Rise of the Phoenix

Return to Avalore #2

by Elianne Adams

Shattered by bitter rejection, Brienne Roberts flees Avalore. Taken in by the Erritols, she's stunned at the kindness displayed by her supposed sworn enemies. The curse that surrounds her new family torments them, and she is determined to end it, no matter the cost.
Evan Mayfield, her named mate, will stop at nothing to eliminate all threats to his people. Discovering Brienne living with the man-beasts disgusts and infuriates him, but he must do his duty—to bring her back to face justice with her people, and himself.
Brienne’s pride cannot smother the undeniable love she has for Evan. And despite Brienne’s treachery, keeping her at arm's length will be the hardest thing Evan has ever done.

Genres: Paranormal, Dragons, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Romance, Magic

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2014

Reviews

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! I'm almost speechless - almost but not quite! When I finished this book, I was so deeply moved that I had to just sit quietly for several minutes so I could reflect on what I'd read. Hey, we all know when we read fiction, it's not real but I became so immersed in this story that I felt the angst, the turmoil, the sadness and the love of these characters. I laughed with them and I cried with them! And my heart actually ached for them. Adams has continued the magical journey in Rise of the Phoenix, the second book of the Return to Avalore Series. After reading her first book of the series, Call of the Dragon, I was totally hooked but Adams managed to double the anti in this second book! She really kicked up the heat for her readers in this one! The story is original, well written, different and very imaginative. The dialog is smart, sassy, eloquent and flows smoothly. The characters are well developed, fascinating and intriguing. They reach out from the pages, grab your heart and become a part of your life. We met handsome Phoenix shifter, Evan Mayfield in Book One. He is commander of the Avalorian Queen's Guard. He and his men have spent almost 30 years searching for his sister, Rhiannon, Queen of Avalore while watching his beloved home and people die a slow death. Three years ago, the elders approached Evan with news. His mate had been called. But he was so obsessed with the search for his sister that he rejected his mate. Beautiful dragon Brienne was slowly succumbing to the darkness. She has no family left and if she wants to survive, she must do something so she ask the elders to call her mate. She was so excited to learn that her mate was Evan but when she follows the Elders and overhears Evan's rejection, she is crushed, battered and devastated. She runs and keeps running until she collapses and finds herself lost and alone in the Dark Lands. The Dark Lands are filled with dangerous cursed creatures out to destroy the Avalorians. She is found by Argram, an Erritrol and her mortal enemy. But rather than kill her, he rescues her and takes her to his pack. Argram and his pack are members of a new order who are seeking to break an age old curse and free his people. But to do this, he must battle his own people. Brienne becomes a member of Argram's pack and joins their cause knowing that by doing so, she is also helping her own people. After Queen Rhiannon is found and rescued, Evan begins his search for the scymin , an artifact that was used to destroy his mother, the former Queen of Avalore and is now being used to destroy his sister. But Evan is in store for the shock of his life because what he finds is the little spitfire Brienne who is also searching for the scymin. Oh my! Sparks fly and secrets are revealed! Can Brienne convince Evan that she is not a traitor? Can Evan resist the lovely Brienne? Can Evan and Brienne put their differences aside and work together to end the curse and protect his sister and Avalore and in the process find their way back to each other? Exciting! Action Packed! Compelling! Riveting! Thrilling! Romantic! Arousing! Endearing! Steamy! Sexy! Best sex scenes ever! So dreamy.....sigh.......Handsome alpha shifters-check! Beautiful sassy heroine who rescues the hero-check! Action, suspense, adventure, romance and steamy sex-check! Oh yeah! Great entertainment and an absolute must read!

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and I absolutely adored the first one and could not wait for this. I was so happy when I got the approval for this one.

Evan is on the look-out for a weapon, which threatens his sister and is in enemy territory for that. there he meets Brienne again - his mate, who rejected him last time, he saw her.
Brienne left Avalore because Evan rejected her - or so she thought and learned much more about the Erritrol.
when they meet again, both don't know if they can trust each other - not only with their lives but also with their hearts.

Evan is a great character. everything we learned about the males of Avalore is true for him as well. i is noble, selfless and understanding.
but I had real troubles with Brienne. She never listened to anyone and always thought she knew best, without even trying to understand or learn the truth. where Evan is understanding, Brienne is demanding with always thinking of herself as very selfless.
as the book went on I got a bit disgruntled with Evan, as he always tried to accommodate her and was always willing to go to her. While she did not even try to talk with him. it was very frustrating

Nevertheless I liked the story and loved that we saw how Rhia and Drake were doing.

all in all it was a good book, even if it was far away from the first in the series. I really hope for Aikens book next.

Disclaimer: An ARC was provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I did not like this one nearly as much as I liked the first. I think that main reason is that I didn't like Evan and Brienne together as much as I liked Rhia and Drake. I liked the story for the most part...Brienne is living with a pack of Erritols trying to help them break their curse. She runs into Evan while they are both trying to find the same artifact and then they have to deal with all of the holes in their relationship. All that was fine...Brienne was just such a psycho. Previously she had asked the elders to find her mate, discovered it was Evan and she was thrilled. Unfortunately Evan was told this news in the middle of major issues involving his sisters' safety so he didn't react that well. So, based on snippets of an overheard conversation Brienne decides the only decision she can make is to leave Avalore and enter the Dark Lands. That was such a drama queen move I couldn't stand it. And sadly I could not move past those feelings and the book just kind of fell into a meh category for me.

[Lorrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the first book in this series, the second left a lot to be desired.

I had hoped the story would pick up where book 1 left off, but alas, it did, but left the two main characters from that book to become background characters. The two characters featured in this installation had few, if any redeeming qualities, and did little to make me want to learn more about them.

The plot was thin, with inconsistencies abounding. I'll just give one example -- early in the book, Brianne and Evan spend a couple of days in a small cavern deep inside a mountain, with no reaction... yet near the end of the book, Brianne suddenly becomes claustrophobic in a larger cavern that is far more habitable (although a complete geological impossibility).

The sex scenes were contrived and all so similar in description they were a pain to slog through. Not to mention the gymnastics of them would put a Chinese contortionist to shame...

In short this book was nothing more than fantasy porn. Quite unsatisfying porn at that.

[Eileen Troemel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adams' writing is stellar but this story fell a little short for me. I actually took a few weeks break from it. It seems like there's two parts to this book. In the first part the two main characters fight each other. When they come together, he's all 'I must protect you' forgetting how strong and capable she is. In the second part, there's a break between them. It felt disjointed and out of step. Having said this, the characters were vibrant and believable. The sex scenes were deliciously sensual and sexy. The writing is as good as the rest of her books. This one was good but didn't keep me turning the pages.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read!

So much action in this book, I couldn't put it down. I love this story line. It's so different than the ones I've read. Love and action, what more could a girl ask for. Thanks Elianne Adams.

[Tiffany Tinkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 is Great!

Got this book when the author had it free for a short time. Really good story. I read it as a stand alone novel because I have never read the first one in the series.

[Doreen Ewasiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evan and Brienne

A wonderful tale of two stubborn people and the war that continued in their country. I enjoyed reading this fantasy of hope for a lost country and its people and how one lady brought it all together.

[Marilyn Coates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rise of the Phoenix - (Return to Avalore Bk. 2)

Wow! All I can say is, "Wow!" What a powerful, evocative tale of love, war, battles, and loss. I can hardly wait for the next book. ~I'll

[Susan Zoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want to put it down. I have to admit that at one point I ws thinking oh here we go again they are not going to tell each other the truth but they did and that made the story all the more enjoyable. Warning there is sexual content in this story.

[Anne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series from the characters to the storyline. Looking forward to downloading the rest of the books
Brilliant

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was just heartbreaking from the first page! eavesdropping is never a good things!! specially if the first part you hear upsets you so much you don't listen to all of it and with only half the knowledge make rash decisions that have a huge impact on both lives.
brienne has left behind her destined mate, believing he doesn't want a mate, there isn't room for one. his prio being finding their long lost sister.
his sister has been found and returned to avalore, even found a mate and is embracing her new role with grace and determination. with all these new changes there is still a lot of darkness and danger to be fought and one sacred relic to be found. he can't believe his eyes when he's scouting around. on the other side of the open field is Brienne, the woman who was named his destined mate but had left without a trace even before the ceremony could be held, months he had searched for her before giving up. weeks ago, when they returned with his sister, they met briefly. even then his heart and dragon ached to have her with him. knowing she's out there just pains him.
seeing who's she's with he can't help but know that she's in danger and wants to rescue her.
a spur of the moment decision leads to a whole lot of trouble, him being captured and beaten within an inch of his live. the only good thing is that Brienne managed to get away. That's enough for him. much to his surprise she returns to rescue him and of of the vile creatures that's hold prisoner together with him. he's distrusting of them, since it's them who killed his mother. the creatures make their escape just as he draws on the last little bit of power he has to get brienne and himself to safety.
the time they spend together starts of tricky at best. he wants to know what she's up to, not sure if he can trust her. one thing leads to another, even has them ending up talking about the past. both coming clean with their own version of what occurred three years ago.
with the truth now in the open both still battle with their feelings. he doesn't want to let her go, she's determined to help her pack. she's convinced she can help tip the balance in favor of the goodness in them. her patch to finding out how is littered with drama, near death, even more heartache, some (hot)loving, and a heart-wrenching ending!

this was a tearjerker of a story!!! the choices that were made, so selfishly, so big. you barely have time to breath and get yourself together when you're put through another rollercoaster part of this story. if you liked the prequel and the first book in the return to avalore series you will not be disappointed with this one. you can't miss this part, it's crucial, simply a must have.

free copy given in exchange for an honest review

[Jamies · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read for the series thus far. Evan & Brienne don't have the same type of connection as Drake & Rhia, since she left after Evan was named her mate. Not the best confidence booster for commander if your own mate doesn't want you. The situation with the pack is odd in the sense that there's no explanation for why Brienne was the needed. Would any woman that was respected and treated like a packmate have had the same results? Going to keep reading th series cuz I like the concept but not a huge fan of this story, even though it was well written.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting second book in this series.
This book was very full on and I had to keep reading to the end to see what happens.
So much was happening and we learn so much more about this interesting world.
We met handsome Phoenix shifter, Evan Mayfield in Book One. He is the Commander of the Avalorian Queen's Guard.
Three years previously, the elders approached Evan and told him his mate had been called but he was too obsessed with searching for his sister that he unknowingly rejected his mate.
Beautiful dragon Brienne was slowly succumbing to the darkness and if she wants to survive, she must find her mate. She asks the elders to call her mate, is very excited to learn that her mate is Evan but she overhears Evan's rejection of her. She is crushed and devastated. She runs and finds herself lost and alone in the Dark Lands.
Here she meets Argram, an Erritrol and her supposed mortal enemy, but rather than kill her, he rescues her and takes her to his pack. Brienne learns that not all Erritrol are monsters.
Argram and his pack are members are seeking to break an age old curse to free his people.
Brienne becomes a member of Argram's pack and helps in their cause, believing that she is also helping her own people.
Evan believes Brienne rejected him and feels embarrassed and is too proud to follow Brienne.
He has to search for the Scymin, an artefact that is extremely dangerous to his people and his sister the Queen.
Evan gets the shock of his life when he finds Brienne has joined the Erritrol and is the one causing his soldiers problems and she is also searching for the Scymin.
When the truths are revealed, can Brienne convince Evan that she is not a traitor and can Evan get over his position and misconceptions.
I loved the ending in this book.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series so much! This is the second full length novel in the Return to Avalore series and features Evan and Brienne. Evan is the brother to the Queen of Avalore and his duty to protect his people has always come first in his life – until he finds he is to be mated to Brienne. Due to misunderstandings and equal amounts of stubbornness these two were torn apart from one another for years and an unlikely confrontation brings them together again.

I loved these two together! Brienne made an intriguing appearance in book one, Call of the Dragon and I couldn’t wait to learn more about her and Evan. Their story did not disappoint. The chemistry between these two is electric. I also loved how equal they were. They are both incredibly strong and capable individuals and are each protective of each other, but they are also understanding of each other’s abilities and strengths – it was refreshing. I also really enjoyed the story line in this story. Many lingering questions I’d had from book one were answered (yay!). I was interested the entire time and really loved seeing what life was like with the Erritrol’s. This author has done a great amount of world building and I will anxiously await all installments of this series.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Call of the Dragon I was waiting for the moment to get to learn more about Evan and Brienne. What made her decide to leave? How is she Evan's mate and he just let her go? what about the pack...why are they changing?

Well you get all of those answers and more. Rise of the Phoenix is pretty awesome in it's own right. Brienne has been in the Dark Lands by herself for three years. She's been with the pack and Evan wants to talk to her and bring her home. But he has questions of his own.

There's curses, banter, dragons, phoenixes, betrayal, goddesses, and learning more about the murder of Evan and Rhia's mom, and so so so much more. Just another awesome book.

[Sherry Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this author and her books through an anthology. The first one that was in the anthology caught my attention so much I had to read the rest of the series. Book 2 takes off two weeks from where the book one ends. Loved that fact. You still have all the dynamics of the first book as well as the same characters but some of the characters develop more. Just like intermingling families, it takes time for everyone to meet.

The only problem I had was there was one chapter that felt like I lost a few pages some how. (you will understand when you read it) but it didn't take away from the book in itself. Great story line. Now off to read book 3.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

well whaddayakno, more time in the dark dimension and a more satisfying read! It wasn't just that there was more going on in the dark dimension, this story just had a little more oomph. I liked the leads, even tho there was a bit too much of the contrived in their relationship obstacles for me. This did a little more to convince me that I can enjoy this writer because the overwrought bits didn't push me too far into "oh good grief" territory. all in all a satisfying read, but you need to read the books in order.
okay for Aayesha

[Connie Hinsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my dragon heart!

This series has everything. Hot male characters, strong female characters, creepy creatures, amazing scene descriptions. Enough "romance" to make you blush, but still want more. After the first book, wondered would all the rest just be a variation of that story. But this book brought in the interesting story of how the creatures came to be and how our main heroine would be the only one to save them from a curse. Curse! What a great story concept. Recommend this book!

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one, but not like I loved Call Of The Dragon. I felt there was too much concentration on fighting the baddies and overturning the curse rather than the romance. It's still a great read but didn't suck me in quite like CotD did.

[Dawn Liddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Read and Reviewed for Netgalley*
So this is book 2 in the series. in the first book we met Evans mate who the ran off into the dark lands again. i love that we get to see Evans story play out. also there was questions from book one that got answered in this book.
if you have not read this series you totally should.

[Crystal's Quirky Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing or no one comes between Predestined mates! Elianne Adams is a master story teller,beautifully spinning her stories of love and magic. If you've not started this series yet then you really need too. It was already a good series but it just keeps getting better and better!!

I am leaving this review of my own free will. In no way have I been bribed, coerced or paid to leave this review.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rise of the Phoenix

Elianne Adams wrote another great book. Evan is a Phoenix shifter and Brienne is a dragon shifter. They have been selected as mates. That is just the beginning. She thinks he doesn't want her and runs off. He thinks she doesn't want him and that is why she ran. This book made me angry, made me laugh and made me cry. I loved every word.

[Alicia Prochnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited for this story after meeting the characters in the prior book. The story was quite good, didn't get too predictable and kept me invested. And the last couple chapters had me in tears, which is always a sign of a good story.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As yes

Absolutely loved this book! I laughed and cried, and cheered and ,breathed sighs of relief.I got caught up in this story from the beginning. If you love shifters and love stories you will want to read this series.

[Davinia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the first, but still sufferd from "too good/easy to be true syndrome". Can't say why without spoilering but take my word on it. It did pull some tears, so again, it's not all bad. I May, someday, read the next one, but not just yet.

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I still like the characters, just not the forced drama. Lots of "mating" at end 30% of book. Wanted more information with the ending, felt abrupt. Guess I need to keep reading series too find out outcome of sacrifice.

[Jilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

few twists and turns, a few BIG misunderstandings, lots of love and some laughter. Good one

[Sammy Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read!!

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic, fantacy, battle to save a race, articulated vivid love story. Enjoyed !