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The Lost and Found #4
Phoenix Melody
The brand-new fourth book in the gorgeous Lost and Found series from Cathy Cassidy, bestselling author of The Chocolate Box Girls.
Phoenix is a firebrand and a fire starter. After burning down a dormitory at her prestigious boarding school, Phoenix is sent to live with her grandmother, the owner of Greystones mansion. But Phoenix struggles to settle in . . .
Will the band accept Phoenix, despite her spiky personality? And can Phoenix finally find true friends in the Lost & Found?
Phoenix is a firebrand and a fire starter. After burning down a dormitory at her prestigious boarding school, Phoenix is sent to live with her grandmother, the owner of Greystones mansion. But Phoenix struggles to settle in . . .
Will the band accept Phoenix, despite her spiky personality? And can Phoenix finally find true friends in the Lost & Found?
- GenresContemporary
294 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
7 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Cassidy
105 books1,703 followersI was born in 1962 in Coventry (scarily ancient, I know). I wrote my first picture book for my little brother when I was eight or nine. I loved making comics, too - pages and pages of picture stories, features and competitions.
I went to Art College in Liverpool, then got a job as fiction editor on the fab and legendary Jackie magazine.
I have worked as agony aunt on Shout magazine and also as an art teacher in the local primary & secondary schools, as well as as a freelance illustrator. These days, I am a full-time author.
I love my family, I love living in the middle of nowhere and I love my work. Of all my jobs, writing has to be the best - it's the perfect excuse to daydream, after all!
I went to Art College in Liverpool, then got a job as fiction editor on the fab and legendary Jackie magazine.
I have worked as agony aunt on Shout magazine and also as an art teacher in the local primary & secondary schools, as well as as a freelance illustrator. These days, I am a full-time author.
I love my family, I love living in the middle of nowhere and I love my work. Of all my jobs, writing has to be the best - it's the perfect excuse to daydream, after all!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 28, 2020
*SPOILERS*
So, I started reading this book on the bus to work this morning and now I just finished it😂I loved it so much. I’ve been reading Cathy Cassidy’s books for 10 years now; since I was 11/12! This one is actually one of my new favourites (my other two are Lucky Star and Marshmallow Skye), which is saying a lot since I’ve read every single book by Cathy. I don’t know why but this book stood out the most to me. Don’t get me wrong, I do love the other Lost&Found books but this final one was something special. I think it’s because I love Phoenix and Pie so much. I love Pheonix’s personality so much, I love her fierceness and even her temper, since most of the time it’s called for. Grandma Lou is such a gem. I’m so happy Marley has a boyfriend😩he really deserves it! And maybe I like the fact that my name is in the book as well👀(Bex). I do wish Bex had her own book though! Hoping Cathy do will mini stories about each character, like she did with The Chocolate Box Girls (even though I was sad that Finch and Skye broke up since that’s my main ship in the Cathy Cassidy universe). Anyway, this book was so cute and so nostalgic, I love her writing style, it’s so comforting and cosy and helps me forget about work. And now I want my own Magpie😩I guess a plush will suffice for now😉😂One thing though, I wish we saw more of her relationship with Lee since he was so cute towards her!
So, I started reading this book on the bus to work this morning and now I just finished it😂I loved it so much. I’ve been reading Cathy Cassidy’s books for 10 years now; since I was 11/12! This one is actually one of my new favourites (my other two are Lucky Star and Marshmallow Skye), which is saying a lot since I’ve read every single book by Cathy. I don’t know why but this book stood out the most to me. Don’t get me wrong, I do love the other Lost&Found books but this final one was something special. I think it’s because I love Phoenix and Pie so much. I love Pheonix’s personality so much, I love her fierceness and even her temper, since most of the time it’s called for. Grandma Lou is such a gem. I’m so happy Marley has a boyfriend😩he really deserves it! And maybe I like the fact that my name is in the book as well👀(Bex). I do wish Bex had her own book though! Hoping Cathy do will mini stories about each character, like she did with The Chocolate Box Girls (even though I was sad that Finch and Skye broke up since that’s my main ship in the Cathy Cassidy universe). Anyway, this book was so cute and so nostalgic, I love her writing style, it’s so comforting and cosy and helps me forget about work. And now I want my own Magpie😩I guess a plush will suffice for now😉😂One thing though, I wish we saw more of her relationship with Lee since he was so cute towards her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
L'histoire est très bien et très heureuse à la fin. C'est tres émouvant. C'est la fin de la série des Melody.
November 30, 2021
I love this series, although this is my least favourite book in it. Phoenix was a fun and dynamic character but I felt like it was a shame to end this series focussing on a character we have barely had time to know.
THINGS I LIKED ESPECIALLY AND DESERVED CREDIT
- Phoenix’s songs are a bit better than Lexie’s as much as it hurts me to say this
- The romance was cute, and it was nice to get to see more of Lee, because up until this point he was mostly irrelevant. His thing for hats is cute.
-The band getting better and better
- I love that Sharlee got her redemption arc
THINGS THAT I WAS NOT ECSTATIC ABOUT
-Lexie has become essentially irrelevant, which never should have happened, because she is the heart of the band.
-Bex will never get her own book now, and neither will Marley which is sad, bc they deserve a book more than Phoenix does tbh
- Minor quibble: Why does Phoenix’s stepbrother have the same name as Sami’s uncle?
-Was anyone actually surprised by the plot twist about Phoenix’s family?
THE THING THAT ACTUALLY UPSET ME
-The way George was treated. During the first two books George was portrayed as a quiet, serious, smart, likeable boy, although unattractive. In the third book the idea is introduced that Romy likes George and perhaps he reciprocates. We also begin to see the beginning of The Romy Thomas Glowup at the end of the last one and we see the results in this book, where Romy is described as a ‘striking, curvy brunette’ unattractive and shy no longer. However, it is impressed on us that Romy is too good for George now that she is pretty and confident and that is not a great message. George is also resistant to the changes in the band, which is totally fair. He no longer plays an important role, he’s being shoved to the side, Marley is insisting on more and more frequent rehearsals and it looks like the Lost and Found are about to go big. As a result, George becomes more grumpy and unhappy and as a result, Marley more or less throws him out of the band, which doesn’t happen when anyone else tries to do the same.
That is the conclusion of my TED talk.
CW: bullying, smoking, an elderly person is hospitalised and their safety is compromised, a fire, family rifts
THINGS I LIKED ESPECIALLY AND DESERVED CREDIT
- Phoenix’s songs are a bit better than Lexie’s as much as it hurts me to say this
- The romance was cute, and it was nice to get to see more of Lee, because up until this point he was mostly irrelevant. His thing for hats is cute.
-The band getting better and better
- I love that Sharlee got her redemption arc
THINGS THAT I WAS NOT ECSTATIC ABOUT
-Lexie has become essentially irrelevant, which never should have happened, because she is the heart of the band.
-Bex will never get her own book now, and neither will Marley which is sad, bc they deserve a book more than Phoenix does tbh
- Minor quibble: Why does Phoenix’s stepbrother have the same name as Sami’s uncle?
-Was anyone actually surprised by the plot twist about Phoenix’s family?
THE THING THAT ACTUALLY UPSET ME
-The way George was treated. During the first two books George was portrayed as a quiet, serious, smart, likeable boy, although unattractive. In the third book the idea is introduced that Romy likes George and perhaps he reciprocates. We also begin to see the beginning of The Romy Thomas Glowup at the end of the last one and we see the results in this book, where Romy is described as a ‘striking, curvy brunette’ unattractive and shy no longer. However, it is impressed on us that Romy is too good for George now that she is pretty and confident and that is not a great message. George is also resistant to the changes in the band, which is totally fair. He no longer plays an important role, he’s being shoved to the side, Marley is insisting on more and more frequent rehearsals and it looks like the Lost and Found are about to go big. As a result, George becomes more grumpy and unhappy and as a result, Marley more or less throws him out of the band, which doesn’t happen when anyone else tries to do the same.
