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The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps
Walking home late one night, burned-out barista Nell accidentally incinerates someone.
Whoopsie!
Now, if this tale began in a fantastic, far-away land, or Nell were, perhaps, a wizard, such a mishap might make some kind of sense. But this is not a wondrous, fantasy world. This is real life, and Nell just wanted to go home and eat macaroni. As Nell stares upon the smoldering corpse, she realizes something with horrifying certainty: She’s magic.
And not the cute, pulling-a-rabbit-from-a-hat kind of magic.
Unfortunately, during Nell’s little outburst, she suffers a mortal injury. Fortunately, Darragh, a rugged and magical outcast, witnessed the entire incident. To save Nell’s life, Darragh whisks her away to a world where magic reigns. However, as is so often the case with magic, it comes at a price. In this harsh world, the entities that lurk in the darkest corners of Nell's nightmares await her in hungry anticipation.
As Nell and Darragh vanquish monsters and ghouls, their affections for one another take root. Just when this treacherous tale is beginning to look like a love story, Darragh is captured by a wretched, cadaverous queen.
Now, it’s up to Nell to save him
The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps boasts portal magic reminiscent of A Darker Shade of Magic, the romance of A Court of Thorns and Roses, the action-packed adventure of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, and the humour of Tress of the Emerald Sea.
Whoopsie!
Now, if this tale began in a fantastic, far-away land, or Nell were, perhaps, a wizard, such a mishap might make some kind of sense. But this is not a wondrous, fantasy world. This is real life, and Nell just wanted to go home and eat macaroni. As Nell stares upon the smoldering corpse, she realizes something with horrifying certainty: She’s magic.
And not the cute, pulling-a-rabbit-from-a-hat kind of magic.
Unfortunately, during Nell’s little outburst, she suffers a mortal injury. Fortunately, Darragh, a rugged and magical outcast, witnessed the entire incident. To save Nell’s life, Darragh whisks her away to a world where magic reigns. However, as is so often the case with magic, it comes at a price. In this harsh world, the entities that lurk in the darkest corners of Nell's nightmares await her in hungry anticipation.
As Nell and Darragh vanquish monsters and ghouls, their affections for one another take root. Just when this treacherous tale is beginning to look like a love story, Darragh is captured by a wretched, cadaverous queen.
Now, it’s up to Nell to save him
The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps boasts portal magic reminiscent of A Darker Shade of Magic, the romance of A Court of Thorns and Roses, the action-packed adventure of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, and the humour of Tress of the Emerald Sea.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2024
201 people are currently reading
5290 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Marley Jones
4 books211 followersBrooke writes fairy tales and nightmares filled with tenderness and terror. Her stories take place in wild woods and gothic buildings, overgrown by roses and forgotten to the world. In this lifetime, Brooke resides in Niagara with her beautiful husband, and two fluffy cats.
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July 22, 2024 This cover - legit, just take my money 😫💰💸
╰┈➤˗ˏˋ The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps boasts portal magic reminiscent of A Darker Shade of Magic, the romance of A Court of Thorns and Roses, the action-packed adventure of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, and the humor of Tress of the Emerald Sea.
₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊
╰┈➤˗ˏˋ The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps boasts portal magic reminiscent of A Darker Shade of Magic, the romance of A Court of Thorns and Roses, the action-packed adventure of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, and the humor of Tress of the Emerald Sea.
₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊
December 21, 2024
⇢ 𝘐’𝘮 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦: 𝘔𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘦, 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥. ࿐
First off, the cover alone deserves all the stars. It’s eye-catching and beautifully designed, setting the perfect tone for the amazing story inside.
☆꧁ 𝐈 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐍𝐞𝐥𝐥. 𝐈 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐭.💌 ꧂☆
When I tell you this book hit the mark in every conceivable way, believe me, it did. The plot was masterfully crafted, the characters were richly developed, and the world-building was immersive. The romance was heartfelt, the humor was perfectly timed, and so much more. This story encapsulated everything I was searching for in a read. It's an unequivocal 5-star book. Without a doubt, I'll be adding this gem to my list of rereads for the upcoming year.
First off, the cover alone deserves all the stars. It’s eye-catching and beautifully designed, setting the perfect tone for the amazing story inside.
☆꧁ 𝐈 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐍𝐞𝐥𝐥. 𝐈 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐭.💌 ꧂☆
When I tell you this book hit the mark in every conceivable way, believe me, it did. The plot was masterfully crafted, the characters were richly developed, and the world-building was immersive. The romance was heartfelt, the humor was perfectly timed, and so much more. This story encapsulated everything I was searching for in a read. It's an unequivocal 5-star book. Without a doubt, I'll be adding this gem to my list of rereads for the upcoming year.
May 19, 2024
The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps is the most engaging book I’ve ever read, and I’m grateful to have been an ARC reader for it. It’s an amazing blend of fantasy, romance, horror, and well placed comedic relief.
