Agents of Shield meets Ilona Andrews in this urban fantasy tale filled with fierce heroines, non-stop adventure, and irresistible romance!
My name is Zariya Chanji, and I'm convinced my father was murdered. I'll stop at nothing to uncover the truth--even if I have to break into the headquarters of one of the most powerful organizations in the world. MASC, the Mythical Alliance of Supernatural Creatures, governs the lives of supes like me, and I know they had a hand in covering up my father's murder. What I don't understand, is why.
When my investigation draws the unwanted attention of a MASC vampire who is as handsome as he is powerful, I know I'm close to the truth. But the deeper I get, the more dangers lurk in the shadows, and the harder it becomes to tell friend from foe. The truth will change everything--if I can stay alive long enough to find it.
Phoenix Team One: Selected is the first episode of a SERIALIZED urban fantasy tale told in novella format. Approximately 28,000 words or 100 print pages. Cliffhangers ahead...
Claire Luana grew up reading everything she could get her hands on and writing every chance she could. Eventually, adulthood won out, and she turned her writing talents to more scholarly pursuits, going to work as a commercial litigation attorney at a mid-sized law firm. While continuing to practice law, Claire decided to return to her roots and try her hand once again at creative writing.
She has written and published five series, the Moonburner Cycle, the Confectioner Chronicles, the Mythical Alliance, the Knights of Caerleon, with Jesikah Sundin, and the Faerie Race, with J.A. Armitage. She lives in Cle Elum, Washington with her husband and two dogs. In her (little) remaining spare time, she loves to hike, travel, binge-watch CW shows, and of course, fall into a good book.
This story was compelling in a really messed up way. Our MFC (Z something) finds out everyone she loves has basically betrayed her in some way. More frustrating is the fact that while she does get upset she doesn't react strongly enough. I mean at one point her best friend tries to wipe her memories, you would think this would be the absolute end, but the MFC starts justifying this in her mind. Then her "second father" has her tortured, but she still decides to work for the agency. This is the theme throughout the entire first book. Honestly, if it continues into the second I'll be throwing in the towel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I wanted to read this because a) I need a break from magic school books, b) this is marketed as for fans of Agents of SHIELD (which I am currently re-watching right now <3), and c) because I really liked Claire Luana’s Confectioner’s Chronicles series. And this was a really fast, short, and good read! It felt like watching an episode or two of a 2010’s Marvel show. Zariya and Konstantin give such SkyeWard vibes idc. Just hope he doesn’t turn out like him… ha… haha… (I’m still upset about it, okay?)
Zariya is absolutely sure that her father's death was not just an accident as she's been told. She enlists the help of her best friend to help find out the truth, but what she discovers ends up being much more than she bargained for. As always I really enjoyed Claire's writing. I liked Zariya right from the beginning, she's smart and strong and an interesting character. I'm really looking forward to future books in the series.
Phoenix Selected is the first book in Claire Luana 's new series and this book is a page turner. A main character who's father died while on a mission. They say it was just a tragic accident, but Zariya knows better. There is something more going on and she's determined to learn the truth...no matter what it takes. Phoenix Selected absolutely captured my attention from the very beginning. The author's description of Zariya has me eager to learn more about her. She's half human and half Naga. Did to this she stands out from other humans and supes who are able to blend in. She's on a quest for the truth, but what she doesn't know is that it's all around her. This book's pace is well done. The author captured my attention and keeps me page turning to see what is going to happen next. I will admit there were moments of where I got annoyed with Zariya but I got annoyed more with the boss. Lol I honestly wanted to smack him a couple of times because you can tell he didn't really think things all the way through. This book is really thrilling and sets the stage for an engaging series to come. I love how the author brings so many different supernatural types together and has them working together in harmony. It's something that truly helps this book and series stand out from the rest and makes it something unique and worth checking out. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait to see what comes next in the book to come. From the preview given it sounds like a promising book that I'll be hard pressed to out down. If you are a fan of this author I encourage you to pick this book up.
ONE SPECTACULAR WHIRLWIND!!! Ah snap! Claire just bowed me over, leaving me awed with this brilliantly composed storyline and gripping plot, that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Buckle up cause this baby's gonna blow you away. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this gem into a churning vortex, blasting it into a frenzy with a life-altering realization. Rolling with the drama, intrigue, distress, turmoil, animosity, danger and mounting suspense along with deadly situations and a boatload of treachery while dodging dastardly deeds, you have one block busting adventure. One action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline rush, page flipping delight, keeps you riveted and on a razors edge. Forging through the trials and tribulations, noting the astonishing twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never imagined. The characters are authentic, genuine and realistic with depth and qualities that blend into amazing personalities. The dynamics and presentation in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The scenes are so colorfully detailed and descriptive it paints a thrilling backdrop for one mind-blowing culmination. Remarkable job Claire, thanks for sharing this little fella with us.
This is Claire's first foray into an episodic type story, and I am so for it.
Phoenix Team One: Selected was in a word intense. Intense in the sense of anger, hurt and betrayal that is felt by the main character Zariya. Intense like the love she has for her father and family. Intense like the stares from Konstantin ( le drool). Intense in how many characters are introduced within this first little bit.
I hate being left of a cliffhanger, but I guess I should get used to it with this series. I am so excited to find out what happens next, who the bad guys are, the possible love that could bloom. So many possibilities and I love that about Claire's writing. It is so engaging, you can read each 'episode' book in a sitting. It is very manageable for someone that doesn't have a lot of time to sit down and pick up a hefty novel.
I enjoyed this paranormal story from beginning to end. This is one of my favorites by this author. This is a story that has lots of action, suspense and of course a hot, steamy vampire. Zarlya is convinced her father has been murdered. She is determined to find his killer but in the course of her investigation others take notice of her. The deeper she gets in her investigation the more dangerous it becomes but she is close to finding the killer. Will she survive long enough to find them? The action will keep you turning pages and the vampire will heat them up. I highly recommend this book and this author.
I recieved an eARC a while back and have finally read it. Overall I enjoyed this! It took a little bit to catch my full attention but when it did it hooked me enough to want to find out what happens next!
“Your hands are as cold as ice.” I smiled. “Cold-blooded.” dark eyebrows shot up like two bushy caterpillars. “What are you?” Rude. Didn’t this guy know anything? You didn’t ask a supe what kind of creature they were. “Naga,” I answered. “Well, half anyway.” …..Many mythical creatures—supes, as they’re called these days—share kinship or at least a passing resemblance with animals. Nagas are snake supes. In ancient times, they were thought to be gods, and that suited them just fine. Nagas are capable of shifting between the form of a human and the form of a huge snake—or somewhere in the middle—human torso, snake lower half. Full-bloods have incredible power—they’re strong, fast and agile. All their senses are heightened, and they have an extra one too: Nagas can use their infrared glands to sense the heat of a nearby body one hundred yards away. Then there’s the poisonous venom, and the fact that Nagas can swallow someone whole. Though it isn’t a particularly pleasant experience, from what I’ve heard. You’re bloated as hell for days afterwards. As a half-blood, I can’t do most of that cool shit. My form is permanently stuck somewhere between a snake and a human. I have the slivered pupils and forked tongue of a Naga, together with a pattern of golden scales that stretch up my neck to my temples as Martin so classily observed. I have much of my race’s heightened senses: strength, speed, and venom. But compared to many supes, I’m weak. ”
“My gut tightened with anger as tears pricked my eyes. Impotent fury and soul-sucking grief, my two ever-present companions these past six weeks.”
“Nagas avenge our dead. It’s my right. I won’t be able to rest until I do. Dad won’t be able to rest until I do.”
Phoenix Team One: Selected is the first book in the Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team series by Claire Luana. This is the first instalment/episode of the new serialized urban fantasy series which will consist of novella length instalments to follow along, as the story/series unfolds. This first book sets things off to a fantastic start- bringing all kinds of paranormal beings/creatures (supes), action, drama, danger, adventure, mystery, secrets, discovery, and lots more. Zariya is on a quest for vengeance after the death of her father. She is determined to hunt down those responsible for his murder and wreak her revenge. But as she begins to investigate she discovers that things are much more complicated than she imagined. What she uncovers will change her perspective about everything she thought she knew and will set her on a life changing adventure. I enjoyed this engaging story, and as expected Ms. Luana’s fantastic world building and endearing characters really brought everything to life, making it entirely realistic and believable. Cannot wait to see where we go from here!
Zaryira is looking for her the reason for her dad's death. Kiki is her friend Konstantin is well who is he. Wow this book is amazing action packed from the start. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys supernatural and Shifters. You want action packed adventure with crime thrown in you've come to the right book. Once I started I couldn't put this book down 5 out of 5.
Claire Luana has become a go to fantasy author for me over the past several years, and Selected is no different. The first entry in an Adult episodic series release, it brings quite a bit of punch in its short length, intended to be shorter novella length stories to build on a larger narrative, and it left me wanting more at the end.
The story follows Zariya Chanji, a half human, half naga (snake creature) hybrid, who’s life has fallen apart after learning of her father’s death. However, she’s doing whatever she can to find out what really happened, and finds herself in a world of trouble. I clung onto Zariya by the end of chapter three, and I felt for her as her life unravels yet again in other ways, discovering a lot more about her world and those around her. As usual for Luana’s main protagonists, she has a bit of an edge and determination that is easy to root for, and is well developed. She makes quite a few mistakes and feels real. The characters around her for the most part are developed for the short length, and as an introduction, serves its purpose.
The plot feels like an episode of Agents of Shield, except with supernatural creatures, with Zariya none the wiser of what’s going on. The worldbuilding is spot on with little nuggets throughout to make it feel like you’re in an Urban Fantasy version of New York City and while it is a bit sparse in spots (mostly on the secret organization side), I understand it will be expanded on in later installments, and that it provides enough as a base to build off on. The story itself moves at a fast pace and doesn’t slog in one place for too long. As per usual, Luana’s writing draws me into the story fast with it being easy to read and has a zing to it that grips you in the story, and shows her skill in multiple categories, jumping from YA to Adult for this series. While most of the story is told in Zariya’s point of view, there’s a couple of third person chapters that help put together what would otherwise be missing pieces, and for the most part, this is well done.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the episodes to see where this story leads up.
She is not buying the company line. She is convinced that her father was murdered. Her name is Zariya Chanji. One way or another, she is bound to prove her theory, even if she has to break into MASC headquarters. MASC stands for the Mythical Alliance of Supernatural Creatures. Ever since World War II, when werewolves helped Allied forces, supernatural creatures have become known to humans, and she is a supernatural creature, well, half of a supernatural creature. She is a half-breed. She is part Naga. Nagas believe themselves to be bred for war. Since she is a half-breed, she cannot change form. She cannot change from her human form to her Naga form, which is a giant serpent. She is stuck in her human form with telltale signs of serpent scales on her skin. She is not covered by scales, but she has some, and they’re not in a place where she could hide them. Then, one day, she borrowed her roommate’s phone so she could call an Uber. On it she found a message from someone she did not know and because of this, she followed her roommate who disappeared, but she ran across a vampire and followed him. Since then, her life has become confused.
This story has few grammatical errors. There is one logical error, continuity problem, in the story, that I caught. It is not major, but I noticed it. The roommate gets into the back of a black sedan. Then, later in the story, it is her car. How can it be her car if she got into the back? An attentive proofreader could have fixed this. The physical world-building is adequate. The ethereal world-building is personal. The character’s interaction is believable. The character’s history is part of the story, what their needs to be of it.
This tale has all of the advertised genres. I give it four stars out of five stars.
Phoenix Team One: Selected (Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team Book 1) by Claire Luana
5 ++++ Stars
I'm so confused. I don't read these kinds of books on a normal basis, but something drew me to this and I'm so hooked right now wanting the second in this series like right now!
I'll admit that since I haven't read a lot of Fantasy, many of the terms were foreign to me. This in no way though took away from how much I enjoyed this story. It was short, I read it in about an hour but it felt like a full length novel full of all kinds of information that leads me to believe this is going to be an awesome series. Although it moved quickly, it never felt rushed. Emphasis was put in all the right places and it didn't leave me wishing there was more except wanting the next.
I've read a couple stories by this author, and completely enjoyed them, which was one of the reasons I took a chance. I enjoyed the well placed humor in some spots that made me smile, then the edge of your seat action thinking in some spots maybe I knew what was going on, but completely unsure at the same time. I love the characters, Zariya was on a mission and she wasn't about to be deterred from that. What she got while exploring this was all sorts of fun. I loved the underlying feel of a romance building, yet never fully forming..Yet? I loved the feel of friendship that was being tested and hope that all of that works out in the end. I loved the family feel as well and Auntie was definitely a favorite of mine. So although this didn't end on a kindle throwing cliff hanger, there are so many questions I can't wait to receive answers on.
Seriously..Grab this, it is truly an amazing book!
Be prepared to have your socks knocked off your feet as you get eclipsed in this magical tale following these heroines on their adventures in this book for the ages. This book gives you “Agent of Shield” vibes and I can dig it being a comic book geek. The main characters are heroines, on incredible journeys, and indescribable romances! In this book we follow Zariya Chanji who believes her father was murdered. She’s determined to uncover what happened even if it means breaking into the headquarters of one of the most dominant operations: the Mythical Alliance of Supernatural Creatures also known as MASC. MASC control the way superheroes live she believes they had a hand in her father’s murder but she’s not certain of why. When her exploration leads her to the arms of a handsome vampire who is hot on her trail, she feels closer to the truth. She doesn’t know who to turn to or where to turn as the plot thickens. The struggle is to stay alive to unravel the mystery of her father’s death. This a great read to get wrapped up in at the time of this quarantine and pandemic engulfing us all in fear. It allows us to escape into a different mode. I was surprised and found this book rather entertaining for so many reasons. Check out this page-turner and you won’t be able to put it down as you read cover to cover!
Phoenix Team One: Selected (Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team Book 1) By Claire Luana 5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the story Phoenix Team One: Selected (Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team Book 1) by Claire Luana. It is a fast-pasted book that hooked me in from the start. It is a story that includes action, danger, mystery, and secrets. I loved reading about the character of Zariya Chanji. She is convinced that her father’s death was murder and is determined to uncover the truth. Will she find the truth about her father’s death? Her investigation draws the attention of a powerful vampire. Who is he? How much danger is Zariya in? Will she be able to tell who is her friend and who is her foe? Read this book to find out. This is an exciting and wonderful story to read. Zariya is a character that I couldn’t help but root for to find the answers that she is searching for. I also enjoyed reading about the other characters that are part of the story. I love reading fantasy books and this one is a good example of the reason why. I loved reading about the mythical creatures and the agency MASC: the Mythical Alliance of Supernatural Creatures. Don’t miss out on an exciting story that I didn’t want to put down until the final page. I highly recommend reading it.
Agents of Shield meets Ilona Andrews in this urban fantasy tale filled with fierce heroines, non-stop adventure, and irresistible romance! My name is Zariya Chanji, and I'm convinced my father was murdered. I'll stop at nothing to uncover the truth--even if I have to break into the headquarters of one of the most powerful organizations in the world. MASC, the Mythical Alliance of Supernatural Creatures, governs the lives of supes like me, and I know they had a hand in covering up my father's murder. What I don't understand, is why. When my investigation draws the unwanted attention of a MASC vampire who is as handsome as he is powerful, I know I'm close to the truth. But the deeper I get, the more dangers lurk in the shadows, and the harder it becomes to tell friend from foe. The truth will change everything--if I can stay alive long enough to find it.
