The X-Men confront space pirates and intergalactic war in this stunning space adventure featuring Kid Omega and a quest for the legendary powers of the Phoenix Force
Kid Omega’s latest scheme to set up his own mutant school goes horribly awry when mysterious aliens called The Remaining kidnap his “students”, demanding a rare Phoenix Egg – source of the awesome Phoenix Force – in exchange for their lives. Wildly out of his depth, Kid Omega turns to Cyclops for help. He gets a ride with space pirates the Starjammers, and someone more Cyclops’ brother Alex “Havok” Summers. Their rescue the students, recover the Egg, save the day. But it won’t be easy. Galaxy-hopping sleuthing, heists, and action lead the X-Men to clues that reveal a monstrous plot using the Phoenix Egg to ultimately conquer the universe.
The Phoenix Chase by Neil Kleid is the latest in the Marvel School of X series. Aconyte Books provided an early galley prior to the May 2, 2023, release date.
I have been a Phoenix fan since the issues of Uncanny X-Men in the early 1980's. So, I was instantly drawn to a new storyline that involves the flame of the Phoenix Force beyond its first host Jean Grey. Throw in Havok, another classic character with cool abilities, and I was sold. This was a novel I had to check out.
Kleid does a fantastic job filling in the facts for those readers like me who are not fully up on the latest mutant adventures. He sets the stage well with classic X-cast members and other galactic individuals being portrayed true to character. That helps to insure reader buy-in to his plot. He also manages to tie-in to recent events in other novels in this line, managing to thread the needle of continuity seamlessly.
As for Kid Omega, this is clearly the most obnoxious character Marvel comics has ever created. Kleid again does a great job conveying this; I really was despising Quentin right out of the gate. But, by the end, I found myself pleased by the journey he had taken and the lessons he learned along side Havok. Fans will definitely enjoy this book.
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.
This continues Aconyte's line of School of X novels set in the X-Men period of about 10-15 years ago after Schism and Avengers Vs. X-Men. Kid Omega and Havok head to space when some of Quentin's friends are held hostage unless they find a Phoenix Egg and make a trade. The two heroes hook up with the Starjammers to tour the galaxy since they are led by Havok's dad, Corsair. Kid Omega is probably the most obnoxious X-Man in its history and very little is done to tone down his character here. He runs off halfcocked all the time and yet it usually works out for him. I'd love to see his bravado be more to hide his insecurities here instead of just being an ass all the time. This was OK, but the bad guys don't ultimately play a big enough part in the story. I did think the book is very accessable even for those who aren't versed in the X-Men's long and complicated history.
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.
Before reading The Phoenix Chase, I was highly unfamiliar with the School of X novels and the main character, Kid Omega, before reading this novel. My first impression of the character was that he was very arrogant and cared only for the achievement of his own goals. I believe that this is the goal of Neil Kleid at the beginning of the book to allow for character development, which was done incredibly well throughout. Overall, this series of X-Men related books isn’t my cup of tea, but really helps to fill in the gaps if you aren’t clued up on any of the marvel franchise.
I would highly recommend this book if you have read previous School of X books, or you’re looking for something new to read.
ARC & Book Tour Review The Phoenix Chase by Neil Kleid I was given an advanced reader copy by Aconyte Books and NetGalley but also as part of a book tour by The BookNetwork @aconytebooks @thebooknetwork @netgalley My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #ThePhoenixChase #AconyteBooks #NeilKleid #ARCBookReview #ComicBookProseNovel #TheBookNetwork #BookReview #gifted #Marvel #MarvelEnt
My love of the X-Men started from the 90s Cartoon and then went to the comics, later movies and beyond. I have always been ambivalent to Scott Summers aka Cyclops but have loved his brother, Alex Summers aka Havoc so when I read he would be in this novel you can bet I was excited. I am happy to say Kleid did not disappoint but given his resume I wouldn’t have expected him too.
Once again the X-Men are in space to confront space pirates, intergalactic war to try and track down the legendary powers of the Phoenix Force. Kid Omega’s plan of setting up his own mutant school is brought to a stand still when a group of mysterious aliens called The Remaining kidnap his students, demanding a rare Phoenix Egg for their safe return. Out of his depth Kid turns to Cyclops for help. In turn getting the help of the space pirates the Starjammers and Cyclops’ brother Alex. Their mission is simple, rescue the students, secure the egg and save the day but things are never that easy for the X-Men and a series of clues reveal a monstrous plot to use the Phoenix Egg to conquer the universe.
I want to start to say this novel is action packed. It was non stop almost throughout and I adored every minute, even though Kid Omega is not a favourite for mine. One thing I also loved is that if you aren’t fully versed in all the versions and history of the X-men, the Phoenix Force or what’s been happening recently in the world of the X-Men Kleid has you covered. He provides enough facts and information to get you up to speed so you can understand fully what is going on even with little to no knowledge prior. Obviously it may be more enjoyable if you do know a little bit but everyone starts their Marvel journey somewhere and Kleid’s made this accessible for fans new and old. A fact I adore by the way.
The characters are brought to life and nearly pop off the page. Kleid fleshes them out and I particularly like the prose novels in the marvel universes because it allows us an even deeper look into the character and what makes them tick. Yes we get that in the comics, but the novel as a medium just allows a little bit more a deeper dive which I enjoy.
You will want to finish this one quickly because the action and plot don’t let up. You definitely get the one more chapter bug just wanting to know more of what is going to happen. That said the pace isn’t rushed in the sense that tension is raised but it isn’t in a way that makes the prose feel rushed it just adds to the urgency of the mission. Since I don’t like spoilers I can’t go into the ins and outs but needless to say this was one hell of a read and I adored seeing Alex get some time in prose form. A must read for fans of x-men both new and old.
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.