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The Kindred #5
Phoenix Rising
Reeling from the aftermath of Cassie's death, they find themselves trying to survive in a tumultuous world filled with more enemies than friends. Struggling through the rage consuming him, Devon must come to terms with the fact that the woman he loved has died. He has little time to deal with his grief though as The Elders want them dead, the Halflings are still running free, and the missing children have become the focal point of concern.
On a mission to rescue the children, they set out on a journey from New York to Canada that will forever alter the course of their lives and make them realize that sometimes what rises from the fire may be something even more dangerous and deadly. That it may, in fact, be the death of them all.
On a mission to rescue the children, they set out on a journey from New York to Canada that will forever alter the course of their lives and make them realize that sometimes what rises from the fire may be something even more dangerous and deadly. That it may, in fact, be the death of them all.
Unknown Binding
First published August 12, 2013
132 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
About the author
Erica Stevens
44 books2,281 followersErica Stevens is the author of the Captive Series, Coven Series, Kindred Series, Fire & Ice Series, Ravening Series, and the Survivor Chronicles. She enjoys writing young adult, new adult, romance, horror, and science fiction. She also writes adult paranormal romance and historical romance under the pen name, Brenda K. Davies. When not out with friends and family, she is at home with her husband, son, dogs, cat, and horse.
She loves to speak with readers and can be found:
Erica Stevens/Brenda K. Davies Mailing List: http://bit.ly/ESBKDNews
She loves to speak with readers and can be found:
Erica Stevens/Brenda K. Davies Mailing List: http://bit.ly/ESBKDNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 27, 2013
This may be the best book by Erica Stevens that I have read yet. That is not to say it is my favorite because I am quite honestly convinced The Captive series shall eternally be my favorite, but I think that in terms of plot, mechanics, and development, this is her best work yet (that I have read). In this one I believe we hear from more perspectives than previously, but the author is usually careful to make sure you know who’s talking and it is interesting to have an insight into what goes on in certain characters’ heads. The sarcasm and wit was absolutely priceless and I cheered and cringed in all the right places. This, as I mentioned before, is rather more horror-esque than most vampire stories I’ve read (though there are still oodles of the seductive, drop-dead gorgeous vampires, too), but that’s how vampire tales were meant to be, I suppose.
The plot:
We get about a combined ten pages in this book to relax. Otherwise there is always something happening, always a problem, always suspense to make you need to turn the flipping page. I loved how everything from the beginning of the series works together at the end of this book and how all the loose ends come together for resolution. Nothing (and I mean nothing) is achieved too easily or without complications and I was in utter suspense until the satisfying, grin-bestowing end.
The characters:
Everyone has matured since the beginning, even the centuries-old vampires. Everyone has their struggles and trials to overcome, but especially Devon and Cassie.
Julian has to repeatedly come to terms with his place in the love triangle and, despite his rather damning first appearance in the series, it was impossible not to empathize with him and hope that he’ll find his own Cassie someday. (Note to author: I would not at all be opposed to a spin-off series with Julian as the hero. Just saying…)
Joey, Dani’s brother who I was just waiting to get bumped off, actually redeems himself as does another character, partially, who has made you want to beat her with a frying pan since the beginning.
I really, really like the way this ended (and I love Barnacle to bits) and while I am a little saddened to see yet another of my favorite series end, I couldn’t have asked for a better ending and I definitely recommend this series to anyone who will pick it up.
The plot:
We get about a combined ten pages in this book to relax. Otherwise there is always something happening, always a problem, always suspense to make you need to turn the flipping page. I loved how everything from the beginning of the series works together at the end of this book and how all the loose ends come together for resolution. Nothing (and I mean nothing) is achieved too easily or without complications and I was in utter suspense until the satisfying, grin-bestowing end.
The characters:
Everyone has matured since the beginning, even the centuries-old vampires. Everyone has their struggles and trials to overcome, but especially Devon and Cassie.
Julian has to repeatedly come to terms with his place in the love triangle and, despite his rather damning first appearance in the series, it was impossible not to empathize with him and hope that he’ll find his own Cassie someday. (Note to author: I would not at all be opposed to a spin-off series with Julian as the hero. Just saying…)
Joey, Dani’s brother who I was just waiting to get bumped off, actually redeems himself as does another character, partially, who has made you want to beat her with a frying pan since the beginning.
I really, really like the way this ended (and I love Barnacle to bits) and while I am a little saddened to see yet another of my favorite series end, I couldn’t have asked for a better ending and I definitely recommend this series to anyone who will pick it up.
March 25, 2018
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kindle Edition
5 stars
The final book in the series. So much happened in this book! Action packed & satisfying ending.
Cassie is dead but Julian won't accept it so he gives her his blood & Chris's blood & changes her into a vampire, damn the consequences.
The others are still battling the Elders. Now the Elders want Devon dead. Devon is devastated about Cassie & he allows the beast to take over inside him. The Elders are beginning to beat Devon down but Cassie emerges as a vampire & the Elders retreat.
Seeing Cassie alive, sort of, brings Devon his humanity back. Now they need to kill off the rest of the halflings.
Cassie learns to live as a vampire. Her freaky red eyes scare them all. Cassie learns to acquire abilities through touching a vampire or hunter & immediately knows how to use the ability. With so many abilities inside her she must learn how to control & master them.
Cassie has a prophetic dream that Zane is going after the children & will use them as his weapons. In the dream a 4 year old boy runs up to Cassie & just stares. Zane tells her she's not the only hunter.
The group go to an orphanage in Canada to search for the children. Only Luther & Cassie go inside to check it out so as not to arise suspicion with the entire group. It's a big mistake!
In the kitchen Cassie is distracted by a 4 year old boy who's ability makes the room around you spin. It's the same little boy from her dream & he asks her if she's going to save them from the people keeping them there. He believes she's an angel.
Cassie looks up & Luther is gone. She knows he's in trouble. Her frantic search for him lands her in the dark, dank, putrid smelling basement behind secret walls. Now she's in a hallway with many doors just like the compound she was tortured in. She finds Luther unconscious on a bed in one of the rooms.
In the meantime the others waiting outside know Luther & Cassie have been inside way too long. They try to enter but all doors are locked. They try to break down the doors to no avail. Devon heaves a 200 pound statue at a window & it only makes a tiny crack. Devon believes the house is made of steel but somehow disguised. All of a sudden one of the
children open the door but will only let Chris & Melissa in.
Cassie gets Luther from the room & a man attacks her in the hall. She kills him by draining his blood. Minutes later she begins to feel drowsy & realizes the man's blood was drugged. 3 more come at Cassie. She's hit with an arrow & a stake but pulls them free. Not sure she can stay awake much longer, Chris opens the door & pulls Luther & Cassie free. As they find Melissa she's hit with an arrow to the chest. Cassie helps to heal her a little but Annabelle needs to fully heal her.
They gather the seventeen children & decide to leave the orphanage. Luther tells Cassie there's a connection between her & the 4 year old boy, Gabriel. Luther believes they're related, cousins.
As they're about to leave Cassie has a vision...the Elders have come back.
Cassie tells the children to hide in the basement & Luther to go with them & be their Guardian now.
Cassie, Devon, Julian, Chris, Melissa, Dani, Joey, Liam & Annabelle face the fight of their life against the Elders Zane, Robert, Elspet, Octavia, Bernard & the many newborn vampires they created.
They defeat the Elders & new vampires with Cassie's new abilities/powers. Then the Elder Matthew shows up & tells her "A force of good. It was all I aspired to see in the end" before he walks into the sun & dies.
The group buys a farmhouse & surrounding acres in Canada where they all live with the seventeen children as one big happy family. I really loved the series & especially my happily ever after!
Kindle Edition
5 stars
The final book in the series. So much happened in this book! Action packed & satisfying ending.
Cassie is dead but Julian won't accept it so he gives her his blood & Chris's blood & changes her into a vampire, damn the consequences.
The others are still battling the Elders. Now the Elders want Devon dead. Devon is devastated about Cassie & he allows the beast to take over inside him. The Elders are beginning to beat Devon down but Cassie emerges as a vampire & the Elders retreat.
Seeing Cassie alive, sort of, brings Devon his humanity back. Now they need to kill off the rest of the halflings.
Cassie learns to live as a vampire. Her freaky red eyes scare them all. Cassie learns to acquire abilities through touching a vampire or hunter & immediately knows how to use the ability. With so many abilities inside her she must learn how to control & master them.
Cassie has a prophetic dream that Zane is going after the children & will use them as his weapons. In the dream a 4 year old boy runs up to Cassie & just stares. Zane tells her she's not the only hunter.
The group go to an orphanage in Canada to search for the children. Only Luther & Cassie go inside to check it out so as not to arise suspicion with the entire group. It's a big mistake!
In the kitchen Cassie is distracted by a 4 year old boy who's ability makes the room around you spin. It's the same little boy from her dream & he asks her if she's going to save them from the people keeping them there. He believes she's an angel.
Cassie looks up & Luther is gone. She knows he's in trouble. Her frantic search for him lands her in the dark, dank, putrid smelling basement behind secret walls. Now she's in a hallway with many doors just like the compound she was tortured in. She finds Luther unconscious on a bed in one of the rooms.
In the meantime the others waiting outside know Luther & Cassie have been inside way too long. They try to enter but all doors are locked. They try to break down the doors to no avail. Devon heaves a 200 pound statue at a window & it only makes a tiny crack. Devon believes the house is made of steel but somehow disguised. All of a sudden one of the
children open the door but will only let Chris & Melissa in.
Cassie gets Luther from the room & a man attacks her in the hall. She kills him by draining his blood. Minutes later she begins to feel drowsy & realizes the man's blood was drugged. 3 more come at Cassie. She's hit with an arrow & a stake but pulls them free. Not sure she can stay awake much longer, Chris opens the door & pulls Luther & Cassie free. As they find Melissa she's hit with an arrow to the chest. Cassie helps to heal her a little but Annabelle needs to fully heal her.
They gather the seventeen children & decide to leave the orphanage. Luther tells Cassie there's a connection between her & the 4 year old boy, Gabriel. Luther believes they're related, cousins.
As they're about to leave Cassie has a vision...the Elders have come back.
Cassie tells the children to hide in the basement & Luther to go with them & be their Guardian now.
Cassie, Devon, Julian, Chris, Melissa, Dani, Joey, Liam & Annabelle face the fight of their life against the Elders Zane, Robert, Elspet, Octavia, Bernard & the many newborn vampires they created.
They defeat the Elders & new vampires with Cassie's new abilities/powers. Then the Elder Matthew shows up & tells her "A force of good. It was all I aspired to see in the end" before he walks into the sun & dies.
The group buys a farmhouse & surrounding acres in Canada where they all live with the seventeen children as one big happy family. I really loved the series & especially my happily ever after!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2017
Gah! I can't believe the suspense throughout this series.
I instantly became a fan of Erica Stevens because or her ability to keep you on your toes through the suspense.
So sad to see this series end... :( However, it will be an instant favorite, like all other of her books. Can't wait to see what comes out next!
I instantly became a fan of Erica Stevens because or her ability to keep you on your toes through the suspense.
So sad to see this series end... :( However, it will be an instant favorite, like all other of her books. Can't wait to see what comes out next!
Want to read
August 31, 2013I hope cassie is somehow still alive!!
Ok she is!
In currently reading this book and unfortunately it's not as captivating as others. I'm having to force myself to read it :/
Ok she is!
In currently reading this book and unfortunately it's not as captivating as others. I'm having to force myself to read it :/
September 10, 2013
Sadly, Phoenix Rising is the last book in The Kindred Series. I read the last 20 pages so slowly because I truly did not want it to end. This book was packed with lots of action (on the edge of your seat, biting your nails kind) and love and some heartache. I felt that we really got to know the characters more deeply in this book than the previous 4. The author did an astounding job wrapping up the series. I hope to see a spin off from the series regarding the journey being undertaken at the end of the book. I would definitely recommend this series be put on your TBR list.
August 20, 2013
I was blessed enough to get an early copy of this book. It is a must read. Erica has masterfully concluded a moving love story. If you read the first four books in this series you won't be disappointed by her ending. I don't want to give it away here, but love does conquer all. READ THIS BOOK!
November 13, 2013
4 1/2 stars!!!
September 8, 2013
Loved it❤ Really hoping for a Julian story to come next!!!! Maybe with Melissa
January 27, 2019
Just amazing. Way into a state of hyper-book hypnosis! My dream condition... reading and forget I'm reading!!! Awesome. Love it. Love these personalities and since I didn't stop until I finished the series I'll say the entire series is embracing and full realistic twists and turns that propel you forward! I can't say enough about the flow. Seem less but tugging by end of each book. Well done! Well written! Well read!
April 3, 2019
This was a great ending to this series. Everything was wrapped up nicely and all of the issues were resolved. I feel like it was to good of a happily ever after but that's okay I suppose.
The thing about this series is the repetition, which I noticed the most in this novel. The author would get stuck on one phrase and use it 10 times to really emphasize her point instead of moving on. It got to be a lot by the end of the 5 books.
I'm glad I got a chance to read this series!
The thing about this series is the repetition, which I noticed the most in this novel. The author would get stuck on one phrase and use it 10 times to really emphasize her point instead of moving on. It got to be a lot by the end of the 5 books.
I'm glad I got a chance to read this series!
January 19, 2023
Loved this series
I love this series....love Erica Stevens books I loved the dynamic between them all but my favorite character is Jillian even when he was bad I still loved him but as the story moves on you can't help but love him more. I loved Cassie,Devon and Gabriel it was beautiful that they got to have a family that completes them....would love to have a book about there lives down the road with all of them in it.
I love this series....love Erica Stevens books I loved the dynamic between them all but my favorite character is Jillian even when he was bad I still loved him but as the story moves on you can't help but love him more. I loved Cassie,Devon and Gabriel it was beautiful that they got to have a family that completes them....would love to have a book about there lives down the road with all of them in it.
January 10, 2025
This series is very similar to Jennifer Armentrout's Origin series. Though the writing is much better in the "Origin" series this series is more appropriate. I couldn't force myself to finish the first book so I just leafed through the ends and beginnings. It seems like it got better throughout but now I know the plot.
July 3, 2019
Phenomenal
I can not stress enough how much I love this series. This book kept me on the edge not knowing what was coming, who might die, how things would end. I'm so glad how it ended.
I can not stress enough how much I love this series. This book kept me on the edge not knowing what was coming, who might die, how things would end. I'm so glad how it ended.
September 1, 2024
Final battle with happy ending
Great wrap up to the series. The path to happiness was not easy and did cost them but their journey taught them a lot about love and family! Enjoy this series!
Great wrap up to the series. The path to happiness was not easy and did cost them but their journey taught them a lot about love and family! Enjoy this series!
July 24, 2017
Awesome!.. Loved the way those story ended.
March 14, 2018
Really enjoyed this series. I actually read Julian's story first...I kind of wish I had read them in order, but still. It was interesting seeing how he grew. I may re-read his books now.
September 19, 2018
Good
Was good intriguing but not so good I couldn’t stop reading it was ok though I would go on to read another one
Was good intriguing but not so good I couldn’t stop reading it was ok though I would go on to read another one
February 18, 2020
Absolutely loved this series. Cassie is amazing!
Read
June 30, 2021Thrilling
I loved the whole series, the characters are brilliant. The story itself is filled with excitement that kept me captivated with every page. Highly recommend this series💜💕
I loved the whole series, the characters are brilliant. The story itself is filled with excitement that kept me captivated with every page. Highly recommend this series💜💕
September 6, 2021
Amazing
It was a wonderful series. Would definitely like to see more spin off series of this book. The characters and storyline are too knotch
It was a wonderful series. Would definitely like to see more spin off series of this book. The characters and storyline are too knotch
March 11, 2017
This book was a roller coaster of emotions. From the moment Cassie opens her eyes, to the children, to the fight with the elders, to the flames, this book had me spellbound. I was absolutely riveted and at the edge of my seat to see what would happen next. The alliances have shifted and onetime enemies are now allies and friends. I definitely recommend this entire series - each book is even better than the one before. I just loved it!
January 16, 2014
This was a very satisfying end to the series. I felt this series got better as it progressed. The first book was too much in the main character's head for me. It was slower paced until about half way into it. From that point on, the series took off. I read constantly, book to book, until I reached the end. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Julian was my favorite from the series, with Chris a close second.
For me, the series was about love, forgiveness, friendship, and acceptance. I love how the characters stood by each other, no matter what. I felt the epilogue wrapped everything up nicely. I really enjoyed this series.
For me, the series was about love, forgiveness, friendship, and acceptance. I love how the characters stood by each other, no matter what. I felt the epilogue wrapped everything up nicely. I really enjoyed this series.
January 16, 2014
This was a very satisfying end to the series. I felt this series got better as it progressed. The first book was too much in the main character's head for me. It was slower paced until about half way into it. From that point on, the series took off. I read constantly, book to book, until I reached the end. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Julian was my favorite from the series, with Chris a close second.
For me, the series was about love, forgiveness, friendship, and acceptance. I love how the characters stood by each other, no matter what. I felt the epilogue wrapped everything up nicely. I really enjoyed this series.
For me, the series was about love, forgiveness, friendship, and acceptance. I love how the characters stood by each other, no matter what. I felt the epilogue wrapped everything up nicely. I really enjoyed this series.
September 1, 2013
“Phoenix Rising” was absolutely amazing and a great way to ending the series. Cassie’s death brought Devon to his breaking point and if they can’t figure out a way to stop him all of them will die. Julian is determined to find a way to save Cassie as she is the only one that will be able to stop Devon. Julian’s decision to bring Cassie back comes at a risk, a risk that no one will be able to control or stop Cassie if she becomes the thing they fear the most; Devon might not be able to stop her. Cassie is brought back and she has so much power everyone is scared of her ability to control herself. The gang needs to find the children before the elders can get to them and in search of the kids Cassie finds someone she never knew existed. He appeared to her in her dreams and when she finally meets him he’s determined to stay at her side. Her life and the life of those she love are threatened by the Elders which cause her to lose control and Devon has to bring her back before it’s too late and she destroys not only her enemies but those she love. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good paranormal romance; this series is definitely worth reading.
September 4, 2013
Yes, Cassie died and has come back from the dead as a vampire, a whole new type of creature. She has powers like no one could even fathom. And she is out for revenge. The Elders who have been such a thorn in her side for so long, making life hell for her, are in her cross hairs. With the truly amazing power that she wields, Cassie must be careful to not lose herself within it. It would be too easy to get swallowed up in all of that power and just burn down the world, destroying everything including her self and her friends, and Devon. It will be up to them to try to keep her in check and try to help teach her how to control her powers. Keeping everyone safe will prove to be a real challenge. Keeping them safe from Cassie will be even harder. Should they just accept her as she is now? Can Devon accept that she could become a monster? Would they be able to stop her if she went too far?
I've read the last book and have to say it is pretty awesome! The ending is very satisfying. So much action! And don't forget the love story. Cassie and Devon's relationship takes a new turn with this new revelation.
I've read the last book and have to say it is pretty awesome! The ending is very satisfying. So much action! And don't forget the love story. Cassie and Devon's relationship takes a new turn with this new revelation.
February 26, 2016
All of these books rank the same star level (4 stars). I found the concept of each book awesome. Too me, it was unique and an excellent idea. There were a few points I didn’t like about each book, but that was to be expected. Overall, each book built upon the one before it, creating a world with vampires and hunters that I didn’t want to see come to an end. I can only hope that Erica Stevens’ other books are as good as these were – and maybe we even visit the same worlds with new characters. I plan on trying one of her other series in the near future to see if maybe my wish for more of this particular world is ful-filled.
May 5, 2016
Perfect ending
I am sorry to see this series end, each book progressed with the just right of advancement. Getting more details about the suit story and the characters. I learned to love each and every character, if course some more than the other, but they were all believable. I am so glad there is a spin-off series with Julian. I hope there will be more, with the other main characters and maybe one with the children grown up, especially barnacle. I hope they include more about Devon and Cassie too.
I am sorry to see this series end, each book progressed with the just right of advancement. Getting more details about the suit story and the characters. I learned to love each and every character, if course some more than the other, but they were all believable. I am so glad there is a spin-off series with Julian. I hope there will be more, with the other main characters and maybe one with the children grown up, especially barnacle. I hope they include more about Devon and Cassie too.
June 14, 2016
Loved this book / series
This is the 5th and final book in the kindred series, but it does not disappoint. The whole series has been great to read and captivated me from the start, making you care and understand every character with their unique personalities and background stories. The Phoenix rising just brings it all to a close beautifully, with so much action and plot twists. I read this book in a day, unable to put it down. All in all great book, exceptionally good series, a must read for anyone that enjoys a good vampire love story. X
This is the 5th and final book in the kindred series, but it does not disappoint. The whole series has been great to read and captivated me from the start, making you care and understand every character with their unique personalities and background stories. The Phoenix rising just brings it all to a close beautifully, with so much action and plot twists. I read this book in a day, unable to put it down. All in all great book, exceptionally good series, a must read for anyone that enjoys a good vampire love story. X
September 16, 2013
A Great End to the Series
This is the conclusion to the series. I won't give anything away with the characters, but I thought it ended almost perfectly. The only thing I would have added was for Julian to find his mate; he was my favorite character throughout the series. Otherwise, a great end to a great series. Can't wait to read more from Erica Stevens.
This is the conclusion to the series. I won't give anything away with the characters, but I thought it ended almost perfectly. The only thing I would have added was for Julian to find his mate; he was my favorite character throughout the series. Otherwise, a great end to a great series. Can't wait to read more from Erica Stevens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews