The Phoenix: Firestorm

by Joseph Allen, Claire Michelle Hollenbaugh (Editor), Mary Adele Hollenbaugh (Illustrator)

A scholar publishes his secret translation of ten scrolls found hidden under a 5000 year old South American Temple. The scrolls tell the story of Ammon, a young man killed in a surprise bombing. When Ammon's friends go to bury him they find him not dead, but alive. Ammon's friend Tanzin leads him on a quest to discover the reason for his strange recovery and his increasing number of amazing new abilities. The journey takes Ammon to a distant mountain sanctuary, where he meets a hidden race of mystical beings. When war breaks out between Ammon's people and their enemies, the battleground gradually moves toward the sanctuary, threatening to destroy the Mystics and free their dangerous, powerful prisoners. Ammon must choose between the past and the future, between hatred and forgiveness, between fear and faith. between war and peace, and finally, between his own life and death.

359 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Shannon Jager · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author has a vivid imagination. It would seem that the audience for this book would be 10-15 year-olds, mostly boys because of the graphic violence (blood spurts in several places). The story is fast-moving, but there are no twists or surprises -- very straightforward and predictable, at least for an older, more sophisticated reader who has read lots of adventure, fantasy, and sci-fi books. It seems to be trying to imitate ,I>Eragon, but doesn't quite make it. Requires considerable "suspension of disbelief," and even then, some things don't quite fit.

I'll try it out on my 9-year-old grandsons and see what they think. Kids would probably like it.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by my brother and, though I may be a bit biased, I thought it was excellent. I love fantasy - Harry Potter, Eragon, etc. It was written as youth/teen fiction and while it addresses mature ideas and topics is quite easy to read. You can purchase it on Amazon or directly from my brother's website, thephoenixfirestorm.com. Hope you like it!

[Claire Hollenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book that you should all read this summer. It is packed with action, adventure, great characters and a touch of romance. This book has a great message too. If you like Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Eragon, Fablehaven, The Alchemist and Leventhumps then you'll love this too.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

i LOVED this book, the 3rd or 4th chapter was ok, but overall it was wonderful!