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The Memory Collector #3
Rise of the Phoenix
Moira has dreamed of freedom ever since she became a concubine at the Pleasure House. With the Phoenix locked in prison, she's finally as free as a slave to the Elite could ever be.
But the Phoenix, a serial killer intent on freeing empaths, is not who she thought, and this time he wants her to use her powers of persuasion to help him. Moira must decide what's worth more: freedom, survival, or the destruction of her enemies. Her growing relationship with Detective Keenan Edwards threatens all three, even if he offers her something she never dreamed of—love.
When she's imprisoned for an Elite member's death, she finds herself back where it all began: facing her execution. In her darkest moment, she'll have to dive into the deepest parts of her mind to defeat the Phoenix once and for all. But the past won't stay hidden for long, and it demands a price.
Her freedom. Her life. And the only man she's ever loved.
But the Phoenix, a serial killer intent on freeing empaths, is not who she thought, and this time he wants her to use her powers of persuasion to help him. Moira must decide what's worth more: freedom, survival, or the destruction of her enemies. Her growing relationship with Detective Keenan Edwards threatens all three, even if he offers her something she never dreamed of—love.
When she's imprisoned for an Elite member's death, she finds herself back where it all began: facing her execution. In her darkest moment, she'll have to dive into the deepest parts of her mind to defeat the Phoenix once and for all. But the past won't stay hidden for long, and it demands a price.
Her freedom. Her life. And the only man she's ever loved.
- GenresFantasy
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2017
About the author
Jamie McLachlan
6 books67 followersCanadian author of the Memory Collector Series: Mind of the Phoenix (an Amazon Bestseller in Dark Fantasy), Pawn of the Phoenix, and Rise of the Phoenix. In addition to novels, McLachlan writes poetry and short stories such as "The Eyes of the Heart," which can be found in the collection, Déjà You: Stories of Second Chances. Her poetry collection, Night Song, will debut October 8, 2018. When not writing, she enjoys reading, dabbling in various crafts, spending time with her husband and two sons, and letting her imagination roam with the help of great music.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 23, 2018
Emotional Wringer Alert!
Holy crap on a stick! I’ve been dying to read this book ever since I found, read and became addicted to the first two books almost two years ago and I about gave myself a heart attack when I (completely by accident) stumbled across someone’s post about this book and saw it came out in October! OCTOBER PEOPLE!
Okay, sorry about the drama but seriously… how did I miss this release???
*smh*
Anywho, RofP starts off immediately after the events of book two and if you’re anything like me, you might think about re-reading the previous books to give yourself a refresher. I felt like I was playing catch up for a minute in the beginning while I got re-acquainted with the main players, but it wasn’t major enough to keep me from reading it.
I won’t be able to say much because I definitely don’t want to spoil it for anyone so I’ll just say that I did not see any of the twists and turns coming. I was seriously blown away by the conclusion and experienced every emotion under the sun when it came to Moira and Keenan. Even the dastardly Phoenix pulled some surprising emotions from me.
This book, this whole series is an amazing story that will stay with me for a long while. It deals with some heavy issues and explores real reactions and extremes and really made me think and question the big what-if. The dark and twisty world this author built is as horrifying as it is captivating and the characters that came alive because of it are people you want to root for.
What I loved about it:
#1 – This cover would have sold me even if I hadn’t already been obsessed with this series. It is amazing and so perfect for Moira’s story.
#2 – Constable Jamieson and Christine – There was something so innocent and plain good about these two and I was happy to see glimpses of them in this story. I couldn’t help but love them.
#3 – The way this author made me love/hate the following: Keenan, Moira, Icarus and Evan.
What I hated about it:
I know all good things have to come to an end (eventually) but I really was sad to see this one end. Even though I seriously questions the reactions/actions of some (I’m looking at you, Keenan! – and lets be honest – Moira too!) I had to embrace the fact that these two weren’t perfect and their conflict needed to work itself out in it’s own way. That being said, I hated their obstacles and kept wondering if they would ever catch a break and really be happy together.
After everything that Moira and Keenan went through and how they each dealt with it, I can say that the ending was worth it and I’m in love with hope of a new beginning for everyone involved.
Favorite Line(s):
* * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *
Memorable Moments:
There are a lot of moments that stick out but I have to say that when Rick/Constable Jamieson shows up to break Moira out of prison. The hope and good will he represents, it was one of the best moments in this series.
The other moment that stayed with me was the comparison of new Moira who has learned to accept friendship and love vs. old Moira that has only betrayal and revenge burning inside her. When the two come together, it was another amazing moment of growth for the h.
Would I recommend? Yes. I think if I’d read the safety on this series before reading it, I would have passed but it grew on me and against the odds, I ended up highly enjoying it.
SAFETY INFO:
Holy crap on a stick! I’ve been dying to read this book ever since I found, read and became addicted to the first two books almost two years ago and I about gave myself a heart attack when I (completely by accident) stumbled across someone’s post about this book and saw it came out in October! OCTOBER PEOPLE!
Okay, sorry about the drama but seriously… how did I miss this release???
*smh*
Anywho, RofP starts off immediately after the events of book two and if you’re anything like me, you might think about re-reading the previous books to give yourself a refresher. I felt like I was playing catch up for a minute in the beginning while I got re-acquainted with the main players, but it wasn’t major enough to keep me from reading it.
I won’t be able to say much because I definitely don’t want to spoil it for anyone so I’ll just say that I did not see any of the twists and turns coming. I was seriously blown away by the conclusion and experienced every emotion under the sun when it came to Moira and Keenan. Even the dastardly Phoenix pulled some surprising emotions from me.
This book, this whole series is an amazing story that will stay with me for a long while. It deals with some heavy issues and explores real reactions and extremes and really made me think and question the big what-if. The dark and twisty world this author built is as horrifying as it is captivating and the characters that came alive because of it are people you want to root for.
What I loved about it:
#1 – This cover would have sold me even if I hadn’t already been obsessed with this series. It is amazing and so perfect for Moira’s story.
#2 – Constable Jamieson and Christine – There was something so innocent and plain good about these two and I was happy to see glimpses of them in this story. I couldn’t help but love them.
#3 – The way this author made me love/hate the following: Keenan, Moira, Icarus and Evan.
What I hated about it:
I know all good things have to come to an end (eventually) but I really was sad to see this one end. Even though I seriously questions the reactions/actions of some (I’m looking at you, Keenan! – and lets be honest – Moira too!) I had to embrace the fact that these two weren’t perfect and their conflict needed to work itself out in it’s own way. That being said, I hated their obstacles and kept wondering if they would ever catch a break and really be happy together.
After everything that Moira and Keenan went through and how they each dealt with it, I can say that the ending was worth it and I’m in love with hope of a new beginning for everyone involved.
Favorite Line(s):
Moira
My darkness would need more than just acceptance. It would require forgiveness.
* * * * * * * * * *
The hate, the pain, the regret – all of it rushes into me. And along with those emotions comes another as deadly as the others: my love for Keenan, Devin, and even Rick. Instead of weakening me, my affection for them only makes me stronger.
* * * * * * * * * *
Memorable Moments:
There are a lot of moments that stick out but I have to say that when Rick/Constable Jamieson shows up to break Moira out of prison. The hope and good will he represents, it was one of the best moments in this series.
The other moment that stayed with me was the comparison of new Moira who has learned to accept friendship and love vs. old Moira that has only betrayal and revenge burning inside her. When the two come together, it was another amazing moment of growth for the h.
Would I recommend? Yes. I think if I’d read the safety on this series before reading it, I would have passed but it grew on me and against the odds, I ended up highly enjoying it.
SAFETY INFO:
October 23, 2017
After reading the first two books, Reading the conclusion to this story was so bittersweet. From the first time I laid eyes on this series I have been in love. ROP did not disappoint. The reader will get all the answers needed, this story is the right amount of everything. I will not give anything away ,but this a must read. Best story ever.
October 20, 2017
Rise of the Phoenix is the third and final book in the Memory Collector Series. It follows where we left off with Moira, the empath, and Keenan, the detective, trying to solve the twisted games of the serial killer The Phoenix before another person is killed—or forced to commit suicide. Right away we are thrown into this fantastical world where people can alter emotions, read minds, and even “play” in the landscape of the minds of others (seriously, how cool is this? What would YOUR mind look like inside?).
There’s plenty of sexual heat, suspense, and so many twists I did NOT see coming. I was so connected to the characters by this point I was devastated when certain things happened to certain people. No spoilers but I kept thinking I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING??! It was a roller-coaster of emotions for me, which is the mark of a great suspenseful read, I think. I messaged the author (my pal Jamie) to ask how she could do this to me? lol. My nerves were shot at a few spots.
This is a spectacular series, and a great ending to a story that I thoroughly enjoyed. 4 solid stars. Fans of dark fantasy, sexy romance, independent bad ass heroines, and more will love this. I received an advance copy of ROTP in exchange for an honest review. I very much enjoyed this book, and the way it concludes the trilogy.
There’s plenty of sexual heat, suspense, and so many twists I did NOT see coming. I was so connected to the characters by this point I was devastated when certain things happened to certain people. No spoilers but I kept thinking I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING??! It was a roller-coaster of emotions for me, which is the mark of a great suspenseful read, I think. I messaged the author (my pal Jamie) to ask how she could do this to me? lol. My nerves were shot at a few spots.
This is a spectacular series, and a great ending to a story that I thoroughly enjoyed. 4 solid stars. Fans of dark fantasy, sexy romance, independent bad ass heroines, and more will love this. I received an advance copy of ROTP in exchange for an honest review. I very much enjoyed this book, and the way it concludes the trilogy.
October 25, 2017
This is the 3rd and final installment of the Memory Collector series. Our familiar characters are back, sort of. The detective is his usual stoic self, but Moira isn't quite Moira. She is, but she has some internal stuff going on (trying not to be spoilery). Even with this, she makes familiar decisions that we've come to be both admirable of and infuriated at. Sometimes I really just want to shake her shoulders... really really hard.
The writing immerses the reader in the time period and era the author has built. She does a great job of being authentic - although this is a fantasy world, it is rooted in turn-of-the-century North America. I can imagine the clothes, the motor vehicles, and the demeanor.
The author is especially good at getting the reader to care about secondary characters where we even worry for them when they're missing. Even the phoenix is multidimensional and when certain things happen, you have mixed feelings about it (again, trying not to spoil).
I would have liked to have more time with Keenan and Moira together, but I understand why that wasn't really possible given the plot. I still missed their give-and-take though.
Overall, this was a great ending to the series where all questions were answered and the future set out for us. I would highly recommend this entire series for all lovers of fantasy or just a great story.
The writing immerses the reader in the time period and era the author has built. She does a great job of being authentic - although this is a fantasy world, it is rooted in turn-of-the-century North America. I can imagine the clothes, the motor vehicles, and the demeanor.
The author is especially good at getting the reader to care about secondary characters where we even worry for them when they're missing. Even the phoenix is multidimensional and when certain things happen, you have mixed feelings about it (again, trying not to spoil).
I would have liked to have more time with Keenan and Moira together, but I understand why that wasn't really possible given the plot. I still missed their give-and-take though.
Overall, this was a great ending to the series where all questions were answered and the future set out for us. I would highly recommend this entire series for all lovers of fantasy or just a great story.
August 18, 2017
I'm reluctant to say... it was awesome :)
June 30, 2018
The final book certainly did not disappoint. Twist and turns in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat.
Jaime's writing is a delight and her characters grip your imagination.
Jaime's writing is a delight and her characters grip your imagination.
October 14, 2017
Rise of the Phoenix was definitely one of my top 3 most anticipated books of 2017. After the way we left things in Pawn of the Phoenix I was dying to find out what the hell was going on and I already knew this final installment was going to be one hell of a rollercoaster ride.
And wow, did the author ever deliver.
The story picks up where the second book ended and we start out getting some answers. A lot of them. Finally! And most absolutely broke my heart, ripped the floor out from under my feet and turned everything I thought I knew about this story upside down. At this point I was hooked and rushed through the book in record time. I just had to know how this would all turn out – even through I knew it might hurt.
I absolutely loved every heart wrenching, intense and mind bending second of it though. Moira changed so much during the course of this series; she always shows us new sides of her and this book is definitely no different (on the contrary, when it comes to Moira's mental landscape anything is possible). Of course the Phoenix plays a huge role as well, now that we know his true identity and as much as it pains me to admit it: every single scene with him was fascinating. Hurtful and it kind of made me squirm in disgust most of the time but fascinating nonetheless. And then there is Keenan…my beautiful, tired detective. He definitely had to suffer a lot in this book and Moira didn’t make it easy for him either. The dynamics between the characters change a lot in this book and that affects Keenan most of all in a way. He is still my favorite male character in this book and one of my favorite book heroes ever. ❤
If I could change one things about this book I would make the epilogue the last chapter and add a longer more elaborate epilogue. After everything we went through with Moira, Keenan, Icarus, Jonathan and all the others I think I just need a little more time to come to terms with things and to get the chance to really see every single hardship was worth it in the end.
But that’s complaining on a high level. It still doesn’t take away from the fact that Rise of the Phoenix has definitely been the book I’ve been waiting for and didn’t disappoint at all. It’s full of plot twists and mindfucks and I’m so happy with the way this Story panned out.
Now I have to figure out a way to get over this book hangover :)
And wow, did the author ever deliver.
The story picks up where the second book ended and we start out getting some answers. A lot of them. Finally! And most absolutely broke my heart, ripped the floor out from under my feet and turned everything I thought I knew about this story upside down. At this point I was hooked and rushed through the book in record time. I just had to know how this would all turn out – even through I knew it might hurt.
I absolutely loved every heart wrenching, intense and mind bending second of it though. Moira changed so much during the course of this series; she always shows us new sides of her and this book is definitely no different (on the contrary, when it comes to Moira's mental landscape anything is possible). Of course the Phoenix plays a huge role as well, now that we know his true identity and as much as it pains me to admit it: every single scene with him was fascinating. Hurtful and it kind of made me squirm in disgust most of the time but fascinating nonetheless. And then there is Keenan…my beautiful, tired detective. He definitely had to suffer a lot in this book and Moira didn’t make it easy for him either. The dynamics between the characters change a lot in this book and that affects Keenan most of all in a way. He is still my favorite male character in this book and one of my favorite book heroes ever. ❤
If I could change one things about this book I would make the epilogue the last chapter and add a longer more elaborate epilogue. After everything we went through with Moira, Keenan, Icarus, Jonathan and all the others I think I just need a little more time to come to terms with things and to get the chance to really see every single hardship was worth it in the end.
But that’s complaining on a high level. It still doesn’t take away from the fact that Rise of the Phoenix has definitely been the book I’ve been waiting for and didn’t disappoint at all. It’s full of plot twists and mindfucks and I’m so happy with the way this Story panned out.
Now I have to figure out a way to get over this book hangover :)
October 29, 2017
Alright, this was a great last book in the series!
We left off in book 2 with a big reveal and at the beginning it just felt like shit hit the fan and everyone got sprayed, with Moira getting with the most. I like the twist it took right at the start, which didn't leave us with a whiny main character, but a strong one!
This book had many more twists and turns than the other two books and at at times, I got a bit confused at times and had to go a few pages back.
I just love how Moira is not like some "chosen one" and even though people keep telling her that she is stronger than she thinks or that she should be strong enough, in the end she does not succeed with power and brute force alone, but with being smart, thinking outside the box and with the help of others.
In the end, I was so relieved, that we don't have a "forgive and forget" situation. Stuff happened and everyone has to work through that in their own time, come to terms with conflicting feelings and it is just unrealistic that people would ride off in the sunset together immediately after betraying and being betrayed - which thankfully, is not the case here!
We left off in book 2 with a big reveal and at the beginning it just felt like shit hit the fan and everyone got sprayed, with Moira getting with the most. I like the twist it took right at the start, which didn't leave us with a whiny main character, but a strong one!
This book had many more twists and turns than the other two books and at at times, I got a bit confused at times and had to go a few pages back.
I just love how Moira is not like some "chosen one" and even though people keep telling her that she is stronger than she thinks or that she should be strong enough, in the end she does not succeed with power and brute force alone, but with being smart, thinking outside the box and with the help of others.
In the end, I was so relieved, that we don't have a "forgive and forget" situation. Stuff happened and everyone has to work through that in their own time, come to terms with conflicting feelings and it is just unrealistic that people would ride off in the sunset together immediately after betraying and being betrayed - which thankfully, is not the case here!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2018
Loved It
Purchased the first book because it sounded interesting and it was cheap. Ended up purchasing the entire series because I was hooked. Wish there was just one more in the series. Loved the storyline, characters, and the love that grew between Moira and Keenan.
Purchased the first book because it sounded interesting and it was cheap. Ended up purchasing the entire series because I was hooked. Wish there was just one more in the series. Loved the storyline, characters, and the love that grew between Moira and Keenan.
September 11, 2018
Rise of the Phoenix
Love loved this set of books, read all 3 in one sitting, couldn’t stop reading. Wow what a ride, just wish there was one more to read. Definitely recommend this author
Love loved this set of books, read all 3 in one sitting, couldn’t stop reading. Wow what a ride, just wish there was one more to read. Definitely recommend this author
November 7, 2023
Tricky, tricky, tricky. So many twists!
February 16, 2018
I LOVED this series! Awesome complex characters, evil villains, swoony love connection, great writing, gripping plot, with a satisfied ending. I could not put the series down!
May 13, 2018
A stale end to a series that started out with potential.
May 1, 2019
This is a great series. I love the premise and the steampunk vibe. Absolutely would recommend to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews