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The Phoenix Child
Praise for Book 1 - The Darktouched
“I think it’s going to appeal to all fantasy lovers because it’s incredible. But especially fans of Lord of the Rings and A Court of Thorns and Roses. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ allllll day long. Stunning work, massive congratulations”“This book has everything you would expect in a fantasy book, and fantasy lovers will love it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”“If you are a fan of fantasy novels, this is an absolute must-read. The start of a fantastic series, and we are all in for a treat. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”Devastation. Grief. Loss.
A pain-wracked Kayriss finds herself lost and alone in a new place, in the new world. Awakening to find part of her missing in a snow-covered landscape, again, the lone Elf Druid finds herself holding the line between the light and the dark. But when a new evil arrives, all the races must find a way to work together or lose it all.🌱
Directly after "The Darktouched," "The Phoenix Child" continues the epic tale of Kayriss at the nexus of good versus evil. This classic fantasy set in a dystopian United Kingdom will make you laugh, flip pages in excitement, and bawl your eyes out when your heart is wrenched.
Praise for Book 2 - The Phoenix Child
"Like a spider creates webs, Dave weaves the most amazingly intricate stories, spanning countries, eras and worlds. The second part of "The Darkness Rises" series continues in the same vein with an epic battle between good and evil ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"
“I think it’s going to appeal to all fantasy lovers because it’s incredible. But especially fans of Lord of the Rings and A Court of Thorns and Roses. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ allllll day long. Stunning work, massive congratulations”“This book has everything you would expect in a fantasy book, and fantasy lovers will love it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”“If you are a fan of fantasy novels, this is an absolute must-read. The start of a fantastic series, and we are all in for a treat. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”Devastation. Grief. Loss.
A pain-wracked Kayriss finds herself lost and alone in a new place, in the new world. Awakening to find part of her missing in a snow-covered landscape, again, the lone Elf Druid finds herself holding the line between the light and the dark. But when a new evil arrives, all the races must find a way to work together or lose it all.🌱
Directly after "The Darktouched," "The Phoenix Child" continues the epic tale of Kayriss at the nexus of good versus evil. This classic fantasy set in a dystopian United Kingdom will make you laugh, flip pages in excitement, and bawl your eyes out when your heart is wrenched.
Praise for Book 2 - The Phoenix Child
"Like a spider creates webs, Dave weaves the most amazingly intricate stories, spanning countries, eras and worlds. The second part of "The Darkness Rises" series continues in the same vein with an epic battle between good and evil ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"
487 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 30, 2025
I loved writing this. It was a real journey. There was ups and very low downs, but I got through it with the help of some awesome people. Shout out to the ARC team, my online friends and those that really stepped up when I needed them. This books for you.
September 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This was a fantastic follow-up to book one. There are a bunch of new characters introduced in this book. These characters become vital to the continuation of the story.
This series is filled with adventure, battles, found-friendship, and love. This was such a fun and easy read. I love the fact that there are animals as main characters.
I can't wait to see what adventures book three will hold.
This was a fantastic follow-up to book one. There are a bunch of new characters introduced in this book. These characters become vital to the continuation of the story.
This series is filled with adventure, battles, found-friendship, and love. This was such a fun and easy read. I love the fact that there are animals as main characters.
I can't wait to see what adventures book three will hold.
November 9, 2025
5 🌟
Another heart shattering, mind bending & anxiety inducing book.
book 2 of The Darkness Rises series introduces some new (and absolutely AMAZING) characters.
Side note my favourite character died, so thank you for the trauma Dave x
Another heart shattering, mind bending & anxiety inducing book.
book 2 of The Darkness Rises series introduces some new (and absolutely AMAZING) characters.
Side note my favourite character died, so thank you for the trauma Dave x
May 31, 2025
this was such an amazing book and the characters were so original and new and the plot was brilliant I will be adding to my wishlist as a trophy book it was that great xx
Want to read
May 31, 2025I will return to this in the future, at the time of reading, I couldn't get into it but I want to give it another try soon.
No Star rating to keep it fair, until future try.
No Star rating to keep it fair, until future try.
May 26, 2025
Glad I got to read this as an arc!!!
Dave has done it again!! Another great read omg , I can’t wait for the next one now !! Also can’t wait to buy the actually book!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Dave has done it again!! Another great read omg , I can’t wait for the next one now !! Also can’t wait to buy the actually book!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
May 31, 2025
I finished this a week ago or so, Dave was kind to give me an ARC copy, which I’m forever grateful. Since this app doesn’t do half stars I am rating it 3.5 stars.
This is a honest review
This one continues on from the previous book, so where that ended in location is pretty much where this picks up. There is a lot that goes on so it’s pretty fast paced in that remark.
We are introduced to new characters in this one, as well as seeing some from book 1.
I loved the first book that was a 5 star for me, this one however didn’t reach the bar, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good read, it is
But personally for me it didn’t have the same effect, I did dislike a lot of the characters esp the male characters in their mannerisms toward the opposite sex.
(Disclaimer I did speak to Dave regarding those areas on what didn’t sit right with me in which he did take that on board to reword/tweak/alter some scenes - I’m only speaking from the ARC version I read - the final product may be slightly different)
Now what made it not reach the bar for me? That could be simply because I have attachments to characters from the first book, and I couldn’t form any from this one, it’s great to introduce new characters new locations etc however I disliked more than I liked, maybe that’s why I didn’t enjoy it as much.
That aside, it is a decent book. I will be continuing with this series and hope book 3 makes up for book 2, as I am heavily invested in kayriss
This is a honest review
This one continues on from the previous book, so where that ended in location is pretty much where this picks up. There is a lot that goes on so it’s pretty fast paced in that remark.
We are introduced to new characters in this one, as well as seeing some from book 1.
I loved the first book that was a 5 star for me, this one however didn’t reach the bar, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good read, it is
But personally for me it didn’t have the same effect, I did dislike a lot of the characters esp the male characters in their mannerisms toward the opposite sex.
(Disclaimer I did speak to Dave regarding those areas on what didn’t sit right with me in which he did take that on board to reword/tweak/alter some scenes - I’m only speaking from the ARC version I read - the final product may be slightly different)
Now what made it not reach the bar for me? That could be simply because I have attachments to characters from the first book, and I couldn’t form any from this one, it’s great to introduce new characters new locations etc however I disliked more than I liked, maybe that’s why I didn’t enjoy it as much.
That aside, it is a decent book. I will be continuing with this series and hope book 3 makes up for book 2, as I am heavily invested in kayriss
June 3, 2025
Well, he’s done it again hasn’t he?!
The DarkTouched was incredible, The Phoenix Child… superbly written, so much emotion, the attention to detail is impeccable-descriptive & totally immersive!
You’ll find yourself getting lost amongst the pages, wrapped up in the storyline and your heart broken by this book!
This is book 2 in the Darkness Rises series…. I absolutely CANNOT wait for book 3!
Two feline wildings come across a mother and new-born baby in a cave, with the mother on the edge of death they make a choice to try and save the child. But this is no ordinary mother and most certainly no ordinary child!
With Minefolk, Elves, Wildings, Burrowborn, Oceanids, Elementals…. Battle scenes, love, death, humour, fear and elation this book has it all.
The battle between the light & darkness continues and you’ll find yourself getting totally consumed by these magical characters and their stories.
The MFC Kayriss is like no other, an Elven woman touched by nature itself. Her powers immeasurable, and now her daughter Emberlynn seems to also be a force to be reckoned with. I can’t wait to see what happens with this mother-daughter duo and continue following the story of the secondary main characters too!
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Congratulations Dave on this incredible fantasy masterpiece!
The DarkTouched was incredible, The Phoenix Child… superbly written, so much emotion, the attention to detail is impeccable-descriptive & totally immersive!
You’ll find yourself getting lost amongst the pages, wrapped up in the storyline and your heart broken by this book!
This is book 2 in the Darkness Rises series…. I absolutely CANNOT wait for book 3!
Two feline wildings come across a mother and new-born baby in a cave, with the mother on the edge of death they make a choice to try and save the child. But this is no ordinary mother and most certainly no ordinary child!
With Minefolk, Elves, Wildings, Burrowborn, Oceanids, Elementals…. Battle scenes, love, death, humour, fear and elation this book has it all.
The battle between the light & darkness continues and you’ll find yourself getting totally consumed by these magical characters and their stories.
The MFC Kayriss is like no other, an Elven woman touched by nature itself. Her powers immeasurable, and now her daughter Emberlynn seems to also be a force to be reckoned with. I can’t wait to see what happens with this mother-daughter duo and continue following the story of the secondary main characters too!
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Congratulations Dave on this incredible fantasy masterpiece!
June 1, 2025
It comes as a surprise to absolutely no one how much I loved The Darktouched 😅 which made me nervous about book 2. Would it live up to book 1? It smashed my expectations and I loved it. Which makes this even harder to review but I shall attempt to explain why I loved it so much. If you haven't read book 1 you can read this on it's own but you will appreciate a lot more if you read The Darktouched first.
I loved how we got some amazing new characters and our beloved characters from book 1 also. A rollercoaster of emotions; much laughter, much fear (thought my heart might explode at one point I swear!) and lots of epic adventures.
Kayriss awakens in a new place with part of her missing and about be involved in a new battle of good and evil. Meanwhile Nyra and Saph have found something that'll lead them into a whole new world of trouble. Thrown into a war the wildlings, minefolk and elves must find a way to work together or they'll lose everything.
Part mystery, some romance and lots of heart ❤️ Thought nothing was beating pirate otters? Enter Thistleprick - a funny and courageous hedgehog. Or Bertam and Oswald - the most loveable moles you've ever met.
I loved how we got some amazing new characters and our beloved characters from book 1 also. A rollercoaster of emotions; much laughter, much fear (thought my heart might explode at one point I swear!) and lots of epic adventures.
Kayriss awakens in a new place with part of her missing and about be involved in a new battle of good and evil. Meanwhile Nyra and Saph have found something that'll lead them into a whole new world of trouble. Thrown into a war the wildlings, minefolk and elves must find a way to work together or they'll lose everything.
Part mystery, some romance and lots of heart ❤️ Thought nothing was beating pirate otters? Enter Thistleprick - a funny and courageous hedgehog. Or Bertam and Oswald - the most loveable moles you've ever met.
June 4, 2025
This the second offering in the series and just what I was hoping for! I love the world on which this story is built it's so earthy and wild!
In this instalment we meet quiet a large new character base which I struggled with at first (a me problem)
Once I got to grips with who was who and what creature/animal was who it was such a joy!
Fast paced full of heart and adventure! I'm so invested in this series!
If you want a readable fantasy series that will garb you and hook you in this one is for you!
Not a big fantasy reader? Me neither but this series is a must!! The world building and description is just stunning! Amazing work Dave onwards and upwards 🥳
In this instalment we meet quiet a large new character base which I struggled with at first (a me problem)
Once I got to grips with who was who and what creature/animal was who it was such a joy!
Fast paced full of heart and adventure! I'm so invested in this series!
If you want a readable fantasy series that will garb you and hook you in this one is for you!
Not a big fantasy reader? Me neither but this series is a must!! The world building and description is just stunning! Amazing work Dave onwards and upwards 🥳
May 30, 2025
Thank you to Dave Haywood for the opportunity to ARC this incredible book ✨
Another outstanding fantasy adventure - filled with elves, magical forests, and a world so vivid it completely pulled me in. The world-building was beautifully crafted and deeply immersive. I especially loved seeing the story unfold through multiple character perspectives—it made me feel even more connected to the characters and their journeys.
The pace was fast, the plot gripping, and every page kept me wanting more. I felt so many emotions when reading this book, What a rollercoaster!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Another outstanding fantasy adventure - filled with elves, magical forests, and a world so vivid it completely pulled me in. The world-building was beautifully crafted and deeply immersive. I especially loved seeing the story unfold through multiple character perspectives—it made me feel even more connected to the characters and their journeys.
The pace was fast, the plot gripping, and every page kept me wanting more. I felt so many emotions when reading this book, What a rollercoaster!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
June 1, 2025
Thank you Dave Haywood for trusting me with your book.
As an ARC reader I have to say it was a good book. I’m a slow reader, with that being said sometime I got lost in what was going on. sometime it was a little fast paced for me. I really liked the story. When I sat down to read the book it took me into that world. I like that in a book. I can envision me being there or watching a movie. I would have give it a 4 1/2 stars but Goodreads don’t have that option. Looking forward to book 3
As an ARC reader I have to say it was a good book. I’m a slow reader, with that being said sometime I got lost in what was going on. sometime it was a little fast paced for me. I really liked the story. When I sat down to read the book it took me into that world. I like that in a book. I can envision me being there or watching a movie. I would have give it a 4 1/2 stars but Goodreads don’t have that option. Looking forward to book 3
June 6, 2025
This is second book of Darktouched series and I loved this book so much it’s had me crying in places and laughing!!
Devastation. Grief. Loss.
A pain-wracked Kayriss finds herself lost and alone in a new place, in the new world. Awakening to find part of her missing in a snow-covered landscape, again, the lone Elf Druid finds herself holding the line between the light and the dark. But when a new evil arrives, all the races must find a way to work together or lose it all.
🌱
Directly after "The Darktouched," "The Phoenix Child" continues the epic tale of Kayriss at the nexus of good versus evil. This classic fantasy set in a dystopian United Kingdom will make you laugh, flip pages in excitement, and bawl your eyes out when your heart is wrenched.
Devastation. Grief. Loss.
A pain-wracked Kayriss finds herself lost and alone in a new place, in the new world. Awakening to find part of her missing in a snow-covered landscape, again, the lone Elf Druid finds herself holding the line between the light and the dark. But when a new evil arrives, all the races must find a way to work together or lose it all.
🌱
Directly after "The Darktouched," "The Phoenix Child" continues the epic tale of Kayriss at the nexus of good versus evil. This classic fantasy set in a dystopian United Kingdom will make you laugh, flip pages in excitement, and bawl your eyes out when your heart is wrenched.
May 27, 2025
Sequel. Series Darkness Rises. I loved it so much! The suspense, the characters, the twists and all. wow!
June 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Thank you, Dave, for letting me read your Arc.
The Phoenix Child.
The world-building in this one is fantastic. I loved diving deeper into the different communities and seeing how all the unique races interact and work together—there’s so much imagination packed into every corner of this world. It really felt alive and layered.
When the action kicks in, it really kicks in—fast-paced, gripping, and hard to put down. You can tell the stakes are getting higher, and those scenes had me properly on edge.
That said, I didn’t quite connect with the characters as much as I did in the first book. I was really attached to the cast from The Dark Touched, so maybe it’s just a tough act to follow. Some of the new characters blurred together a bit, and I found myself wishing a few of them stood out more as individuals. While the plot was still interesting and enjoyable, there were a few moments that felt a little predictable.
Still, it’s a strong follow-up—well-written, rich in detail, and a great expansion of the world we were introduced to in book one. It's definitely worth the read if you’re into immersive fantasy with cool lore and sharp action scenes.
Can't wait to see where the series goes next!
The Phoenix Child.
The world-building in this one is fantastic. I loved diving deeper into the different communities and seeing how all the unique races interact and work together—there’s so much imagination packed into every corner of this world. It really felt alive and layered.
When the action kicks in, it really kicks in—fast-paced, gripping, and hard to put down. You can tell the stakes are getting higher, and those scenes had me properly on edge.
That said, I didn’t quite connect with the characters as much as I did in the first book. I was really attached to the cast from The Dark Touched, so maybe it’s just a tough act to follow. Some of the new characters blurred together a bit, and I found myself wishing a few of them stood out more as individuals. While the plot was still interesting and enjoyable, there were a few moments that felt a little predictable.
Still, it’s a strong follow-up—well-written, rich in detail, and a great expansion of the world we were introduced to in book one. It's definitely worth the read if you’re into immersive fantasy with cool lore and sharp action scenes.
Can't wait to see where the series goes next!
August 15, 2025
The second book in the Darkness Rises series, this continues the story from The Darktouched.
And it does exactly what you want it to: it raises the stakes. Kayriss is back, we have a hedgehog amongst the new characters and a whole new level of terrifying.
I’ve been following Haywood since his debut novel, What We Leave Behind, came out a few years ago and this is my favourite so far.
There’s some stunning prose. The character work is spectacular. There is evil that will visit you in your nightmares. You thought the rats were bad…
What I liked most was the expansion of the universe Haywood’s created. And it’s all linked to the Humanity Falls series. Bold, captivating and inventive, this fills the need in the market for something that lingers in the centre of the Venn diagram between horror, thriller and fantasy.
Think GoT meets World War Z (the movie, not the book) meets Tremors. Ideal for fans of John Gwynne or Brandon Sanderson
And it does exactly what you want it to: it raises the stakes. Kayriss is back, we have a hedgehog amongst the new characters and a whole new level of terrifying.
I’ve been following Haywood since his debut novel, What We Leave Behind, came out a few years ago and this is my favourite so far.
There’s some stunning prose. The character work is spectacular. There is evil that will visit you in your nightmares. You thought the rats were bad…
What I liked most was the expansion of the universe Haywood’s created. And it’s all linked to the Humanity Falls series. Bold, captivating and inventive, this fills the need in the market for something that lingers in the centre of the Venn diagram between horror, thriller and fantasy.
Think GoT meets World War Z (the movie, not the book) meets Tremors. Ideal for fans of John Gwynne or Brandon Sanderson
June 6, 2025
This book, which follows The Dark Touched, was such a wild ride. In true Dave fashion, I was a ball of many emotions throughout the book.
Our favorite characters from The Dark Touched are back, and you know we missed them. It's so great to see their journey continue. From our favorite talking animals, to elves, dwarves, and something new that can haunt you nightmares. This book has something from every fantasy lover out there. It's such a great adventure where beauty meets gruesome and dark meets light.
All of Dave's books surprise and shock you, where no character is safe. Join in on this epic ride.
Our favorite characters from The Dark Touched are back, and you know we missed them. It's so great to see their journey continue. From our favorite talking animals, to elves, dwarves, and something new that can haunt you nightmares. This book has something from every fantasy lover out there. It's such a great adventure where beauty meets gruesome and dark meets light.
All of Dave's books surprise and shock you, where no character is safe. Join in on this epic ride.
August 11, 2025
This is no spoilers review. Wow what a incredible book two was. The story again with incredible details just like book one. My favourite characters with epic storyline and rich environments world building again in book two. Extremely extraordinary experience that I will never forget. I will keep all the memories like I did in book one. I highly recommend everyone needs to read The Phoenix Child 🐦🔥 book. Especially if you are fantasy fans. This one is definitely for you but you need to read The Darktouched first then go on to The Phoenix Child 🐦🔥. Awesome reading! Enjoy!
January 16, 2026
4.5 stars! Fantastic read. The characters were easy to fall in love with and root for. Thistle stole a little bit of my heart. Already looking forward to the next book in this series.
May 26, 2025
AMAZING !!!!!
(No Spoilers - Just my personal opinion and thoughts)
This follows on from Book 1 The Darktouched.
I was super lucky to be part of the ARC Team to which I was able to read this before release 🥳, Thank You Dave 😊
I could not put this book down, I was truly gripped from the first page, character building, world building, love, loss, found family, this book has it all. This journey will put you through a rollercoaster of emotions, I laughed, I cried, and I even shouted at some parts ... honestly, I enjoyed this just as much as the 1st book and I highly recommend you read this amazing book (starting with The Darktouched obviously 😂) I loved that throughout reading this it was like a movie playing out in my head, I felt as though I was there in the book.
Its a 5 ⭐️ from me and I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy when it's release in June.
(No Spoilers - Just my personal opinion and thoughts)
This follows on from Book 1 The Darktouched.
I was super lucky to be part of the ARC Team to which I was able to read this before release 🥳, Thank You Dave 😊
I could not put this book down, I was truly gripped from the first page, character building, world building, love, loss, found family, this book has it all. This journey will put you through a rollercoaster of emotions, I laughed, I cried, and I even shouted at some parts ... honestly, I enjoyed this just as much as the 1st book and I highly recommend you read this amazing book (starting with The Darktouched obviously 😂) I loved that throughout reading this it was like a movie playing out in my head, I felt as though I was there in the book.
Its a 5 ⭐️ from me and I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy when it's release in June.
May 31, 2025
Omg I cried I laughed out loud so many times what an epic fantasy book everyone you need to read these series you won’t be disappointed I definitely was just want to say thank you Dave for letting my be part of the arc team I really felt honoured
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews