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Fall of the Phoenix #1

Feathers of Truth

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Here’s what I can tell you about me:
1. I’m a homicide detective.
2. I’m a hitwoman.
3. I’m the last Phoenix in existence.

Or so I thought…

My life was simple. Solve crime as a Chicago homicide detective. Murder the targets my boss gives me. Simple. I lived a life of solitude and loneliness being the only creature of my kind. I grew up with an adoptive family never knowing my parents. Never understanding how it is that I came to exist. Years and years of searching put me no closer to the answers I so desperately
want.

That was until my newest murder case brought me face-to-face with a woman whose eyes match my own and my newest target led me to the answers I’ve sought my entire life. My simple life will become a tangled weave that threatens to strangle me. For once I’ll be forced to pick a side — the enemy or my family. My real family. My only question is, will I survive the raging battle between the two?

226 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2023

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About the author

Britton Brinkley

27 books118 followers

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5 stars
30 (45%)
4 stars
21 (31%)
3 stars
14 (21%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Holly Godson.
31 reviews9 followers
May 12, 2024
ARC Review - 4.5 ⭐️

WOW - WHAT A START!!!! 🤯
Now that’s how you get a reader hooked from the very first chapter 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Ari is an absolute bad ass! A complete power house full of sass and confidence, honestly exactly what you want for a FMC - she’s iconic ❤️ (I also relate to the fact she eats enough for 6 grown men 😂)

There was not a single dull moment with this book, I could not put it down and just had to know what happened next! 😬

I loved the modern feel of Chicago mixed with the supernatural element, I loved the variety of supernatural beings mentioned throughout! 🐦‍🔥🐺🧛🏼‍♀️

A really good romance story beginning that I cannot wait to dive further into and see develop further in the next book 🥰

BUT THAT ENDING!!!!!! Sorry???? 😮 give me the next book asap because I need to know what happens next!!! 😮‍💨
Profile Image for Cambree McNeiley.
116 reviews
May 15, 2024
I was chosen to receive an ARC of this book.

While the writing style in this book was different than I am used to, after a few pages, I really got into this and finished it in no time.

I honestly fell in love with Ari and Adrian.

The ending has my mouth completely on the ground.

The plot is so interesting, and I love that John Wick vibe I get from the book.

Overall, it was really good, and I’ll for sure read the next one!
Profile Image for Cayla Haines.
14 reviews
May 16, 2024
I was Lucky to get an ARC of the book, and it was pretty good! For me it was a little slow at the beginning, so it made it hard to get in to it for me.. but it got so much better, the further I read! I love Ari, she is definitely badass FMC, I love the lost and then found family troupe, it has been my bread and butter this year, and Britton hit the spot with this book. That cliffhanger though.. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Profile Image for Jalissa.
115 reviews13 followers
June 7, 2024
Where do I begin , I really enjoy this book. From the beginning to the end I was shocked. Honestly I didn't like how it ended I needed to know more on what's going to happen. I love Ari character she's very strong willed and strong minded. I love that she's described as an independent woman. Adrian made me mad half of the time because of how arrogant he seemed in the story. But it was definitely worth the read. I can't wait for the second book.
Profile Image for Karin Budke.
81 reviews32 followers
November 20, 2024
ARC review.

I loved the first chapter, introduction of the main character was so good. We were getting to know her as she went about her day! No lenghty thoughts about her life… It was great way to quickly introduce her.

I was really looking forward to the rest of the book.

But unfortunately, the same style did not sit well with the rest of the book.

There was serious lack of conversation throughout the book - There was direct speach introducing event/scene and the rest of the scene was just described, skipped forward. It felt impersonal and rushed.

Also the way the author used present tense to describe what was happening and then gave us recap of the past week in the past tense was troving me off. It would be better if the present tense was used with lot of direct speach so we would really feel present, but it was just two different manners of describing situations.

I could see the author was aiming for fast paced book, moving from one scene to another. Author did not waste time with repeated ogling of the main character, or repeated lenghty descriptions of his handsomeness, which I very much appreciated.

However, the abovementioned writing style did great disservice to the main characters and their relationship(s).

So while I liked that author focused on FMC also at work and during interactions with other characters;Those were shortened - fastforwarded, so much so, that I kind of failed to see why they were included in the first place.

Main characters have both the same small range of emotions - they are surly, overreacting and horny.

I think this book brought home what I dont like about fated mates - author uses bond as shortcut to justify why they should be together - why they care about each other. There was no development of their relationship - they went from zero to mates. Less work for author but nit believable at all.

I love enemies to lovers trope - it feels like this is what the author was aiming for. But. First of all. The trope wasnt executed well. Enemies? Yeah, Right... More like strengers that are both way too cocky… Secondly, There was no reason for them to be true enemies and also there was no point in making them enemies. it brought out the worst in both without showing us anything good.

Overall, There was barely any conversation between the main characters and if there was, neither of them could communicate well, one was being ahole and the other spiteful. And this miscommunication and pretense hasnt changed so the change in FMC after finding out about bond is unnatural. There was no reason to consider them as love interest, except they were both hot and had this bond.

Its like the author just wanted to include as much tropes as possible without really committing to any. Ticking box of strong killer FMC, enemies to lovers, fated mates, found family… maybe the author just bit more than she could chew.

The book was mixture of false confidence, anger and loneliness, maybe even desperate need to accept anyone for any small reason - you are my lost relative? oh I love you so much… You are my mate - oh lets forget that we dont get along and consider being together…

I also did not appreciate that we as readers knew things before main character did. It made it even harder to feel alongside the main character what she felt - since we had such a big headstart and were just waiting for her to open her eyes. She is such a great detective, yeah, I can see that, real clever… Sure…

Also some things that would be very interesting to see, like training, were just mentioned without any explenation… I would like to know how you train phoenix. Why not give us more?
Profile Image for Meighen Casquenette.
9 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2024
ARC Review

👏THAT👏IS👏 HOW👏YOU👏 START👏A👏 SERIES👏

I was hooked through the entire book. The first chapter is everything you need to be hooked from page one. The characters and development was so well done. The plot was so well done. The side characters. The cliffhanger. I want SO much more.

There really wasn't a dull moment while reading, and I stayed up way too late trying to read "one more chapter" too many times until I was done the book.

Personally, I don't like books to not have an "ending". I understand that in a series the big bad is solved at the end of book 5, but each book should wrap up some aspect, otherwise it just feels like the book was ripped and you're missing the last few chapters. But that's personal preference. Other than that the book was outstanding!
Profile Image for Kayla.
750 reviews12 followers
September 15, 2024
*Spoilers Ahead*

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I went in blind and found the story intriguing and the plot kept me interested. I flew through this book in only a couple hours. The authors writing style is easy to read and I really had a great time. Keep that in mind as I get into what I didn't like.

There was so little actual dialogue in this book. So much of what a character said was just summarized. There also wasn't enough build up between Ari and Adrian. They spent weeks going over case together but we never got to actually see them have that time together. It was the same with Ari's brother. They apparently had lunches together but never discussed anything of importance? She never asked how she got separated or how they couldn't find her? She's just cool being left in the dark?

Also her partner was a werewolf who apparently believed she was a phoenix but never thought to bring it up with her? Oh and she becomes a hitman for this scummy guy without asking any questions. Why? She was already a cop. I don't see it being a need for adrenaline. She also isn't super blood thirsty. It just didn't make sense why she would kill all these people.

My biggest issue over all was the lack of dialogue and the lack of the main character demanding any sort of information. She just was fine and dandy sitting in her naivete.

I did enjoy Ari and Adrian. Though he grabbed her so hard he bruised her a coupe times. Ewww. He also was a dick to her for really no good reason. He realized they were bonded really early on.

I know I mostly shat all over this but the story was fun and easy to read. I hope the next book is more rounded out and the world building improves.

*Turns out the next book isn't out, here's a little summary*

Ari is a phoenix. She thinks there are none other like her which makes her very lonely. She ends up becoming a detective and also a hitman to a really bad dude, Salvator. It's never really known why he wants these people dead, she just kills them. She takes a double homicide case of a couple where the woman killed has her eyes.

She is suppose to kill a dude name Adrian. But she can't sneak up on him. He catches her off guard. She ends up finding out he's a phoenix too. She is reunited with her brother and family. Brother is named Tucker. He has a girlfriend who is not his mate or bonded or pair or whatever it's called in this book. It's a sore spot for him. He also has a super dark side and does all the torturing for the phoenix's.

Adrian is a super dick. He obviously knows they're fated to be together but keeps her at arms length. Also grips her so hard a couple times she bruises, which is concerning. But then they randomly are just head over heels in love with each other apparently. Though they never have sex because then that would seal the bond.

Ari's mother is a the queen over all immortals I think that's how it works. Ari was really freaked out by that but then decided to learn how to lead, assuming she'll one day get the position. Weird. Also apparently she was kidnapped and then they sorta just stopped looking for her. But she's cool with it so whatever.

Ari decides to try and go off and kill the main bad dude alone. Like an idiot. For a detective she's real stupid sometimes. Adrian goes after her. He distracts her while she's holding a gun on main bad dude and the book ends with her getting shot in the chest.
Profile Image for Leah Hortin.
2,059 reviews53 followers
May 16, 2024
Feathers of Truth by Britton Brinkley pulls you into a whirlwind of mystery and magic from the get-go. Picture this: a badass female detective who moonlights as a hitwoman, all while being a Phoenix. Talk about a triple threat!

The story kicks off with a bang as our FMC navigates her dual life, juggling crime-solving and killing, with learning more about her mythical lineage. I was immediately hooked by her strength and complexity. But here's where the fun begins: just when you think you've got it all figured out, Brinkley throws in a curveball.

As the plot thickens, so does the frustration—at least for me. I mean, come on, I get it's a trope, but the lack of communication among the characters had me rolling my eyes more than once. And don't even get me started on the protagonist's occasional cluelessness, considering her detective background.

But despite these gripes, Feathers of Truth kept me turning pages with its irresistible mix of urban fantasy, mythology, and slow-burn romance. Plus, the unresolved end? Let's just say I may or may not have audibly groaned at the cliffhanger.

In the end, Feathers of Truth isn't perfect, but it's a wild ride worth taking. So if you're into low spice, fated mates, and a healthy dose of mythological creatures, dive right in. Just be prepared to be left hanging—and begging for more.
Profile Image for Megan Milner.
Author 1 book8 followers
May 25, 2024
This book was definitely not what I was expecting and it certainly did the trick of exceeding those expectations! I was so fortunate to receive an ARC copy of this book and once I started reading it, I couldn't stop! I have to say that I'm not normally a big fan of urban fantasy but this one really had me gripping my Kindle with anticipation of what was going to happen next. The FMC is exactly the sassy badass character that I love (and can relate to on more than one level), the MMC is the perfect balance of broody alpha with that underlying mushiness that just needs the right person to it bring it out in him. Britton Brinkley is a fantastic author and the scenes were painted so vividly; it was so easy to enjoy the world and the story! The only reason I am giving this story a 4 star is because there was definitely room to flush out and add more to the story to make things feel a little more seamless from one discovery to the next. I know the saying goes "less is more" but in this case, "more is more." But otherwise, this story captivated me in a way I was definitely not expecting. I cannot even handle the way this book ends, and of COURSE I'll be getting the next one in the series when it comes out!!
Profile Image for Rah Jones.
51 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
Touch Her and 💀
Strong FMC
Possessive MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Fated Mates
Paranormal Romance
Shifters

Feathers of Truth is exquisitely written. Pulled in from the first page; I was intrigued by the mystery and suspense. The storyline follows Ari through self discovery of her paranormal abilities. She is a detective by day, all
while she lives a double life as a bad ass hit woman for an elite business man.

A tale of fated mates, lost and found family with a possessive MMC and a strong fierce resilient FMC. This tale of paranormal parallel world building setting the stage for a highly anticipated action adventure paranormal romance with all the feels. This was the first book I have read by Britton Brinkley but it will not be the last! If you are a paranormal romance lover you she definitely add this one to your TBR!
Profile Image for The Literary Lounge.
64 reviews15 followers
May 22, 2024
•ARC REVIEW•

I have to admit that I was immediately hooked by this story, even though I normally don’t read this kind of book. The strong female character stole the show, and I truly loved that about it. The plot was original and intriguing, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end, and what an ending it was! I definitely need to know more!

However, the events felt a bit rushed. Ari’s relationship with her family, discovering who the real antagonist was, Ari and Adrian’s connection which hinted to be an enemies to lovers romance (which I will always love)seemed to develop too quickly, lacking the depth needed for a believable romance.

Despite this, the original plot and gripping ending left me eager for more. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for an easy, engaging read with a compelling fantasy plot and a powerful female lead.
Profile Image for BzzyBBooks.
131 reviews3 followers
September 27, 2024
it started with a feather…

Wooooooweew I really enjoyed this book!! I wish there had been more actual detective stuff in there as I do feel that was a huge part of the FMC that we didn’t really see much about at all. I loved the slow burn between characters and the story arc, the world seems very well constructed and the premise of phoenixes and this power play worked well. I enjoyed the family reconnections too. I just wish we had more. More details, something grittier, less time skips. A lot of times we would get worked up and then get to a part where it was at the edge and then bam next chapter next day? I felt like there could’ve been a lot more or we at least needed to see the de-escalation side of things. The plot was very promising and I can’t wait to see how it all works out, I hope the next one isn’t too far off as it has already been a fair while!
Profile Image for Sky.
29 reviews
May 17, 2024
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. It gave off total Dexter vibes, a dirty cop who also killed on the side. The story read like a supernatural crime scene show with a badass black woman as the lead. But as the story progressed, that tone was forgotten.

I didn’t feel like there was any chemistry or development in the relationship between Ari and Adrian
It seemed like they jumped from strangers into madly in love. The same goes for Ari’s relationship with her biological family.

It felt like a lot of the story was happening off page making the plot seem a little rushed or disjointed.
But the cliff hanger at the end is intense, so even though I didn’t vibe too much with these characters I’m invested enough that I’ll be reading the next one.

Profile Image for Rachel.
72 reviews
May 26, 2024
Happy Release Day to Feathers of Trust by Britton Brinkley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was so good! My only complaint is that the #book is so short and so some things feel rushed. I definitely feel I could have lived in this paranormal fantasy Chicago for 300 pages, easy! I found it interesting to have a Phoenix character.. You’re so used to vampire & werewolves, so going with another magical creature as a forefront was a very nice change. Love the found family vibes. There’s a nice little sprinkling of spice. Oof, that ending! (It’s a cliffhanger, y’all!- so go in expecting that!) So, I am eagerly awaiting the next book! I will be definitely checking out more of the authors books!
Profile Image for Ravyen♡.
267 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2024
I was immediately hooked and couldn't put it down! I loved Ari's personality and cried quite a few times over everything she went through.
The whole book is high-stakes and fast paced, which I loved. This book set up the rest of the series so perfectly! I can't wait to get my hands on the next one because that ending?! Excuse you? What am I supposed to do until the next book comes out? Wallow? Suffer? Most definitely 😭
Profile Image for Natasha Wynn.
228 reviews4 followers
May 19, 2024
I NEED MORE NOW!!!!

Feathers of truth was an awesome start to the series and Ari definitely receives a lot of truths that turn her world upside down.

Our FMC is a badass homicide detective, hit woman, and a Phoenix. The only one, or so she thought!!

This story mixes the human world with the paranormal world and gives it a little twist by adding in lots of murder. I was hooked from the very beginning and with that ending....I need the next book immediately!!!!!
Profile Image for Soulflower.
77 reviews21 followers
August 24, 2024
Feathers of Truth is that quick paranormal narrative that has you craving more. If the author had not already decided to turn this anthology into a series, I would be begging and pleading right now!

I read this story in barely a day. I could not put it down! Ari and Adri have me completely hooked. Truthfully, my first thought upon waking this morning was their bickering and bantering.

Baddie B, per usual, you do not disappoint!
Profile Image for Renate Rowland.
Author 11 books75 followers
October 28, 2025
This was my first read about a phoenix.

I found Phenice's story unique and very well written with lots of suspense to keep me hooked.

I really liked how she was described. There's a maturity to the writing, as well as Phenice's character, that I found very refreshing. 

Despite being limited to her POV, the other characters didn't fall flat. I'm looking forward to getting more insight into Adrian with book two.

I'll definitely continue this story.
Profile Image for Kayleigh E.
59 reviews
May 3, 2024
I absolutely loved this book!!! As soon as I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. I love Ari, the feisty FMC fire phoenix! After a job ends up leading Ari to her real family and now wanting to protect them and Adrian she plans to kill the person she has been working for who is trying to hurt him. It ends on a cliffhanger!!! I can’t wait to see where this story goes next! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Lauren Anders.
105 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2024
This was my first book of Britton’s and it certainly won’t be the last! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the tension, the paranormal world building and the story. I want so much more of Ari and Adrian!! The wait to dive into book two after that cliffhanger of an ending will be a killer…but I’m excited for it!
Profile Image for Courtney Fuller.
6 reviews
May 15, 2024
It is extremely rare for a book to get a 5 star rating out of me, but this one did it. I started and finished this today, couldn't put the book down. And of course, it ends on a cliffhanger! There's spice and a great storyline and characters that you just can't help but want to keep following. I highly recommend this and can't wait for the next in the series to come out!
Profile Image for Bobbie.
353 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2024
Excited to see what’s next!!

Have you ever wanted to both hug and scream at an author before? This was such a great start to this series that I cannot wait for the next book! Ari and Adrian are electric, and I love the unexpected elements and sides to some of the characters. So much packed into such a short book from an author who writes thick ones!
Profile Image for Kalia Pullen.
22 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2024
I love all things, Phoenix!

At first, I struggled to be hooked. It starts off just "cop" like and cold. However, once Adrian & Tuck came in, I found it quite enjoyable. We, of course, have found family and enemies to "pairs", touch her & die vibes...

I felt that the world-building was a little lacking compared to what I'm used to.

Despite this, I'm looking forward to the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
234 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2024
Loved this book! It's a fast paced paranormal romance with shifters, found family, fated mates, crime/procedural work, slow burn, she lives a dual life, and he falls first! But that ending was UNCALLED FOR! I NEED BOOK 2 ASAP!
Profile Image for jessi_reading_corner .
151 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2024
From the get-go, I was hooked. I needed to know all about Ari. The dreams of that feather. The storyline was great. It eased in nicely. I couldn't put the e'book' down. Even as an Arc I was impressed! Fantastic. I am on tenterhooks waiting for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for J White.
344 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2024
Criminal Minds meets The Hollows. Brinkley's writing pulls the reader into the story within the first few paragraphs. Feathers of Truths is packed full of detail and tension. A fantastic world to get lost into! I'll be keeping my eyes out for the next one.
Profile Image for Aliza.
110 reviews4 followers
May 19, 2024
This was such a fantastic book! I devoured this book, the character building and world building was great. Whattttt a cliff hanger! I can’t wait to read the next part. The author did an awesome job making you feel like you were there, like a fly on the wall. Great read!
Profile Image for Brianna.
1,160 reviews22 followers
July 20, 2025
Overall I liked the concept of this book I thought it was very unique but I feel like the world and the characters could’ve been fleshed out a little more. I feel like the chapters were jumpy and some of the information was hard to follow.
Profile Image for Jessica Coffey.
Author 8 books4 followers
April 30, 2024
I was lucky enough to read this when it was part of the anthology and I am telling you- you are not READY! Britton delivers once again with fast paced plots, high stakes, and spicy romances.
Profile Image for Queenie2023 aka Rita.
470 reviews10 followers
May 5, 2024
A+ Britton !! Well written and can easily picture the characters in my head. Should we start talking about who will play them in the movie ? Looking forward to the next one !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews