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Wildlands #5
Phoenix Falling
Laura Bickle, the critically acclaimed author of Nine of Stars and Witch Creek, returns with a fiery new chapter in her celebrated Wildlands series.
In the Yellowstone backcountry, a merciless source of evil carries a torch for the past…
Petra Dee and her immortal husband, Gabe, have been trying to gain a toehold in what passes for ordinary life in Temperance, Wyoming—
a wickedly enchanted land founded generations ago by the alchemist, Lascaris. Petra may be adept when it comes to the uncanny, but as a reasoned geologist, Petra still can’t fathom the wildfires suddenly engulfing Yellowstone National Park, or why Gabe claims to have seen the sky explode in flames. The answers could lie in the past.
It was a dreadful night in 1862 when Lascaris went harvesting for souls, only to be set upon by townsfolk determined to eliminate the root of all evil in a trial by fire. Petra can’t help fearing that Lascaris has crawled out of the ashes of history to wreak vengeance—and to complete his mission by claiming every vulnerable soul in Temperance.
With the help of Gabe and her coyote sidekick, Sig, Petra must now venture into Lascaris’s shadow before he turns her world into an inferno burning out of control.
“Bickle is well on her way to establishing her work as a cornerstone of her genre.”
—Publishers Weekly
In the Yellowstone backcountry, a merciless source of evil carries a torch for the past…
Petra Dee and her immortal husband, Gabe, have been trying to gain a toehold in what passes for ordinary life in Temperance, Wyoming—
a wickedly enchanted land founded generations ago by the alchemist, Lascaris. Petra may be adept when it comes to the uncanny, but as a reasoned geologist, Petra still can’t fathom the wildfires suddenly engulfing Yellowstone National Park, or why Gabe claims to have seen the sky explode in flames. The answers could lie in the past.
It was a dreadful night in 1862 when Lascaris went harvesting for souls, only to be set upon by townsfolk determined to eliminate the root of all evil in a trial by fire. Petra can’t help fearing that Lascaris has crawled out of the ashes of history to wreak vengeance—and to complete his mission by claiming every vulnerable soul in Temperance.
With the help of Gabe and her coyote sidekick, Sig, Petra must now venture into Lascaris’s shadow before he turns her world into an inferno burning out of control.
“Bickle is well on her way to establishing her work as a cornerstone of her genre.”
—Publishers Weekly
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2019
14 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Laura Bickle
27 books501 followersLaura Bickle grew up in rural Ohio, reading entirely too many comic books out loud to her favorite Wonder Woman doll. After graduating with an MA in Sociology – Criminology from Ohio State University and an MLIS in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she patrolled the stacks at the public library and worked with data systems in criminal justice. She now dreams up stories about the monsters under the stairs, also writing contemporary fantasy novels under the name Alayna Williams.
Her work has been included in the ALA’s Amelia Bloomer Project 2013 reading list and the State Library of Ohio’s Choose to Read Ohio reading list for 2015-2016.
Her work has been included in the ALA’s Amelia Bloomer Project 2013 reading list and the State Library of Ohio’s Choose to Read Ohio reading list for 2015-2016.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 4, 2019
Phoenix Falling is the fifth and final volume in the Wildlands fantasy series, and succeeds in bringing the various characters' storylines (there had become quite a few) to a satisfying conclusion for the most part. I can't imagine anyone being able to follow the plot of this book without having read at least some of the prior volumes first, but the unusual combinations of twists and tropes in this time-travelling, non-urban, semi-Gothic alchemical construct make it worthwhile. I was impressed by the number of convincing animal characters, too.
September 29, 2024
In the Yellowstone backcountry, a merciless source of evil carries a torch for the past…
Petra Dee and her immortal husband, Gabe, have been trying to gain a toehold in what passes for ordinary life in Temperance, Wyoming—
a wickedly enchanted land founded generations ago by the alchemist, Lascaris. Petra may be adept when it comes to the uncanny, but as a reasoned geologist, Petra still can’t fathom the wildfires suddenly engulfing Yellowstone National Park, or why Gabe claims to have seen the sky explode in flames. The answers could lie in the past.
This is the last book in the Wildlands series and I felt for the most part that it wrapped up the series really well. There was just enough drama without the main villain overstaying his welcome, which I appreciated. Overall I liked this series a lot. There were some lows --I still don't care for the second book all that much -- but the characters kept me coming back for each book. I've categorized this as urban fantasy, but it's a mix of genres really. There are supernatural elements mixed with a bit of horror and alchemy. The horror is sort of "monster of the week" as different creatures are mixed into the plot, but there is also the main story line that continues throughout the series that has a more urban fantasy type feel, even though it's not super urban -- the setting is a small town in Wyoming near Yellowstone.
I've really come to enjoy reading this series every year, so now that I've finished reading the last book in the series I will miss it. I grew to really like Gabe, Petra, Maria, Nine, and Sig. After reading the previous book I also grew very interested in the character Lev. I thought there would be more time to get to know him and uncover all his secrets, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. Lev's story would be the only thing that wasn't really wrapped up as much as I would have liked. I think the author could write a whole series just about Lev and I would read it, but whatever she writes next, I'm looking forward to it.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Petra Dee and her immortal husband, Gabe, have been trying to gain a toehold in what passes for ordinary life in Temperance, Wyoming—
a wickedly enchanted land founded generations ago by the alchemist, Lascaris. Petra may be adept when it comes to the uncanny, but as a reasoned geologist, Petra still can’t fathom the wildfires suddenly engulfing Yellowstone National Park, or why Gabe claims to have seen the sky explode in flames. The answers could lie in the past.
This is the last book in the Wildlands series and I felt for the most part that it wrapped up the series really well. There was just enough drama without the main villain overstaying his welcome, which I appreciated. Overall I liked this series a lot. There were some lows --I still don't care for the second book all that much -- but the characters kept me coming back for each book. I've categorized this as urban fantasy, but it's a mix of genres really. There are supernatural elements mixed with a bit of horror and alchemy. The horror is sort of "monster of the week" as different creatures are mixed into the plot, but there is also the main story line that continues throughout the series that has a more urban fantasy type feel, even though it's not super urban -- the setting is a small town in Wyoming near Yellowstone.
I've really come to enjoy reading this series every year, so now that I've finished reading the last book in the series I will miss it. I grew to really like Gabe, Petra, Maria, Nine, and Sig. After reading the previous book I also grew very interested in the character Lev. I thought there would be more time to get to know him and uncover all his secrets, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. Lev's story would be the only thing that wasn't really wrapped up as much as I would have liked. I think the author could write a whole series just about Lev and I would read it, but whatever she writes next, I'm looking forward to it.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
February 24, 2019
4.5 of 5 stars
I didn't realize until the end that this was the end. Really superb wrapup.
I didn't realize until the end that this was the end. Really superb wrapup.
March 27, 2019
Final installment in this excellent UF series. Alchemy, phoenixes, toad gods, magic mirrors... lots of magic to go along with the very human concerns of losing homes to forest fires and losing parents to Alzheimer's. The ending wrapped up all the series plotlines and characters very nicely.
March 7, 2019
I’ve been loving these characters since the very beginning of the series and this one is particularly bittersweet as it is the last book. I’ve went through so much with them and I expect I’ll be going through some tough times as I get the wrap up.
Petra struggles with what she is or isn’t. What makes her human? Nine has been separated from her pack. Will she rejoin them? Gabe is the last of the Hangmen. What will he be now? Owen is still haunted by a little girl from his past. Will he finally help her find peace? And what is causing the wildfires burning throughout Temperance and will Lascaris rise again to claim their souls?
While the book has a bit of a slow start, I was still held captive. As I mentioned at the start of my review, I’ve loved these characters from the beginning, even that scamp, Sig, Petra’s coyote sidekick. I got all of the answers to questions I’ve had from the start of this series. Some were harrowing. Some were sweet sorrow. And some were happy happy.
And I got a great ending. It was like a hug goodbye.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Petra struggles with what she is or isn’t. What makes her human? Nine has been separated from her pack. Will she rejoin them? Gabe is the last of the Hangmen. What will he be now? Owen is still haunted by a little girl from his past. Will he finally help her find peace? And what is causing the wildfires burning throughout Temperance and will Lascaris rise again to claim their souls?
While the book has a bit of a slow start, I was still held captive. As I mentioned at the start of my review, I’ve loved these characters from the beginning, even that scamp, Sig, Petra’s coyote sidekick. I got all of the answers to questions I’ve had from the start of this series. Some were harrowing. Some were sweet sorrow. And some were happy happy.
And I got a great ending. It was like a hug goodbye.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
February 27, 2019
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Phoenix Falling is the Fifth and final installment in author Laura Bickle's Wildlands series. Set in Temperance, Wyoming, Phoenix Falling provides a satisfying ending for the Wildlands books, wrapping up a 5-book story that work both as stand-alone adventures and cohesive whole. This is a book that alternates narratives between several key characters from Petra, to Nine, to Gabriel, to Owen. Each struggles mightily in this story.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Phoenix Falling is the Fifth and final installment in author Laura Bickle's Wildlands series. Set in Temperance, Wyoming, Phoenix Falling provides a satisfying ending for the Wildlands books, wrapping up a 5-book story that work both as stand-alone adventures and cohesive whole. This is a book that alternates narratives between several key characters from Petra, to Nine, to Gabriel, to Owen. Each struggles mightily in this story.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
December 14, 2023
The problem sometimes with reading so much is that so many books follow the same old narrative beats, and I get sick of them. I've really been into this series, but I was honestly kind of dreading this final installment because of the way the previous book ended. Lascaris, the evil alchemist who's been talked about throughout the whole series, comes back to life.
And I was not here for it. I was not particularly interested in Lascaris during his previous mentions, and I found it cheap to bring him back as the final "big bad." I was not looking forward to a whole book where he wreaks havoc for 400-500 pages until the main characters figure out a way to defeat him for a second time. Yawn.
But I was pleasantly surprised, because the author does not follow that old, tedious narrative. Lascaris is an antagonistic element, to be sure, but I kind of felt like the author was as uninterested in him as I was. He plays very little role in the overall story. He wreaks a little bit of havoc, but it's hardly noticed by the main characters, who are dealing with bigger issues. When his end finally comes, he is dispatched relatively easily and without fanfare, basically just to clear the board so the real plot problems can be resolved. Some reviewers may think it a cheap ending for a villain who was built up so much, but I was relieved. He was built up to the point where I stopped caring about him entirely, and I like that the author chose to focus this last book on the much more interesting and thematically relevant story about stopping the phoenix from burning down Yellowstone, leaving Lascaris as not much more than a quick obstacle the main characters had to dispatch to reach their real goal.
And of course I thought the book as a whole kept the same quality as the rest of the series, which I enjoyed.
And I was not here for it. I was not particularly interested in Lascaris during his previous mentions, and I found it cheap to bring him back as the final "big bad." I was not looking forward to a whole book where he wreaks havoc for 400-500 pages until the main characters figure out a way to defeat him for a second time. Yawn.
But I was pleasantly surprised, because the author does not follow that old, tedious narrative. Lascaris is an antagonistic element, to be sure, but I kind of felt like the author was as uninterested in him as I was. He plays very little role in the overall story. He wreaks a little bit of havoc, but it's hardly noticed by the main characters, who are dealing with bigger issues. When his end finally comes, he is dispatched relatively easily and without fanfare, basically just to clear the board so the real plot problems can be resolved. Some reviewers may think it a cheap ending for a villain who was built up so much, but I was relieved. He was built up to the point where I stopped caring about him entirely, and I like that the author chose to focus this last book on the much more interesting and thematically relevant story about stopping the phoenix from burning down Yellowstone, leaving Lascaris as not much more than a quick obstacle the main characters had to dispatch to reach their real goal.
And of course I thought the book as a whole kept the same quality as the rest of the series, which I enjoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2019
Wildlands has an incredible female hero who has a coyote for a sidekick.
I guess I need to write more about the book, but that would have sold me on it right there. COYOTE FOR A SIDEKICK.
If you have not yet read this series, you'll need to read the rest before you read this one, but hey, new series. That's always a good thing.
If you're already a Wildlands fan, this story sticks the landing in a lot of ways. This one has sweet romantic stuff, supernatural evil stuff, and awesome world-building. Pick it up now, but since it's the last in the series, you may want to savor it. Or just read it more than once, or seek out more from author Laura Bickle. All of these choices are good ones.
I guess I need to write more about the book, but that would have sold me on it right there. COYOTE FOR A SIDEKICK.
If you have not yet read this series, you'll need to read the rest before you read this one, but hey, new series. That's always a good thing.
If you're already a Wildlands fan, this story sticks the landing in a lot of ways. This one has sweet romantic stuff, supernatural evil stuff, and awesome world-building. Pick it up now, but since it's the last in the series, you may want to savor it. Or just read it more than once, or seek out more from author Laura Bickle. All of these choices are good ones.
February 12, 2019
The conclusion of the Wildlands series is superb. A fitting ending to an amazing series.
The world building is phenomenal and the characters unique and flawed. It is original, like nothing else I've read. And that in itself is amazing. I've read so many books...eventually the glaring similarities are unmistakable and I feel like I've already read the same story too many times.
From start to finish Petra's story kept me glued to the page. I am sad to this unique series end.
The world building is phenomenal and the characters unique and flawed. It is original, like nothing else I've read. And that in itself is amazing. I've read so many books...eventually the glaring similarities are unmistakable and I feel like I've already read the same story too many times.
From start to finish Petra's story kept me glued to the page. I am sad to this unique series end.
March 4, 2019
I could read about Petra and Gabe forever and never grow tired of it! I felt like this book was a little bit slower than the others and really didn't pick up until the last 4th of the book. I'd be sad if this really was the finale of the series but it was wrapped up pretty neatly so I guess that this is really the end. I still have some lingering questions, mostly revolving around Sig but I guess he'll just remain mostly a mystery.
April 19, 2019
I don’t know why it took me so long to finish this. I’ve really enjoyed the series and the book is fun to read. However, I didn’t find it as compelling. This is the last of the wild lands novels so the stories are wrapped up and that feels a little pat but still it’s an overall satisfying conclusion.
March 16, 2019
This book according to the author's website is Wildlands #3 and not as listed here (GR) as Wildlands #5.
The writing is less choppy in this book, compared to the previous books and the story remains interesting. The lose ends were tied up well.
The writing is less choppy in this book, compared to the previous books and the story remains interesting. The lose ends were tied up well.
August 12, 2019
This is a continuation in a series (5th). I read the first 3, and missed the 4th. The organization of the series titles was slightly confusing. Dark Alchemy, Mercury Retrograde, and Nine of stars are the first 3; witch creek #4.
September 5, 2019
Excellent natural end and to this cycle of stories. Such great characters and takes on magic. Very worth reading these wildlands novels and the prequel dark alchemy books. One of my favourite settings.
January 1, 2019
3.5 stars. Review to come.
March 1, 2019
Love this series so much. Sad that this is the final book but wow, what a group of characters. What an incredibly imaginative world this author built.
March 24, 2019
It's over!? A satisfying ending. I will be on the lookout for the author's next book.
August 5, 2021
I highly recommend this series, but read them in order. Loved it!
May 29, 2023
Well written. I just didn't know it was a book in a series. The story clearly built on other books so it was a bit confusing reading out of order.
March 17, 2019
Good Urban Fantasy
This is a unique urban fantasy series and I really like how the author delved deep into the human aspect of how the characters lived their lives. What does being human mean is the theme in this book, as Petra Dee fears that she is no longer human, after the occurrences in book four. She is terrified of not being human, whereas Gabe is thrilled to be back to his immortal self. The divide between being human and magic is putting a strain on their relationship, as Gabe slips away in his immortality.
The series/book is unique as unlike a lot of today’s urban fantasy it doesn’t rely on sex to push the plot. There is actually a plot not just sex between two main characters, and a few scatter plot points. In fact all sex takes place off page.
