Baptism by Fire

Phoenix Chronicles #2

by Candice Snow

Currently Unavailable

Genres: Dystopia

Paperback

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow brings the reader back into the vivid world Florence Nightingale lives in and immerses the reader in Flo's poignant memories of the world before the war. After reading the first book, The Birth of a Phoenix, I had certain expectations of the sequel and Snow has exceeded each and every one of them. Laden throughout this novel are familiar characters and new characters that quickly become staples in Flo's life. As you submerge into this sequel you will find that it is every bit as gripping as the first book in this series. I can only eagerly await to read the next book in this series to see where Flo and Ty go next!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candice Snow has the gift of realism. Though the Phoenix Chronicles deal with dark themes such as dystopian societies and death, the book is not bleak. The characters, both old and new, bring humanity and humor to the story. Let's just say that a certain boy band in the novel had me literally laughing out loud. I hope you enjoy!

[Deborah Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journey continues for Florence and the other characters we have grown to care about in Ms. Snow's first novel, "Birth of a Phoenix." Thankfully Florence gets to have some normality as she is free to express her feelings for Tyrese, attend public school, and live without the extreme fear and danger in the first novel. Yet new challenges await her as she finds out a painful secret about her past and deals with the changes in family and friends that are part of moving on. I was happy that Florence finally learned the significance of her name. SPOILER ALERT: I loved experiencing Florence and Typrese's wedding and honeymoon with them. The author used an effective blend of tenderness and hilarity! There is so much I could say but the reader should experience this book for themselves. I second the early reviewer. The boy's band was laugh out loud! Anxious for the third in the triology. Very promising young author.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great sequel to an amazing series!

The tone is very different in this one, but I loved it just the same. This book takes a break from the blood and gore and focuses more on the psychological trauma that each character must deal with after being freed from the Colony. That's not to say that there isn't plot twists and madness (there is)!

The end leaves you at such a jaw grinding cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the third in the series!

[Jill Swanson-Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baptism by Fire brings readers a much different feel than the first in the series. The fiery edge of Snow's dystopian society has been replaced with hope and a time of much needed rest for her characters. That's not to say its all smooth sailing across the border. Florence is back and her will is tested in new ways. But despite the bumps in the road she adds to her ever growing family and finally gains the freedom to love Ty how she has always dreamed. I am typically hesitant when it comes to the second book in a series. They are often lacking in certain areas. Not in this case! Snow has done a beautiful job at giving readers everything they wanted for her characters. After everything they've been through she has allowed them to build the lives I pictured them having while reading Birth of a Phoenix. This book is also a great segue into the next installment, which I suspect will kick this series right back into fiery gear. Can't wait to see where Flo's life goes!
** I'd also like to comment from an editor's perspective, which is something I don't usually do! Snow's books are very well done. I caught minimal mistakes which is rare for indie novels. So, kudos! **

[Jessica Surgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received this book for free from the author via a Goodreads giveaway*
I really enjoyed the first book, Birth of a Phoenix, but I have to say I was slightly disappointed in this second installment. My biggest gripe is that this book is all over the place. Maybe that won't bother others like it did me, but I feel like I have whiplash after reading this. Florence and her friends have escaped the colony at the end of book 1, and now they are bouncing all over the place. I think that's part of what rubbed me the wrong way too- the whole first book takes place in 1 setting (with the exception of flash backs) while this one was just the opposite. It felt like the 2 didn't go together well.
I also wasn't a big fan of Florence in this. I realize she has been traumatized, but I wasn't a huge fan of her in the first one so I guess I just didn't have much patience with her when she went crazy lol. The plot definitely gets crazier and crazier as the story progresses and I am still interested to see how this will end.