That is the conclusion of my TED talk.
CW: bullying, smoking, an elderly person is hospitalised and their safety is compromised, a fire, family rifts
December 17, 2020
This series is really sweet! It has the perfect amount of drama, angst and heartwarming resolutions to keep me reading - and get me out of my (almost year-long) reading slump! The stories are filled with interesting and well-rounded characters whose stories kept me intrigued. Definitely something I will be recommending - it's perfect for middle grade readers!
January 29, 2021
I liked this book, but not as much as book 2 in the series. It was obvious which characters would get together from before opening the book as the author seems to need to pair everyone up! I liked the character of Phoenix, but the situation of the book felt less believable or even enjoyable than her previous books in the series.
February 9, 2021
Was a very good book. Though I didn't like the ending.
August 2, 2021
Great series and i think they saved one of the best til last in this case
May 30, 2023
*4.5*
August 11, 2023
Full of drama
February 22, 2024
It was a great ending!
August 21, 2024
Lighthearted and cheery read, nice storyline.
August 22, 2024
A lovely book in a beautiful series. ☺️🥰
January 8, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! Even though I rated it 5 stars I would probably rate it 4.5 stars (out of 5) because I really liked it but it wasn’t breathtaking or brilliant like some other books I read. This book (in my opinion) would be good for a 9 - 13 year old reader. I have read nearly all the books from this series (apart from Sami’s Silver Lining). Overall, it’s a great book. Perfect for Jacqueline Wilson fans (like me 😉)!
October 24, 2023
Cette saga est l’une de mes préférées !! J’ai adoré ce tome, que j’ai préférée à celui d’avant. Le personnage de Phœnix est juste génial. Un peu déçu de la fin mais je recommande cette super saga!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2024
*4
In a previous read, I rated this book 3*; however, on a re-read of this, I have chosen to update my star rating to 4*.
Unlike the first three books in the series, Forever Phoenix follows Phoenix, who had arrived to live with her Grandmother Louisa after setting light to her dorm room at Bellave boarding school. While it was a surprising twist to introduce a new character to the band, I liked how Cathy took Phoenix and was able to add more depth to the characters Louisa and Ked. It was great to see Phoenix's character arc developing confidence and kindness while learning how to stand up for herself effectively. It was also great to explore the family dynamic between Phoenix and her parents and Vivi and Louisa. Having said this, I am surprised with how well Ked took the revelation that he had a daughter and granddaughter he was never told about and that there was not more of a fallout or reaction to this. I would also say that the plotline for Phoenix does feel very similar to that of Scarlet's from 'Scarlet, ' but with the difference that Phoenix goes to live with her grandmother and joins a band.
However, what is sad is how George, in particular, is treated by Marley. In 'Sasha's Secret, ' it hints that a relationship might be forming between George and Romy, but in this book, it is suggested that Romy no longer has to worry so much about caring for her mother. Because of this Romy has flourished and it is somewhat suggested that she is now too good for George. This is such a shame, mainly as it felt like George was trying to be written off. Also, how he has been portrayed in this book is sad.
It is also disappointing how Lexi, Sami, George, Jake, Sasha and Happi left the band when they finally managed to sign a record deal. This is not only surprising, but it also feels like an end to the Lost & Found that has been explored throughout the three prior books in the series. Even if they had not wanted to go on tour, seeing them still participate in the band would have been good. However, I would say the ending, with them all getting on stage during the fair, was a redeeming scene for the end of the book.
Throughout the book, I also found it sad that we never got to hear from the perspective of some of the other characters, such as George, Happi, Romy, Bex and Marley. It would have been nice if Sharleen would get a redemption arc if this could have been fleshed out more.
Having said all this, overall, I enjoyed this book and the whole series. I would rate the entire series overall 4* and encourage anyone to read it. It is a great series and an excellent follow-on to 'The Chocolate Box Girls'.
In a previous read, I rated this book 3*; however, on a re-read of this, I have chosen to update my star rating to 4*.
Unlike the first three books in the series, Forever Phoenix follows Phoenix, who had arrived to live with her Grandmother Louisa after setting light to her dorm room at Bellave boarding school. While it was a surprising twist to introduce a new character to the band, I liked how Cathy took Phoenix and was able to add more depth to the characters Louisa and Ked. It was great to see Phoenix's character arc developing confidence and kindness while learning how to stand up for herself effectively. It was also great to explore the family dynamic between Phoenix and her parents and Vivi and Louisa. Having said this, I am surprised with how well Ked took the revelation that he had a daughter and granddaughter he was never told about and that there was not more of a fallout or reaction to this. I would also say that the plotline for Phoenix does feel very similar to that of Scarlet's from 'Scarlet, ' but with the difference that Phoenix goes to live with her grandmother and joins a band.
However, what is sad is how George, in particular, is treated by Marley. In 'Sasha's Secret, ' it hints that a relationship might be forming between George and Romy, but in this book, it is suggested that Romy no longer has to worry so much about caring for her mother. Because of this Romy has flourished and it is somewhat suggested that she is now too good for George. This is such a shame, mainly as it felt like George was trying to be written off. Also, how he has been portrayed in this book is sad.
It is also disappointing how Lexi, Sami, George, Jake, Sasha and Happi left the band when they finally managed to sign a record deal. This is not only surprising, but it also feels like an end to the Lost & Found that has been explored throughout the three prior books in the series. Even if they had not wanted to go on tour, seeing them still participate in the band would have been good. However, I would say the ending, with them all getting on stage during the fair, was a redeeming scene for the end of the book.
Throughout the book, I also found it sad that we never got to hear from the perspective of some of the other characters, such as George, Happi, Romy, Bex and Marley. It would have been nice if Sharleen would get a redemption arc if this could have been fleshed out more.
Having said all this, overall, I enjoyed this book and the whole series. I would rate the entire series overall 4* and encourage anyone to read it. It is a great series and an excellent follow-on to 'The Chocolate Box Girls'.
July 15, 2024
Au moment de débuter ce roman, je me suis aperçue que je n'avais pas lu le tome précédent dans la série ! Pas d'inquiétude, si comme moi vous avez zappé un épisode, sachez qu'il est tout à fait possible de lire les différents tomes indépendamment les uns des autres. Bien sûr, c'est plus sympa de les lire dans l'ordre, mais la compréhension de l'histoire n'en sera pas perturbée car chaque volume est centré sur un personnage en particulier et sur l'aventure qui lui est consacrée.
Ici, donc, dans ce quatrième opus, il s'agit de Phoenix, présentée comme une ado à problèmes qui vient de se faire virer de son internat. En réalité, on découvre au fil des pages que la jeune fille souffre d'une relation difficile avec sa mère et que sa famille recèle quelques mystères.
J'ai retrouvé avec plaisir la plume de Cathy Cassidy qui parvient à chaque fois à m'embarquer dans son récit en quelques pages à peine. Ses livres sont toujours pour moi l'assurance de trouver une ambiance un peu douillette, réconfortante, et ce, malgré des sujets parfois difficiles.
Ici, donc, dans ce quatrième opus, il s'agit de Phoenix, présentée comme une ado à problèmes qui vient de se faire virer de son internat. En réalité, on découvre au fil des pages que la jeune fille souffre d'une relation difficile avec sa mère et que sa famille recèle quelques mystères.
J'ai retrouvé avec plaisir la plume de Cathy Cassidy qui parvient à chaque fois à m'embarquer dans son récit en quelques pages à peine. Ses livres sont toujours pour moi l'assurance de trouver une ambiance un peu douillette, réconfortante, et ce, malgré des sujets parfois difficiles.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews