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The Phoenix Girls #2
The Crimson Brand
The Phoenix Girls return to Aurora Hollow to learn more powerful, more difficult magic. Their strange companion and teacher, Ronan, increasingly demands more of them, even as he tracks down dangerous magical relics to close doors on trouble before it ravages Dogwood.
But closed doors never remain closed. Ready or not, the girls must defend Aurora Hollow and themselves. New friends, new enemies, and new monsters join the mystical mayhem as an old threat returns to Dogwood with a new goal: to destroy THE PHOENIX GIRLS.
But closed doors never remain closed. Ready or not, the girls must defend Aurora Hollow and themselves. New friends, new enemies, and new monsters join the mystical mayhem as an old threat returns to Dogwood with a new goal: to destroy THE PHOENIX GIRLS.
- GenresFantasyYoung AdultMagic
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2014
2 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Brian Knight
97 books68 followersBrian Knight lives in Washington State with his family and the voices in his head. His favorite things include coffee, writing outdoors on warm summer nights, and Hawaiian shirts. Find him online at www.Brian-Knight.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 17, 2013
Penny, Zoe, and Katie are back in Aurora Hollow and are preparing themselves for more mystical troubles. Strange things are happening, like Susan's mysterious suitor, and the girls need to be ready for anything. But will they be ready in time? And what will happen if they are found out?
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Nevermind how I got a super early advanced reading copy of this book, it doesn't matter! What DOES matter is that it is super awesome. It's true.
After devouring the first book, practically in few hours, I was eager to get my hands on book 2 only to realize that it wasn't even done being written yet. ::Sigh:: (Feel free to check my review of book 1 if you don't believe me...)
Lo and behold, the author wrote to me to thank me for a kind review ::insert unprofessional fan girl squeal here:: and to say that book 2 was almost done...would I like to read it?...So of course I did! :)
I highly recommend this one! It will keep you on the edge of your seat :)Go pre-order it. GO!
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Nevermind how I got a super early advanced reading copy of this book, it doesn't matter! What DOES matter is that it is super awesome. It's true.
After devouring the first book, practically in few hours, I was eager to get my hands on book 2 only to realize that it wasn't even done being written yet. ::Sigh:: (Feel free to check my review of book 1 if you don't believe me...)
Lo and behold, the author wrote to me to thank me for a kind review ::insert unprofessional fan girl squeal here:: and to say that book 2 was almost done...would I like to read it?...So of course I did! :)
I highly recommend this one! It will keep you on the edge of your seat :)Go pre-order it. GO!
January 17, 2014
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite.
“The Crimson Brand: The Phoenix Girls II” by Brian Knight is a superb follow-up to the first Phoenix Girls story, but that is exactly what I expected it to be. In this episode, Penny and Zoe are joined by Katie, with Ellen joining the Phoenix Girls midway through the story. The girls continued to practice their magic, with some hair-raising results.
This time, trouble comes in the form of a man who has been charming Penny’s aunt Susan, but the girls learn he has ulterior motives, and in a rather amusing turn of events, Susan calls him on the carpet, and throws him from her house. Considering he was nearly 7 feet tall and 300 pounds, that was quite a feat. But the big man was working for someone else, so kicking him out of her life only served to bring more wicked entities into play. Under the continuing tutelage of Ronan, the girls begin to make great strides in mastering their magic, just in time to confront the Evil Turoc and his minions.
“The Crimson Brand: The Phoenix Girls II” was extremely well-written and well-edited. It was also hard to put down… very hard. Like the first story in this series, this one was totally captivating. People from pre-teen through young adults will be enthralled with this story, but to get the most out of it, they should read the first episode before this one.
Brian Knight is following in the big footsteps of many other successful writers of serial fiction for this age group, and his writing is as good as anybody out there. As I stated in my review of the first Phoenix Girls story, I firmly believe this series has the potential to become as popular as Harry Potter, The Hardy Boys, and every series in between. “The Phoenix Girls” series is definitely a must-read for all pre-teens through young adults, including the boys; this series is not limited to girls only, as its appeal is universal.
“The Crimson Brand: The Phoenix Girls II” by Brian Knight is a superb follow-up to the first Phoenix Girls story, but that is exactly what I expected it to be. In this episode, Penny and Zoe are joined by Katie, with Ellen joining the Phoenix Girls midway through the story. The girls continued to practice their magic, with some hair-raising results.
This time, trouble comes in the form of a man who has been charming Penny’s aunt Susan, but the girls learn he has ulterior motives, and in a rather amusing turn of events, Susan calls him on the carpet, and throws him from her house. Considering he was nearly 7 feet tall and 300 pounds, that was quite a feat. But the big man was working for someone else, so kicking him out of her life only served to bring more wicked entities into play. Under the continuing tutelage of Ronan, the girls begin to make great strides in mastering their magic, just in time to confront the Evil Turoc and his minions.
“The Crimson Brand: The Phoenix Girls II” was extremely well-written and well-edited. It was also hard to put down… very hard. Like the first story in this series, this one was totally captivating. People from pre-teen through young adults will be enthralled with this story, but to get the most out of it, they should read the first episode before this one.
Brian Knight is following in the big footsteps of many other successful writers of serial fiction for this age group, and his writing is as good as anybody out there. As I stated in my review of the first Phoenix Girls story, I firmly believe this series has the potential to become as popular as Harry Potter, The Hardy Boys, and every series in between. “The Phoenix Girls” series is definitely a must-read for all pre-teens through young adults, including the boys; this series is not limited to girls only, as its appeal is universal.
November 29, 2014
We received an advance review copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads and were glad we did. We did not read the first book of the Phoenix Girls series, but do not think that entirely necessary, although it would have been helpful, for reading this second volume, The Crimson Brand. It is a good book, well written, with very nice illustrations, however, our own favorite character was not one of the Phoenix Girls, but Ronan the magical talking fox, who is really cool in our opinion.
In this book, the Phoenix Girls have come back to Aurora Hollow and are developing and improving their magical skills, as well as their connection to each other, for their magic seems heightened by their togetherness and loyalty to each other. There are, of course, dangers about and wicked ones to overcome, but at the same time they have not only Ronan, Yodi to their Luke-ness, but the magical book, the Secrets of the Phoenix Girls to guide them. It is all a bit of magical fun and delight.
The Silver Elves authors of The Elven Way: The Magical Path of the Shining Ones
In this book, the Phoenix Girls have come back to Aurora Hollow and are developing and improving their magical skills, as well as their connection to each other, for their magic seems heightened by their togetherness and loyalty to each other. There are, of course, dangers about and wicked ones to overcome, but at the same time they have not only Ronan, Yodi to their Luke-ness, but the magical book, the Secrets of the Phoenix Girls to guide them. It is all a bit of magical fun and delight.
The Silver Elves authors of The Elven Way: The Magical Path of the Shining Ones
January 29, 2014
I received this as an ARC from the Publisher.
I must confess that I have not yet read #1 in the series. That said, I think the book was well enough written, and enough back story was slipped into the narrative, that I never felt lost.
This continues the story of Penny, and her friends Zoe and Katie. They are continuing to develop their magical abilities with the help of the talking Fox, Ronin. They discover that they were not the first circle of Phoenix girls, but actually are just the newest generation to have these abilities and are now very much needed to face the expected crisis to come.
But, What happened to the previous Phoenix Girls? why aren't they helping the new ones? Who was Penny's father? Where is her mother's identical twin? Why does Katie's father hate Penny and Susan? Lots of questions and few answers.
Penny's relationship with Susan continues to grow and mature, and as crisis after crisis comes their way, they need each other. Some of these questions get answered.... but not all!
This volume had a satisfying conclusion, but the reader is well aware that the story is not over and we still haven't met the true Big Bad of the story. I am looking forward to #3 in this series.
Highly recommended for young adults from Middle School on up.
I must confess that I have not yet read #1 in the series. That said, I think the book was well enough written, and enough back story was slipped into the narrative, that I never felt lost.
This continues the story of Penny, and her friends Zoe and Katie. They are continuing to develop their magical abilities with the help of the talking Fox, Ronin. They discover that they were not the first circle of Phoenix girls, but actually are just the newest generation to have these abilities and are now very much needed to face the expected crisis to come.
But, What happened to the previous Phoenix Girls? why aren't they helping the new ones? Who was Penny's father? Where is her mother's identical twin? Why does Katie's father hate Penny and Susan? Lots of questions and few answers.
Penny's relationship with Susan continues to grow and mature, and as crisis after crisis comes their way, they need each other. Some of these questions get answered.... but not all!
This volume had a satisfying conclusion, but the reader is well aware that the story is not over and we still haven't met the true Big Bad of the story. I am looking forward to #3 in this series.
Highly recommended for young adults from Middle School on up.
February 12, 2014
Awesome read!
April 14, 2014
The Crimson Brand is the second book in The Phoenix Girls series by Brian Knight, and I found it to be an even better read than the first installment. I would say that it’s possible to read this book without having read the first one, but there are so many questions that are asked and answered, some of which picking up on threads from the previous book, that it would certainly be worth picking up book one, The Conjuring Glass, and getting a full look at the story. (I really enjoy that about this book, by the way! Each book introduces its own new plot elements, and then with the second book you have some questions being resolved from the first book, only to add new ones, but the novel still works as a story on its own.)
In Book Two, Penny and her friends are back in Aurora Hollow, the sacred grove where the girls have found magic — magic that helped them defeat the evil Birdman who terrorized their town almost half a year ago. But the girls’ trouble has only just begun, because now they’ve drawn attention to themselves, and enemies are coming. Their vulpine guide, Ronan, is agitated and won’t give them the whole story, their family lives are fracturing, and someone is trying to buy Penny’s land, which holds Aurora Hollow. And they’re seducing her godmother to get it. A whole mess of trouble rests on the shoulders of these girls, and their various problems may not be unrelated.
One of the things I wanted from the last book was to see them using their magic more and playing around with it to find out what it can do, and this book really delivers on that front. I love stories about girls learning and using magic. It’s my truest weakness. And the magic system in this series is so interesting. The way it works, the way they’re taught, and the way they use it…it’s the kind of thing that makes me go, “I wish *I* was a Phoenix Girl.” and that, for me, is the best feeling I can get from a book. Wanting to be a part of it, wanting it to be real. I enjoy that part of reading a book more than almost anything else.
The Phoenix Girls are an especially enjoyable group, because they’re smart, they’re creative, and they’re made of tough stuff. The girls keep fighting for each other, and in this book they have a lot to fight for — and against. Friendship and family are important themes in this novel, and while there are mentions of romantic attractions, I actually like that the author doesn’t focus on those things. And I’m not the kind of person who usually says that — most of the time I don’t enjoy anything without a romantic plotline.
Like the first book, I found The Crimson Brand to be an intense read that didn’t allow me to put the book down until I’d finished. I cared about the characters and I was worried about what would happen to them in the story, and the author gave me good reason for concern. Though this is a young adult book, the story doesn’t pull punches and the girls were often placed in real danger. It still felt like a YA novel though — in the best way. Books like this are the reason I love YA so much, even though I’m about a decade out of its target audience.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing what the future holds for the girls and their families, and figuring out exactly who is who and what happened with the last generation of Phoenix Girls.
Note: I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. This has no bearing on the content of my review.
In Book Two, Penny and her friends are back in Aurora Hollow, the sacred grove where the girls have found magic — magic that helped them defeat the evil Birdman who terrorized their town almost half a year ago. But the girls’ trouble has only just begun, because now they’ve drawn attention to themselves, and enemies are coming. Their vulpine guide, Ronan, is agitated and won’t give them the whole story, their family lives are fracturing, and someone is trying to buy Penny’s land, which holds Aurora Hollow. And they’re seducing her godmother to get it. A whole mess of trouble rests on the shoulders of these girls, and their various problems may not be unrelated.
One of the things I wanted from the last book was to see them using their magic more and playing around with it to find out what it can do, and this book really delivers on that front. I love stories about girls learning and using magic. It’s my truest weakness. And the magic system in this series is so interesting. The way it works, the way they’re taught, and the way they use it…it’s the kind of thing that makes me go, “I wish *I* was a Phoenix Girl.” and that, for me, is the best feeling I can get from a book. Wanting to be a part of it, wanting it to be real. I enjoy that part of reading a book more than almost anything else.
The Phoenix Girls are an especially enjoyable group, because they’re smart, they’re creative, and they’re made of tough stuff. The girls keep fighting for each other, and in this book they have a lot to fight for — and against. Friendship and family are important themes in this novel, and while there are mentions of romantic attractions, I actually like that the author doesn’t focus on those things. And I’m not the kind of person who usually says that — most of the time I don’t enjoy anything without a romantic plotline.
Like the first book, I found The Crimson Brand to be an intense read that didn’t allow me to put the book down until I’d finished. I cared about the characters and I was worried about what would happen to them in the story, and the author gave me good reason for concern. Though this is a young adult book, the story doesn’t pull punches and the girls were often placed in real danger. It still felt like a YA novel though — in the best way. Books like this are the reason I love YA so much, even though I’m about a decade out of its target audience.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing what the future holds for the girls and their families, and figuring out exactly who is who and what happened with the last generation of Phoenix Girls.
Note: I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. This has no bearing on the content of my review.
April 10, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Just as fun as the first book, we join our small group as they learn more about themselves and gather more magical friends to fight off an evil...snake...lizard...man? I don't know, but it looks like this
They refer to it as a snake with arms, or a man snake, and until this picture I kept picturing it as something more...centaur-ish, but with a snake instead of a horse. I don't know. Definitely not that.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book, even though I'm sure I'm way out of its demographic. It's just so whimsical and lighthearted, even though these girls are facing evil forces that want to kill them. It has that nice balance of "this is made for a younger audience" and "we want everyone to enjoy it".
We learn a bit more about Penny's mother and aunt and the previous Phoenix Girls, the girls make new friends and their little group grows, Ronan is still my favorite and if he leaves again I will be very sad. He's such a great character. I have my own theories about him, and though we are given hints at who he is, we've yet to learn his full story. Whether that happens in an upcoming sequel or just a book on its own, I don't care. I just need more Ronan in my life.
Really, my only issue with this book was the snake man and how he was described. I just had so much trouble picturing him, and then the picture they gave just didn't fit with the descriptors, and honestly that's a pretty small annoyance given everything else going on in the book.
I love how this book focuses on friendship. Too often with books I've been reading lately, it's all about sparkly relationships with the new mysterious boy in school, or girls fighting over who gets to go out with whom, but here we focus on the girls and their friendship and how they rely on each other to save the day. It reminds me of early Harry Potter (and I really don't enjoy comparing books to HP). I just love their friendship so much, and that's really one of my favorite things about this series.
Just as fun as the first book, we join our small group as they learn more about themselves and gather more magical friends to fight off an evil...snake...lizard...man? I don't know, but it looks like this
They refer to it as a snake with arms, or a man snake, and until this picture I kept picturing it as something more...centaur-ish, but with a snake instead of a horse. I don't know. Definitely not that.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book, even though I'm sure I'm way out of its demographic. It's just so whimsical and lighthearted, even though these girls are facing evil forces that want to kill them. It has that nice balance of "this is made for a younger audience" and "we want everyone to enjoy it".
We learn a bit more about Penny's mother and aunt and the previous Phoenix Girls, the girls make new friends and their little group grows, Ronan is still my favorite and if he leaves again I will be very sad. He's such a great character. I have my own theories about him, and though we are given hints at who he is, we've yet to learn his full story. Whether that happens in an upcoming sequel or just a book on its own, I don't care. I just need more Ronan in my life.
Really, my only issue with this book was the snake man and how he was described. I just had so much trouble picturing him, and then the picture they gave just didn't fit with the descriptors, and honestly that's a pretty small annoyance given everything else going on in the book.
I love how this book focuses on friendship. Too often with books I've been reading lately, it's all about sparkly relationships with the new mysterious boy in school, or girls fighting over who gets to go out with whom, but here we focus on the girls and their friendship and how they rely on each other to save the day. It reminds me of early Harry Potter (and I really don't enjoy comparing books to HP). I just love their friendship so much, and that's really one of my favorite things about this series.
July 25, 2014
I received this ebook from LibraryThing Early Reviewers and was thrilled since I had read and enjoyed the first book in the Phoenix Girls series. This book continues and expands on the first with new adventures and widening mysteries about the past. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the next book, especially with some of the things happening when this book ended - I want to know what happens next!
Magical adventures, friendship, loyalty, family, betrayal, terror...this book has it all! I like how the reader discovers new things along with the characters...revelations about past relationships and mysteries that still need unraveling, as well as new magical abilities. The relationships are complex and the author handles difficult family situations in honest ways as well as the difficult emotions that sometimes can come about because of them.
Despite being young teens, the girls deal with many difficult issues and dangerous situations and have hard choices to make about a variety of situations forcing them to use their resourcefulness, intuition and courage and rely on each other. I like how much more the characters were fleshed out in this book and how much they learned about themselves along with the reader. I found myself enjoying this book even more than the first and would highly recommend this series to anyone, young adult or adult, looking for a good magical-fantasy adventure.
Magical adventures, friendship, loyalty, family, betrayal, terror...this book has it all! I like how the reader discovers new things along with the characters...revelations about past relationships and mysteries that still need unraveling, as well as new magical abilities. The relationships are complex and the author handles difficult family situations in honest ways as well as the difficult emotions that sometimes can come about because of them.
Despite being young teens, the girls deal with many difficult issues and dangerous situations and have hard choices to make about a variety of situations forcing them to use their resourcefulness, intuition and courage and rely on each other. I like how much more the characters were fleshed out in this book and how much they learned about themselves along with the reader. I found myself enjoying this book even more than the first and would highly recommend this series to anyone, young adult or adult, looking for a good magical-fantasy adventure.
July 23, 2016
The Crimson Brand is book two in The Phoenix Girls series and I really enjoyed it. Adventure, friendship, monsters and magic contained within. While I had read the first book, I feel you could read this book without reading the first one. If you've read the first one, you would get a better feel of the characters and more understanding of the story. However, I feel that you can still enjoy this book without reading the first. I also like that it had an ending without being a cliff hanger, so I'm not frustrated while waiting for a year while the third book get released!
I really enjoyed the continuation of the story line, the growth of the characters, the involvement and mystery surrounding new and old characters, and the creatures and magical world Mr. Knight has created. Would recommend for grade school age and older readers who like reading about strong girls, magic, spooky creatures and adventure.
Received this book via LibraryThing.com Early Reviewer giveaway.
I really enjoyed the continuation of the story line, the growth of the characters, the involvement and mystery surrounding new and old characters, and the creatures and magical world Mr. Knight has created. Would recommend for grade school age and older readers who like reading about strong girls, magic, spooky creatures and adventure.
Received this book via LibraryThing.com Early Reviewer giveaway.
May 28, 2016
Penny, now 14, and her newly assembled Phoenix Girls, are being tutored by Ronan, the talking fox, to prepare them for their mission to protect Dogwood from an enemy who is determined to destroy it—and them—whether they’re prepared or not. In the meantime, Ronan must also retrieve the magical relics that are important to both sides.
The Crimson Brand by Brian Knight is book two in the Phoenix Girl series, and it picks up where book one left off, with Penny and her friends having to face an enemy who is more powerful and determined than ever. Not only must they save themselves and their town, but Ronan as well.
A novel meant for young adult readers, this tale will appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages. The author has nailed his characters, and has the world of Dogwood and the ‘other’ dimensions down pat.
I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
The Crimson Brand by Brian Knight is book two in the Phoenix Girl series, and it picks up where book one left off, with Penny and her friends having to face an enemy who is more powerful and determined than ever. Not only must they save themselves and their town, but Ronan as well.
A novel meant for young adult readers, this tale will appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages. The author has nailed his characters, and has the world of Dogwood and the ‘other’ dimensions down pat.
I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
January 30, 2014
I must admit that YA/coming of age novels are not exactly my cup of tea, but still this one was good enough, even if I have not read the first installment in the serie. A little bit too childish but the dialogues are funny and the charachters interesting enough. Nothing new in the world of books anyway.
Devo ammettere che i romanzi del genere YA non sono proprio il mio genere, ma questo resta comunque carino, anche se non ho letto il primo della serie. Un pochino puerile a volte, ma i dialoghi sono divertenti e la caratterizzazione dei personaggi regge. Niente di nuovo comunque nel mondo dei libri.
THANKS TO LIBRARYTHING AND BRIAN KNIGHT FOR THE PREVIEW!
Devo ammettere che i romanzi del genere YA non sono proprio il mio genere, ma questo resta comunque carino, anche se non ho letto il primo della serie. Un pochino puerile a volte, ma i dialoghi sono divertenti e la caratterizzazione dei personaggi regge. Niente di nuovo comunque nel mondo dei libri.
THANKS TO LIBRARYTHING AND BRIAN KNIGHT FOR THE PREVIEW!
November 19, 2013
The Phoenix Girls return to Aurora Hollow to learn more powerful, more difficult magic. Their strange companion and teacher, Ronan, increasingly demands more of them, even as he tracks down dangerous magical relics to close doors on trouble before it ravages Dogwood.
But closed doors never remain closed. Ready or not, the girls must defend Aurora Hollow and themselves. New friends, new enemies, and new monsters join the mystical mayhem as an old threat returns to Dogwood with a new goal: to destroy THE PHOENIX GIRLS.
But closed doors never remain closed. Ready or not, the girls must defend Aurora Hollow and themselves. New friends, new enemies, and new monsters join the mystical mayhem as an old threat returns to Dogwood with a new goal: to destroy THE PHOENIX GIRLS.
April 24, 2014
The second book in this series was as good, if not better than the first. We return with the three friends (Penny, Zoe, and Katie) advancing into harder spells and magic. They add a 4th member to there circle (Ellen) and become a coven in friendship and magic. Once again i will say that this book is directed at young females, but as a male, i have found it enjoyable. There are ever increasing foes from the Birdman in the first book to Turoc, the snake, in this book. If you would like to now what happens......just pick up a copy and find out for yourself!
March 24, 2014
Penny, Zoe, and Katie are back in Aurora Hollow, continuing to develop their magical abilities. They discover that they were not the first circle of Phoenix girls, but actually are just the new generation to have these abilities. Liked Ronan, the magical talking fox, very much.
It is a good book, well written and i enjoyed.
It is a good book, well written and i enjoyed.
February 20, 2014
I could not put this book down. It is the second in the series but the author does a good job of filling in where you would have questioned things. After reading this I had to go back and read the first one. The author does a great job with character development and the storyline is flawless. Look forward to more from the author.
February 21, 2014
This is a young adult book, and involves abnormal behavior and abilities and the war between them and the bad guys. I'll not tell you plot because others will do so. The characters are interesting and engaging and the plot keeps you interested. What more do you want?
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesey's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesey's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
March 17, 2014
Good continuation of the story. I enjoyed this book.
June 15, 2021
Aimed at middle schoolers this book hits the target dead center. Magic wand wielding schoolgirls fighting monsters, wicked mustache twirling (well almost) villain's and a talking fox, what more could you ask for.
No, I'm not a middle schooler (or any other schooler for a long while). Yes I am going to read the next in the series (last in the trilogy?) and I hope I enjoy it as much as this one.
No, I'm not a middle schooler (or any other schooler for a long while). Yes I am going to read the next in the series (last in the trilogy?) and I hope I enjoy it as much as this one.
April 25, 2014
THE PHOENIX GIRLS is the second in a series by Brian Knight for children. It takes place in a place called Aurora Hollow and involves witchcraft, magic and a talking fox to say the least.
The story revolves around Kate, Zoe and Penny. They are teenagers who've just recently learned of their abilities and are having to fight evil to stay alive. Although the story is the second in a series, it can be read as a stand alone and the reader is able to follow along without any problems.
As an adult, I can say I didn't find the story too interesting. Don't get me wrong, the writing mechanics are there, it was just the story didn't draw me into it the way the HARRY POTTER stories did. As I was finishing up the story, I found it to have two main action sequences and it was as if the author came up with those first and then wrote the entire story loosely around those two main scenes. Things I would have liked to see more of ie who was the woman in the picture, who took their memories, just who was Penny's parents, who is Susan and what of her life before Penny, were never fully developed and he missed the chance to make the story truly interesting.
The story revolves around Kate, Zoe and Penny. They are teenagers who've just recently learned of their abilities and are having to fight evil to stay alive. Although the story is the second in a series, it can be read as a stand alone and the reader is able to follow along without any problems.
As an adult, I can say I didn't find the story too interesting. Don't get me wrong, the writing mechanics are there, it was just the story didn't draw me into it the way the HARRY POTTER stories did. As I was finishing up the story, I found it to have two main action sequences and it was as if the author came up with those first and then wrote the entire story loosely around those two main scenes. Things I would have liked to see more of ie who was the woman in the picture, who took their memories, just who was Penny's parents, who is Susan and what of her life before Penny, were never fully developed and he missed the chance to make the story truly interesting.
June 6, 2016
The second of the Phoenix Girls trilogy, a series that is well-written and entertaining, even if one is not in the target audience (young teens, likely female.)
Penny, with her friend, Zoe and Ronan, the mystical fox, face many challenges as the Phoenix Girls expands with new members. When a fire destroys penny's godmother's store, they must help to keep the business running. When they meet up with Turoc, a huge snake creature, they begin to know what challenge Ronan is preparing them for. Will they be ready? Penny tries to find leads to her father, and still nobody wants to tell her what they know. Why does everyone in town seem to hate her family, and only seem to put up with her because they like Susan, her godmother.
Penny's determination will cause knowledge, but does she really want to know the truth? Can she recognize the truth?
This is an exciting read with an ending that will drive the reader into the third book of the trilogy.
Penny, with her friend, Zoe and Ronan, the mystical fox, face many challenges as the Phoenix Girls expands with new members. When a fire destroys penny's godmother's store, they must help to keep the business running. When they meet up with Turoc, a huge snake creature, they begin to know what challenge Ronan is preparing them for. Will they be ready? Penny tries to find leads to her father, and still nobody wants to tell her what they know. Why does everyone in town seem to hate her family, and only seem to put up with her because they like Susan, her godmother.
Penny's determination will cause knowledge, but does she really want to know the truth? Can she recognize the truth?
This is an exciting read with an ending that will drive the reader into the third book of the trilogy.
March 4, 2014
This is the second book. I didn’t receive the first one.
The tale started off with the fox searching for remaining relics and—quite unexpectedly—have come to learn of some disturbing news that he wasn't sure his human friends, Katie and Perry, would've been prepared to hear. The hint of adventure starts there.
I like it because it is nicely written. But I find the long statements, carrying the thoughts of the fox, to be a bit tiring. The actual dialogue started at a later page, but was quickly followed by the long string of thoughts again.
Note: I've received this book from a giveaway for early reviewers and have written my honest opinion about it.
(Review taken from my blog post, "Book #Reviews: Finished Reading 8 Books—Again?" at http://www.sittiecateslovestories.blo...)
The tale started off with the fox searching for remaining relics and—quite unexpectedly—have come to learn of some disturbing news that he wasn't sure his human friends, Katie and Perry, would've been prepared to hear. The hint of adventure starts there.
I like it because it is nicely written. But I find the long statements, carrying the thoughts of the fox, to be a bit tiring. The actual dialogue started at a later page, but was quickly followed by the long string of thoughts again.
Note: I've received this book from a giveaway for early reviewers and have written my honest opinion about it.
(Review taken from my blog post, "Book #Reviews: Finished Reading 8 Books—Again?" at http://www.sittiecateslovestories.blo...)
August 7, 2014
This series is very entertaining. These 3 new sorcerers are learning new things everyday. They have just added a 4th member and 5th person the protect their secret.
Penny was hoping for a break after defeating the birdman but Ronan advised that there was no time to rest. The flood gates were open. Penny, Katie, and Zoe taught themselves to fly. Penny learned she was a human torch.
There are several events that lead up to the big battle including the abduction of Ronan. The 4 witches win, in the end. But the battles will keep coming as They plan to get rid of Penny.
Penny was hoping for a break after defeating the birdman but Ronan advised that there was no time to rest. The flood gates were open. Penny, Katie, and Zoe taught themselves to fly. Penny learned she was a human torch.
There are several events that lead up to the big battle including the abduction of Ronan. The 4 witches win, in the end. But the battles will keep coming as They plan to get rid of Penny.
February 19, 2014
This was an all-around entertaining read. I won the opportunity to review this book through an online Early Reviewers draw.
Although I have not read the first novel - The Conjuring Glass - I found it quite easy to piece together what happened. The dialogue was well written, but the 3 main characters were interchangeable in most ways. I will be on the lookout for Penny and the rest on their next adventure.
Although I have not read the first novel - The Conjuring Glass - I found it quite easy to piece together what happened. The dialogue was well written, but the 3 main characters were interchangeable in most ways. I will be on the lookout for Penny and the rest on their next adventure.
June 24, 2014
*received for free through Goodreads First Reads
Interesting story the kept me going, though at times the writing did veer on tangents that were distracting. Loved the artwork and the characterization.
Interesting story the kept me going, though at times the writing did veer on tangents that were distracting. Loved the artwork and the characterization.
April 13, 2015
This second installment was just not as engaging as the first as there seemed to be a tad too many storylines and they never quite came together fully, especially the parts involving the title.
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