To save my son, I would give up my soul. To survive this journey and stop those who face us I may have to do just that.
My son is waiting for me to bring him home, to rescue him from the horrors he’s faced on his own. I won’t take the chance I will find him only to fail him again. Which means I must unearth a way to kill his captor, a man who is immortal. A man who made a deal with the devil to attain his power. As it stands there is only one way to end that monster’s life. A way that is far from simple.
With a pair of guns strapped to my hips, and an ally at my side, I will finally face down the evil that created me, crossing the world to do so.
I can feel death stalking us, waiting for us to slip up. But I am no stranger to death, and I will face him too if I must to save my boy.
To bring him home.
If you thought I was deadly before, its nothing to what I will bring in this final round.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
The perfect ending for an absolutely amazing series. I love UFs like this one, a kick-ass heroine, awesome humor, great side-characters and an incredibly well written book. And let's not forget about the cool world we find these characters in. What more can you want?
Like always, amazing work, Shannon Mayer! This is a book I'd recommend to all UF lovers out there
Ok so some words... First off there really hasn’t been a book of Shannon Mayer’s that I haven’t really liked but this series for me is ranking up there with Rylee and Larkspur (if you haven’t read them yet what are you waiting for?) and has left with with a devastatingly amazing book hangover! So much action and adventure is packed into this series it will leave you spinning. I want to gush so much about this but I’m not one for giving spoilers, so I will just say give this a read you won’t regret it!
4.5 Stars... A fight to the finish best describes this finale to the unique and fascinating trilogy... Nix is taken on a perilous journey to save her son; along the way many hidden truths are revealed (I certainly did not see any one of them coming... There were definitely some unexpected twists) that are shocking to say the least... Shannon Mayer also sets her readers up for the spin-off series planned by introducing some key players whose stories are yet to unfold... I look forward to unraveling their secrets and watching these characters that we have come to know in this series continue their journey in the next:)
Incredible! Absolutely fantastic. A wild, pulse-racing, heart-pounding adventure from page one. I absolutely loved it. Nix is truly one of the best, baddest ass heroines I’ve discovered. Shannon has once again created a magical world that sucks you in completely and keeps you there until the last page. This is definitely a book I will read again.
I love that this book immediately picks up in the exact spot book 2 ended... no summary no reviews... so if you need a refresher than reread book 2 before starting this one...
Phoenix is still searching for her son, Bear, and trying to put the pieces together to kill her father, Romano.
The story gets more complicated as Phoenix travels all over the country to gather the items needed to help her kill and break Romano bond with the demon. Along the way she finds out that multiple people are guiding her towards the final encounter but each has a secret reason for helping her. There may be a price to their help and always the chance of being backstabbed by those she has hunted for so long.
Also, she visits Savannah State University 😀😁😂🤣😎😄😅 a HBCU that my mom attended. I was so excited. Big ups to the author for that research and shout to my home state of Georgia.
Ok, I got side tracked... back to the review...
We find out who the souls in the gun belong to and finally get to hear the full deal made by Lucas and the demon. I think this is the most interesting part of the story.
I'm so on Team Killian. Though to be honest I can't tell if she is saying Killian or Gillian. ☺
Unfortunately, We're back to flashbacks again... Ugh. In the first book it was tolerable because it was done in an action sequence. But this go around, the flashbacks are used to answer questions or drop bombs of information. Personally, id rather find stuff out along with the characters.
Also, there is too much betrayal. It's predictable now. I understand its a mobster type world but it gets to a point where its not even exciting when it happens now.
Why question that still stomps me is...Why did Romano take Bear in the first place if he wasn't aware it was his grandson at that moment???
The narrator is Kristine Hvam and once again she is quite excellent. I doubt anyone who has used her to narrate their book has ever switch narrators.
3 Star Book = A GOOD book. I like the overall concept and it was delivered well. This is the most common ranking for a book I enjoyed and look forward to the next.
In this third and last installment of the Phoenix series, Shannon Mayer takes us on one of the most intense roller coaster rides of a story and quite honestly you will have no idea how it will end. Rarely does a book leave me with NO idea how it might end up, but this series did it to me. I literally could not put it down, or sleep, until the final word. And then my heart broke a little that there were no more books in this series….because this is by far one of the best series I have ever read….and I read a lot! So many amazing characters and stories all woven into one amazing telling - I am once again in awe of this author and her ability to continually up the ante! A job so brilliantly well done Shannon Mayer - please don't ever stop writing.
This series is truly amazing, action packed and full of awesome characters book 3 is the final and it was super explosive and so hard to put down that I just couldn't Shannon Mayer has done it again.
This is almost two stories. It starts pretty simple but suddenly exploded into supernatural fantasies without any foundation. I didn't hate it but it needs a bit of self edit.
Record screech, jaw-dropped, mind blown! At one point I literally throw my tablet mid read because I can't believe what is happening. Most reads, I can tell you what's going to happen after reading chapter 1; folks hate watching movies with me for this very reason. But here, you're just chillin', enjoying the ride, and then BAM, break check, left turn!!
I love that Bear is referred to as a "Man child"; he's so mature, an old soul that boy 💙. I do so enjoy reading from his pov.
All those pesky questions that you have had since book one are finally answered in RISE OF A PHOENIX. Some things I saw coming, many I didn't, RISE OF A PHOENIX is full of twists and turns that will leave you both sated and wanting more.
The multiple POVs come into play more often in book three. For such a young boy, Bear sounds so grown up at times. I really enjoyed the relationship development between Nix and Killian . They fit together really well and I liked that they weren't immediately throwing themselves at each other considering everything that has happened.
I only had one small issue and I absolutely hate to mention it, but like some of Shannon's other books (ie: The Venom Trilogy) I did feel that there were a few parts in RISE OF A PHOENIX where the dialog felt forced and not as smooth. It didn't feel like natural conversation, more like trying to force words from a script into reality. I am a huge fan of Shannon's work, so I don't say this lightly. I didn't feel like the previous two books in this series had this issue, and thankfully RISE OF A PHOENIX didn't have a ton of it, just a few spots.
Nix's story doesn't feel over to me. The current storyline is finished, but the end felt like it was left open for more. I hope to see more of Nix and her growing family in the near future.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit that I had to wait a while before I could bring myself to open this book. My emotions were so high from reading the previous two back-to-back that I needed a break. But this ended up being everything I had hoped it would be. This story was full of action, angst, heartbreak, tears, tension, suspense, and with just enough romance and humour to keep it from being too dark. I was definitely satisfied with how it ended, although I would have loved another chapter (or thirty) with Nix and the ending she got. She worked so hard for three books, it would have been nice to spend more time with her. I am hopeful for more of her (perhaps in the spin-off series?). I wholeheartedly recommend this series to Mayer fans, and anyone who enjoys a lot of action with their reads.
This was ok. Everything was in fast forward, with non-stop action, and little time for reflection between fights. That was a little frustrating, especially given the number of twists and turns that the plot took. Some revelations were a bit forced, but overall, it was entertaining.
There's still a lot of story to be told in this world, and I'm interested enough to keep reading.
Wow what can I say this was a awesome finale to the 3 book series.. The twists and turns had me flipping the pages and not be able to put the book down.. This series is a must read.. Shannon has done it once again with a brilliant series and if you like this one don’t forget to check out her other series and books..
What a crazy book that was spectacular. What you think you know, you don’t and you will be surprised at every chapter. This was an explosive conclusion to this trilogy and well done.
I'm not even sure where to start this review, as I just finished the book and my brain is still on fire with everything between the cover. Rise of a Phoenix is the conclusion to the 3 book series by Shannon Mayer. This series has been a change from the usual paranormal genre and more into an action packed, tomb raider style adventure with a sassy, street smart Mama named Phoenix aka Nix. The book picks up where book 2 left off, and shares a multiple point of view narrative between Nix and her son, Bear.
What I liked about this book- the two point of view perspective. It wasn't cluttered and hard to understand who was being followed. It gave a depth and nail biting feel to the story. I love the supporting cast of characters. There has to be more to come from some of those people! I love more backstory revealed. Just when you think you know all there is to know, a big ole curve ball of goodness in the form of a plot twist comes right at you. I liked that things happened that you didn't like or want to happen. It sucks, but it also makes the story flesh out and feel more real. And, I love the end. It was simply the right ending, like it or not.
If you have read the other two books, you won't want to miss this one. If you haven't, I do believe you could read this as a stand alone, but I highly suggest you get the other two read first. It will bring so much more to the tale.
Oh wow! This book is going to rip your heart out and not quite put it back together the same way again! The shocks, the twists, the revelations and the action just rolled out, one after another. In typical Shannon Mayer non stop breathless style, this book did not want you to put it down. To say I loved it is an understatement, Nix is on an epic journey to get her son back and put an end to her father - there's a mixed up family for you! With the ever devoted guns Dinah and Eleanor by her side (need I say more than guns with souls to get your attention?), Abe the guard dog and a bunch of abnormals who might or might not be on her side. If you read the last one (if not get right to Fury of a Phoenix, book 1 in the trilogy now) you'll know that Nix is not exactly normal herself and boy does she have some interesting powers developing! This in itself demonstrates what's so awesome about Shannon Mayer's unique world building and characterisation, it's always so amazingly good!
This book satisfyingly (after a few tears shed) concludes Nix's story but the world feels very fresh and full of other characters who have a story to tell. Thankfully the ending opens the door to another story and we will get to read much more. I am excited beyond words for this, can't wait!
Each book in the series was at least 4+ hour read and that for me as a voracious and fast reader was long. Yet is was worth every second. I read them all in less then 3 days ignorjng other responsibilities. It was like a Netflix binge and I couldn't wait for the next installment.
The action, suspense, the sexual tension all great. Some awesome surprises a few I anticipated based on clues but was not sure about. This was definitely an edge of your seat read and I'm glad i found thw series after all the books were released becaue I'm pretty sure I couldn't of waited for the next release withiut going batty.
I just wish the hints that were thrown out dor future series were available. Looks like the author puts most of hwr focus on her Rylee A. Series which is pretty long and I'm not interested in being engaged for years never ending of books. I would love to know what happened to the Desert witch, Bear, and Easter along with a few other characters that hints seem to indicate would have a book. Doubtful though since its been so long and no hint of new related books
“Rise of a Phoenix” is the explosive conclusion of the Nix series. Once again we a thrown back into the world of the abnormal mob world. At every turn Nix has been and continues to be betrayed by one person of another except for one man, Killian. However, her son is out there in the distance waiting for her to rescue him and now is not the time for romance.
Phoenix will have to see through the intricate web of deception her father has woven if she has any chance at all of defeating him. She also discovers that her talking guns have been harboring some of the biggest secrets of all and boy are they doozies.
The one good thing is that the sweet son of the Phoenix, Bear has not turned into a hardened criminal and weapon his grandfather wishes. As a matter of fact Bear tunes his newly discovered skills as an Ascendant with a little help of others.
There is so much to recommend this read including the action, subterfuge and surprise after surprise. I truly enjoyed this read and the ultimate weight of darkness finally lifted as the book ended. Imagine my surprise when I discovered there is a secondary trilogy started. So, I guess this book isn’t the end of the series after all. Yay!
This book was amazing. The whole freaking series has been amazing! I want to kick myself for not reading it sooner.
I was a little nervous starting this book knowing it was the end of this part of the series.. I wasn't sure it was going to end the way that I wanted it to. I just didn't see how it was going to happen. The deck seemed to be too stacked in the other sides favor for it to play out in Nix's favor.
There was so many twists and turns in this book. Most of them I didn't see coming. But there was one major one that I wasn't surprised by at all. Actually there was two of them I wasn't surprised about. At the end of the last book and the beginning of this one it just clicked for me and when it was revealed later in the story I wasn't shocked by it. Kind of shocked that I had guessed right and then wondered to myself why didn't Nix snap to it sooner. She had all the clues, but she just didn't make the connection. But then again with everything she was going thru, I guess it makes sense. Every time she seemed about to make the connection she would get distracted and it would slip her mind again.
I swear I bit all my nails off during Rise of a Phoenix omg talk about action packed adventure, twists and turns galore, no serious I got bad whip lash....lol and then let's talk Killian 'swoooooon' or what between Nix's fire and Killian's electricity what an explosive couple they will make, they will certainly light up the sky as well as the bedroom once they deal with all the abnormal's who want them dead of course.
Bear is such a gorgeous kid talk about a pure heart of gold but also courageous and tells people exactly what he is thinking no matter what you've got to admire that I especially loved when he gave Rooster what for I was cheering really loudly through that part 'go bear, go bear' and yes I do get riled up when characters I love need me to.
I can't say there was one part of the book I loved the most because it was just that good from beginning to end I loved every single word, sentence, paragraph, chapter and page and as usual with a Shannon Mayer book I can't wait for the next one hopefully my nails will have grown back by then.
This is the final of the three Phoenix books and the action never stops, the plot twists are everywhere, the characters well developed and often surprising as heck and the ending..aww, that was sweet! Hope these people reappear in another book.
I binge read this (so I’m delighted all 3 books were available in kindle unlimited) and enjoyed this trilogy quite a bit. The first book isn’t as confident as the second and third but it does lay the groundwork for all the coming action and those of us who are moms know in a visceral way that a mama bear protecting her child is a force to be reckoned with.
I will make a note wishing the proof readers had sharper eyes. Though it didn’t happen frequently, it is disconcerting to stumble over sentences that have missing words or a word in the wrong tense or is so dyslexic that it has to be reread several times to figure out what it’s supposed to say. The few errors didn’t bother me enough to take anything away from it being another 5 stars for this author.
I am really enjoying this series. I like how nothing was completely obvious that you could guess what was going to happen. But once it was revealed all the hints made complete sense. These books kept you interested the whole way through. I like that she was strong and didn't need men to save her.
SPOILER ALERT The only reveal I didn't find surprising was mancini. The eyes were a dead give a way and I am surprised she didn't figure it out sooner.
I also thought it was a bit obnoxious how many times Abe was killed.
My last complaint I wish there was more redemption for justin. I really feel like he didn't have a choice in leaving them behind and not being able to tell her anything. Same goes for strike. I wish there was a way for him and Bianca to be together. These guys really got the shaft in this series when they were being controlled by other people.
Even with my complaints it was still a really good series.. I hope the next couple of books are just as good
HOLY BALLS. This was a journey. I’ve been trying to finish this series within a couple of days and I did. This series is amaz-a-balls.
It’s a strong finish and my god. The plot twists in this is just crazy. In a good way.
I would say that we continue Nix’s journey to save her son as she pushes through for herself. We come to find that Nix has everything ready this time but.... it comes with a price. Enemies start to become someone else and Oh Killian.... I think we all want a Killian in our life.
And Bear. The cutest of them all and Abe. Abe is the best dog anyone could ask for. And teaching that dog commands not in English is good!
Bear starts to become something more than what people think of him. He’s got some powers but what are they? Find out!
What to do after reading this series? Find out what happens with Emerald and Easter!!! Oh and of course Dinah!
***Definitely a series that should be read in order!!!*** Intrepid heroine, Nix’ task to reclaim Bear has her hoisting Romano by his deeds, taking body blows from actions and emotions, especially aches and pains of love, betrayal, trust and the shock of revealed secrets and trusting the wrong person in this roller coaster adventure wrapping it up as every chapter is full of at least one of them.
Nix and Bear are on similar paths, destined to converge as they learn new skills while coping with loss, fear and newly dawning comprehension that things aren’t always what they seem as Romano and his minions dance in and out of their lives throwing up obstacles to block the pair from complicating Romano’s goal.
For this reader’s taste, the well fleshed memorable characters in a layered, intriguing adventure with a hint of romance and a lot of action are highlights in this outing demanding popcorn, leaving this reader, quite excited for man-child adventures. Rating: 4.75stars
End of a book. Enjoyed. Do not recommend alone. This is the end of a book. Recommend if you commit to the beginning, middle, and end. Nix 1, 2, & 3. I understand Shannon has continued the series. The writer/reader contract betrayal has had me stop this series and put a dozen other of her books, already obtained, at a bottom of my reading list, promptly to be discarded if she can't figure out how others writing in this genre actually complete books and write an ongoing series simultaneously. She has no trouble writing exciting prose, and she understands there must be a beginning, middle, and end. Not doing that in a single book is a writing sin of epic proportions.
Well, if you took writing serious for 30 years and care about it.
This review is already revised (and kinder), I've just not finished editing the actual review for the websites. I'll revise and post here if it ever gets done. Nothing personal Shannon. Keep writing. You're good at it.
This is the third book in the nix series and boy boy boy you will not believe how this goes down. The characters are again made so real that you feel like your this third eye from above feeling and living the story. This is the third installment so get ready for nix to stop at nothing and well who to trust and who is against her? Will she be able to get to her son? Will he be able to get to her? And add some massive twists and characters that dont have enough book time for all their backstories. Again the Author as with all her books doesn’t disappoint and leaves you sitting on the edge. I love the fast pace intense style that the author writes in. A great book maybe even able to read it as stand alone. The main character is female strong and amazing. It’s about a mothers love that goes above and beyond. Can recommend it with the highest appraisal
My kindle was nearly flung across the room when the pages stopped turning that's how amazing this book truly is. The live between a mother and her child is a true gift and no power in heaven or hell can come between it.
Nix is still in a whole heap of trouble, Mansini, Romano and half the abnormal population is after her blood in some cases quite literally. She has no idea who she can truly trust but a handsome Irish gangster is trying his hardest to be the one she turns to. This book has so many gut wrenching twists and turns....... the dead don't always stay dead.
This is a world of powerful men trying to buy and bully everyone into doing as they please, but behind every powerful man is a stronger wiser women. A world of dreams and nightmares and sometimes the lines get blurred.
Shannon has outdone herself with this trilogy and I hope that we will hear more from this world.