The Plot
The plot isn’t a traditional straight line, but instead feels much more organic and similar to the twists and turns of real life. We’re a part of this journey with Nell, where we stumble through challenges and sometimes don’t exactly know what will come next. While reading it, I kept trying to guess what would happen based on a lifetime of expectations set by other books, and I was wrong every single time. The ending was perfectly executed and left me stunned. I immediately went back to page one so I could read the story again with a new perspective.
The Characters
Characterization is one of the author's biggest strengths. The characters are well-rounded, complex, and diverse. Everyone has highs and lows, landing somewhere in the morally gray spectrum. Even the villains invoked a range of emotions. Seriously, not a single character left me feeling indifferent. Nell was someone who I related to from page one, and is a main character that can be everyone's favourite. I rooted for her throughout the entire story.
The Fantasy
The world-building is done in a way that never feels like an infodump. We experience things as Nell does, and she asks the questions someone new to a magical world would ask. It’s a wonderful way to develop an intricate fantasy world without being intimidating for readers who don’t read a lot of fantasy. There’s lots of magic, witches, and terrifying creatures throughout the adventure.
The Romance
It’s definitely what most would describe as a slow-burn romance. As a reader, I knew who the love interest was immediately, however the characters take time to develop the romance, growing closer on every page. There’s a bit of spice (one fully detailed scene), but just enough to fit perfectly into the plot without overshadowing any of the big-picture goals for the characters.
The Horror
The author did an amazing job creating new types of creatures and describing them vividly enough to fit into any mystical horror novel. There’s also person on person horror, torture, murder, and other dark themes that you’d expect in a horror novel. They’ll make you cringe and make your skin crawl, then make you wonder why you like it so much as you eagerly turn to the next page.
The Comedy
The humour had me laughing out loud many times throughout the book. It’s full of sass and one-liners that make you feel like you’re in a room with your closest friends. Something about the way it’s delivered is so genuine that you can’t stop yourself from falling more in love with the characters.
Summary
The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps by Brooke Marley Jones is my all-time favourite book. It’s an absolute 5-star read, and is so well-rounded that I can recommend it to satisfy readers in a handful of genres. I’d also highly recommend reading it a second time to enjoy it in an entirely different way.
What an incredible debut novel, I can’t wait to see what comes next.
The Plot
The plot isn’t a traditional straight line, but instead feels much more organic and similar to the twists and turns of real life. We’re a part of this journey with Nell, where we stumble through challenges and sometimes don’t exactly know what will come next. While reading it, I kept trying to guess what would happen based on a lifetime of expectations set by other books, and I was wrong every single time. The ending was perfectly executed and left me stunned. I immediately went back to page one so I could read the story again with a new perspective.
The Characters
Characterization is one of the author's biggest strengths. The characters are well-rounded, complex, and diverse. Everyone has highs and lows, landing somewhere in the morally gray spectrum. Even the villains invoked a range of emotions. Seriously, not a single character left me feeling indifferent. Nell was someone who I related to from page one, and is a main character that can be everyone's favourite. I rooted for her throughout the entire story.
The Fantasy
The world-building is done in a way that never feels like an infodump. We experience things as Nell does, and she asks the questions someone new to a magical world would ask. It’s a wonderful way to develop an intricate fantasy world without being intimidating for readers who don’t read a lot of fantasy. There’s lots of magic, witches, and terrifying creatures throughout the adventure.
The Romance
It’s definitely what most would describe as a slow-burn romance. As a reader, I knew who the love interest was immediately, however the characters take time to develop the romance, growing closer on every page. There’s a bit of spice (one fully detailed scene), but just enough to fit perfectly into the plot without overshadowing any of the big-picture goals for the characters.
The Horror
The author did an amazing job creating new types of creatures and describing them vividly enough to fit into any mystical horror novel. There’s also person on person horror, torture, murder, and other dark themes that you’d expect in a horror novel. They’ll make you cringe and make your skin crawl, then make you wonder why you like it so much as you eagerly turn to the next page.
The Comedy
The humour had me laughing out loud many times throughout the book. It’s full of sass and one-liners that make you feel like you’re in a room with your closest friends. Something about the way it’s delivered is so genuine that you can’t stop yourself from falling more in love with the characters.
Summary
The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps by Brooke Marley Jones is my all-time favourite book. It’s an absolute 5-star read, and is so well-rounded that I can recommend it to satisfy readers in a handful of genres. I’d also highly recommend reading it a second time to enjoy it in an entirely different way.
What an incredible debut novel, I can’t wait to see what comes next.
June 12, 2024
This felt like the equivalent of going on a road trip with your best friends for the first time in a long time.
An impulsive, enjoyable, magical ride that’s often needed and invariably refreshing🙌🏼 Memories made & cherished, chock full of belly laughs that lead to some crazy-attractive wheezing…🙋🏻♀️ Emotions abound.
Nell, our spunky-ass FMC, cracked me up so many times, I liked to choke🥴 I know people within earshot thought I was completely deranged💁🏻♀️
And naturally, you don't want your BFF-trip to end, but when it does, it leaves you renewed & giddy with satisfaction but also with this wild, prodigious hope and hunger for the next trip.
So yea, kudos👏🏻 Helluva debut! Do yourselves a favor and read it.
An impulsive, enjoyable, magical ride that’s often needed and invariably refreshing🙌🏼 Memories made & cherished, chock full of belly laughs that lead to some crazy-attractive wheezing…🙋🏻♀️ Emotions abound.
Nell, our spunky-ass FMC, cracked me up so many times, I liked to choke🥴 I know people within earshot thought I was completely deranged💁🏻♀️
And naturally, you don't want your BFF-trip to end, but when it does, it leaves you renewed & giddy with satisfaction but also with this wild, prodigious hope and hunger for the next trip.
So yea, kudos👏🏻 Helluva debut! Do yourselves a favor and read it.
June 21, 2024
This is a hard one for me to rate. If you're considering reading it, I'd vote go for it. I'm still glad I read it and my opinion seems to be in the minority.
There are a lot of positives: This was unlike anything I had read before and that's hard to find in a fantasy novel. This book has a little of everything: from creepy moments that felt like they belonged in a horror novel to modern humor with banter that had me grinning. I never really knew what was going to happen next and I enjoyed learning more about this odd, dangerous world we found ourselves in. The FMC isn't a cliche, badass assassin, just a regular person living a mundane life we can relate to. A lot of the darker scenes had me frantically reading, especially those that involved the Queen.
BUT all that being said, something about the way this was written had me struggling to connect with it completely and I didn't feel emotionally invested. The majority of the characters were interesting but didn't feel fleshed out or real to me. The moments of sadness didn't feel like they really mattered- it's hard to get attached to a character that's been in a few scenes and seemed to be there only to advance the plot. The romance between our two main characters was at times entertaining but never felt like they connected enough to be the main purpose of our journey. Their chemistry felt off to me.
Overall, I'll probably still check out the sequel and will be eager to read this author's future works.
There are a lot of positives: This was unlike anything I had read before and that's hard to find in a fantasy novel. This book has a little of everything: from creepy moments that felt like they belonged in a horror novel to modern humor with banter that had me grinning. I never really knew what was going to happen next and I enjoyed learning more about this odd, dangerous world we found ourselves in. The FMC isn't a cliche, badass assassin, just a regular person living a mundane life we can relate to. A lot of the darker scenes had me frantically reading, especially those that involved the Queen.
BUT all that being said, something about the way this was written had me struggling to connect with it completely and I didn't feel emotionally invested. The majority of the characters were interesting but didn't feel fleshed out or real to me. The moments of sadness didn't feel like they really mattered- it's hard to get attached to a character that's been in a few scenes and seemed to be there only to advance the plot. The romance between our two main characters was at times entertaining but never felt like they connected enough to be the main purpose of our journey. Their chemistry felt off to me.
Overall, I'll probably still check out the sequel and will be eager to read this author's future works.
December 16, 2025
Magical romance with a little bit of dark creepy thrown in!
I enjoyed this adventure and all of the unique characters. It was fun to experience the different magical abilities revealed along the way, with probably the only exception being the necromancer. I was not a fan of the ability to control the dead! I’m really hoping this is a series that will continue as I would definitely read the next book!
I enjoyed this adventure and all of the unique characters. It was fun to experience the different magical abilities revealed along the way, with probably the only exception being the necromancer. I was not a fan of the ability to control the dead! I’m really hoping this is a series that will continue as I would definitely read the next book!
January 20, 2025
When I tell you this book hit the mark in EVERY way possible, it friggin' hit. The world-building, the character development, the tension; THIS amazing story has EVERYTHING you are looking for! A fantasy world with a real-life feel. Friendships, love interests, and betrayal. From spooky things that go bump in the night or creep on you from the treeline to healers and lovers and necromancers. Not many books stick with me like this one, but it's now been thrown into the same category as Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, Sarah A. Parker in my eyes. TOP READ OF THE YEAR!!! I'll be thinking about this one for a looooooong time and (not so) patiently waiting to devour ANYTHING else Brooke Marley Jones releases. 🤍
June 17, 2024
For fans of ACOTAR who wanted more humor and of Over the Garden Wall who wanted more romance:
What an adventure! The vivid imagery and details in this book really paint a picture for you. There were so many times I was on the edge of my seat because the scene was playing out like a movie in my head! And that voice! Brooke Marley Jones sure knows how to craft a hilarious and heartfelt narrative voice.
I’m kind of emotional right now after the ending so maybe I’ll come back and expand more once I’ve calmed down 😂
What an adventure! The vivid imagery and details in this book really paint a picture for you. There were so many times I was on the edge of my seat because the scene was playing out like a movie in my head! And that voice! Brooke Marley Jones sure knows how to craft a hilarious and heartfelt narrative voice.
I’m kind of emotional right now after the ending so maybe I’ll come back and expand more once I’ve calmed down 😂
July 2, 2024
Disappointed
The pacing of this story was very off and felt totally disjointed. For a well rated story I thought it would be so much better. Wish I had DNF’ed this story instead of pushing through.
The pacing of this story was very off and felt totally disjointed. For a well rated story I thought it would be so much better. Wish I had DNF’ed this story instead of pushing through.
June 7, 2024
The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps by Brooke Marley Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book… I have no words that are adequate enough to describe how amazing this book is… but I’ll try my best. The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps is a fantasy book with a strong romantic subplot and elements of horror that will have you on the edge of your seat.
The story starts out following Eleanor, Nell, through her daily life as a barista. On her way home from work one night, Nell accidentally incinerates someone. Now this wouldn’t be that alarming if she lived in some far away land where magic is normal, however, Nell lives on earth, there is no magic, and she’s never incinerated someone before. In comes Darragh, a magical outcast who whisks her away to a new land full of magic and plenty of scary, terror inducing monsters.
The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps will have you giggling, crying, and feeling every emotion in between. Never have I dreamed of being in a fairy tale world quite like I have with the world of Hiraeth, even with the terrors that the main characters face along the way. I cannot wait to see this book gain all of the recognition and praise that it deserves.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book… I have no words that are adequate enough to describe how amazing this book is… but I’ll try my best. The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps is a fantasy book with a strong romantic subplot and elements of horror that will have you on the edge of your seat.
The story starts out following Eleanor, Nell, through her daily life as a barista. On her way home from work one night, Nell accidentally incinerates someone. Now this wouldn’t be that alarming if she lived in some far away land where magic is normal, however, Nell lives on earth, there is no magic, and she’s never incinerated someone before. In comes Darragh, a magical outcast who whisks her away to a new land full of magic and plenty of scary, terror inducing monsters.
The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps will have you giggling, crying, and feeling every emotion in between. Never have I dreamed of being in a fairy tale world quite like I have with the world of Hiraeth, even with the terrors that the main characters face along the way. I cannot wait to see this book gain all of the recognition and praise that it deserves.
May 16, 2024
Right from the start I knew I would love the characters. Nell, a barista who loves coffee as much as I do, Sasha her co-worker and friend who works as a drag queen. And then we have Darragh. The mysterious guy. Who is neither dark nor light. Who wants to love but is afraid to. Speak of slowburn, you got it right here! But it‘s so good!
The characters make you fall for them, make you feel for them. And if you‘re on the more emotional side, you might end up bawling your eyes out for some of them! So beware!
An evil Queen, curses, magic, a magical land, evil and horror that‘s lurking everywhere. Irish, welsh lore woven into it…
This book spoke to me. From the first page to the last! I only took breaks from it when I had to (I‘m only human myself, unfortunately).
You want a book that sucks you into the story? Look no further! And the best bit? It‘s only book 1! By the end of this, you‘ll sit there going „noooo, I need more!“ and you will get more! With book 2. Hopefully soon! Please be soon!
The characters make you fall for them, make you feel for them. And if you‘re on the more emotional side, you might end up bawling your eyes out for some of them! So beware!
An evil Queen, curses, magic, a magical land, evil and horror that‘s lurking everywhere. Irish, welsh lore woven into it…
This book spoke to me. From the first page to the last! I only took breaks from it when I had to (I‘m only human myself, unfortunately).
You want a book that sucks you into the story? Look no further! And the best bit? It‘s only book 1! By the end of this, you‘ll sit there going „noooo, I need more!“ and you will get more! With book 2. Hopefully soon! Please be soon!
June 11, 2024
I had an absolute blast reading this book! From the moment I picked it up, I was totally hooked and couldn't tear myself away. It's the kind of story that makes you want to cozy up on the couch and just keep reading. The characters are so engaging, I fell in love with them instantly. Trust me, you won't regret picking up this book
June 21, 2024
DNF at 50%. I REALLY wanted to like this book but it fell flat for me. I found the FMC very unlikeable and whiny. There wasn't enough of her back story for me to care about her character. Some of the dialogue was cliche and cringey. The storyline was a bit muddy. I was hoping it would pick up around halfway through but it still felt very slow.
January 29, 2025
One of my favorite adult fantasies I have ever read. The characters are engaging, while not too many like so many other fantasies. You care about the worlds and the characters in this story and root for them to get their happy endings, or to be continued? So excited to read more from this author, who knows how to share great memes.
August 17, 2024
This had a lot of good ideas but nothing got pulled together. The writing was a bit confusing as well, I had to reread parts to make sure I hadn’t missed something.. the ending left me slightly confused and annoyed.
May 30, 2024
My oh my, where do I even begin? I suppose with the obvious, this book is absolutely fantastic!!!!
The forest where the phoenix sleeps is set in a world that seems absolutely beautiful and yet equally terrifying! Brooke does a fantastic job of world building and describing the scenes without it being pages and pages of description which I’m personally not a fan of. The way she describes things makes it so easy to visualise! She needs to come up with a way of creating some of the flowers she talks about here on earth because they are just gorgeous!
The book is loaded with characters that you will both love and hate and some you’ll feel both towards (looking at you Darragh!). Nell is our FMC, I will admit that I found her ever so slightly annoying at first but she very quickly grew on me. I was immediately in love with her best friend Sasha though and I want him to be my new best friend! The queen is just absolutely evil and yet her evil helper Brana is completely adorable but in a, you don’t want to mess with her kind of way lol. Our MMC is handsome and charming but he’s got a lot of trauma so tends to make a lot of mistakes. He’s not in my good books at the moment but I’m eager to let him make it up to me in book 2!
This book had me laughing out loud which is not an easy thing to do. It has so many pop culture references in it that just blend right in but it feels like you’ve earned a gold star when you spot them. The main character is so awkwardly down to earth that you can relate to her so much!
I honestly don’t know what else I can say to make you read it but I’m hoping this has gotten you intrigued at least because it is a fantastic 5 star read. I cannot wait for book 2!
The forest where the phoenix sleeps is set in a world that seems absolutely beautiful and yet equally terrifying! Brooke does a fantastic job of world building and describing the scenes without it being pages and pages of description which I’m personally not a fan of. The way she describes things makes it so easy to visualise! She needs to come up with a way of creating some of the flowers she talks about here on earth because they are just gorgeous!
The book is loaded with characters that you will both love and hate and some you’ll feel both towards (looking at you Darragh!). Nell is our FMC, I will admit that I found her ever so slightly annoying at first but she very quickly grew on me. I was immediately in love with her best friend Sasha though and I want him to be my new best friend! The queen is just absolutely evil and yet her evil helper Brana is completely adorable but in a, you don’t want to mess with her kind of way lol. Our MMC is handsome and charming but he’s got a lot of trauma so tends to make a lot of mistakes. He’s not in my good books at the moment but I’m eager to let him make it up to me in book 2!
This book had me laughing out loud which is not an easy thing to do. It has so many pop culture references in it that just blend right in but it feels like you’ve earned a gold star when you spot them. The main character is so awkwardly down to earth that you can relate to her so much!
I honestly don’t know what else I can say to make you read it but I’m hoping this has gotten you intrigued at least because it is a fantastic 5 star read. I cannot wait for book 2!
June 11, 2024
The way I devoured this book in one sitting…
This was an amazing debut from Brooke! I couldn’t believe this was a DEBUT.
I fell in love with the writing style. The magic system was incredibly unique. Unlike anything I’ve read before. This book made me feel all the emotions. Had well placed comedic relief. Romantasy but very plot/story driven. The characters were SO relatable. I will definitely be reading anything Brooke Marley Jones writes in the future.
This was an amazing debut from Brooke! I couldn’t believe this was a DEBUT.
I fell in love with the writing style. The magic system was incredibly unique. Unlike anything I’ve read before. This book made me feel all the emotions. Had well placed comedic relief. Romantasy but very plot/story driven. The characters were SO relatable. I will definitely be reading anything Brooke Marley Jones writes in the future.
June 18, 2024
So unique, a breath of fresh air, fantasy with an unexpected dash of horror, had me giggling, the references to books and movies along the way were such fun little bread crumbs I was eating up!!!
The story was written with such beautiful inclusivity, with loveable characters and the mix between the modern world and the magical world was so much FUN!
The story was written with such beautiful inclusivity, with loveable characters and the mix between the modern world and the magical world was so much FUN!
June 17, 2024
This book had be right from the beginning. I connected with Nell in a deep level. The storyline was fantastic with so many twists and turns along the way! Can’t wait for the next in the series! ❤️❤️
June 8, 2024
This book was captivating. Im not usually into fantasy/fiction but loved the romance and the passing between two different worlds. A definite must read for this summer!
June 13, 2024
Such a beautiful mix of high and low fantasy worlds. I love the full dimension of all the characters and the perfect cottage set up as well. I can’t wait for the next one!! Darragh and Nell are definitely keepers.
June 26, 2024
I am not typically a fantasy reader...in fact this was my first. Buttttt OMG ... to say I had a good time would simply be an understatement. Couldn't put it down and stayed up far too late to finish it. Had to sit for a bit once it was over and stare at a wall to contemplate some things. Long story short, READ ITTTTT.
If you like plot twists, this is your book. If you like things a little dark, this is your book. If you like a little magic and a tall, dark and handsome brooding main character, this is your book. If you like a relatable main character who isn't afraid to hold her own, you guessed it, this is your book.
Fantasy always intimidated me a bit as I didn't think I'd be able to keep track of the complicated plot lines and magic/other-worldly shenanigans' could be a turn off. I found that the plot thickened and that's what made it so good. The author added the layers slowly and carefully to craft this whole other world, while relating it enough back to reality to keep it grounded. The magic was there and made is special but didn't overshadow the storyline or us falling in love with the characters.
Again....READ THE BOOK....I'm pretty sure you won't regret it.
If you like plot twists, this is your book. If you like things a little dark, this is your book. If you like a little magic and a tall, dark and handsome brooding main character, this is your book. If you like a relatable main character who isn't afraid to hold her own, you guessed it, this is your book.
Fantasy always intimidated me a bit as I didn't think I'd be able to keep track of the complicated plot lines and magic/other-worldly shenanigans' could be a turn off. I found that the plot thickened and that's what made it so good. The author added the layers slowly and carefully to craft this whole other world, while relating it enough back to reality to keep it grounded. The magic was there and made is special but didn't overshadow the storyline or us falling in love with the characters.
Again....READ THE BOOK....I'm pretty sure you won't regret it.
May 17, 2024
Never in my life did I expect a book and its amazing story to embed itself so deeply into my soul.
Brooke Jones has written an absolute fantastical masterpiece within these pages. This book is broken up into three parts. Each more enticing and dark as it progresses. Jones has the most incredible way of drawing you in, page by page, with her immense level of detail, emotion, unmatched balance of magic/whimsy/horror/spice/romance, and intense descriptive writing.
This story takes place between two worlds, connected by a limited source of magic to travel between worlds. One world revolts the idea of magic and things not yet understood but functions on our sense of normalcy with scientific advances and modern technology, while the other world thrives in a whimsical and magical lifestyle that is both fantastical and horrific in various ways.
Eleanor (Nell) is the FMC who is thrown into a once in a lifetime encounter that will forever change the course of her life. Living a modest and repetitive life of work, sleep, and coffee, like many of us do in our own lives, Nell accepts that her life will remain lonely and solitude with only her cat and best friend to get her through. Her days of pushing coffee and cheap microwave meals change drastically when she meets a coffee chugging hunk of a man, Darragh (MMC), who peaks her curiosity and pushes the bounds her mind in ways no one would ever dream of.
When we think of magical worlds, we envision beautiful fields of rippling flowers, rivers, and flourishing forests of animals and adorable creatures, but Hiraeth offers all of that with a side of darkness and tragedy. The epitome of "don't get too comfortable". Unimaginable creatures lurk in the lush, beautiful forests waiting and stalking with a new scent they've locked onto and pine after with foaming, bubbling saliva. The scent pushing them to find this new delicious source. But these creatures are just the tip of the dread capped iceberg.
Nell and Darragh face challenge after challenge while butting heads along the way discovering more and more of their differences they're forced to over come. Together, they face immense struggles that test their resolve and their willingness to survive. Needing to use all that she's learned, Nell is forced to make difficult choices and fight for not only her survival, but the survival of those she's become fond of. She's challenged by the highest power with a task she doesn't think she will survive, but other's depend greatly on her success.
Jones has an unwavering talent of intertwining heart stopping sequences of terror that have you on the edge of your seat with fanciful scenes that leave you lusting for this fairy-tale like world. The lightest scenes are loaded with beautiful detail that has you day-dreaming of these places filled with whimsy and magic, while the more sinister side of this story invades your soul with horrors beyond belief, dangers that exist purely to quash all sense of safety, and situations that will surely have you questioning fears you never knew you had.
It's extremely rare to find a book that I can identify with in some way, whether it's a character, a situation, or an experience, but this book is jam-packed with relatable content and characters. From the basic, redundant life Nell trudges through early in the book of 'all work and no play', to the incredibly complex characters that continue to pop up with a variety of lifestyles, personalities, and personal struggles, Jones has created something for everyone. Or rather, 'someone' for everyone.
The Forest where the Phoenix Sleeps swept me off my feet and transported me into a renewed love for fantasy books. This story has raised the bar tremendously for me as a horror fan and fantasy reader that I fear will not be matched by anything other than the possibility of more books by her.
Brooke Jones has written an absolute fantastical masterpiece within these pages. This book is broken up into three parts. Each more enticing and dark as it progresses. Jones has the most incredible way of drawing you in, page by page, with her immense level of detail, emotion, unmatched balance of magic/whimsy/horror/spice/romance, and intense descriptive writing.
This story takes place between two worlds, connected by a limited source of magic to travel between worlds. One world revolts the idea of magic and things not yet understood but functions on our sense of normalcy with scientific advances and modern technology, while the other world thrives in a whimsical and magical lifestyle that is both fantastical and horrific in various ways.
Eleanor (Nell) is the FMC who is thrown into a once in a lifetime encounter that will forever change the course of her life. Living a modest and repetitive life of work, sleep, and coffee, like many of us do in our own lives, Nell accepts that her life will remain lonely and solitude with only her cat and best friend to get her through. Her days of pushing coffee and cheap microwave meals change drastically when she meets a coffee chugging hunk of a man, Darragh (MMC), who peaks her curiosity and pushes the bounds her mind in ways no one would ever dream of.
When we think of magical worlds, we envision beautiful fields of rippling flowers, rivers, and flourishing forests of animals and adorable creatures, but Hiraeth offers all of that with a side of darkness and tragedy. The epitome of "don't get too comfortable". Unimaginable creatures lurk in the lush, beautiful forests waiting and stalking with a new scent they've locked onto and pine after with foaming, bubbling saliva. The scent pushing them to find this new delicious source. But these creatures are just the tip of the dread capped iceberg.
Nell and Darragh face challenge after challenge while butting heads along the way discovering more and more of their differences they're forced to over come. Together, they face immense struggles that test their resolve and their willingness to survive. Needing to use all that she's learned, Nell is forced to make difficult choices and fight for not only her survival, but the survival of those she's become fond of. She's challenged by the highest power with a task she doesn't think she will survive, but other's depend greatly on her success.
Jones has an unwavering talent of intertwining heart stopping sequences of terror that have you on the edge of your seat with fanciful scenes that leave you lusting for this fairy-tale like world. The lightest scenes are loaded with beautiful detail that has you day-dreaming of these places filled with whimsy and magic, while the more sinister side of this story invades your soul with horrors beyond belief, dangers that exist purely to quash all sense of safety, and situations that will surely have you questioning fears you never knew you had.
It's extremely rare to find a book that I can identify with in some way, whether it's a character, a situation, or an experience, but this book is jam-packed with relatable content and characters. From the basic, redundant life Nell trudges through early in the book of 'all work and no play', to the incredibly complex characters that continue to pop up with a variety of lifestyles, personalities, and personal struggles, Jones has created something for everyone. Or rather, 'someone' for everyone.
The Forest where the Phoenix Sleeps swept me off my feet and transported me into a renewed love for fantasy books. This story has raised the bar tremendously for me as a horror fan and fantasy reader that I fear will not be matched by anything other than the possibility of more books by her.
March 12, 2025
First off, She compared her book to ACOTAR which is insulting to her book because it’s 100% better. Her MMC isn’t a giant red flag. He’s a beige flag. A work in progress. I’m sure he’ll redeem himself in book 2. Which I’m impatiently waiting for already. I loved this book. I loved the world building. The characters. The plot twists. The story line. It was easy to follow even with multiple characters. I love that it was fantasy, romance, & a thriller all in one. Nell was mildly annoying in the beginning but aren’t we all when we’re self-deprecating. I wish her story would have ended differently but maybe book 2 will be happier for her. I need more Sasha & Browyn. Anyway; 10/10. Go buy it! The cover art alone is worth the price.
June 18, 2024
I need more!!
First off, BROOKE, I NEED BOOK TWO RIGHT NOW!!
This book was magical, action packed and The slow burn romance that makes you say FINALLY!
I LOVED Nel, I loved being able to relate to her.
The world building wasn't too little or too much. I loved seeing the world just as Nel did.
We all need a Sasha in our lives! 😂
And a Darragh...
This book was soo good and I probably would have finished it in one sitting if I could.
I loved the way Brooke writes and I can't wait for more from her. I'm going to be very impatient waiting for the next one!
Thank you Brooke for showing me a new world, I don't want to leave it! I will definitely be adding the physical copy to my book shelf.
I can already tell you will be one of my favorite series! I can't wait for more!
First off, BROOKE, I NEED BOOK TWO RIGHT NOW!!
This book was magical, action packed and The slow burn romance that makes you say FINALLY!
I LOVED Nel, I loved being able to relate to her.
The world building wasn't too little or too much. I loved seeing the world just as Nel did.
We all need a Sasha in our lives! 😂
And a Darragh...
This book was soo good and I probably would have finished it in one sitting if I could.
I loved the way Brooke writes and I can't wait for more from her. I'm going to be very impatient waiting for the next one!
Thank you Brooke for showing me a new world, I don't want to leave it! I will definitely be adding the physical copy to my book shelf.
I can already tell you will be one of my favorite series! I can't wait for more!
June 16, 2024
READ OF THE YEAR
📣 THIS IS A PSA: EVERYONE STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING!!
Are you listening? Are you paying attention?
GOOD.
Now here's what you need to do... RUN to Amazon. If you're a kindle girly, it's on KU (but also only $3.99 so worth it!!) If you're a physical book girly ADD TO CART, BUY NOW.
This book is EVERYTHING.
Magic? YUP. Creepy creatures in the forest? YUP. Murder? YOU BETCHA. Super hot slow burn that makes you just 🥵🥵? Yes yes and YES. Witty FMC with the best one liners? Got that too!
I ATE THIS UP. I'm not proud, but there were a few unfulfilled snack requests and maybe I did maybe I didn't tell my kids to just go play outside so I could finish this.. but was it worth it? YUP.
This is seriously going to be one of the top reads of the year, if not the next few years. The hype is real and I loooove it.
Just read The Forest where the Phoneix Sleeps. Let the fomo getcha bc it is worth it. 🥵🩷
Also, Darragh... just Darragh. 🥵
📣 THIS IS A PSA: EVERYONE STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING!!
Are you listening? Are you paying attention?
GOOD.
Now here's what you need to do... RUN to Amazon. If you're a kindle girly, it's on KU (but also only $3.99 so worth it!!) If you're a physical book girly ADD TO CART, BUY NOW.
This book is EVERYTHING.
Magic? YUP. Creepy creatures in the forest? YUP. Murder? YOU BETCHA. Super hot slow burn that makes you just 🥵🥵? Yes yes and YES. Witty FMC with the best one liners? Got that too!
I ATE THIS UP. I'm not proud, but there were a few unfulfilled snack requests and maybe I did maybe I didn't tell my kids to just go play outside so I could finish this.. but was it worth it? YUP.
This is seriously going to be one of the top reads of the year, if not the next few years. The hype is real and I loooove it.
Just read The Forest where the Phoneix Sleeps. Let the fomo getcha bc it is worth it. 🥵🩷
Also, Darragh... just Darragh. 🥵
June 21, 2024
This book gives me the warm fuzzies. The characters are so lovable. The way the author incorporates real issues people deal with in everyday life into a fantasy setting makes it so relatable while still making you feel all the magic that I love in a fantasy book. Another aspect I adore is the inclusivity of this book. The author does an amazing job of incorporating those in the LGBTQ+ community in such a respectful and casual way. I absolutely adore this book and I’m already on the edge of my seat for book 2!
This is also my first book review I’ve ever done because I just truly think this book deserved words and not just 5 stars!
This is also my first book review I’ve ever done because I just truly think this book deserved words and not just 5 stars!
June 18, 2024
Oh. My. God.
I don’t think I’ll ever be the same after reading this masterpiece. I feel like a child, reading a book for the first time and falling in love with reading for the first time. Everything about this book is just absolutely extraordinary. I’m SO ready for book two. I know this is going to be my favorite series to come. Brooke Marley Jones is spectacular. The writing. The characters. The plot. The wit. Everything is perfect and I can’t wait to see her magic unfold for the rest of her days.
I don’t think I’ll ever be the same after reading this masterpiece. I feel like a child, reading a book for the first time and falling in love with reading for the first time. Everything about this book is just absolutely extraordinary. I’m SO ready for book two. I know this is going to be my favorite series to come. Brooke Marley Jones is spectacular. The writing. The characters. The plot. The wit. Everything is perfect and I can’t wait to see her magic unfold for the rest of her days.
June 18, 2024
This book was everything it promised to be and everyone has good reason to hype it up!
Nell is always alone, until Darragh comes into the coffee shop she works at. She is plummeted into a world of magic, danger, and friendships she couldn't have imagined.
This is a slow burn, real world/fantasy crossover that pulls you in and truly allows for you to feel the characters and immerse yourself in Hiraeth 🖤
Nell is always alone, until Darragh comes into the coffee shop she works at. She is plummeted into a world of magic, danger, and friendships she couldn't have imagined.
This is a slow burn, real world/fantasy crossover that pulls you in and truly allows for you to feel the characters and immerse yourself in Hiraeth 🖤
July 12, 2024
Honestly, this was everything I could’ve asked for in a book. It was dark, it was spooky.. It had the best witchy vibes and the best side characters. (I mean, the Cage!!) There was magic, witty banter, and swoon worthy romance. And never in my life have I related more to a FMC. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I was completely caught off guard by the plot twists and ending, which was really refreshing. Beautifully written from start to finish.
And to top it off, this book mentions West Virginia more than once! As someone who lives in WV, I freak out anytime it’s mentioned in a book.
I’ll be waiting not-so-patiently for book two!
And to top it off, this book mentions West Virginia more than once! As someone who lives in WV, I freak out anytime it’s mentioned in a book.
I’ll be waiting not-so-patiently for book two!
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