  

WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME

• I found myself confused at times by the timeline of events. The publishers did provide a timeline at the beginning of the book, but it was still hard for me to keep track of what was happening when. I’m not a huge Star Wars fan, so this could just be on my lack of knowledge versus a failing on the book's part. 

• The use of three narrators. I think the book could have been done with just one or two narrators. The author, Daniel Jose Older, covers Han’s point of view from ten years ago. While he did an admirable job when compared with two professional narrators in Marc Thompson and January LaVoy, I’m not sure it was strictly necessary.  

OVERALL THOUGHTS AND IMPRESSIONS

• This book is best suited to fans of the original Star Wars movies - newcomers will have some trouble following everything that’s going on without some prior knowledge. If you’re a fan of the original Star Wars movies and you enjoy the Han/Lando interactions, then this is definitely a book you should check out. If you’re not familiar with the Star Wars movies, then this may not be an enjoyable reading experience for you.

About the Author

Daniel José Older is the New York Times bestselling author of the Young Adult series the Shadowshaper Cypher (Scholastic), the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series (Penguin), and the upcoming Middle Grade sci-fi adventure Flood City (Scholastic). He won the International Latino Book Award and has been nominated for the Kirkus Prize, the Mythopoeic Award, the Locus Award, the Andre Norton Award, and yes, the World Fantasy Award. Shadowshaper was named one of Esquire’s 80 Books Every Person Should Read. You can find his thoughts on writing, read dispatches from his decade-long career as an NYC paramedic and hear his music at http://danieljoseolder.net/, on youtube and @djolder on twitter.

ARC REVIEW: The Frights of Fiji (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #1) by Sunayna Prasad

The Frights of Fiji (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #1) by Sunayna Prasad
Genre: Fantasy
Age category: Middle Grade

Blurb:
A world of magic and adventure awaits…

Sent to live with her strict, aloof, and uncaring uncle after her parents are killed in a car accident, twelve-year-old orphan Alyssa McCarthy longs for the life she used to have—one filled with fun and love. Then one stormy night, a message appears in the raindrops on the window that will change everything.

"Your life will never be the same again, as magic will interfere."

Before long, Alyssa is kidnapped by Master Beau, a banished sorcerer with a mysterious connection to her who can only regain his power by weakening hers. Suddenly hurled into a world of wizardry filled with fantastical beasts and marvelous technology beyond her wildest imagination, Alyssa must defeat Master Beau if she ever wants to get home again. But Master Beau will stop at nothing, including using Alyssa’s friends, to ensure he is triumphant.

Originally titled "From Frights to Flaws", this story is the exciting and enchanting first book in the "Magical Missions" series.

Links:
- Goodreads
- Bookbub
- Amazon
- B&N
- Kobo
- Google Play
- Apple

REVIEW of The Frights of Fiji (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #1) by Sunayna Prasad

Rating: 3 Stars

Release Date: October 20, 2018

Format: eARC (Lola's Blog Tours)

Publisher: S.A. Prasad Publishing (Self-Published)

The Frights of Fiji by Sunayna Prasad is an entertaining, fun-filled middle-grade book. I would recommend it to young readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories and fantasy tales. Despite the book being written with an audience of children in mind, I think it would be an enjoyable read for adults as well. 

Alyssa is an orphan living with her strict uncle and cousin. While he is not abusive, he is cruel (one of his punishments involved Alyssa not being able to celebrate her birthday) and Alyssa misses her parents even more. Life ends up changing drastically for her, however, when she is kidnapped by Master Beau (an evil wizard who plans to restore his own powers by draining Alyssa of hers). Will she be able to escape and return home, or will she be stuck in this magical realm forever?

I was reminded a lot of the Series of Unfortunate Events and Harry Potter books. While Count Olaf in the Series of Unfortunate Events is after the Baudelaire’s fortune, I think Uncle Bruce does care in his own way. He simply didn't know how to cope after the death of his wife and reacted poorly by imposing very harsh discipline. The same can be said for Harry’s Aunt Petunia, as she hated Harry because he reminded her of her sister and the magic that took her life. I hope Alyssa and Uncle Bruce have a full circle moment like Harry and Aunt Petunia did in the last book. 

Altogether, The Frights of Fiji is a magical fantasy read. I’m curious to see what’s next for Alyssa in future installments of Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions. 

Thank you to the author and Lola’s Blog Tours for my complimentary review copy of The Frights of Fiji. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review the book immensely. Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.  

About the Author Sunayna Prasad:
I have always been passionate about fantasy, especially with a modern twist. I have read bestsellers, like the Harry Potter series, which gave me a lot of inspiration for my books. Movies, especially Disney classics, also inspire the content of my stories.
When I am not writing, I am drawing, cooking, and working out to Disney song videos as well as other visual and entertaining videos.

Author links:
- Website
- Twitter
- Goodreads

BOOK TOUR + REVIEW: Phantoms by Michael Leon and Chrissie Anthony

                 

Hi all! I'm pleased to help Goddess Fish Promotions with their review tour for Phantoms by Michael Leon and Chrissie Anthony. Please check out the rafflecopter at the bottom of the post to enter the giveaway - the author is giving away a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Also - for those who are interested in reading the book, it is available on Kindle Unlimited (as of December 2021). 

Check out the other tour hosts here: https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2021/08/review-tour-phantoms-by-michael-leon.html

About the Book:

Get your copy of the book on Bookshop.org

*Please note - this post contains affiliate links, from which we may earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase

The legend lives on in Phantoms… as modern day Phantom of the Opera, Eric Destler, plots to take over and rule the Palais Garnier with La Divina, the world-famous soprano, Carlotta Caccini, as his queen. But at every turn he is thwarted by his nemesis, the original Phantom of the Opera, now the Opera Ghost. Phantoms is set in the dark underground of the famous Paris Opera House and the stage above, where Guiseppi Verdi’s famous opera, Macbeth is being rehearsed. It is about parallel worlds, where opera imitates life with potentially catastrophic results. This is a tale about many phantoms – the real, imagined and ethereal – that haunt us all. And about the phantoms who live in the darkest recesses of the mind, often lurking behind beautiful facades. A world where some masks can’t be seen.

Excerpt

Kill your own, kill your own, kill your own, repeated in Erik's ear until he could not distinguish his oubliette from the torture chambers he endured in another life. Sweat trickled from his forehead on to the barrel of his sniper rifle. He felt the dampness on his trigger finger as he began to squeeze the loaded killing machine. The image of Christine in yellow dress, then Rose in blood red gown, filled the telescopic site. Kill your own filled his mind as Erik slowly capitulated to the torment of his past. He was in the kill spot, ready to murder for the Captor, waiting for the singer below to reach the highest crescendo before he would light the Garnier with a single deadly flash. 

The moment arrived, but suddenly all light from below was extinguished, leaving Erik in the darkest of spaces. He released his finger from the rifle trigger. All he could hear was the sounds of people scurrying somewhere out in the darkness. Was he back in the Captor's prison? He could not be sure, as the muffled sounds tortured his mind. Endless nights he had sat in his small prison hearing the sounds of voices coming close. Sometimes they stopped at his prison, but mostly they went to others claiming their prey, before the sounds of terrified pleas cried out into the unending night.

Then all went quiet around him. His dark memories faded, before the momentary peace gave way to real whispers that echoed in the confines of his oubliette. Had someone gained access to his private lair, he wondered, before shaking his head in disbelief. No one had his capabilities to scale such formidable terrain. And yet the whispers continued. At first, he could not make out the words as they seeped into his secret dungeon like a gathering fog, but then the whispers grew louder, demanding his attention.

“My opera house, my rules. My opera house, my rules.” A challenge repeated over and over. Erik wanted to squeeze the trigger and end his torment, but doubt clouded his mind. He dropped the rifle to his side. He would wait until the opening night to enact his bloody vengeance.

Review of Phantoms by Michael Leon and Chrissie Anthony

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Release Date: April 5, 2018

Format: eARC

Publisher: Australian Inspiration

Sing once again with me, a strange duet…

Michael Leon’s take on Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera is dark and enchanting; the author pulled me into the world of the Paris Opera House and I simply couldn’t leave until the end of the show (though the second act, Chandelier, is set to make its debut in early 2022). 

The author did a great job putting their own spin on the original story. I loved the ambiance and the feel of the book. Michael Leon didn’t need audible music to create the same vibe that the stage performance provides (though that totally would have been a bonus - if this gets made into an audiobook in the future, I would love to have music in the background of the narration). The plot was also a highlight. It was fun to try and figure out the mystery, and follow all the twists and turns. The connection with Macbeth in the story was quite intriguing, as Phantom of the Opera and Macbeth are both very dark stories. 

There were a couple of minor issues with the story that made me unable to give the book a full five stars. They might be off-putting to some, but despite the hiccups, Phantoms never lost my interest. For example, there was a disconnect for me with the chronological setting. On one hand, the story has an older historical feel to it (akin to the setting of the original story). On the other hand, there were recent technological advancements like cellphones and microphones and earpieces being whipped out by characters which became jarring. I was never able to clearly envision what time period the book was set in while I read. 

I would recommend this book to fans of the original story, as well as those who love reading darker mysteries with paranormal elements. While this book will certainly appeal to fans of Phantom of the Opera, prior knowledge isn’t necessary to enjoy the story. I’ve only watched the performance once or twice, I’ve never read the original book, and I had no issue with understanding any of the references the author brought up. 

Thank you to the authors and Goddess Fish Promotions for allowing me to read a complimentary review copy of Phantoms as part of my participation in their virtual tour. I appreciate the opportunity immensely! Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed Phantoms. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

About the Author: 

Michael Leon is an explorer, writer and author of the new novel, Sentient. Professionally trained in international trade, Michael has spent the last decade reading and writing SFF novels about new worlds to be explored in the future. His latest work, Sentient, imagines Earth in the year 2120. Michael has travelled extensively around Europe, walking the paths of his characters from the famous European opera houses in Phantoms to the mountain tops of Switzerland in Emissary. For more information, go to his web site: www.michaelleon.com.au

a Rafflecopter giveaway