If you've been eagerly awaiting the epic conclusion to Illusions and Blood Memories, then hold onto your hats because Phoenix Rising by Allison A. Andrews is here to deliver the grand finale you've been craving!
First off, let me just say, if you're looking for a book that's predictable, then keep on scrolling. This book is anything but predictable. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, suddenly, BAM, a plot twist hits you like a ton of enchanted bricks.
Andrews wastes no time dragging you into the fray. From the get-go, Phoenix Rising is a whirlwind of action, suspense, and character development that left me gasping for breath. And speaking of characters, oh boy, do they get a chance to shine! Forget what you thought you knew about Isolde, Liam, Connor, and Aurora because Andrews pulls back the curtain to reveal depths you never even knew existed. These characters have more layers than an onion, and just when I thought I had peeled them all away, Andrews throws another curveball my way.
Now, let's talk about the spice. You know, that oh-so-important ingredient that can make or break a story faster than you can say "bland." Well, fear not, my friends, because Andrews has once again delivered the goods. The romance is steamy enough to fog up your reading glasses, but it never overshadows the heart of the story. It's like the perfect amount of hot sauce —not too much to overpower the flavor, but enough to leave you reaching for a glass of milk. (Or something else if your next to your bedside table.......Wink Wink)
But perhaps the real star of the show here is Isolde. Finally, we have a female protagonist who's as flawed and relatable as the rest of us mere mortals. She makes mistakes, she hurts people, and she struggles with her relationships. In other words, she's a real person, not some cardboard cutout of a "perfect little FMC princess." I mean, come on, who hasn't wanted to shake some sense into her at least once? And yet, despite her flaws, you can't help but root for her every step of the way. It's like watching your best friend stumble through a particularly messy breakup—you just can't look away.
In conclusion, if you've been following the Order of the Dragon Trilogy (and let's be honest, why wouldn't you?), then Phoenix Rising is the grand finale you've been waiting for. Andrews has crafted a masterpiece that's equal parts heart-pounding action, sizzling romance, and jaw-dropping plot twists.
I loved how Andrews has ended the current story ark and it seems like maybe we'll even get some spin-off series featuring our favorite side characters in the future. Fingers crossed!
(Note: I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, but let's be real, I'd gladly pay full price for the sheer joy of reading it again.)