Phoibe

Omega Beginnings Miniseries #3

by Lizzy Ford

With a speech impediment and learning disability, the frail six-year-old Crown Princess of Greece is constantly being told she’ll never live up to the woman her mother was. She’s the only descendent of the sacred Bloodline, the royal family touched by the Greek Gods ten thousand years before, and protected by international law.

But Phoibe doesn’t care about any of that. She wants to be loved by someone, and that someone is a mysterious shadow named Lantos who talks to her when no one else will.

Before leaving, the gargoyle Mismatch made her promise never to speak aloud again, or she’ll seal her fate, and the family curse will claim her. She obeys him – and faces the wrath of cruel caretakers sworn to ensure the curse comes to pass.

When Mismatch doesn’t return to save her, young Phoibe must make her first grown-up decision: accept the curse or trust the shadowy creature who tries to help her.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology, Ebooks, Young Adult

67 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2015

About the author

I breathe stories. I dream them. If it were possible, I'd eat them, too. (I'm pretty sure they'd taste like cotton candy.) I can't escape them - they're everywhere! Which is why I write! I was born to bring the crazy worlds and people in my mind to life, and I love sharing them with as many people as I can.

I'm also the bestselling, award winning, internationally acclaimed author of over sixty titles and counting. I write speculative fiction in multiple subgenres of romance and fantasy, contemporary fiction, books for both teens and adults, and just about anything else I feel like writing. If I can imagine it, I can write it!

I live in the desert of southern Arizona with a pack of spoiled dogs and Tubbs, the Godfather cat who rules them all.


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LizzyFordBooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LizzyFord2010
Email: LizzyFord2010@gmail.com
Radish: LizzyFord
Wattpad: LizzyFord

Lizzy’s books include:

Lost Vegas – young adult post-apocalyptic
Aveline
Tiana
Arthur
Black Wolf

Spell Realm Series (coming summer 2017) – young adult fantasy
Water Spell (2017)
Dragon Spell (2018)
Moon Spell (2018)
Sword Spell (2019)

History Interrupted – time travel romance
West
East
North (2017)
South (2018)

Omega Beginnings Series
Alessandra
Mismatch
Phoibe
Lantos
Theodocia
Niko
Cleon
Herakles

Omega Series
Omega
Theta
Alpha (2017)

Theta Beginnings Miniseries (novelettes)
Silent Queen
Mercenary
Shadow Titan
People’s Champion

Non-Series – 2014 - 2017
Black Moon Draw (about a reader sucked into her book)
White Tree Sound (2017)
Highlander Enchanted
The Door
The Fall of Esme (2017)
Sons of War – contemporary military romance
Semper Mine
Soldier Mine
SEAL Mine (2017)

Super Villainess
It’s Not Easy Being Evil
It’s Not Easy Being Good

Starwalkers Serials (with Julia Crane) – new adult science fiction serial
Severed
Trapped
Exiled
Revealed
Escaped
Ascended
Starwalkers – complete (#1-6)

Heart of Fire – sexy dragon shifter
Charred Heart
Charred Tears
Charred Hope

Incubatti – Buffy meets 50 Shades
Zoey Rogue
Zoey Avenger

Rhyn Trilogy – new adult paranormal with demons
Katie’s Hellion
Katie’s Hope
Rhyn’s Redemption

Rhyn Eternal – Death finds love
Gabriel’s Hope
Deidre’s Death
Darkyn’s Mate
The Underworld
Twisted Fate
Twisted Karma (2017)

War of Gods – paranormal with gods, guardians and exceptional humans
Damian’s Oracle
Damian’s Assassin
Damian’s Immortal
The Grey God

Damian Eternal
Xander’s Chance
The Black God

Hidden Evil – paranormal with angels and four horsemen
Hear No
See No (TBD)
Speak No (TBD)

Unnamed Series
Unnatural (TBD)
Unmade (TBD)

Omega
Omega
Theta
Alpha (2017)

Anshan Saga – new adult science fiction romance
Kiera’s Moon
Kiera’s Sun

Santa’s Ninja Elves (short stories)
Natasha & Hunter

Non-series titles – 2011 - 2013
Star Kissed
A Demon’s Desire
The Warlord’s Secret
Maddy’s Oasis
Rebel Heart

Witchlings – young adult paranormal
Dark Summer
Autumn Storm
Winter Fire
Spring Rain

Broken Beauty Novellas – new adult dramatic fiction
Broken Beauty
Broken World

Voodoo Nights - young adult paranormal
Cursed

As SE Reign, erotica writer
101 Nights Box Set (Serials 1-7)

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third episode in this mini series focuses on Phoibe, the Crown Princess of Greece, who we met in Mismatch's story.
This tale is becoming more intriguing and mysterious the more I read.
Just like before the story picks up from where it left off and leaves us at an exiting part in the story. My heart broke for poor Phoibe and what she had to endure in her young life, but for all that Phoibe is proving to be a very wise and strong little girl.

Greek mythology + exciting characters & plot + Lizzy Ford = Perfect combination What more could you want?

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have some serious hate on for Phoibe's caretakers. SERIOUS hate. Poor Phoibe has to put up with them and their abuse and my heart broke for her. Poor thing.

I'm torn on Lantos and whether he'll be helping her the way she needs help. I'm just... POOR LITTLE GIRL. Mismatch's warning to Phoibe about the curse was pretty terrifying and she's in an awful situation no matter how you look at it.

Lizzy Ford's going to rip my heart out one way or another, isn't she?

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So much packed into this short story! Book 3 in the Omega series is about Phoibe. The next Queen of Greece, but only 6 years old right now, is under a curse. As she waits for Mismatch and bravely faces her fate we learn a little bit more of the puzzle. A great series. I can't wait to read the rest!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoibe is a six-year-old Crown Princess of Greece. she has a speech impediment and only one friend...that no one else can see, a shadow named Lantos. She has met Mismatch who made her promise never to speak aloud again because of a family curse that will turn her to a gargoyal. I am getting more and more excited about the series that these mini's are leading up to.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in Lizzy Ford's OMEGA Beginnings Miniseries. Alessandra is the first book, and Mismatch is the second. I have thoroughly enjoyed each of them. This book focuses on a sweet little girl that's facing some really big issues. She is being groomed her for her role as the Crown Princess of Greece. She longs to become as incredible as the woman her mother was, but because of her speech impediment, the High Priestess has been mistreating an abusing her. She has found a comfort in a ghostly creature name Lantos. He is her only true friend until Mismatch shows up. He makes a promise to return for her and bring her to safety. He also bring a warning: Do not speak until he returns for her, or she something terrible will come to pass. But trouble abounds, and something must be done. When Mismatch doesn't come back as promised, she's faced with a life altering decision. Does she speak and seal her fate as the others before her have done, or will she put her trust in her shadow friend Lantos?

Each book in this series bring more action than the last. The characters really pull at your heart strings. I can't wait to see what happens in book 4 of this miniseries!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a copy of my review from the first one. It covers the series as a whole.

So from what I can see, these are little character Introduction short stories to be released each month until the release of the full book Omega.

Lizzy Ford is one of those authors who really found her calling and she never fails to release these amazing stories. This is no different. I love these short stories because they are a nice touch to start you getting excited for a new release.

I don't want to get into details of the story because frankly it's self explanatory. Each part has the character name in the title, you learn a little about their life and so far the next character in the series has been introduced in the part before linking them all together. Also they have been FREE on Amazon so perfect start but wait.....it doesn't end there. Lizzy has also added a competition in the end of the story. Go read it and see the details.

As always they are beautifully written and I definitely recommend the author and not just one specific title as all are amazing.

[Bookworms Devouring Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still an unbelievable series!

I couldn't put the book down but hey 3 chapters was well worth the read and
Im desperate for more!


This book with just 3 chapters had a lot of heart breaking scenes, a little princess who completely
alone with a high priestess who is completely rude to her and takes care of her because it
is her duty to do so, so that every child that is born under the royal bloodline fulfills a
curse she is meant to become at the age of 17.

I love how in three books of this series so far has only reach a few day in the outline of the story
since mismatch came alive.

This book is unbelievably magical and cute and its the first series i've read where this series is
based on children fantasy something out of a Harry potter series. But mini! lol

I gave this a 5 star because I absolutely think it deserved it I recommend this series to anyone who
enjoys a cute little fantasy series.

[Deb Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoibe is next in line for the throne of Greece at the age of 6. Phoibe is treated poorly by the High Priestess because she has a lisp. Through our lovable Mismatch she learns that there is a curse on her family. Mismatch asked her not to speak to anyone because they are tricking her into speaking the words that set into motion the curse. This curse turns them into a gargoyle to watch over the temple. Thanks to Mismatch''s advice Phoibe stops speaking out loud but this leaves her unable to communicate with her only other friend Lantos. Lantos teaches Phoibe how to communicate with him through telepathy. Phoibe doesn't know who or what Lantos is but they have a special connection.

I so excited for the next book in the miniseries because I know it will be something that gives me more insight into another character and they all lead to the first book in the Omega Series! Lizzy can't write or publish fast enough for me with this one!

[Sue Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

WTG Lizzy Ford - I just love these mini type books!!!

If you have no read Alessandra (#1, Omega Beginnings Miniseries) and Mismatch (#2, Omega Beginnings Miniseries), you really need to read them to understand exactly what is going on in Phoibe.

In Alessandra, we met Alessandra and learned about her unique gift. In Mismatch, we learned more about Mismatch -- his origin and importance.

With this being such a short book, there is no way to write too much of a review in regards to what happens in the story without telling you the whole story. I will warn you that once again, Lizzy leaves us with a cliffhanger of an ending!!! BUT - even with the stories being short, they are the type read that you start and can NOT stop until the ending.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Emmanuelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that each new short story in the Omega miniseries introduces someone we met in the previous short story. I love that we're being introduced to the characters prior to the release of the first full novel. While it's painful to get teased like that every month, it's actually also fun because it's different; it's like if an upcoming movie made a TV series prior to the release to get more depth and detail to the characters.
Phoebe is a quiet six year old with the world resting on her shoulders. She has expectations and responsibilities placed on her as the Princess of Greece and not many friends since her mother died a year ago. She meets Mismatch though and learns a secret she was not meant to know.
The story is so captivating and this short story contains more intricate details than some full length novelettes.

[Marilyn Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy for an honest opinion.

This is the 3rd book in the mini series leading to OMEGA. Phoibe is so far the saddest of the three stories, the hardship she foregoes is not easy. Her fate is already sealed the same fate as Mismatch. With the promise to return and save her from her fate Mismatch has yet to come for her. She must keep her promise to Mismatch and do only on thing,,, not to speak to anyone till he returns. Her only friend Lantos and new alli who she has kept a secret from the Priestesess has also been forced to leave.

I so wish it would have been a bit longer but, so worth the read, can't wait to see what happens next, can't wait to see who Lantos is and what part he plays in this epic novel to come.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books keep getting better and better. I really cannot wait to read Omega. Lizzy is a genius for writing these short stories of each character first before the main story.
I loved reading the struggles Phoibe goes through and how hard she has it when she's just a child. Why they have this curse on this line I don't understand but Phoibe nor did Mismatch or any of them deserve it. They don't even get a choice or even told they get tricked.
I like Phoibe's mysterious friend that smells of mint. I wasn't sure at first but I think he truly is there to help her and get through it.
I can't wait to read more about the next character and get into the actual story. All these little stories all connecting together it is going to be interesting to see how it plays out.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

I loved it. This is the 3rd book in the Omega Beginnings Miniseries, the 1st is Alessandra, and the 2nd is Mismatch. It is 23 pages. The timeline picks up from the middle of Mismatch, but through the point of view of Phoebe, and then continues further then Mismatch. At this point in the miniseries, we are starting to get a better picture of the world in which this story takes place. We are introduced to another important character, and left with so many questions that leave us wanting for the next installment to come out NOW! I can't wait to see how this story continues to develop. Thanks Lizzy!

[Td · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Phoibe (#3, Omega Beginnings Miniseries) by Lizzy Ford
5 stars

Yet again, I am loving this intro to another character in this new series. Phoibe is a cute little girl that is lonely with only one friend. As she waits for Mismatch to return and save her she endures even more cruelty from adults that are meant to care for and protect her. I find the resolve of this young girl to listen to the advice given her shows just how strong she is for her age. I look forward to better things to come for her, and from her.
I am mesmerized by where this greek tale is going, and am looking forward to the next installment!

[Kathy Osborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This mini series is getting good, I can't wait until Omega. Phoibe's story is a sad one full of abuse and hardships that she must bear as the Crown Princess of Greece. Mismatch was not returned for her and she turns to her only friend Lantos. Lantos is a mystery person and I can't wait to read about him next.

Ms. Ford writes a short, but amazing story and I can't wait until all the puzzles pieces are in place in this mini series. Each character is unique and I want to read more about them

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Martha Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series is getting more exciting. In book 3 we learn more about Phoibe. And I must say that with her story you will want to jump in this book and protect her. The way she is treated by those that's supposed to protect is a shame. But of course the trials she's going thru is preparing her for what she will have to face in the coming years. I'm so happy she has her own hero, you will love Lantos!! I can't wait to learn more about him. Another winner from Lizzy Ford, she never disappoints!!!

[Lynn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Omega series. For such a short book it has a lot of information packed in it. Phoibe the next Queen of Greece is abused and mistreated by the high priestess. She is waiting for mismatch to return and save her. Phoibe is only six and while she doesn't quite understand the curse, she is doing her best to follow mismatch's instructions.

Wonderful build up for the book. For every question answered a few more pop up. This series is so worth reading.

[Victoria Stolte · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each of these mini serials we dive deeper and deeper into a mystery. This one I finished in no time. Love the characters, and being able to get that feel of them before the Omega Series releases. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and I think it is very interesting that each of the books tie together with a new character being introduced and then the next book going into that characters side story. I can't wait to see how everything moves forward!

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor little Phoibe. Mismatch is still gone and the only one she has is Lantos, her shadow friend. When she truly needs him, Lantos comes to her rescue. Because of what he did to help her, he is now in trouble with the gods and he must leave her for a while. Phoibe is alone again.

My heart breaks for this beautiful little girl. Everyone is always leaving her. I am completely wrapped up in this story and I can't wait for Lantos's story.

Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoibe is this really sweet, innocent and naive child queen of Greece and it saddened me how cruel people in power can be.
Destined to transform into stone by an ancient curse unless she can prevent it by never trusting the ones who raise her, never talking again and never let them see you break.

Can't wait to read more of Phoibe and her friend Lantos!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the miniseries, and like the others, too short for my liking, but very engaging and makes me want the full novel sooner rather than later. Knowing there are still a few of these mini-series to go means I have to wait, but I do have to admit these tidbits of information are a great way to get some of those background details that go missing in books and helps you feel invested in the characters.

I can't help but feel sorry for Phoibe and the life she leads. It is very misleading to those outside her immediate circle and just plain makes me outraged in response to her treatment at the hands of those who are responsible for her upbringing. Not having the details behind Lantos, all I can think is that without Mismatch there to help her, she needs someone who is on her side. Her trust in him could result in being the worst mistake of her life, but for a little girl who has nearly no one in her corner, Lantos is at least there. In this installment, we get a firsthand look at her life, or lack thereof. Like the other books, it ends just as things are coming to some sort of head, but I'll just have to wait until the next book.

The good news is that these are free, so enjoy them and take them for what they are. Great little intro snippets to each of the characters.

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refusing The Curse


This series must be read in order. The first book is Alessandra. The second book is Mismatch. This is the third book. I can't wait to read Lantos!


Phoibe is trying her best to he patient while she awaits rescue from her cloistered life by Mismatch. She has to tell her shadow friend Lantos about Mismatch, the Curse, and his plan to save her from it... Then she will keep her promise to never speak again. What can it hurt to tell her only friend the secrets she just learned? Will he be happy for her? Is Lantos really just a shadow? Will she be able to keep silent long enough to be rescued? Or will the High Priestess' cruelty break her? Is her mother truly a grotesque now? Can she find and free her?



***This series is suitable for young adult through adult readers who enjoy paranormal in their modern fantasy suspense thrillers filled with the Old Gods and a bit of scifi :)

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review. ***

This read gives us Phoibe's story and what she is going through. She is young and has a hard road ahead of her. Her bloodline puts her in a bad situation as the priestess will do whatever is necessary for Phoibe to fulfill her duty. Phoibe has Lantoth(Lantos) but even he might not be able to save her from the priestess. This series leaves you wondering who can and can't be trusted and when it comes to powers and destiny the road isn't an easy one. I can't wait to see what happens next as Lantos has a journey ahead of him. These reads must be read in order as every read brings in a new character who carries on to the next read in the series.

[Marieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoibe is the third story un the prequel miniseries for the Omega Series. In these prequels we get to know the different characters who will star in the Omega Series to get a better understanding about the who, why and how.

Six year old Phoebe is the next queen of Greece to be. But as well as everybody else from her bloodline she is cursed to be a guarding the sacred temple after she has spoken the words that trigger the curse. Fortunately we read in ‘Mismatch’ that Mismatch was in time to tell Phoibe about the curse. Now she has to prevent herself from triggering the curse which means she can’t speak to anyone and can’t trust anyone.

This story is another piece of the puzzle that build op to the first instalment of the Omega series. Can’t wait for the next one!

Well done Lizzy :-)

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I though that the book was really good. For such a small book it packs in a lot of information about the character. In this short story we learn about Phoibe and what happens after her contact with Mismatch. We find out that Phoibe is a Queen of Greece and that she is being mistreated due to what the High Priestess consider imperfections. She only has on friend named Lantos who no one knows about but her. We also learn about what happens when you disobey the High Priestess in cementing the curse. Phoibe keeps her promise to mismatch and doesn't speak due to the fear that she may unintentionally enact the curse that took her mother away. While she is in the temple she confirms what mismatch says is true. I am finding this series to be highly enjoyable and can't wait for the next one.

[Tanya Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the age of 6, Phoibe is the next in line to be queen. She is being taken care of by the High Preistress who treats her badly because she has a speech problem (a lisp). Being the next in line of this bloodline, Phoibe is the next to be cursed (she will be turned into a gargoyle). Mismatch wants to save her from this terrible fate but when he doesn't show up as promised, she has to make a very tough decision for someone her age.

This series keeps getting better as each short story comes out. I am truly enjoying reading about all the characters and getting to know them....I can't wait to see where this all goes!!

[Ash Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although extremely short I can not help be pulled in by the characters in this book. The more we get a deeper look into them the more excited I get for the series to come out. The author has not only gave us a more in depth look at sweet little Princess Phoibe but introduces another intriguing character in this short story that has me already trying to guess how all these characters fit together and what is going to happen in the series they will be starring in.

Sweet story on how Phoibe has started taking some control of her fate.

[Cheryl Duval · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.

It may be strange to give a short story a 5 star review but this story deserves it. The torment that poor Phoibe has to suffer at the hands of the High Priestess is appalling. She is such a shattered little girl with no one to turn to but her shadow friend.

I have so many questions about Lantos, who is he? what is he? I'm not sure he is going to help Phoibe or not.

I can't wait for the next installment of this story!

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great teaser leading up to what looks to be a tantalising series. The only problem I found with reading this book was that the main character Phoibe had a lisp and I couldnt help but read her parts with a lisp, which distracted me from the storyline, but maybe that was just me. It was hard to read about what Phoibe was going through, being so young and being treated that way definitely left me feeling more endeared towards her. I cant wait to find out what happens next, Lizzy certainly knows how to leave things on a cliff hanger.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel for Phoibe, she endures so much for a small child. Finding out she may end up cursed if she speaks is a lot for a six-year-old. She already has to go through all kinds of obstacles just to become the princess her mother was, without the guidance of her mother, going through abuse from her caretakers. She learns to grow up quickly, with the only friends she has but even they seem to have left her alone. She is strong but scared. Lizzy Ford did an amazing job bringing her characters alive and keeping me in the story.