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The Last Tears of a Phoenix #1
The Last Tears of a Phoenix
Eighteen-year-old Day discovers the source of her race's supernatural powers has more to do with legend than genetic evolution, when she stumbles into the midst of a mystical race of people-the Phoenixes. In the future, Earth has been ravaged by volcanoes and radically changed by severe weather-and so have humans. Nature-healing and self-healing humans live side by side with the unchanged population, though not necessarily in peace. Though their powers are complementary, both races harbor hatred due to a failed alliance, and a one hundred-year-old-war is about to begin again. But it is not a war that half-human half-nature-healer Dayanara is worried about on her eighteenth birthday. It's the human-controlled Crystal Caves, where she will be spending the next ten years of her life-if she ever gets out-that occupies her mind. That is, until she meets Dorian. Dorian is a self-healer-a Phoenix Dayanara learns when he tells her their species' origin stories-which means they shouldn't be together. But before the two can consider what the future holds for them, a battle breaks out between their people and Dayanara has to make a choice: refuse to go to the caves and live as exiled from but near her people, or journey to the Crystal Caves-with Dorian, other Phoenixes, and the handful of her own kind who have banded together against all odds.
411 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 17, 2020
Yay for crushing the first book down. Only three more to go!
The Last Tears of a Phoenix was pretty good and definitely fast paced. The word was pretty interesting and the Landy of Pyrros was divided by three kinds of people: Nature, Self, and Non Healers. Then you get to meet Dayanara, who is about 18 years old, and she belongs to non of them. She is a long ass wolf who doesn't know a thing about her own people.
It doesn't help that she is constantly judged based off of what her parents did. A daughter of a thief and murderer. So it isn't completely surprising that she is an outcast herself. Again, lone wolf vibes but ya know not on purpose.
Honestly, a lot happens in this book. It is filled with so many mysterious things and each twist/turn makes you want to turn the page a little bit faster. Not going to lie, I definitely enjoyed diving into this book and I am beyond excited to dive into the next one.
Hoping and praying that it doesn't fall into the second book syndrome.
The Last Tears of a Phoenix was pretty good and definitely fast paced. The word was pretty interesting and the Landy of Pyrros was divided by three kinds of people: Nature, Self, and Non Healers. Then you get to meet Dayanara, who is about 18 years old, and she belongs to non of them. She is a long ass wolf who doesn't know a thing about her own people.
It doesn't help that she is constantly judged based off of what her parents did. A daughter of a thief and murderer. So it isn't completely surprising that she is an outcast herself. Again, lone wolf vibes but ya know not on purpose.
Honestly, a lot happens in this book. It is filled with so many mysterious things and each twist/turn makes you want to turn the page a little bit faster. Not going to lie, I definitely enjoyed diving into this book and I am beyond excited to dive into the next one.
Hoping and praying that it doesn't fall into the second book syndrome.
December 11, 2014
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2014/12/10...
Publisher: Vook
Publishing Date: October 2014
ISBN: 9781634615495
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 2.6/5
Publisher Description: The night before Day’s eighteenth birthday, she investigates a curious phenomenon outside her village boundary. Every night for the last two months, a strange light shoots into the air with a soul-searing cry that sounds eerily human. When she discovers a young man setting himself on fire and reduced to golden ash, she knows this being belongs to the race of her enemy—but what she doesn’t understand is why he, or anyone else in his race, would self-immolate. Her search for answers takes her on a wild adventure where she encounters new friends and a culture riddled with anomalies: emotion-obliterating Rebirths, tears that give life, and a self-healing population with inexplicable scars.
Review: This had a great story line and inventive ideas set in a dystopian future (earth). The characters were interesting and the visual elements vividly described. So why the middlin’ score? The writing showed a lack of experience in content. For instance, usually after the running dialogue between two people, it would end with something along the lines of “She said, He said, I ask, She replies, She says, etc.”. There is no need to run down a perfectly good interchange with pointed descriptors of who said what. We know. Hopefully readers can figure it out. It also expedites scene transitions without the effort needed to build a broader tapestry with movement.
Definitely for the YA reader what with the girl haytin’ and boy crushin’ (way over the top, IMO). Daya meets Dorian and immediately we have the flushing and blushing of cheeks and her rampant desire to jump his bones. FUG. Also the dreaded wuv triangle is in evidence throughout.
Despite blemishing a good story line with the diminishment of a strong main character, I still found the plot compelling. I hope the author grows into her new found principle avocation. With some experience and effort, she might become a major force in the writing scene.
Publisher: Vook
Publishing Date: October 2014
ISBN: 9781634615495
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 2.6/5
Publisher Description: The night before Day’s eighteenth birthday, she investigates a curious phenomenon outside her village boundary. Every night for the last two months, a strange light shoots into the air with a soul-searing cry that sounds eerily human. When she discovers a young man setting himself on fire and reduced to golden ash, she knows this being belongs to the race of her enemy—but what she doesn’t understand is why he, or anyone else in his race, would self-immolate. Her search for answers takes her on a wild adventure where she encounters new friends and a culture riddled with anomalies: emotion-obliterating Rebirths, tears that give life, and a self-healing population with inexplicable scars.
Review: This had a great story line and inventive ideas set in a dystopian future (earth). The characters were interesting and the visual elements vividly described. So why the middlin’ score? The writing showed a lack of experience in content. For instance, usually after the running dialogue between two people, it would end with something along the lines of “She said, He said, I ask, She replies, She says, etc.”. There is no need to run down a perfectly good interchange with pointed descriptors of who said what. We know. Hopefully readers can figure it out. It also expedites scene transitions without the effort needed to build a broader tapestry with movement.
Definitely for the YA reader what with the girl haytin’ and boy crushin’ (way over the top, IMO). Daya meets Dorian and immediately we have the flushing and blushing of cheeks and her rampant desire to jump his bones. FUG. Also the dreaded wuv triangle is in evidence throughout.
Despite blemishing a good story line with the diminishment of a strong main character, I still found the plot compelling. I hope the author grows into her new found principle avocation. With some experience and effort, she might become a major force in the writing scene.
December 8, 2014
In the words of Ron Weasley "That was bloody brilliant"
Loved the book. Read cover to cover in one sitting even kept sleep at bay. Loved the story. Loved the characters. World building was good, plot was intriguing, it was really enjoyable. Never knew what was going to happen next.
Got a few ideas floating around in my head concerning Day but don't want to give spoilers.
Really looking forward to book 2 and I have no idea what to expect. I have no idea where the author is taking the book, but I'm really eager to read book 2.
Loved the book. Read cover to cover in one sitting even kept sleep at bay. Loved the story. Loved the characters. World building was good, plot was intriguing, it was really enjoyable. Never knew what was going to happen next.
Got a few ideas floating around in my head concerning Day but don't want to give spoilers.
Really looking forward to book 2 and I have no idea what to expect. I have no idea where the author is taking the book, but I'm really eager to read book 2.
December 9, 2015
Don't start Fantasy: The Last Tears of a Phoenix unless you have time to finish because once you start you won't want to stop!! Not only is the plot complex and the mythology brilliantly written, but Cianci has brought to life characters so complex, strong and surprisingly venerable. Her imagination has no bounds. I have to admit this is my first Cianci book, but will not be my last!
I highly recommend Fantasy: The Last Tears of a Phoenix.
I highly recommend Fantasy: The Last Tears of a Phoenix.
January 2, 2015
Loved it! I've seen all kinds of paranormal creatures: vampires, werewolves, witches, angels, demons, fairies, elves, etc., but whose ever written about Phoenixes? Some creative idea around the myth-can't wait for the second book!
May 14, 2015
This is a must read for fantasy readers. Every page seemed better than the one before it! Love the authors style of writing and can't wait to read more in this series!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
January 30, 2015
So sad, but so good....
July 16, 2020
There are three kinds of people in the Land of Pyrros- Nature Healers, Self Healers and Non Healers. The most popular explanation for their origin comes from the aftermath of the Universal Volcanic Winter- a devastating volcanic eruption. This disaster triggered the evolution of their species, rewarding them with the ability to grow the earth, because the world can’t do it on its own anymore. Their respect and reverence for nature made for an interesting foundation, especially treating the earth as a sentient being.
For 18 year old Dayanara she belongs to no faction and has never learnt the ways of her people in Noiro Village. From a very young age, Dayanara has been buried beneath the crippling legacy of being the daughter of a thief, outcast and murderer. As an outcast, she becomes no stranger to punishment so it is ironic that her story must start with pain. As Dayanara finds herself drawn to a soul searing cry that echoes in the night sky, she is drawn by the mystery of the burning and travels to the island of volcanoes for answers on the burning she witnessed.
Dayanara is thrust into the forbidden world of the Phoenix- sworn enemy of her people. Amidst all the hatred she finds that some tales may not always be true and that perhaps she was never truly accepted because she was not where she belonged. As she experiences the first tingles of a romantic feelings and the sweet taste of friendship she finds herself becoming embroiled in a centuries old feud that threatens to tear her new world apart.
As secrets from her past resurface, old hurts arise and enemies make their presence known, Dayanara must choose between the life she knows and the one she could have. On the precipice of a potential war she must choose between the people who push her down or those who help her rise above.
The last tears of the Phoenix is a slow burn that leaves us all wondering : To Burn, or not to Burn.
For 18 year old Dayanara she belongs to no faction and has never learnt the ways of her people in Noiro Village. From a very young age, Dayanara has been buried beneath the crippling legacy of being the daughter of a thief, outcast and murderer. As an outcast, she becomes no stranger to punishment so it is ironic that her story must start with pain. As Dayanara finds herself drawn to a soul searing cry that echoes in the night sky, she is drawn by the mystery of the burning and travels to the island of volcanoes for answers on the burning she witnessed.
Dayanara is thrust into the forbidden world of the Phoenix- sworn enemy of her people. Amidst all the hatred she finds that some tales may not always be true and that perhaps she was never truly accepted because she was not where she belonged. As she experiences the first tingles of a romantic feelings and the sweet taste of friendship she finds herself becoming embroiled in a centuries old feud that threatens to tear her new world apart.
As secrets from her past resurface, old hurts arise and enemies make their presence known, Dayanara must choose between the life she knows and the one she could have. On the precipice of a potential war she must choose between the people who push her down or those who help her rise above.
The last tears of the Phoenix is a slow burn that leaves us all wondering : To Burn, or not to Burn.
July 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this fantasy book. It was on my long list of books to read and I'm so glad I finally got to it!
18 year old half-Human, half Nature Healer Day has only known life as an outcast due to her mother's life decisions. Unable to change her ostracized status, Day struggles with her heritage and lack of powers daily. Unanswered questions are the norm for her until she meets Dorian, a seemingly 'young' man who opens her eyes to a whole different world that revolves around her race and his race - the Phoenixes.
Day's strength of character, her mother's love and her brothers make for fantastic characters. The deepness that Dorian expresses (and hides) kept me reading and the story itself revolving around three species - Humans, Firebirds and Phoenixes makes for a great fantasy! I hope there's a sequel as it left me wanting more.
18 year old half-Human, half Nature Healer Day has only known life as an outcast due to her mother's life decisions. Unable to change her ostracized status, Day struggles with her heritage and lack of powers daily. Unanswered questions are the norm for her until she meets Dorian, a seemingly 'young' man who opens her eyes to a whole different world that revolves around her race and his race - the Phoenixes.
Day's strength of character, her mother's love and her brothers make for fantastic characters. The deepness that Dorian expresses (and hides) kept me reading and the story itself revolving around three species - Humans, Firebirds and Phoenixes makes for a great fantasy! I hope there's a sequel as it left me wanting more.
July 28, 2016
This review is for all three books, but there are no plot spoilers:
I don't quite know what to say about these books... I liked them, but at the same time it seemed like the stories would never end (and now book 3 ends on a cliffhanger). The story and the world that Cianci created was so complex, at times a little too much so, but it was incredibly intriguing how throughout the books we see how the world as they know it came to be. There were so many twists and turns, nothing was quite as it seemed and others were so seamlessly woven together and interconnected; it's amazing to think of the planning and foresight necessary to introduce the most minor detail in book 1 that will eventually become a game changer in book 3!
I love the differences between the races and how each had something unique and special. The legend of the Phoenix has always intrigued me and the Phoenix in this story have such a wonderful origin story- I admit, I really looked forward to the stories Dorian shared with Dayanara and the history we learned throughout the books. I don't quite remember the Firebird's origins other than the evolved to help the Earth regrow... but hey, they can grow all sorts of unique plants, woot!! lol
While I appreciated how complex the Pyrros' universe is, I think at times things became a little bit convoluted and I became a little bit lost in all the detail that was given. There were a few scenes and events that seemed unnecessary and just led to more confusion. I'm a fast reader, but it took me a long time to get through these books because I would need a break after feeling a little bit overwhelmed and frustrated. There seemed to be a few contradictions that were covered up with hasty explanations that just further confused things for me (Phoenix can heal themselves, but not other Phoenix unless they're children- only their own children and no others- oh, and they can heal others by either healing just their immediate injuries or using Phoenix tears- not regular, crying tears, but those directly from the source- for a lasting effect?). It's just a little bit much to keep track of; yes, eventually everything gets explained, but honestly it's superfluous information and the story, in my opinion, would have gotten along fine without so much extra.
As far as the romance goes... it felt like an afterthought. There are mentions of soulmates in both races, but the actual relationships/pairings/emotions behind all of this were not well developed; I felt very little chemistry between characters. Other than the scenes that were clearly meant to show romantic interest between the characters, all of their other interactions fell flat and lacked the connection you would expect between so called "soulmates." I think these are supposed to be YA novels, so I can understand not being explicit, but you don't need details like that to show emotions between characters. I will admit to being a romantic and I want to feel a visceral love between characters-especially when they are soulmates- and I found this to be lacking in these books.
The last installment is coming out this winter, I'll look forward to the ending because book 3 left off on a doozy of a cliffhanger!!
I don't quite know what to say about these books... I liked them, but at the same time it seemed like the stories would never end (and now book 3 ends on a cliffhanger). The story and the world that Cianci created was so complex, at times a little too much so, but it was incredibly intriguing how throughout the books we see how the world as they know it came to be. There were so many twists and turns, nothing was quite as it seemed and others were so seamlessly woven together and interconnected; it's amazing to think of the planning and foresight necessary to introduce the most minor detail in book 1 that will eventually become a game changer in book 3!
I love the differences between the races and how each had something unique and special. The legend of the Phoenix has always intrigued me and the Phoenix in this story have such a wonderful origin story- I admit, I really looked forward to the stories Dorian shared with Dayanara and the history we learned throughout the books. I don't quite remember the Firebird's origins other than the evolved to help the Earth regrow... but hey, they can grow all sorts of unique plants, woot!! lol
While I appreciated how complex the Pyrros' universe is, I think at times things became a little bit convoluted and I became a little bit lost in all the detail that was given. There were a few scenes and events that seemed unnecessary and just led to more confusion. I'm a fast reader, but it took me a long time to get through these books because I would need a break after feeling a little bit overwhelmed and frustrated. There seemed to be a few contradictions that were covered up with hasty explanations that just further confused things for me (Phoenix can heal themselves, but not other Phoenix unless they're children- only their own children and no others- oh, and they can heal others by either healing just their immediate injuries or using Phoenix tears- not regular, crying tears, but those directly from the source- for a lasting effect?). It's just a little bit much to keep track of; yes, eventually everything gets explained, but honestly it's superfluous information and the story, in my opinion, would have gotten along fine without so much extra.
As far as the romance goes... it felt like an afterthought. There are mentions of soulmates in both races, but the actual relationships/pairings/emotions behind all of this were not well developed; I felt very little chemistry between characters. Other than the scenes that were clearly meant to show romantic interest between the characters, all of their other interactions fell flat and lacked the connection you would expect between so called "soulmates." I think these are supposed to be YA novels, so I can understand not being explicit, but you don't need details like that to show emotions between characters. I will admit to being a romantic and I want to feel a visceral love between characters-especially when they are soulmates- and I found this to be lacking in these books.
The last installment is coming out this winter, I'll look forward to the ending because book 3 left off on a doozy of a cliffhanger!!
December 27, 2014
One of the most important aspects of a book is how you get on with the main character. After all you have to spend this whole journey you are going on with them.
A main character has to be one of two things for me.
1- A character I love or 2- A Character I love to hate.
Day was neither of these. I found her agitating and annoying to the point where I wanted to cover her mouth with duct tape whenever she spoke.
Not to mention she is juvenile sounding for someone who is meant to be 18, and also has no trouble spilling the secrets of others to anyone who will listen.
Even the secondary characters in this story did nothing to light my reading fire. They are either just as annoying as Day is, serve no purpose other than to be awful, or are predictable (such is the case with Charlie).
Even the budding love affair did nothing to get my heart pumping because honestly I really didn’t give a hoot about the characters.
The story itself is very confusing. The mythology set out between the two groups of healers is not clean cut or defined well. The use of “phoenix” and “fire bird” was more baffling than exciting, and the two are far to similar a thing to make them separate entities. Considering phoenix are associated so closely with fire, having the fire birds just made me lose the train of understanding, and the mythology of the story became blurred and boring.
My main problem with this book is there is a lot of story telling but very little actual story telling. Confused? Let me explain.
The characters told stories again and again through out the book, but the it left little time for the actual main plot to be put in. It seemed like I was 67 percent in and all I had done was read page after page of a character telling a story about olden days.
There was little to no action, and whenever there was it fell flat in the water, unable to keep my interest or get my excitement going before it was right back to the story telling again.
Long story short, would I recommend this book? No. There are plenty of other amazing fantasies out there that will keep your interest far better.
Will I be continuing on with the series? I think we can safely say no on that as well.
The book had potential to be great, but when it came down to actually running the race, it fell at every hurdle it met.
A main character has to be one of two things for me.
1- A character I love or 2- A Character I love to hate.
Day was neither of these. I found her agitating and annoying to the point where I wanted to cover her mouth with duct tape whenever she spoke.
Not to mention she is juvenile sounding for someone who is meant to be 18, and also has no trouble spilling the secrets of others to anyone who will listen.
Even the secondary characters in this story did nothing to light my reading fire. They are either just as annoying as Day is, serve no purpose other than to be awful, or are predictable (such is the case with Charlie).
Even the budding love affair did nothing to get my heart pumping because honestly I really didn’t give a hoot about the characters.
The story itself is very confusing. The mythology set out between the two groups of healers is not clean cut or defined well. The use of “phoenix” and “fire bird” was more baffling than exciting, and the two are far to similar a thing to make them separate entities. Considering phoenix are associated so closely with fire, having the fire birds just made me lose the train of understanding, and the mythology of the story became blurred and boring.
My main problem with this book is there is a lot of story telling but very little actual story telling. Confused? Let me explain.
The characters told stories again and again through out the book, but the it left little time for the actual main plot to be put in. It seemed like I was 67 percent in and all I had done was read page after page of a character telling a story about olden days.
There was little to no action, and whenever there was it fell flat in the water, unable to keep my interest or get my excitement going before it was right back to the story telling again.
Long story short, would I recommend this book? No. There are plenty of other amazing fantasies out there that will keep your interest far better.
Will I be continuing on with the series? I think we can safely say no on that as well.
The book had potential to be great, but when it came down to actually running the race, it fell at every hurdle it met.
December 27, 2014
This is a great fantasy novel. There were occasional references to the past that failed to connect cleanly to the present world as given in the novel. For example, they refer to a land "that was once North America" as if those terms no longer apply, but then introduce a Phoenix from Australia. However, this book would appeal to young people - especially those who feel bullied or ostracized. I liked it - it was definitely a quick read.
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February 21, 2016You can only fight a losing battle for so long. Amazon had all three books on sale for free so I was really excited to begin this series but unfortunately I DNF at 52%. The story is unique but there was just something about this book that did not allow me to fully connect with any of the characters and really get attached to the story...
April 11, 2016
Absolutely loved this book! such an easy read & I felt instantly connected with the characters. Took me away to the future & I was mesmerized at the ending. Hoping there's another!
April 3, 2016
4.5/5
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