Phoenix Born

by Faith Neal

Relentless young witch, Hazel must choose between following in her mother's footsteps or following her heart. In a land being torn apart by darkness and ancient beasts, will Hazel have the strength to battle against the Gods and create her own path saving the ones that she loves? Will she forge a new path to discover the strength of the gifts she possesses?

Or will she bow down to the traditions of time that have molded the only life she has ever known? And will the love she is bonded and mated to, lead her astray from her destined path, or strengthen her Goddess given talents?

152 pages, Hardcover

Published September 27, 2024

Reviews

[Aurelia Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I finished this book, it stayed with me in that quiet, lingering way only strong fantasy romances tend to do. What initially appears to be a familiar coming of age witch narrative quickly reveals itself as something far more layered, emotionally grounded, and ambitious in scope.

Hazel is a compelling protagonist because her struggle is not simply external. Yes, the land is unraveling under darkness, ancient beasts roam, and even the Gods themselves are forces to be challenged, but the true heart of the story lies in Hazel’s internal conflict. She is torn between legacy and self determination, between the rigid traditions passed down through her mother and the undeniable pull of her own heart. This tension gives the story real weight, making Hazel feel human despite her extraordinary gifts.

The world building is rich without being overwhelming. The author gradually immerses the reader in a land shaped by divine influence, long standing customs, and dangerous magic. The presence of the Gods adds a mythic scale to the story, yet they are not distant abstractions. Their influence feels personal, oppressive, and at times cruel, which raises the stakes of Hazel’s choices. Battling monsters is one thing, but standing against divine expectations requires a different kind of courage.

The romantic element is woven thoughtfully into the narrative. The bond and mating connection is not simply a distraction or a convenient trope. Instead, it becomes another test of Hazel’s strength. I appreciated that the relationship is not portrayed as an easy answer. It forces Hazel to confront whether love is a limitation imposed by fate or a source of power that can amplify who she truly is. The question of whether love leads her astray or strengthens her Goddess given talents is explored with nuance rather than certainty.

What stood out most to me was the theme of choice. This is a story about forging a new path in a world that demands obedience. Hazel’s journey asks difficult questions about destiny, tradition, and personal agency. Is destiny something inherited, bestowed by the Gods, or claimed through defiance and growth? Watching Hazel grapple with these questions made her victories feel earned and her doubts deeply relatable.

Overall, this book delivers a satisfying blend of dark fantasy, mythology, and emotional romance. It will appeal strongly to readers who enjoy witch centered narratives, powerful female leads, and stories where love and destiny are intertwined but never simplistic. By the end, Hazel’s journey feels less about choosing between two paths and more about creating one entirely her own. I would gladly continue this series to see how far her strength and defiance can carry her.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix Born by Faith Neal

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉Phoenix Born is a sweeping and immersive fantasy that places readers at the heart of a world ruled by magic, ancient traditions, and divine conflict. At its center is Hazel, a determined young witch whose destiny is bound to choices that will shape not only her own life but also the fate of those she loves. Hazel must decide whether to follow the path laid out for her by her mother and the traditions of her people, or to carve out a new way forward by embracing her heart, her gifts, and her own sense of purpose.

👉From the very beginning, Hazel emerges as a protagonist who is easy to root for. Her inner struggle between duty and freedom mirrors the challenges many face when trying to honor the past while still seeking individuality. Her bond with her mate adds another layer to the story, showing how love can be both a guiding light and a test of strength. This emotional depth ensures that Hazel’s journey is not only about magical battles and divine confrontations but also about the deeply human themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery.

👉Faith Neal’s writing shines in her ability to create a vivid and imaginative world. The setting is alive with danger, mystery, and breathtaking details that pull you in and hold you there. The conflict with the Gods and the presence of ancient beasts give the story an epic scale, while the intimate struggles of Hazel’s heart provide a balance that keeps the novel emotionally resonant. Neal successfully blends high-stakes adventure with themes of empowerment, showing how courage is not only about facing enemies but also about trusting oneself enough to forge a new path.