The main plot centers around Yellowstone burning and Lascaris’s return. The storyline of Nine comes full circle. Owen’s storyline too has a very poetic ending. Both Nine and Owen were a sympathetic characters despite Owen going off the rails in the previous book. Owen is actually redeemed in this book. In fact his story line was the most gut wrenching of all. Petra’s father storyline had a very unsatisfactory ending.
Now what I didn’t like about the book/series. What held the book back from being a five star read.
Despite some textual continuity issues in this book it was a good if wrap up to the series. A problem I have with the series is that Cal and Stroud’s storyline was never resolved. Despite the author having resurrected Stroud at the end of book two he never has made an appearance after that resurrection. She never resolved who paid for Joseph’s care or who Petra’s landlord was. I could point out others problems, but that would just be nitpicking. I can’t fathom why the author’s editors would leave dangling bits of a plot, as this book read like the end of the series. Possibly the editors did not read the previous books in the series.
This is a unique urban fantasy series and I really like how the author delved deep into the human aspect of how the characters lived their lives. What does being human mean is the theme in this book, as Petra Dee fears that she is no longer human, after the occurrences in book four. She is terrified of not being human, whereas Gabe is thrilled to be back to his immortal self. The divide between being human and magic is putting a strain on their relationship, as Gabe slips away in his immortality.
The series/book is unique as unlike a lot of today’s urban fantasy it doesn’t rely on sex to push the plot. There is actually a plot not just sex between two main characters, and a few scatter plot points. In fact all sex takes place off page.
The main plot centers around Yellowstone burning and Lascaris’s return. The storyline of Nine comes full circle. Owen’s storyline too has a very poetic ending. Both Nine and Owen were a sympathetic characters despite Owen going off the rails in the previous book. Owen is actually redeemed in this book. In fact his story line was the most gut wrenching of all. Petra’s father storyline had a very unsatisfactory ending.
Now what I didn’t like about the book/series. What held the book back from being a five star read.
Despite some textual continuity issues in this book it was a good if wrap up to the series. A problem I have with the series is that Cal and Stroud’s storyline was never resolved. Despite the author having resurrected Stroud at the end of book two he never has made an appearance after that resurrection. She never resolved who paid for Joseph’s care or who Petra’s landlord was. I could point out others problems, but that would just be nitpicking. I can’t fathom why the author’s editors would leave dangling bits of a plot, as this book read like the end of the series. Possibly the editors did not read the previous books in the series.
March 8, 2019
Like Nothing You've Read Before
Phoenix Falling brings a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to Laura Bickle's excellent "Wildlands" series, leaving no loose threads or frayed ashes in this tightly woven tapestry of the strange events and occurrences in and around Temperence, Wyoming and nearby Yellowstone National Park. Bickle's characters are drawn with depth and detail, her settings sharp as an Ansel Adam's photo, and her plotting, pacing and presentation will take posession of your imagination. One warning - when you begin this series (and I strongly recommend beginning with the first book, though each installment can stand alone) be prepared for a lengthy, pleasurable journey, as Bickle's world is not one you'll soon wish to leave.
I read each book of the series in one sitting, as it was released, impatient when each ended for the next. You have the advantage - get them all now.
Phoenix Falling brings a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to Laura Bickle's excellent "Wildlands" series, leaving no loose threads or frayed ashes in this tightly woven tapestry of the strange events and occurrences in and around Temperence, Wyoming and nearby Yellowstone National Park. Bickle's characters are drawn with depth and detail, her settings sharp as an Ansel Adam's photo, and her plotting, pacing and presentation will take posession of your imagination. One warning - when you begin this series (and I strongly recommend beginning with the first book, though each installment can stand alone) be prepared for a lengthy, pleasurable journey, as Bickle's world is not one you'll soon wish to leave.
I read each book of the series in one sitting, as it was released, impatient when each ended for the next. You have the advantage - get them all now.
April 21, 2019
Good end to a good series. Just wish she'd add to it. Rural Fantasy is the closest I can describe it. Interesting characters, same with the world building and the plot.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews