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He was sent to kill her...
Now, he’s desperate to protect her.



When Jonathan West, a battle-scarred warrior with supernatural gifts, is sent to Phoenix to execute a witch for practicing dark enchantments, it doesn’t take him long to discover his target is innocent— and the beauty of her soulscape and her untamed spirit make his blood sing.

Cassie Rios, divorced and recently unemployed, has no idea why wild animals have started mauling and even killing anyone who sparks her fury. She realizes she’s a danger to everyone around her, and Jonathan and his shadow organization may be her only hope.

As she learns to control the magic she never would have chosen, she and Jonathan surrender to the white-hot desire that flares between them. But the secret society of Manus Sancti has its own seductions, and she soon faces a choice that could lead to her destruction.





Fall in love with the thrilling debut of a new paranormal romance series about the costs of heroism, the bonds of brotherhood, and the power of love.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2017

105 people are currently reading
299 people want to read

About the author

Bryn Donovan

16 books272 followers
Author, book editor, blogger, and optimist who lives in Chicago. **no longer active on this platform**

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5 stars
62 (48%)
4 stars
36 (27%)
3 stars
20 (15%)
2 stars
9 (6%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews127 followers
Want to read
May 1, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/1/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Helena Zelin.
Author 18 books64 followers
September 29, 2017
It was amazing! From the first few pages the story unfolds right in front of our eyes smoothly and with the proper mystery to keep the reader attached to the book. Since it is the first book in a series we are introduced to a new magic world, which personally fascinates me. It is well studied and written in a way that it seems truly real.
Another thing that i loved is the bad-ass female protagonist. Yes, the male was really bad-ass too, but men are cool in most books while strong and intelligent women are not so common. She is not as helpless as most females in books are and that kept me wanting to keep reading and getting to know what will happen to her.
As you guys probable know from my other reviews, I'm always in for a good romance and this romance just earned a spot in my favorite couples list. These two have chemistry, it's visible even from space. But I'm not going to go in on any details, because I don't want to spoil you. The one thing I can say though is that you will not read a love at first sight story. It is more like fear at first sight, both of them have to make progress, together and with themselves. We see a lot of character growth throughout the book and that, my friends, excites me. Both characters have to fight with their personal demons and that is not at all easy.
Last but definitely not least the writing so so cinematic I actually could see the images in front of my eyes. It literally felt like I was in a movie theater watching an epic fantasy movie.
Yes that is a 5/5 stars rating. Even I couldn't give this book less. I highly recommend it to each and every one of you who love fantasy novels.
For more of my reviews visit my blog https://helenazelininternational.blog...
Profile Image for Jena Henry.
Author 4 books338 followers
April 8, 2018
The Phoenix Codex (Book One, Knights of Manus Sancti)

Bryn Donovan

4 stars

“You’re the rightful owner of the rarest documents on earth and you’re one of the heirs to its magic”.

This is the story of Cassandra, “Cassie”, the messy nerd and Jonathan, the magical warrior. Cassie is recently divorced and recently unemployed. She also has a problem- people she knows have been savagely attacked by wild animals such as a jaguar, coyote and javalina.

But her problems get worse. Cassie comes home one evening to her little house in the desert near Phoenix to a face terrifying assault on her. And that’s how she meets Jonathan.

Author Donovan has created the world of Manus Sancti, an ancient society of Scholars, Knights and Mages, tasked with ridding the world of supernatural evil. Manus Sancti operates around the world and Jonathan takes Cassie to the cult’s ultra-modern, tech-enhanced location in New Mexico, El Dedalo. Cassie learns more about the Lost Powers and she also learns much more about Jonathan.

Jonathan has been a Manus Knight his entire life and he is strong, brave and dedicated. He has seen the ultimate in evil and the ultimate in sacrifice. And he still maintains the ability to seek love.

Much of the book involves telling us about the details of this secret organization. The world of Manus Sancti is fascinating, from banishing a demon, to dealing with Coyote Shifters, to visiting another person’s psyche. Readers will enjoy the mystical elements of this story and the fascinating details.

However, all the “telling” means less action and less interest for the reader. The book has a thrilling start and a well-written and exciting ending. In between, there are some explicit sex scenes. My feeling is that the books that follow in this series will be more engaging, now that the world-building has been accomplished. I recommend this book.

Jena C. Henry
August, 2017
Profile Image for Patricia.
Author 3 books1 follower
October 21, 2017
I loved this book! The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and didn't let up. The world of the Manus Sancti is very realistic and I can believe it does exist. Cassie is feisty and very real - great characters throughout the story. It's a good mixture of reality and magic and romance (okay and some great sex too. But not gratuitous sex.) I got to know and care about the Cassie and Jonathan and their friends and I was left wanting more.
Profile Image for Treena.
1,343 reviews82 followers
April 14, 2020
DNF at 40%

Interesting at first because it’s all about a secret order (with extraordinary abilities) dedicated to protect humanity from monsters/creatures/supernatural evil. But when I hit around 35% I found myself getting bored with the story. *shrugs* Just not enough snark and flirty banter between the MC’s for me. I was missing the push-and-pull that I like to read about. I finally decided to just stop reading when my Kindle bonked me on the face because I was nodding off.
Profile Image for Kerri Beckman.
168 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2019
Pros: ideas are promising. Loooved the “soulscape” concept. The effort and work that went behind the two protagonists was nice. The secondary characters could have used some more development, but I otherwise enjoyed the characters.

Cons: Very rushed and the short sentence structure didn’t help the stilted motion the book carried the entire time. While some of the intimate scenes were promising, the introductory scenes were not. Dialogues felt forced at times and the diction made me cringe at times. I also lost any sense of surprise as the author kept making her world bigger and bigger, telling the reader something new. The world boundaries weren’t set so I wasn’t interested in it after a while. Like I’ve said, this book has the beginnings of a good idea but it just wasn’t executed well. It needs time, polish, and another attempt.

Overall, the writing is immature and the ideas are *almost* developed and polished. This is an author I would like to check back on in a few years to see how her writing has changed.

I would recommend this to someone who doesn’t care much about the above and is just here for sex, romance, and supernatural stuff.
Profile Image for Rebekah.
85 reviews9 followers
July 11, 2022
This book is a sexy, exciting, fantasy book with a brave female lead and psychological elements that will resonate. It is the first book I've read under the 'romance' genre. But I love fantasy. And this book was a great read. I would probably classify it as a fantasy novel every bit as much as a romance, because the fantasy world building and plotting was satisfying and action packed. The fantasy setting was so well described that my imagination would go crazy picturing everything, which is always fun. I'd love to see some fan art! The heroine broke literary conventions by being a direct, unvarnished, what-you-see is what-you-get kind of woman who goes on a journey from which she emerges even more sure of her place in the world and who she wants to be. The romance and sex scenes are really hot too. So sign me up for the next one!! :)

Profile Image for Claire.
1,303 reviews22 followers
October 29, 2019
Really interesting and unique magic system and secret society set-up. I liked both Cassie and Jon and though there was almost-instant attraction between the two of them, I appreciated that Jonathan was hesitant to act on it and Cassie needed to initiate things. Yes, their relationship moves pretty quickly, but for the most part they check in with one another before taking the next step. The only time that Jonathan leaps forward and Cassie doesn't is due to understandable worry on her part, and I liked that when they did have a fight, it took them a while to work through it, and that they needed to set that aside and cooperate for the larger mission.

I wouldn't say that this book ends on a cliffhanger, but there are some plot threads left open. Cassie and Jon are definitely together at the end of the book and part A of the final mission is finished, but we're left to wonder how part B worked out. In my Kindle edition there is a short preview for the next book which starts with a different character, but seems to pick up pretty immediately after this book ends. Just checked the author's blog and she posted another excerpt from book #2 at the beginning of October 2019 with a note that it should be sent to her editor by the end of the month - hooray!! Happy to see this new PNR series continuing.
Profile Image for Bryan Genesse.
Author 1 book8 followers
December 28, 2019
THIS PHOENIX SCORCHES EACH PAGE

A shocking, unique, and sexy bullet to the soul, I highly recommend you read Bryn's masterpiece when you have the time to savor all the flavors dripping off the pages.

A spicy boullaibase of magic, mages, knights, zombies, ghosts, unimaginalbe killers and secret societies intent on harming the world, the innocent heroine, Cassie, is blessed and cursed with powers she never knew existed. Unique powers that could mean the end of her life or the chance of a new beginning. It all depends, can Cassie pass the impossible trials and tribulations that will test her soul and sanity?

Read to find out.

The sexy, sensual love scenes are fiery and titilating. Cassie's love for Jonathon,, a warrior hunk with a heart of gold, made me relish and remember why falling in love is life's greatest gift. This story surprises with twists and turns. The pace makes your heart race and adrenaline pump. The author draws each character so fully that you'll feel like a friend too...praying for things to work out.

Five Blazing Stars. A Truly Great Read. I couldn't put it down.
36 reviews
May 14, 2019
Fantastic new series

Fascinating beginning of a new series by Bryn Donovan. This was an unexpected gem of a find from a free book give away. A story of a group dedicated to keeping the world safe from those who do harm. Stayed up all night reading. Great love story. Realistic plot line even though this is a paranormal read. Loved this book. Following this author on Amazon. Hope you love it too. Happy reading.
Profile Image for Kelly Tress.
118 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2020
Good read

I really liked all the different things going on in this story. There were so many ways for everything to go, I didn't know what to believe would happen! Kept me on the edge for sure! The only thing I didn't really care for was how abrupt the ending was, I felt it should have been a little more drawn out. The little snip of the next book has really got my curiosity going and looking forward to reading it!
489 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2020
A good introduction to a new series.

Gotta be honest - I skipped over the sex scenes as I felt them unnecessary and no different than many other books.
I liked the characters and the unique organization and what they do. There was enough action to keep you engaged and the characters were well crafted to bring in a fullness to the story.
Read the few pages offered in the next book and look forward to picking up right where it left off.
414 reviews
May 28, 2019
The Phoenix Codex

What a story. It was more exciting than I thought it would be. I loved how Cassie and Jonathon met except for the animal attacks but that is what made the book so exciting. Cassie doesn't know that she was descended from the Mayans and to find out about the society and everything they do, was even more exciting.
Profile Image for Barbara Strickland.
Author 7 books53 followers
January 7, 2020
A different paranormal experience

This was good reading because of its fresh premise and interesting characters. Knights battle evil as they have done for centuries. Can the addition of new blood help the battle or will it hinder it? Our heroine is strong and determined and finds love and a calling when she least expects it.
Most enjoyable
Profile Image for Susan Blackmon.
Author 8 books14 followers
January 25, 2020
Loved it

Was on a research hunt for something else when this cover captured my attention. The description grabbed me and once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. Love the fast paced suspense with good character development. Author also has excellent scene descriptions. Can’t wait to dig into the next book.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
152 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2021
All the elements of a perfectly spellbinding tale

From the intriguing setting, to the engaging characters, this book took me on a wild ride full of all the things that I love. Spells, religious history, sensual moments, friendship bonds, humor, terror and all within a new spin on battling supernatural baddies. Anxious to start book two!
1 review
May 29, 2019
It draws you into the story

No lags in this story, unless it is you searching the web for a meaning or translation. Exciting,suspenseful and heart warming all wrapped up into an excellent read.
569 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2020
This was awesome

Cassie loves animals but doesn’t understand why suddenly random wildlife is hurting people who hurt her. Others have noticed too and they don’t assume she’s innocent
Profile Image for Leigh Duncan.
Author 51 books243 followers
January 4, 2018
An excellent read. Lots of twists and plenty of action keep this paranormal romance in motion. Looking forward to more in this series!
Profile Image for Carrie.
105 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2019
Don't get her mad at you!!

Found great grandpas book and read last page. Now if she gets mad an animal with come and hurt or kill who ever makes her mad.
955 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2024
I wanted to like this. The general idea was interesting. But the writing and overall execution was just so bad. It was giving supernatural, but like, the bad later seasons, not the good beginning seasons.
Profile Image for Ana-Maria Seceleanu.
4 reviews
October 21, 2017
Unconventional.

That is without a shadow of a doubt the perfect word to describe this first volume of the Knights of Manus Sancti.

From the very first page, you are thrown into a world of confusion and suspense which makes you wonder how in the world could something like that have happened to an ordinary woman? Then you discover she's not really that ordinary and things are not what they seem. At all. And that's when you're hooked with no return.

Page after page after page, you find yourself reading simple words but discovering complicated feelings and events which make you want to somehow transport yourself into the story so that you can live it yourself through the characters' eyes. Then the evil alarm informs you that it's time to prepare for a new day and you have no idea when and how the hours just flew past you.

As a first-time reader of Bryn Donovan's, I can proudly say that I am delighted beyond words to have read such a complex yet simple, romantic yet thrilling, mundane yet supernatural body of work, and I can't wait to read more from this amazing author.
1 review
October 22, 2017
The Phoenix Code (Knight's of Manus Sancti Book one)
by: Bryn Donovan

Review by: Jen

Love how throughout the story a mysterious theme is maintained and how just just near the ending everything ties in. And leaves you wanting more.

It has R-rated scenes.

I only struggled sometimes to figure out which POV or point of view you were in, and sometimes had to re-read a section.

Thank you to the lovely author Bryn Donovan for this wonderful read that had me in tears, bitting my nails, laughing, sighing in relief and then biting my nails again.

The world she had created throughout this book, was so real I believed it actually existed. I still believe that there could be a world like this, and it has my imagination on a never ending swing. Thank you for being the great storyteller you are, and not disappointing with this page-turning absolute binge reading book.

I cannot wait for more, this is one of the best I've read.
1 review
October 20, 2017
The Phoenix Codex was a blast to read from page one to the last that came too quickly. I was so engrossed in the story that I hated to see it end. Cannot wait for the second book. Bryn Donovan created a realistic world of the Manus Sancti, rich with history and intrigue. I found being able to enter another's psyche fascinating, but I will not ruin the experience for you. Cassie is a wise ass, smart and feisty woman, someone I would love to have on my side but would be terrified to pisss her off. And talk about a hot romance, sizzling chemistry, and great dialogue. If you want to get lost in a fast pace fantasy/romance story read this well-written story today.
Profile Image for Daily Book Blog.
56 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2017
Do You Believe in Magic?

If you don’t, you might after reading this book. Bryn Donovan has created a masterpiece with this paranormal romance. From the first few sentences, you are transported to a world where the action never stops. Bryn creates a world within your imagination that makes you feel as though you’re there, watching Jonathan and Cassie fight their way through tragedy, demon possessions, and hard losses. If you’re a fan of the paranormal, super hot guys and women who fight to keep the rest of a blissfully ignorant world safe, you will definitely enjoy this book. I can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Terézia.
148 reviews41 followers
dnf
March 21, 2020
Weeeell, on the other hand it does not do this book any good if I force myself to read it, I'll accept that I do not have a PR-shaped hole in my reading life; and if I do, this will not fit. The idea of soulscapes was not exciting for me, the writing did not charm me and the characters in my mind fell into stereotypes within the first few chapters - at least the love interest did. A sad soul with a ripped body who "can't stand cheaters" and thought that the woman he was trying to kill would not suffer from guilt if she accidentally caused his death after trying to defend herself.

Plus, given the situation they were in, it was a bit awkward to read about them checking each other out.
Profile Image for Dianna Evans.
3 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2017
Jon West is the perfect gentleman burdened with regret, Cassie is living on auto pilot after losing her marriage and her job. Their meeting was not ideal, but they make it work. This story was a hidden gem. It has secret knights, magical powers and romance. It felt like a guilty pleasure watching the relationships between each characters grow and blossom. But I needed to know what was going to happen next. This page turner was an easy read.
NB: I will never think of Sushi the same way again.
Profile Image for J.R..
Author 9 books59 followers
November 29, 2017
This is a stay up all night to finish it because you have to know and you can't get enough kind of a book. It has all the mythos and suspense of Supernatural with ancient secret societies added into the mix. From page one, Donovan will capture your attention with a story filled with bear attacks, shape-shifters, heartache, laughter, and the undeniable chemistry of two incredibly well-written characters.

Fans of Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews will love this fast-paced paranormal romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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