Phoenix

Phoenix Elite #1

by Melissa Starr

The Phoenix Elite~ They'll leave you breathless...literally.
Elora Rae Gannon believes her life is over. On her sixteenth birthday she receives news that she is a mythical monster of hellish proportions and if that's not bad enough, she receives this information in the form of a letter from her dead mother who also informs her that she must become part of an elite secret society of others like herself or die. Sucky birthday, huh? And just when she thinks she's got it all figured out, her new-found family in the Elite forces her to break ties with her human BFF shortly before her BFF just up and vanishes. With her world in utter upheaval, Elora makes the move to a new school- Marlind Prep, with full intentions of finding out exactly what is going on behind the scenes and why her best friend has vanished- all while trying to figure out how to successfully make out with her boyfriend without sucking the very life out of him!

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

189 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2012

About the author

Melissa Starr is author of Phoenix (Phoenix Elite #1) & Ruhk's Rising (Phoenix Elite #2) and final installment in the Phoenix Elite series, Angel I Am Not and newly released, Oh Be Careful Little Mouth What You Speak.
Starr is also working on a hot new project (and shush...if she told you she'd have to kill you) in the young adult/paranormal/romance genre.
Starr is a small town, country gal from deep in southern Oklahoma. Born in Altus and raised in Frederick, it only seemed right to put down roots there with her own family; a husband, two sons and two daughters. She resides and writes from her home where she frequently lets her inner child come out and play (if she behaves that is)long enough to spin colorful words into novels. Claims the # 13 as her unlucky lucky number and has a serious phobia of scorpions, and ironically- she is a Scorpio.

Melissa is also a freelance photographer who enjoys camping and riding ATV’s when the weather permits and snapping a million and one pictures of her family and friends against much protest. *Smiles*

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Where do I start? I loved this book.

It starts with the history of the Phoenix. That part was not my favorite, because there were so many names and I thought I'm never going to be able to keep them straight. I realized later why that part was necessary.

Then the story of Elora starts. I loved her, Chloe and Ezra. Someone said in a review that this had a House of Night feel to it. I didn't realize it when I was reading it, but it does. Not that it is a copy of that....far from it. It was a great story. The author did an awesome job. I'm in awe!

I had a hard time putting this book down. It was so good and my head is still wrapped up in the book. I have already added the next book to my wish list, because I really want to know what happens next. I highly recommend this book.

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review later!

First thoughts:

Ok I am definitely interested and keep wanting to read more and more. I like the fact that it gets right down to business. But the elite could´ve been a bit more easy going, for my taste instead of the whole "we´re the greatest and most mysterious and powerful secret society there is" act. The thing they must to do stay alive, that makes this especially intriguing.

[Avid Reader Amy's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoenix is the House of Night series meets the movie Skulls with a Egyptian Mythology to round it out as a pretty awesome book. The author Ms. Starr takes you on a fantasy/mystery with the characters to discover what will happen. You find yourself wondering at times if being on the bad side is as bad as Elora and others make it sound. She does awesome job in writing a clean story that still appeals to older YA and Adults alike. Her writing is easy to follow yet complex in it's own way. The story mainly follows Elora, a young girl who just turned 16 and is being raised by her widowed father. She belives her life to be perfect as it is even if it seems mundane. She has everything she wants, her BFF Chloe and her somewhat cool dad sam. As Elora points out 16 seems to be a special age because that is when everything seems to happen. For her this fact is also true. Her life changes the moment she reads a letter her now deceased mother left her. In it it states that she is speacial, she is a Phoenix Elite, like her mother was. This is a special group of individuals who seem to be the best looking and always have jobs or positions of higher power. Elora sees this as the worst news possible. She has always hated the Phoenixes, and she wants nothing to do with them. Her Best Friend now slowly separates herself from Elora. Part of it I believe is jealousy but another part I believe is that Chloe feels that maybe she won't fit into her new life. Compared to Elora and the other Phoenixes, Chloe feels she is a Plain Jane. The only plus to this change is that Elora has a new boyfriend, hottie and fellow Phoenix Ezra. As her world seems to crumble around her, she finds herself getting closer to Ezra. Things are put on hold when Chloe decides to poke around in the Phoenix business and finds herself missing.
The police think that she has just ran away, Elora suspects foul play and believes that the Phoenixes have a hand in it. When she finds a envelope that Chloe left for her and the contents are a dagger, some hair and some notes, she doesn't know what to make of it. Once she reads the notes she realizes that the Phoenixes have lots of secrets and will do anything to protect them. Eventually the case come up cold and Elora struggles to move on, until at the very end she spots something near the bushes and she realizes that it hasn't ended, Chloe was just the beginning. In this book the author uses different POV's to tell the story. So we get an opportunity to see more than just Elora's POV. This action helps us to learn about Chloe.. She has a story to tell. But I can't tell it because It'll give too much away and you'll need to read the book. :) Ezra is a good character but I think that he is kinda wimpy though. I am all for a sensitive guy but I like one that is a little more alpha and I think that Elora needs that. She seems like the type to create wild schemes and she needs someone to tell her no. I think Ezra can be that person if he was a tad bit tougher. I like Elora because she may do things without really thinking them through (the reason why she needs Ezra to tell her know) but she is not a whinny lead character. She is a strong character, who yes cries a time or two but otherwise is pretty much taking charge. The group Phoenix Elite seems to be bad but oh so tempting to be a part of. They are everything that you want to be and more but it all comes with a price, a very high price. Most seem to be okay to pay it but Elora is not. She may be a Phoenix but she has morals and that is a contradiction according to them. My overall thoughts are that I enjoyed this book and I can not wait until the next one comes out. I think that this is going to be a great series. I recommend this one for 13 years+.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great! I love the plot and how the author mixes in some Egyptian mythology into it! I love
anything that has Greek or Egyptian things in it!

The plot is tells how a Elora learns about the Phoenixes and how her mother was one and therefore, she's one too. But Elora's mother died when she was born so she never had anybody to tell her about her life and her dad doesn't know much about it either. She gets an advisor named Ezra who later on becomes her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Elora's best friend Chloe tries to dig up about the Phoenixes' secrets and gets threatened and hurt in the process. Chloe doesn't care though and still tries to find out more which ultimately gets her kidnapped and almost killed.

I really love the main character, Elora. She's really nice and caring and loyal to her friends too. Even when the Phoenix Elite told her that she had to cut ties with her human friends. She still tried to meet up with her best friend Chloe. And while we're talking about Chloe, let's just say I'm not really liking her. She had been warned more than once to stop what she was doing, but nooo. She didn't listen. And now it's her fault that she's where she is now. It's not really much of a bad place though, since her 'guard' is cute. Another character that I liked was Wynter. I really thought that she would be a good friend of Elora's to help her and teach her about the Phoenix Elite. But she didn't really have a good ending.

This book really made me want to kinda be a Phoenix. I mean, they're basically taken care of their whole life. They have more money than they can spend and they get a nice car too. But there are some bad aspects in being a Phoenix though. You have to kill people. Well, not really kill but suck their life out so you can live another year. I wouldn't want to do that.

Overall, this book is a great read if you feel like reading a little romance and some paranormal fantasy. 4 Stars!

This review is also on my blog:
http://simple-books.blogspot.com

[Rebecca Graf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melissa Starr begins her series of unique people with the book Phoenix. The story line of this book is very good. It starts with a young girl's 16th birthday where she finds out she is a phoenix. This was a little odd as to how it was explained. It seems that phoenixes are not secret people in the sense that no one knows they exist. In fact, they publicly are a club and meet regularly. The secrecy comes in what happens when they are together and the extent of their powers and abilities. That information is so secret that they will kill to protect it. In fact, best friends are targets. It's all so confusing to a young teen coming into own with more than the average teen problems.

Ms. Starr did an excellent job in creating an interesting story and various plots within the book. At times, I felt there was not enough explanation. Maybe it was because I found it strange that phoenixes did not hide themselves completely and were to a degree just accepted. I'm one that asks a lot of questions as I read and like to see them answered. I don't always get my way, of course. Also, there is a very strong sexual undertone to the story between the teens. You need to be aware of that if a younger teen is interested in or even a tween. This is more designed for older teens and young adults.

It is the first in a series. That's good because a lot was not explained fully in the first book. Obviously, it will come later.

Plots and storyline are the strong points of this book that will keep you reading.

Like paranormal young adult books? Check this author out and see if you have a new series to follow.

Note: This book was provided as part of a virtual book tour with no expectations of a positive review.

[Sky Rose Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Phoenix
Author: Melissa Starr
Rating: 3.5

Despite my love for greek mythology, it is written about so much it becomes rather tedious but Starr infused modernity with Egyptian mythology which I found refreshing and enjoyable. This book is a lot like The House of Night series without the seriously annoyingness of zoe.

On her 16th birthday Elora finds out that like her deceased mother she is a Phoenix. The phonenixes are rich, hot and get the best damn lives ever except they have to suck life out of someone every in order to extend their lives one more year [ lovely, I know.]

Elora is actually a really cool protagonist, she is independent and extremely loyal even if i hate the fact that she is that loyal to her best friend Chloe. To top things of their is a hot romance between her and a fellow phoenix, Ezra.

The one thing I did not like about this book is Chloe because she is the most annoying character ever. Despite being warned to stay away from the Phoenix business, she does not and goes missing. Sigh.

The verdict

To be honest this book couldn't not be more awesome, it makes you wonder why it is not more known

Overall

I give this book 3.5 out 5 and present a special interview with author Melissa Starr.

To see an interview with Melissa Starr my link text

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like the House of Night books, you'll LOVE Phoenix! It's got a similar feel to it but is better written in my opinion. Unlike the House of Night books, the main character here, Elora, doesn't irritate the heck outta me!

Elora turns 16 and finds out she's actually a Phoenix and is initiated into the Phoenix Elite. Everyone knows who the Phoenixes are, they're the most popular, beautiful and successful people around! There are perks to being a Phoenix - the best one being the attention of hottie Ezra. But things begin to look bleak when Elora's BFF Chloe goes missing and right around the same time, the Phoenix Elite open their own private school for all of the Phoenix kids living in Oklahoma, forcing Elora away from her old school and dad, and she has no idea what's happened to Chloe!!!

This is a very fun read, I love Chloe the best. She's just spunky! Ezra is pretty dreamy, too. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait until book 2, "Ruhk's Rising" is released!!!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Melissa's intertwined Egyptian mythology with modern day life. It was a real pleasure to get to know Elora and her guardian Ezra.
Elora's a very down-to-earth type of gal, and I could easily picture myself in her shoes, her thoughts were similar to mine, as well as her emotions.

Chloe was an interesting character. One who doesn't take no for an answer, and doesn't get going when the going gets tough. She's loyal and caring to a fault, and it's cost her. Dearly. I do believe she's my favourite character.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mythology, and down-to-earth characters.

Thanks for the great read, Melissa.

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book up during a promotional sale and yeah I'm glad I didn't pay full price for it. This review will have some minor spoilers so you've been warned.

To start the story pacing is entirely too fast right from the very beginning and it oddly jumps from days to months and is rather confusing trying to keep track of how much time has passed. The fast pace of the book is really unnecessary as there is so much information that just isn't explored at all. Our main character Elora comes to find out she is a Phoenix on her 16th birthday but other then a letter from her dead mother and a very quick oath she must take there is absolutely nothing added to that.at.all!! She doesn't even seem to freak out in the least that she is growing wings and has a hole hollowing itself in her back. Ya know cause that's just all part of growing up?? Not to mention if I suddenly started growing wings I'd be zooming all over the neighborhood pretending I'm superman or something not just totally ignoring them all together.

Lets not skip past the part the really annoying me in that these 'phoenixes' are nothing more then vampires with wings and the author herself uses the term vampires to describe them more than once. Sorry but if you're going to write about vampires, just write about vampires and not try to pass it off as something else. The writing in this book is just not very good and there are a number of grammar and spelling errors through out which honestly just pulled me right out of the story. The tone of the book isn't very consistent and the way Elora describes herself is just very odd and out of character for a teen girl. For example there are a few instances of her describing her breasts and how large they are as if she suddenly became a 15 year old horny boy. It was just odd.

Over all that's how I would just describe this book, just odd. The writing isn't the greatest and the book moves very fast but at the same time nothing happens. There is no climax to this book at all. The entire thing is just setting up for a second and unfortunately when you write a book like that it has to be entertaining enough for the reader to want to read a second and that didn't happen here. I can't recommend this book or series, there are much better ones out there.

[Michelle Cornwell-Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix follows the story of highschool student Elora and her friends. On Elora’s 16th birthday she receives a letter from her mother who had died years before, but had left the letter for Elora. The letter explained that Elora was different, that she was part of the elusive group the Phoenix. Those that belong to the group tended to be extremely beautiful, and privileged. Elora initially did not want anything to do with the group, and this was seconded by her friend Chloe’s dire warnings. Chloe had been researching the Phoenix Elite for three years and warned Elora that they were dangerous. But Elora had no choice and she was pressured into taking the Oath to become part of the group, it was either take the Oath or die. Elora after joining the Elite group, was soon given all the background info regarding her now pseudo family, and basically parts caused her great horror. She was told that she was more than human, that her heritage stemmed back to Egypt and was similar to the Phoenix in mythology; and in being so, each year, the members of the Phoenix had to take a life in order to live another year! That was the worst of being apart of the elusive group, the best so far was her new boyfriend who was also a Phoenix, Ezra…soon Chole, Elora’s best friend disappears and even though she is in danger herself, Elora will stop at nothing to find her.

Phoenix was a fresh, unique tale, original with the intriguing storyline. I enjoyed discovering the secrets of the Phoenix, and I was just as horrified in learning the darkest secret, the need for taking a life! I was caught up in the adventure of the story,and remained tense throughout the search for Chloe! Each character had a quality that stood out, making them all an intricate part of the storyline…The story was well written, flowed and I look forward to the next in this series!

[Ben Shee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like I read this book in 2004 or thereabouts, when I was in high school. I remember a book called Phoenix something, which had an author whose name started with S, and there was a girl on the cover which made my mother question my book choice until I told her it wasn't that kind of book - but this book was published in 2012 - so it can't have been this book.... it is all very confusing.

I mean, do you know how many books there are with the word "Phoenix" in the title? It's ridiculous.

[Alysa H. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I appreciate the author's effort of trying to tie Egyptian mythology into modern day prep school YA fiction, but this is just so poorly written that I wouldn't know where to begin describing it. I normally would not get beyond a sample of a book this poorly written, but since I had actually purchased it after reading only the promising intro section with the Egyptian stuff, I gave it a fair shake. Unfortunately I was unable to get very far.

[Julie Baswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes you on an inside look to what it means to become one of the elite. For everything you gain, you have to sacrifice something. The main character is caught between being one of the elite and losing her lifelong friend, and she has no say in the matter.

There were a couple of things that bothered me, though. Like how she and her adviser become so close so fast. Or just how naive she was at times.

It was a very enjoyable read, and I can't wait to continue the story.

[Jewlia Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good but ended too abruptly. Good easy read. Several typos, grammar issues, and wrong word choices or missing words making sentences slightly confusing but not so much that it is difficult to understand what the author was trying to say.