👉One of the strongest aspects of Phoenix Born is the way it explores identity and independence. Hazel’s journey becomes a metaphor for anyone who has ever questioned tradition or longed to break free from the expectations that define them. As her powers unfold, she learns that true strength comes not from what others demand but from within. This message resonates deeply, making the novel more than just a fantasy tale.

Happy reading 😊

[Amelia Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix Born is a captivating meditation on self-determination and inherited destiny. The prose is elegant, polished, and surprisingly philosophical for a fantasy debut. Hazel’s inner conflict, choosing between a legacy steeped in power and the pull of her heart, is rendered with emotional precision. The author’s control of tone and imagery evokes a mythic atmosphere reminiscent of classic high fantasy while still feeling modern and accessible. The gods and beasts operate as metaphors for the expectations that bind us, giving the story layers of meaning beyond the surface adventure. It’s a beautifully balanced work that rewards both emotional and intellectual readers.

[Rodriguez Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book! From the first chapter, Hazel’s voice grabbed me and refused to let go. The world-building feels vast but never overwhelming, every detail adds to the sense of danger and wonder. The romantic thread is slow-burn perfection, giving us moments of tension and tenderness that make the stakes feel personal. What stood out most for me was the author’s ability to marry the magical with the emotional; the gods and beasts are grand, but the real battle is inside Hazel’s heart. Readers who loved A Court of Thorns and Roses or Shadow and Bone will feel right at home here. I’m genuinely excited to see where this series goes next.

[Marcus Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrecked me in the best possible way. Hazel’s journey to find her voice in a world determined to silence her is both heartbreaking and empowering. I found myself relating to her need to balance love and duty, especially when that love might cost everything she’s fought for. The author captures those quiet, aching moments of doubt that make Hazel feel so real. The imagery is lush, the stakes are enormous, and yet it’s the emotional honesty that lingers. By the last page, I felt like I’d been through her battles right beside her. A powerful, heartfelt fantasy that stays with you long after you close the book.

[Robertson Caring · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong, character-driven fantasy that blends accessible storytelling with deeper themes of choice, loyalty, and transformation. Phoenix Born would be an excellent recommendation for readers who enjoy introspective fantasy with mature themes but without excessive violence. Hazel’s internal growth is inspiring, showing young readers especially that strength often comes from compassion rather than confrontation. The pacing moves steadily, balancing world-building with emotional beats, and the prose is clear and evocative. This title would sit comfortably in any public or school library collection alongside authors like Naomi Novik and Laini Taylor.

[Richard J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few authors manage to blend the intensity of romantic connection with the sweep of epic fantasy as well as this one. Hazel and her destined partner share a chemistry that simmers quietly until it ignites, but what I loved most was how their bond becomes a mirror for Hazel’s own inner power. The author never lets romance overshadow purpose, instead, love becomes part of the magic itself. The dialogue is sincere, the tension beautifully paced, and the emotional payoff is huge. Fans of powerful witches, soul-deep love stories, and divine intrigue will find this story irresistible. It’s the kind of fantasy that leaves you sighing and satisfied at once.

[Shirley J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What impressed me most about Phoenix Born was how deliberate and thematic it felt. Beneath the surface adventure lies a conversation about agency, heritage, and spiritual autonomy. The gods in this story aren’t merely deities, they’re symbols of control, conformity, and inherited expectation. Hazel’s rebellion against them becomes not just physical but philosophical. The author weaves this subtext gracefully, never letting it bog down the narrative momentum. Combined with confident pacing and introspective narration, it creates a novel that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking. For readers who appreciate layered storytelling, this is an exciting debut worth serious attention.

[Andrew J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richly imagined and emotionally layered, Phoenix Born succeeds both as a fantasy adventure and as a character study. The prose carries confidence, the pacing feels purposeful, and the narrative strikes a satisfying balance between mythic scale and intimate emotion. Hazel’s evolution, from reluctant heir to self-possessed witch is believable and rewarding. The love story is understated but resonant, anchoring the book’s exploration of trust and destiny. While the setup hints at a larger universe yet to be revealed, this volume stands firmly on its own. A fine addition to contemporary fantasy literature and an impressive start to what could become a standout series.

[Mia T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first line, Phoenix Born commands attention. It’s lush, ambitious, and emotionally charged in all the best ways. Hazel is a heroine built for readers who crave depth, she doubts, she fails, she rises again, and through it all, she never loses her heart. The author’s writing is cinematic yet intimate, painting scenes that feel alive with color and sound. I adored the way the magic system mirrors emotional truth, power rooted in choice rather than circumstance. This is more than a fantasy novel; it’s a declaration of independence dressed in myth and fire. I’ll be shouting about this book for a long time.

[Michael K.]

I went into this book not knowing what to expect, and I came out pleasantly surprised. The world is vivid, full of ancient danger and quiet hope, and Hazel’s voice feels genuine from start to finish. Some chapters move slower than others, but the character growth keeps you invested. I liked how the author tied the theme of love to personal strength, it made Hazel’s decisions feel earned. If you enjoy stories about witches, destiny, and defying tradition, this is definitely worth your time. It’s an easy book to recommend for anyone dipping their toes into fantasy again.

[Kelly Alberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This synopsis pulled me in right away! Hazel’s journey promises to be one filled with magic, danger, love, and self discovery. The tension between tradition and forging her own destiny makes her story instantly relatable, even within such a richly fantastical setting. The idea of battling ancient beasts and even standing against the Gods themselves gives this tale an epic, larger than life quality, while the emotional core her love, courage, and gifts keeps it grounded in heart.

[Dolores T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix Born is a striking achievement in character-driven fantasy. The prose is refined and confident, offering a story that is both sweeping in scope and intimate in emotional resonance. Hazel’s struggle against divine expectation is portrayed with exceptional nuance, giving readers a heroine whose strength feels earned, not inherited. A beautifully constructed novel that elevates the modern witch-fantasy landscape.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix Born is a well written and engaging story with strong characters and vivid world building. The protagonist’s journey is compelling, and the author balances emotion, action, and atmosphere with skill. Although the beginning starts a bit slowly, the story quickly becomes gripping and delivers a satisfying, memorable experience. A great read for fans of immersive fantasy.

[La'Sha Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel is the kind of protagonist who stays in your thoughts long after you close the book, stubborn, wounded, powerful, and profoundly human. The author builds tension with expert skill, weaving mythology, romance, and danger into a narrative that feels simultaneously fresh and timeless. A standout debut that deserves wide recognition.

[Walter L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich, atmospheric, and meticulously imagined, Phoenix Born establishes its world with cinematic clarity. The beasts, the gods, and the ancestral traditions all feel alive, pressing in on Hazel with breathtaking intensity. Her defiance becomes the heart of the story, transforming this tale into something both emotionally sharp and thematically bold.

[Stellar Curie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Phoenix Born" takes readers on an exhilarating adventure filled with magic, romance, and self-discovery. The novel explores themes of tradition versus personal freedom, the power of love, and the importance of finding one's inner strength in the face of adversity.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review may be a little biased as I am the one who wrote it; however, I think it was a pretty great book and look forward to seeing what everyone else thinks of it, too!

[Michelle Donahue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix Born is a beautifully written journey of rebirth, resilience, and courage. Faith delivers a story that grips your heart from the first chapter and doesn’t let go. A truly inspiring read

[Thomas Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely captivating! Phoenix Born kept me turning pages late into the night. Faith is a remarkable storyteller

[Florence Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix Born is an immersive journey overflowing with heart, magic, and myth. Hazel’s unwavering spirit makes this book unforgettable.