This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable. Great suspense and action with wonderful world building. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Claire Luana outdid herself with Phoenix Team One: Selected, the first book in the Mythical Alliance:Phoenix Team series. I normally love me some stories penned by Luana because she always manages to make me love and adore the fantasy genre, no small feat for myself personally as this is not a genre that I personally prefer! I do not usually have the issues that are the reasons behind that when I read her novels. This one followed suit and literally sucked me into its vortex from the very first page and it spit me out just as abruptly. I know one thing for sure, I need the next book in this series like yesterday! We get the crazy and wild ride story of Zarlya. (secretly obsessed with this name too!) Zarlya believes that her father was brutally murdered and is determined to find out who is responsible. She will stop at nothing but in the process Zarlya is brought into the light and things continue to grow in the danger area. She will not only have to fight her way to the truth she will have to keep herself alive while doing so. You will not want to put down this novel until the last page so I would recommend that you give yourself some time to devour it uninterrupted. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book over here! Happy reading!
Phoenix Team One: Selected (Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team Book 1) by Claire Luana
5 out of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I simply loved it I even read this story in one sitting but it does have a cliffhanger. The plot was awesome and different and the characters are well written. I just loved their quirkiness.
Zariya Chanji, is convinced her father was murdered and she will stop at nothing to uncover the truth--even if she must break into the headquarters of one of the most powerful organizations in the world. MASC, the Mythical Alliance of Supernatural Creatures, governs the lives of supes like herself, and she knows they had a hand in covering up her father's murder. She does not understand, why they are covering his death up? When her investigation draws the unwanted attention of a MASC she decides to go on the defense. She meets a vampire who is as handsome as he is powerful, and she know she is close to the truth. But the deeper she gets, the more dangers lurk in the shadows, and the harder it becomes to tell friend from foe. The truth will change everything--if she can stay alive long enough to find it. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to see what Zariya gets up to in the next book…. Tracy
Phoenix Team One: Selected by Claire Luana is the first book in the Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team series. This is an exciting new series from an author that knows how to create fantastic stories. I knew this book was going to be a good one when I was intrigued from the moment I read the description. Add that to the fact it is written by Claire Luana – who in my opinion knows how to write amazing books – then it was one of those I just had to read immediately. Right from the word go I knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed. This is such a strong start to what I am hoping will be yet another amazing series. The author has created a whole host of brilliant characters. They are varied, unusual and interesting to read about. The story itself is also well developed. It draws you in so easily and before you know it you are utterly hooked. It is fast paced and action packed. This is one of those books you just can’t put down. I am very excited to see what is next in line for this series.
Phoenix Team One: Selected (Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team Book 1) by Claire Luana. This is a fun new paranormal series. Its about Zariya Chanji who is convinced her father was murdered and she will stop at nothing to find the truth of what really happened. Zariya is half human, half naga which is a snake creature hybird and her world has fallen apart since her father's death. During her investigation she draws the attention of some very bad people including a very powerful Vampire. She is going to do what it takes to find the truth even if it means making some very powerful enemies involved in the MASC ( Mythical Alliance of Supernatural Creatures). This story is so fast paced and it will keep you ripping thru the pages. It has so many amazing characters and the story is well written it will knock you off your feet. Be prepared to finish this book once you start because you are not going to want to put it down.
I received this novel as an ARC from Ms. Luana. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own. What a good read for the first in a new series! It was rather short, giving you an introduction to the characters that will be a part of this series, since it will be more like "episodes". Mostly told from the point of view of Zariya, a half-naga, who is reeling from the death of her father, whom she believes his death was murder, not an accident. She is determined to discover the truth and is a fighter. She has a few tricks up her sleeve too. Her digging puts her in the cross-hairs of the MASC, a special ops division. Zariya will uncover things that will shock her and put her trust in others in question. She needs to decide what path she will take to bring her father's killer to justice. Looking forward to the next episode!
Phoenix Team One: Selected is the first book in the Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team series by Claire Luana. This book is the perfect blend of fantasy, suspense, thrill, and romance. The amount of action the author is able to pack in such a short story is amazing. At just 120 pages and the wonderfully written storyline, I was able to finish this book in an afternoon. Zariya Chanji is determined to figure out if her father was murdered. She believes that breaking into the MACS (Mythical Alliance of Supernatural Creatures) headquarters will help her uncover the truth of her father’s murder. Zariya thinks MACS is covering something up but she doesn’t know what their motive for it would be. Then her path crosses with a handsome MACS vampire and she isn’t sure if she will be able to stay alive long enough to know the truth about her father.
Another vampire romance? I tired of that cliche a thousand books ago. Still, I gave this book a shot, and haven't regretted it yet. Yes, the vampire in question is several centuries older than the very young protagonist, and I hate imagining a coupling like that. A good looking centuries old man is still an old man when dating a young girl. Especially then. But they don't fall in love in this first book yet, so I was able to enjoy the story so far.
Zariya just lost her father in a work related accident, and is convinced that his death was more than an accident. Using her naga heritage and pretty good fighting skills, Zariya searches for the truth. But digging in too deep reveals secrets her friends and family have been keeping from her.
I've never read a story with a naga main character. It was nice to learn more about naga, especially when Zariya used her innate skills to fight or solve mysteries. The novellas size was perfect - short enough to contain an entire episode, while giving a good introduction to the relevant characters, but without feeling too short or as if anything was cut off. It's as good as a standalone book. I didn't feel as if anything were lacking, like many novellas do, and it didn't end on a cliffhanger.
For comparison purposes, the plot reminded me a bit of Alex Rider. Obviously without the supernatural parts, but there are many plot similarities.
I like Zariya's character so far. I didn't have high expectations for this book, but I am interested in reading the next.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
A brand new author for me; but I'm very glad I decided to download & read this great first book in the Mythical Alliance paranormal series! Following Zariya, (who's a semi-Naga); as she struggles to come to terms with the sudden & brutal death of her beloved Father. Not convinced his death was as straightforward as she's been told; she abandons her dream of becoming a Doctor & starts her own investigation into what happened. Her world, everyone & everything in it, then, unexpectedly, turns upside down & will never be the same again! Brilliant characters in Zariya, Konstantin, Kiki & various wonderful 'supes' & shifters, together with lots of magic, kickassness, action & a sprinkle of romance, combine to make this book a great magical read. Looking forward to reading the next book in this exciting series!
5 Star Phoenix Team One: Selected (Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team Book 1) by Claire Luana is a wonderfully written short story that will pull you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end.This book is packed with action , fantasy, suspense and danger. I’ve read other books by this Author and this one is definitely a favorite. Zarlya is convinced that her father has been murdered and she’s determined to find his killer. As she’s investigating the further she gets into it the more dangerous it becomes but she’s close to finding the killer . Can she survive long enough to find the killer? Find out what happens next in this absolute must read. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.
This was a great story that I enjoyed from beginning to end. I didn't want to put this one down! It was well written and I immediately got sucked into this urban fantasy world. This story had lots of action and suspense and of course a really sexy vampire. What more could a girl want?? This story follows Zariya Chanji and her quest to find the truth behind her father's death. She believes he was murdered and she will stop at nothing to find the truth. The deeper she goes the more dangerous it gets! Will she survive long enough to find out what happened to her father? Or will she end up in the same place he did? I really enjoyed this and I am very much looking forward to reading more in this series and by this author! Happy Reading!
Phoenix Team One: Selected by Claire Luana Four Stars
Phoenix Team One: Selected is the first book in the Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team Series by Claire Luana. This short story was packed with action. I read it in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down. This is the first book I have read by Claire Luana, but definitely won’t be the last. I really look forward to reading the rest of this series. This story flowed and the character descriptions were awesome. Zariya is a strong lead character and I can’t wait to see how she evolves and grows into her position at MASC. if you like paranormal with a bunch of action and adventure, this is the book for you.