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Blood Coven #5

The Phoenix

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Indigo
… isn’t just any witch. She’s the reader of the River Am, incomparable finder of lost objects, witch extraordinaire, sister of Alarik, aunt of Rein, daughter of Tor and Adriana, madwoman, and quirky bitch.

Roark
… is an enigma. He’s a raven shifter, a traitor, and a trespasser.

But
… from the moment Indigo sees Roark bathing in her river, she is mesmerized. Secrets, though, can be world-changing.

497 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2023

1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read

About the author

T.M. Smith

18 books45 followers
After retiring from my career in education, I settled in to write something more creative than lesson plans on split infinitives and inner-school memos on noise in the hallway.

My first novel was the romantic mystery comedy romp Affection for Crime. I am now living with vampires, demons, ylves, mages, and other magical beings who keep me awake at night with their tales of love and adventure. Taking great interest in their lives, I began a paranormal romance series (or maybe what is now called romantasy) with alpha males who aren't always nice and females who have no problem keeping them in line. The Firebrand is the first book in the completed Blood Coven Series. The new series is the Blood Coven World.

Here are more orts, scraps, and fragments from my life. (Thank you, Virginia Wolf and Shakespeare.) I moved from sunny Las Vegas to the less-than-sunny Pacific Northwest. Here I have adventures with my daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters who also moved to the area. I also enjoy my membership at Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN), a local organization that supports the arts and offers classes and events in eleven different studios. It was at BARN where my critique group began. With equal time given to in-depth comments on each other's works, snarky remarks, and laughter, we have now been together over five years.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Esther T.
182 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2023
The Phoenix is Book 5 in The Blood Coven Series and I believe the final book in her series. If so, hopefully they’ll be a spinoff. Roark is a raven shifter and Arisen Dawn soldier. He’s got soo much secrets and once it’s revealed you’ll be shocked as I was. Indigo or Indy is witch extraordinaire, she has many talents and holds many titles. I love the dynamic between these two from the moment Roark rises out of the River Am Indy has been smitten. I especially love when a hero fights his feeling and the bigger they are the harder they fall.

In typical T.M. fashion there’s other characters who end up together like Harley who an attorney and Brak a carnal demon. Nace a jaguar shifter and Celene adrenaline chaser. Miller Nash ex-British op and Galena Amazon Firebrand.

There’s a lot of surprises, shocking discoveries, a magic battle, tons of steam, laugh out loud moments, spoiled immortals, angry moments, more battles and everything else.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for  Patricia Kieffer.
855 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2023
The Phoenix by T.M. Smith

Indigo is a powerful witch who is at the river to see what it will tell her. She encounters a male in her river. It is Roark a raven shifter who has a muscular build. Indigo can not help but stare at his body.

The most powerful mages years ago separated the created three different realms, earth was for humans, Scath was for Aeternals, and Darqua was for wildings. Now someone is trying to put the realms back together with the Blood Coven. The firebrands are trying to stop them.

This is the fifth book in this series and it is just as good as all the others. It is an amazing story with so much going on. I love this story and highly recommend the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
281 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2023
Loved the action, drama, and chemistry of this book! It had me wanting more at the end of every chapter. Hard to put down!!

I received an arc and voluntarily leave a honest review
4,508 reviews21 followers
November 8, 2023
Finally get to know more about the kooky Indigo and as expected it was a blast to read. Made me laugh and groan and both Roark and Indigo were a riot together. Lots of trouble, surprises and twists to make the story fun and entertaining to read. Loved it. Plus all the supporting characters add to the fun.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,311 reviews207 followers
November 1, 2023
4.5stars-THE PHOENIX is the fifth (and final?) instalment in TM Smith’s adult THE BLOOD COVEN erotic, paranormal/fantasy series. This is Warrior Roark, and witch Indigo’s story line. THE PHOENIX can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years earlier, a powerful group of witches and warlocks, in an effort to protect the human race, divided the world creating three realms: Earth, Scath and Darque. The Blood Coven series focuses on the fight to keep the worlds physically separated in the face of some powerful people hoping to control one or all. The Aeternals are the overarching collection of breeds and supernatural species that inhabit the Scath and Darque realms, and the Alliance are the group of humans that monitor all supernatural activity on Earth.

Told from numerous third person perspective, following several paths, numerous relationships, memories from the past, and a recitation of an ancient journal THE PHOENIX is the culmination of the previous four instalments wherein the Firebrand Warriors are facing a war of which they may not win. Indigo is a powerful witch; the reader of the River Am; the finder of objects and the woman with whom Roark will fall in love but something about Roark sets Indigo on edge, and the world will come to know Roark as someone else. A journey together, searching for a sword known as the Blood Kiss, forces Roark and Indigo to re-evaluate their future, whether together or alone. As both Arisen Dawn and the Firebrand Warriors continue their search for the descendants of the original Blood Coven witches, the build up of power within Arisen Dawn is centered directly on the Blood Coven descendants.

The relationship between Roark and Indigo may or may not begin as an accidental meeting. Indigo is not impressed with Roark’s behavior and attitude, and less impressed when she discovers a perceived betrayal by the man with whom she will fall in love. Working together reveals and unravels hundreds if not thousands of years of secrets and lies, and it is the secrets that may threaten the future for our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate.

Once again, the well-developed world building is complicated, stratified, exhaustive and intricate: Three worlds, numerous species and hybrids of supernatural powers and identities; various allegiances and teams; struggles within and amongst, deadly battles and the ultimate war. Many will die; injuries vast and continuous; love is the ultimate betrayer of happily ever after. The author includes a glossary of terms and places, and a list of characters and their supernatural powers/ positions and abilities.

The colorful, powerful and energetic cast of secondary and supporting characters is a hierarchy of political machinations, supernatural entities, powerful magic and a need to control. We are witness to the ongoing, and newly developing relationships between the Firebrand Warriors and their Blood Coven mates, and herein lies the ultimate betrayal when the descendants are used and abused by Arisen Dawn.

THE PHOENIX is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, madness and obsession, angels and demons, betrayal and vengeance, forgiveness and love. The action packed premise is comprehensive, meticulous, thorough, and elaborate; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are charismatic, dynamic and determined.

copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Reader_for_LifeTLG.
2,788 reviews17 followers
November 26, 2023
Roark and Indigo - Action-packed, steamy AF and just plain good! Roark and Indigo strike sparks off each other immediately, even as they are in a fight for the fate of the world. He's too bold by half on their first meeting, handling the unknown witch as he would a lover. For her part, she likes the look of the kinda-shifter, and chooses to not smite him. A treasure hunt for a powerful blade gives them the proximity needed to kindle the flames of their desire.

The Aeternals and Homo Sapiens' war is long, bloody and vicious. Cerberus is determined to rule the world, fueled by the terror meted out by his long-dead tyrannical mother. Apparently being one of the most powerful beings in existence isn't enough. World domination to feed off the weakling humans is his goal, and he is not above sacrificing his own to achieve it. I empathized with Dolph even as I reviled him. A little boy lost who grew up to be a monster. Oh well. Monsters are meant to be vanquished and none deserve it more than he.

A great story from beginning to end, unpredictable and captivating to the last. Battles are won, love is claimed and losses are mourned. A fitting end to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Roxie's Reviews.
1,161 reviews23 followers
June 15, 2024
"An Amazing Paranormal Action packed Romance series"
You will love each unique storyline. The unique, and awesome character will win your heart.
Indigo is a spunky and sweet young witch seer. She gets visions of the past, present, and future. From the river AM in the realm of Scath. Scath is the home of the supernaturals. Ages ago a group of witches and wizards broke earth into three realms. Earth for humans, Scath for decent supernaturals, and Darque for violent supernaturals. Now centuries later an evil wizard wants to reunite the realms. So he can rule the world.
Firebands are a group of supernaturals. Formed to protect humans and decent supernaturals alike. Now they are fighting their most cunning enemy.
In this book Indigo meets a sexy falcon shifter at the river AM. He works for the enemy, but it seems fate has plans for these two!
Can the Firebands beat their enemy, and save all the realms?
You will love each exciting, unique, and scorching hot story in this series. This is a five star plus series.
6,148 reviews17 followers
December 2, 2023
This is the fifth story and it appears to be the final, in the really creative, well developed and intriguing "Blood Coven" series. Although it can be read in as a stand alone read I recommend you read the series in order. You will get more of the over reaching back story. It is a paranormal and magical story that is full length and very intriguing. I really like the characters and how the story builds and develops. It is fast paced and action packed. The author did a great job developing this story action, adventure, subterfuge, steam, passion, witty dialogue and some vulnerabilities. I loved it!!! I enjoyed every bit of this read and the whole series. WOW!
308 reviews
December 5, 2023
I love 🥰 this series, amazing, stunning story that had my heart pounding. I love Indigo she is stunning, delightful and complex woman, she makes me laugh, dance with joy and cry with her pain. This story is hers and Roark who lights up her life and shares her pain. They race to stop Arisen Dawn from destroying the portals and endangers all they stand for. Devastating battles and death as the portals come down, they must find and stop Cerberus. Rebuild the portals and destroy Arisen Dawn and their monsters. Gods, Goddess, assassins, The OneCreator, and a woman who will do almost anything to save her man.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
15 reviews
November 6, 2023
I would like to thank the author for the free copy in return of an honest review.
This is the first book I have read of this author.
I like how the story started with the romance between Roark and Indigo.
This is a standalone and a continuation of the series but i would recommend reading the series. The storyline is great and the characters are described wonderfully. The villain backstory and character description is great.
Profile Image for Sarah Smith.
407 reviews
November 15, 2023
This book is amazing!! I had the hardest time putting it down. The action was off the charts and kept me on the edge of my seat through the entire book. Then there was the steam and the spice as several new couples were brought together. Talk about a hot conclusion especially for Indigo!! Great job and I look forward to reading more of your books.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,565 reviews16 followers
November 27, 2023
In true fashion, the action and the romance, followed by the mystery and the suspense created an enjoyable read. I have not read all 5 of these stories, but the themes that shine through show hope, steam and fierce determination. Roark is the Warrior. Indigo is the witch. But those terms mean little when they join forces to find the missing sword and realize that secrets and lies permeate their reality.
Profile Image for Danee.
4,921 reviews
December 1, 2023
This is the fifth part of the Blood Coven series. And just like the other parts of this series, you are now glued to your book again. I loved Roark and Indigo together he is a Raven Shifter and Indigo is a Witch. TM Smith is a great author and has written a series that you shouldn't miss. I hope there will be another part.

I received an Advance Reader sample of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,300 reviews16 followers
December 6, 2023
Roark and Indigo. Hes a warrior and shes a witch. Action packed, steamy(very), world building, There are 3 realms. The alliance are the humans that moniter supernatural activity on Earth. Great story. A must read. Can read as standalone but recommend for the world and charecter building read the other books first.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
99 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2023
A fast based action-packed page-turner you don't want to put down. Smith keeps you glued to the characters. Although 5th in the Blood Coven series, it can be a stand alone read. I'm betting you go find the other books if you choose to start with the Phoenix as they are that good. It's unpredictability, it's romantic and it's an all consuming book you'll be glad to have purchased. Well worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SBee Reviews.
2,681 reviews80 followers
December 20, 2023
★ “I have my own heavy luggage, and I certainly don’t intend to be tied to a smooth-talking, shifty shifter. ★

A very well-rounded cast of paranormal-kind muster up to fight the war to protect humans. Very interwoven and developed storyline, which I had to just dive right in since I began with this installment but was still able to enjoy. The Path Book Club was fun. Interesting characters and couples I am piqued to read more about in this series.
Profile Image for Khan.
23 reviews
October 28, 2023
They all are hunting for Blood's kiss- a sword and the story keeps getting interesting. It's was interesting and fun. Some mystery and stuff. Indigo and roark's story was good, spice level normal. I've enjoyed it and I'm sure witch and shifters lovers would love it too! It includes stories of the other characters as well.
2,211 reviews28 followers
November 23, 2023
Wow, what an amazing finish to a great series! I loved the relationship between Indigo and Roark, it was steamy and great. There is plenty of action and drams in this story, which I enjoyed. It helps to read books 1-4 first. I Loved It!!! No Spoilers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,941 reviews116 followers
November 26, 2023
I have to say, I have enjoyed this series. A well written paranormal / fantasy series that as we meet each couple, draws you in and has you unable to stop reading. This time it’s Raven shifter Roark and witch Indigo’s story and it is hot! Captivating, thrilling, there’s action, drama and few surprises I did not see coming and it is an exciting conclusion to this series!
Profile Image for Jeanéva Christie.
Author 2 books111 followers
January 19, 2024
An epic conclusion.
I hate to see this series end. It has been an epic ride of adventure, action, danger, intrigue and multiple romances. Each book has not only given the reader a central romance, but has seen the coming together of multiple other couples. I loved it. This one kept me guessing, although I had my suspicions. You will love Indy and Roark.
1 review
March 23, 2024
Very good series - highly recommended. Well written and the character are all well rounded.

I enjoyed reading about the previous 'couples' to see how their relationships have grown. Then action is heart racing, the sexy bits are steamy, the plot is twisting and the Hero's identity was unexpected. Good job.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,554 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2024
I loved it. Roark and Indigo are wonderful characters, I enjoyed the action, romance, danger. I totally loved this series. I'm a new and complete fan of T.M. Smith's books and looking forward to more books from this author,

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,036 reviews6 followers
October 11, 2024
The Phoenix is the fifth book of the Blood Coven series and is full of action, intrigue, twists and turns and plenty of steam. Well written characters and great worldbuilding, I totally was engrossed in this series! I highly recommend this series!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
213 reviews
November 23, 2024
Big big surprise

When I bought the first book of the series, it seemed like it might be interesting. Then once you start reading it. You cannot imagine that just how interesting it is . I'm telling you that I read all of them. I could not stop one better than the other. If you don't get this series, you're missing out big time

1,304 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2023
What a great conclusion of this series! I definitely did not see the twist in the story about Roark coming even though I should have expected something like that. It was a great read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
889 reviews5 followers
November 28, 2023
The Phoenix is such a great read. This author did a great job creating characters and This world. There's so much depth. A absolute great read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,450 reviews32 followers
December 2, 2023
This was another great addition to The Blood Coven series. The character work and story line were well written and kept me hooked from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,634 reviews
March 7, 2024
This was an epic, entrancing finally to thus wonderfully entertaining series!

Action and angst filled with lots of twist and turn and plenty of heat! I love this world and its amazing characters

Highly recommended
Profile Image for Jay myrandomspace2023.
316 reviews10 followers
July 26, 2024
I unfortunately DNF'd this, but I do plan on coming back to it. I just got bored and feel like I wasn't in the right mind to enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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