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The Magic Knot #2

The Phoenix Charm

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Paranormal Romance.

Celtic magic and adventure combine in this “deliciously decadent” continuation of the Magic Knot series. The charismatic bard of the Cornish piskies must rescue his infant nephew from the underworld without giving in to the sensual lure of a female impossible to resist.

318 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2009

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249 people want to read

About the author

Helen Scott Taylor

55 books242 followers
USA Today bestselling author, Helen Scott Taylor, had her first book released in 2009. The Magic Knot, won the American Title contest, was a Golden Heart® finalist, and was chosen as one of Booklist's top ten romances of 2009. Since then, she has published other novels, novellas, and short stories in both the UK and USA.

Helen lives in South West England near Exeter in Devon. As well as her wonderful long-suffering husband, she shares her home with a Westie and a birman cat. She believes that deep within everyone there's a little magic.

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Paranormal Romance.
1,316 reviews47 followers
August 15, 2025
The heroine has always been withdrawn both emotionally and physically for good reason. For her entire life she's been told to keep her true nature secret and repressed under bonding wards.

Her father installed in her the belief that what she was, what she became without those wards was something to be ashamed of. It's caused to be a recluse, more at home with the written word the spoken. People think she is a prude and a cynic but that's the way is must be.

While scrying for the future she envisions a dark and dangerous enemy targeting the Cornish Pisky group. With the king and queen away, she must turn to the hero for help in finding a way to stop the darkness.

The hero was never one for bravery. He was never one for pain or selflessness or anything truly meaningful. The birth of his nephews changed a vital part of him and the man who once had no worries or ties to responsibility feels the need to protect those 2 small children.

When Fae arrive at the keep claiming an illegal portal to the underworld was opened on Cornish Pisky land, the hero's natural instinct was to deny his command among the group. Never did he imagine that they would force one of his nephews to take the heroes place. The doorway is sealed....but the child is frozen in the in between. Lost in grief and guilt over what has transpired, he and the heroine and their small group must make their way into the underworld to find answers on how to save the lad.

Never have the hero and heroine paid that much attention to each other. She may think he's attractive but she also thinks him useless. He thinks she could be attractive under that dull dress but there's enough women in the world to distract him from finding out. Now, it seems they have only themselves to rely upon. She is fearful of Nightstalker and the heroines young apprentice is not much help.

Bound together by the circumstances and their common need to save the boy, both characters develop a very strong and a very true connection. Their adventure takes them into the politics of the Underworld and the very real danger that things are not what they seem. With both hidden enemies and hidden allies alike, the hero discovers things about himself that shed light on a future of a man far more important that just a hansom face. The heroine too learns about herself and her past, learning that she was deceived and that the hero may trust and know her better than herself.

I liked this book better than the first book. I liked the ease in which the hero and heroine came to rely and trust one another. There was no question, no hesitation that they must work together to save the young boy and they were also instantly bonded emotionally as well. Each felt the inherent need to comfort the other and I found that very sweet.

The hero was not a true hero in the typical sense. I say that because he is honest with his lack of bravery. Even knowing his death will save his nephew he still hesitates. I found that to be honest. Rather than brashly being a selfless man, he had to work up to it. Regardless of his previous behavior in the first book, this character had already grown a great deal by the start of this story. As such, he was able to become the leader he was meant to be and show himself as a capable hero.

The heroine, whom I thought was going to be that annoying and self minded feminist type, was strangely wise and subservient to the heroes lead. She was strong in her own way but vulnerable in a great many ways because of her repressed powers and her repressed emotion as well. Never allowing herself to feel that connection with anyone other than her cat, fighting the need to flame that emotional fire between herself and the hero. She was living in a prison of her fathers making. I found that because of the constant action going on in this book that the characters love story was a bit....I won't say rushed and I won't say easy but it was second fiddle. Not by much, just in the way that characters seemed to fall instantly in love at the start of their journey and considering the hero and heroines natures, I found that to be a bit out of character. However, I was in love with both of them as well as the overall story. It showed great character development. I really really want Nightstalker to have his own happy ending and while he got the baby he desired curtesy of a baby brother, I think he deserves his own mate who will love him with as a much devotion that he shows to his blood partners.
Profile Image for A.C. Wilson.
Author 18 books238 followers
July 20, 2018
The nymph and the immortal

I really loved this story! Michael and Cordelia are amazing characters of their own, but add all the others, their story becomes epic.
There were quite a few errors and typos. This may have been due to formatting. It does detract some but the story was still great.
Profile Image for Jane Stewart.
2,462 reviews962 followers
September 28, 2010
I wasn’t engaged or emotionally drawn in. Complicated magic rules and abilities create problems and then solve problems.

STORY BRIEF:
The king and queen of the piskies are traveling to America. Michael is the king’s half-brother and is in charge of the king’s infant twin sons, Fin and Kea. Cordelia is half pisky and half water nymph. The king puts her in charge of governing the piskies while he is away – she’s the wise one. Gwyn is king of the underworld. The Tylwyth Teg (Tegs) are entities who work for him. Some construction workers dig a hole in the ground which accidentally opens a gate to the underworld. Three Tegs come to the piskies and kidnap Fin, claiming someone must pay a price for opening the gate. Cordelia, Michael, and two others travel to the underworld to free Fin. Cordelia has magic abilities but cannot use them for two reasons: wards are painted on her skin, and her grandmother took away her mind and spirit stones. Cordelia doesn’t want anyone to know that she is half water nymph, which means she is highly sexed.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This reminds me a bit of “Lord of the Rings.” A mixed group goes on a journey to free a baby taken by someone evil. They encounter various dangerous situations, most of which are due to magic being used against them. They get themselves out of trouble by using their own magic and magical objects. I was not engaged or entertained. I wanted it to be over. I read the first 170 pages, and then I jumped to the end reading the last chapter. I’d prefer more interesting characters. I wasn’t emotionally drawn in to the characters or the plot.

Below are some examples of conflicts and exaggerations which I didn’t like.

Wards are painted on Cordelia’s skin which prevent her from healing Michael and getting energy from the water (p 35 and 69). Later in the story, she needs her magic so she just washes off the wards. (Why couldn’t she do this earlier?)

“Michael was everything she desired. That made him the most dangerous person in the world.” (p 92) (She desires him. That’s not dangerous.)

“I daren’t take her (the cat) into the council chamber in case they sense magic in her and disallow our case.” (p 108) (Everyone else going into the chamber has magic abilities – why exclude this one?)

Examples of unnecessary mystery created with vague communication follow. These characters were on the same side. Why keep secrets? When asked a question, the other doesn’t answer.

Nightshade asked Devin why he didn’t vote for Michael in the council chamber. Devon said “That was not the plan” and then disappeared. (p 134)

Troy gives a dagger to Michael. Later Michael asks Troy “Why didn’t you tell me what the dagger was for?” Troy replied “The time wasn’t right.” (p 161)

DATA:
Story length: 318 pages. Swearing language: moderate, including religious swear words. Sexual language: probably mild. At least one sex scene. Setting: unknown time Cornwall, United Kingdom. Copyright: 2010. Genre: paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Sandy M.
669 reviews34 followers
July 26, 2011
It’s official, Helen Scott Taylor has become my newest favorite author. She has the magic touch, as far as I’m concerned, to give readers terrific characters, a unique storyline, and a lovely romance. This second book in her series is every bit as intriguing and charming as her first. If you haven’t read her yet, you should. If you’re not, you’re missing out on something very special.

Cordelia, the Pisky wise woman, is left in charge when the King and his wife are out of town. She’s always been drawn to Michael, the King’s twin, but because she’s half water nymph, she’s always kept her allure warded so havoc won’t ensue because men, including Michael, lose control around her. In the Pisky realm there’s an accidental portal breach to the underworld, and because the King is not in attendance to help seal it, his son Finian is taken to ensure closure.

Michael is a lover of women, the clan storyteller who has a voice full of glamour that can entrance nearly any being. He’s always been free of responsibility, but when young Finian is placed in danger it’s up to Michael to rescue his nephew, even give his life if necessary for the return of his brother’s son. Journeying with Cordelia, her familiar and her ward, as well as Nightshade, a vampire who is blood bonded to Michael, they walk right into danger, death, and enlightenment, the last two courtesy of Michael’s father who bestows on him the Phoenix Charm, along with the knowledge Michael needs to finally know who and what he is.

I think I like this book even a little better than the first in the series, The Magic Knot, and I loved that one. Michael grows and steps into himself at first with doubt, then with stoicism, a little fear, and eventually a lot of pride. He’s one terrific hero. His love for his nephews is just as moving as his growing love for Cordelia, and she is the perfect heroine for him. She has her own battles to face, but when the chips are down, she’s as selfless as can be.

There is a side story for Nightshade that caught me off guard. It’s tender and happy and I was completely taken with it. We also meet another son of Troy, who I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m hoping his story is what we might get next. He’s definitely hero material.

Good versus evil, life and death, magic, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, love of every kind imaginable, and, of course, romance are all just a smidgen of what you’ll find in this book. The writing is simply perfection, the emotion is raw and heartrending, the story is something you’ll not find anywhere else. You cannot miss by giving this book — this series — a chance. I think you’ll like it every bit as much as I did.

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Profile Image for Wendy Hines.
1,322 reviews266 followers
January 16, 2012
Cordelia is the Pisky Wise Woman and since the King is away for a few days, she's been left in charge. While alone, she spends time looking into her divination bowl and spies upon Michael doing erotic things with other women. She yearns for him but cannot act upon her desires. She is half water nymph and her allure is dangerous.

Michael is fairy and his rakish charm and handsome looks are widely known by the women folk. His recent companion, Nightshade, is a Nightstalker aka Vampire. Though they may share a blood bond, Michael wishes it to go no further to Nightshades dismay. What Michael would really like to do is get a peek under Cordelia's high buttoned long dresses.

When a portal to the Underworld is unexpectedly opened, the guardians blame Cordelia and Michael and take the King's son Finian as part of the bargain to seal it. Michael and Cordelia, her cat familiar Tamsy, her son and Nightshade start a trek to the Underworld to beg favor of Finian's release. Along the way, Michael is given the Phoenix Dagger from his father Troy, who says he will need it to free Finian.

The council denies Michael's request for Finian's release, so he offers his life for Finian's. Michael's curse is the Phoenix Charm. He cannot die. If he is stabbed with the Phoenix dagger, than the Phoenix dagger can bring him back to life if he is grounded in the living world. They work out a plan among them, and Michael must bond with Cordelia so he can return to the living after he frees Finian. The problem arises when, after Michael gives Cordelia his mind, body, and soul, she only gives him her body. Her soul and mind are already bonded to her familiar Tamsy. Hopefully that will be enough, but even the greatest of plans can run afoul.

THE PHOENIX CHARM is a romantic fantasy of epic proportions. Ms. Taylor does a remarkable job of world building. Her attention to detail had me entranced. The sizzling passion between Michael and Cordelia, along with the jealously of Nightshade had me up late turning the pages breathless to see what would happen next. Romantic Fantasy at it's best!
Profile Image for Tammara  Harris.
38 reviews16 followers
April 23, 2015
Water nymphs, fairies and leprechauns, oh my.....

Ms. Taylor does a wonderful job drawing you into the world she has created with water nymphs, vampiric fairies, leprechauns and more. The love story between Michael and Cordelia is funny at times. I could imagine her frustration and fascination with the good hearted womanizer she can't help but be attracted to. What girl doesn't love a bad boy with a heart.
However, be warned it is strictly for adults. The love scenes are extremely explicit.
That being said, I still love the series. The world's she creates are beautiful and dark. There are heroes to root for, bad guys to boo. We get the tenderness of romance and the characters we learn to love despite their flaws.
Having read these first two books, I am sure the last in the series will be just as well written. My only wish would be for more focus on things outside the erotic.
Profile Image for Shelley Stoker.
42 reviews9 followers
January 3, 2010
For anyone who started to fall in love with Michael and Nightshade in THE MAGIC KNOT [Goddess knows, I sure did!:], you will LOVE where the journey takes these two in THE PHOENIX CHARM.

Also, we get to see more into Troy, the enigmatic father of Michael and Niall, and WOW, talk about an amazing character. A new character named Devin is also introduced, and Crikey O'Malley, he is SCENE STEALER. Every moment with him is unforgettable.

The heroine, Cordelia is very likable, and as a cat lover, the connection with her familiar, Tamsy made me smile CONSTANTLY. Cordelia is also a perfect match for Michael for reasons that became incredibly surprising.

The action and adventure of this story keep me constantly on the edge of my seat... this was definitely "could not put it down" material.
Profile Image for Yvonne Boag.
1,184 reviews10 followers
January 2, 2012
The King and Queen of the piskies is away when there is a breach, someone has opened a gate into the Underworld. Cordelia, the wise woman who is acting in their stead seeks the help of Michael, the kings brother. Unfortunately one Michael's nephews gets kidnapped and they will do anything to get him back including facing down Gwyn ap Nud, the Welsh king of the Underwold.

I didn't expect to like this book especially since I hadn't read book one. But it was much better then I expected. I liked the cast of characters though Cordelia was my least favourite. It is listed under paranormal romance but the romance takes second place to the storyline. I'll have to see if I can get my hands on a copy of book one. Three and three quarters out of five for me, with Cordelia to blame for it not making a four.
Profile Image for Molly.
200 reviews3 followers
January 24, 2014
This is Michael and Cordelia's story. Michael is twin brother to Niall, from the first boo, The Magic Knot.

Michael is not uptight like Niall...not by half! He is the charming, handsome Irish storyteller. He is very sensual and sees the potential for sex just about anywhere, male, female, human, fairy or other. Cordelia is the very uptight wise-woman of the Pisky's who is drawn to Michael even though she knows he is trouble. She can see the future and spend private time watching Michael have sex.

Michael is much more than he knows. There is epic battle against the underworld for souls. Of course a lovely romance and some really funny parts around Michael's seemly ever present erection.

I enjoyed the book. I don't think I will read the third however because the character of Nightshade has never captured my attention.
Profile Image for Sarah Winters.
Author 4 books17 followers
January 15, 2016
I probably should have read the first book first but seeing as I didn't realize it until it was too late I took this one as a stand alone. A good story on it's own, even if it took me a while to read. I found the plot sometimes was really interesting and sometimes there was just too much discussion. Cordelia's character wasn't exactly my cup of tea, being a bit to weepy and dependent. Micheal was good, funny and usually clever. Honestly though, the side characters made the book for me. Nightshade was my favourite with his wit and sarcastic remarks. Devin's charm and humor were a great relieve from the tension. Honestly I'd love to read the books for the side character's but this one while being good wasn't something I'd recommend to everyone.
Profile Image for Barbara ★.
3,510 reviews288 followers
June 10, 2011
I was disappointed in this book. I absolutely loved The Magic Knot and expected more from this story. I didn't feel the connection between Michael and Cordelia. Yea she was hot for him but he barely even knew she existed. When tossed together into danger, suddenly they're bonded. WTF? It just seemed unrealistic and totally unbelievable.
Profile Image for Mona.
Author 223 books138 followers
January 2, 2010
The Phoenix Charm is indeed a charming paranormal romance. The story of Michael, the smooth-tongued, quick–to-laugh twin brother of Nial we met in The Magic Knot. When he roams through various worlds with the lovely Cordelia, Michael reveals his inner strength and depth of feelings as he offers his life to save his little nephew. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, description and fast pace of this new fairy tale by Helen Scott-Taylor.
Profile Image for ♥  Sam ♥.
348 reviews9 followers
February 15, 2010
This book was absolutly gripping from the first page. The second novel by Helen Scott Taylor was not a dissapointment. Whil I was reading this book I couldnt put it down, when I did put it down all I wanted to do was pick it back up. When I wasnt reading it, I was thinking about it and almost am angry at myself for flying through it so fast and not savouring it a little more. Passion, Flirting, Fights it was all there.
Profile Image for Leti.
16 reviews40 followers
January 6, 2017
I really enjoyed the balance between the romance and the fantasy world. Considering I haven't read the first book, it didn't take long for me to follow through the different species involved and how it played along through the plot. I enjoyed the different worlds connected together and how easily it was to understand the laws that abide between them. Overall, enjoyable.
Profile Image for Enjee.
267 reviews16 followers
January 9, 2011
This moved sort of slow for me, and I was never on the edge of my seat because the problems encountered by the heroine & hero were fixed without too much trouble. Not really a thriller. I liked the Welsh fairy court.
Profile Image for Suzanne Cotton.
331 reviews3 followers
Read
January 27, 2014
The Phoenix Charm

I love this book a great story and wonderful magical character. this second book in the series is as wonderful as the first. full of magic, mystery and love it makes a great addition to your paranormal library
Profile Image for Sarah .
1,141 reviews23 followers
January 12, 2011
I liked this better then the first book, though found that the characters from the first book were strangely absent. They really needed to make an appearance for this book to work.
Profile Image for Tasneem.
1,805 reviews
August 15, 2011
I liked the magic, the mystery, the romance but the writing wasn't all that great. That said, I shall at some point read more by this writer.
3 reviews
February 3, 2015
Intriguing Storyline

I chose this book because the way the author weaves her tales. I recommend this book to adult readers for the sensual sexual content.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
12 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2015
Really good story line with quite a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Wonderful character development and just overall a really good book.
Profile Image for Donna.
44 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2014
A little slow starting, but once I got into it, I wanted to keep reading it.
673 reviews
Read
July 28, 2016
Ok, got part way through the book.
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