Following the Phoenix

Letzenstein Chronicles #2

by Meriol Trevor

In 1848 as the February Revolution erupts in Paris, Rafael le Marre finds himself responsible for leading three companions on a dangerous journey from Paris to Letzenstein.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure

208 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

About the author

The prolific Meriol Trevor, BA, FRSL was a writer of novels, biographies, and children's books. A convert to Roman Catholicism, Trevor wrote a two-volume biography of John Henry Newman (The Pillar of the Cloud and Light in Winter) which won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1962.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so envious of Raf. His life is hardly one of luxury, but it is definitely a good one. This was an amazing book, just as the first was. It retains a plot revolving around revolutions and political conflicts, lost loves and orphans, and still retains that child-like simplicity that is so underrated.

[Elevetha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as good as the first one but still very good and wholly under read. Recommended for all.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to read the further adventures of the characters from the first book.

[John Doe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first book in this series as a kid, particularly its introduction of many charming characters set in the tiny country of archdukes and hopeful revolutionaries. While still a fun book, Following the Phoenix lacks the same intrigue. While we get a few new characters, they are almost wholly one-dimensional and lacking in subtlety of personality. Contrasting Paul with Catherine, or Edward with Christie, the lack of character depth the sequel is noticeable. However, my greatest disappointment is that much of the book is a reiteration of what we learned in the first one. We mainly hear about the events of the first book, but this time after the fact through the eyes of Paul. Even some of the wording and descriptions are almost identical to what Catherine experienced. We don’t learn anything new about Letzenstein or it’s people. In short, while a fun romp through a memorable setting, the second book in the Letzenstein chronicles falls short of the lofty goal set by the first installment.

[Mikie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! There's so much exitment!