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Curse of the Phoenix #3
The Last Beginning
Though she’s always hated being a phoenix, Sadie has to admit immortality has its advantages. She’s seen and done more in the last 150 years than she’d ever dreamed of, but she can’t get past the fact that Osiris has done nothing but manipulate her and her fellow phoenixes.
Or that, when her last incarnation as a phoenix comes to a fiery end, the fire slowly begins to consume her body.
Sun god Osiris is ashamed of his role as ruler of the Underworld, but he unless he can figure out how to save Sadie, that’s exactly where she’s going to end up. Permanently. Terrified he’s going to lose her, he takes her on a hunt for The Book of the Dead, which is the only way he knows he can save her—even if it means she’ll hate him forever.
Or that, when her last incarnation as a phoenix comes to a fiery end, the fire slowly begins to consume her body.
Sun god Osiris is ashamed of his role as ruler of the Underworld, but he unless he can figure out how to save Sadie, that’s exactly where she’s going to end up. Permanently. Terrified he’s going to lose her, he takes her on a hunt for The Book of the Dead, which is the only way he knows he can save her—even if it means she’ll hate him forever.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2012
203 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Firasek
20 books272 followersRachel Firasek spends her days daydreaming of stories and her nights putting the ideas to ink. She has spent a dull life following the rules, meeting deadlines, and toeing the line, but in her made up worlds, she can let the wild side loose. Her wonderful husband and three children support her love of the written word and only ask for the occasional American Idol or Swamp People quality hour.
She has a philosophy about love. It must devastate or it isn’t truly worth loving. She hopes that you all find your devastating love and cling to it with all your heart! http://www.rachelfirasek.com/
She has a philosophy about love. It must devastate or it isn’t truly worth loving. She hopes that you all find your devastating love and cling to it with all your heart! http://www.rachelfirasek.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 7, 2012
http://samsawesomness.blogspot.com/20...
Joint Review with Elena
Rhonda- We have followed this series from the beginning, and Rachel Firasek has put together a terrific series of novellas that are fast paced, carry a well put together story, sexy, and have a fun yet tortured cast of characters. Book three in the Curse of the Phoenix series doesn’t disappoint. The Last Rising held true to the continuing story, and gave us a look at Osiris’s world, and his heart.
As the story begins, we are taken back 150 years to when Osiris first laid eyes upon our little spitfire Sadie. Osiris in his overwhelming selfish need to have Sadie, he abuses his godly powers and sentences Sadie to be one of his Phoenix’s. Over the many years, Osiris has lied and deceived Sadie in an effort just to be close to her, and she has never given in to his charms, no matter how absolutely stunning he is in his masculinity.
Elena- After Granting Ice and Ari mortality, Osiris is not willing to let Sadie go. The story behind Sadie's changing into a phoenix, is as Rhonda mentions above, Osiris' selfishness and wrong doing. But what's a man to do when he does it out of love? The man needs a Sadie-Kiss-A** spanking! But he's just too cute for his own good. Who would have known,Osiris God of the Underworld could love again.... *sighs*
Rhonda- Sadie becomes life threateningly ill, and Osiris is now running a race against time to find a way to save her from dying. Although there hasn't ever been a romantic relationship between the two, Osiris has loved Sadie from the moment he saw her. Sadie wants to be free from her curse, and all Osiris wants is to be forgiven and spend forever with her.
Elena- Whether or not these two hold grudges,don't trust,tell lies and keep secrets. They're destined for one another.Osiris knows where he wants to be and with whom. It's now time for Sadie to kick up her game. But can she forgive? As the story progresses,things fall into place..It takes time to stand in someones arms and trust again.Trust is a big deal to Sadie.Eventually,Sadie sees a side of Osiris she's never before seen. His big ego and hard persona doesn't cover up his soft squishy heart (hehe) You just gotta love him!
Rhonda- I love Mrs. Firasek's stories beginning with Piper, and I have to say that I've watched her grow in to her talent more with each book. The writing itself gets better and I'm looking forward to many more stories from this fabulous lady!
Elena- Rachel Firasek is on the right path, I truly hope with her amazing writing, it becomes life changing for her, and she continues to write for many years to come. If anyone deserves to move up to the big peeps it's Rachel :) Good Luck!
Joint Review with Elena
Rhonda- We have followed this series from the beginning, and Rachel Firasek has put together a terrific series of novellas that are fast paced, carry a well put together story, sexy, and have a fun yet tortured cast of characters. Book three in the Curse of the Phoenix series doesn’t disappoint. The Last Rising held true to the continuing story, and gave us a look at Osiris’s world, and his heart.
As the story begins, we are taken back 150 years to when Osiris first laid eyes upon our little spitfire Sadie. Osiris in his overwhelming selfish need to have Sadie, he abuses his godly powers and sentences Sadie to be one of his Phoenix’s. Over the many years, Osiris has lied and deceived Sadie in an effort just to be close to her, and she has never given in to his charms, no matter how absolutely stunning he is in his masculinity.
Elena- After Granting Ice and Ari mortality, Osiris is not willing to let Sadie go. The story behind Sadie's changing into a phoenix, is as Rhonda mentions above, Osiris' selfishness and wrong doing. But what's a man to do when he does it out of love? The man needs a Sadie-Kiss-A** spanking! But he's just too cute for his own good. Who would have known,Osiris God of the Underworld could love again.... *sighs*
Rhonda- Sadie becomes life threateningly ill, and Osiris is now running a race against time to find a way to save her from dying. Although there hasn't ever been a romantic relationship between the two, Osiris has loved Sadie from the moment he saw her. Sadie wants to be free from her curse, and all Osiris wants is to be forgiven and spend forever with her.
Elena- Whether or not these two hold grudges,don't trust,tell lies and keep secrets. They're destined for one another.Osiris knows where he wants to be and with whom. It's now time for Sadie to kick up her game. But can she forgive? As the story progresses,things fall into place..It takes time to stand in someones arms and trust again.Trust is a big deal to Sadie.Eventually,Sadie sees a side of Osiris she's never before seen. His big ego and hard persona doesn't cover up his soft squishy heart (hehe) You just gotta love him!
Rhonda- I love Mrs. Firasek's stories beginning with Piper, and I have to say that I've watched her grow in to her talent more with each book. The writing itself gets better and I'm looking forward to many more stories from this fabulous lady!
Elena- Rachel Firasek is on the right path, I truly hope with her amazing writing, it becomes life changing for her, and she continues to write for many years to come. If anyone deserves to move up to the big peeps it's Rachel :) Good Luck!
February 7, 2012
Rhonda- We have followed this series from the beginning, and Rachel Firasek has put together a terrific series of novellas that are fast paced, carry a well put together story, sexy, and have a fun yet tortured cast of characters. Book three in the Curse of the Phoenix series doesn’t disappoint. The Last Rising held true to the continuing story, and gave us a look at Osiris’s world, and his heart.
As the story begins, we are taken back 150 years to when Osiris first laid eyes upon our little spitfire Sadie. Osiris in his overwhelming selfish need to have Sadie, he abuses his godly powers and sentences Sadie to be one of his Phoenix’s. Over the many years, Osiris has lied and deceived Sadie in an effort just to be close to her, and she has never given in to his charms, no matter how absolutely stunning he is in his masculinity.
Elena- After Granting Ice and Ari mortality, Osiris is not willing to let Sadie go. The story behind Sadie's changing into a phoenix, is as Rhonda mentions above, Osiris' selfishness and wrong doing. But what's a man to do when he does it out of love? The man needs a Sadie-Kiss-A** spanking! But he's just too cute for his own good. Who would have known,Osiris God of the Underworld could love again.... *sighs*
Rhonda- Sadie becomes life threateningly ill, and Osiris is now running a race against time to find a way to save her from dying. Although there hasn't ever been a romantic relationship between the two, Osiris has loved Sadie from the moment he saw her. Sadie wants to be free from her curse, and all Osiris wants is to be forgiven and spend forever with her.
Elena- Whether or not these two hold grudges,don't trust,tell lies and keep secrets. They're destined for one another.Osiris knows where he wants to be and with whom. It's now time for Sadie to kick up her game. But can she forgive? As the story progresses,things fall into place..It takes time to stand in someones arms and trust again.Trust is a big deal to Sadie.Eventually,Sadie sees a side of Osiris she's never before seen. His big ego and hard persona doesn't cover up his soft squishy heart (hehe) You just gotta love him!
Rhonda- I love Mrs. Firasek's stories beginning with Piper, and I have to say that I've watched her grow in to her talent more with each book. The writing itself gets better and I'm looking forward to many more stories from this fabulous lady!
Elena- Rachel Firasek is on the right path, I truly hope with her amazing writing, it becomes life changing for her, and she continues to write for many years to come. If anyone deserves to move up to the big peeps it's Rachel :) Good Luck!
http://samsawesomness.blogspot.com/20...
As the story begins, we are taken back 150 years to when Osiris first laid eyes upon our little spitfire Sadie. Osiris in his overwhelming selfish need to have Sadie, he abuses his godly powers and sentences Sadie to be one of his Phoenix’s. Over the many years, Osiris has lied and deceived Sadie in an effort just to be close to her, and she has never given in to his charms, no matter how absolutely stunning he is in his masculinity.
Elena- After Granting Ice and Ari mortality, Osiris is not willing to let Sadie go. The story behind Sadie's changing into a phoenix, is as Rhonda mentions above, Osiris' selfishness and wrong doing. But what's a man to do when he does it out of love? The man needs a Sadie-Kiss-A** spanking! But he's just too cute for his own good. Who would have known,Osiris God of the Underworld could love again.... *sighs*
Rhonda- Sadie becomes life threateningly ill, and Osiris is now running a race against time to find a way to save her from dying. Although there hasn't ever been a romantic relationship between the two, Osiris has loved Sadie from the moment he saw her. Sadie wants to be free from her curse, and all Osiris wants is to be forgiven and spend forever with her.
Elena- Whether or not these two hold grudges,don't trust,tell lies and keep secrets. They're destined for one another.Osiris knows where he wants to be and with whom. It's now time for Sadie to kick up her game. But can she forgive? As the story progresses,things fall into place..It takes time to stand in someones arms and trust again.Trust is a big deal to Sadie.Eventually,Sadie sees a side of Osiris she's never before seen. His big ego and hard persona doesn't cover up his soft squishy heart (hehe) You just gotta love him!
Rhonda- I love Mrs. Firasek's stories beginning with Piper, and I have to say that I've watched her grow in to her talent more with each book. The writing itself gets better and I'm looking forward to many more stories from this fabulous lady!
Elena- Rachel Firasek is on the right path, I truly hope with her amazing writing, it becomes life changing for her, and she continues to write for many years to come. If anyone deserves to move up to the big peeps it's Rachel :) Good Luck!
http://samsawesomness.blogspot.com/20...
October 8, 2012
The first two books in the series were definitely better reads for me but I liked this one because Sadie and Osiris got their happily every after...........after all of their pigheaded and arrogant antics.
February 21, 2012
The last of the remaining cursed phoenixes, Sadie, doesn’t understand why Osiris won’t just let her go. In her mind, she has done everything he has asked of her for over a hundred years and yet she is still with him. Still working for him. When her last job results in a sickness of flames roaming her body with the rise of her emotions Sadie knows something is wrong. She is getting weaker and paler with every move she makes. Afraid of hurting someone she goes to Osiris hoping he can help.
Osiris is desperate to help the one woman he damned years ago for no reason. He has to have her. Has to keep her and nothing is going to stand in his way. He’s a God, if anyone can break the rules he should be able to. Osiris has been in love with Sadie a very long time. Now if only she could admit to herself that she’s been in love with him too.
I have been looking forward to this book since I first read Ice’s story awhile back. I have steadily followed these characters because I love the way in which they are wrote. I love the depth of the characters and the way they just pull me in and keep me ensconced for chapter after chapter. Osiris, from the beginning was a character I wanted to sink my teeth into. He is guarded and really, unsure of himself though he masks it with superiority and arrogance. Once it comes out that he himself is the fourth phoenix that had been living with Sadie in previous books I knew he must have a thing for her.
The Last Beginning opens with a look back 150 yrs to when he took Sadie from her life and cursed her with the phoenix. He did so in a purely selfish move because she had not sinned and didn’t need to repent for anything. In her mind, she thought she was going to hell already and so Osiris just let her believe as much. The injustice of what he took from her hurt my heart. All because he couldn’t approach her and just give her a choice. Again, surely because he was afraid of what she might say.
When Ice and Arabella become mortal again, leaving only her, she becomes lonely. She spends much of the book confused and scared for what her future holds since she believes she may end up in hell. I really disliked Osiris for using that fear against her to keep her close. Though his dedication I suppose should be commended. Especially when Sadie becomes sick and Osiris doesn’t know why. He becomes obsessed with finding a cure, regardless of Sadie’s wishes.
I enjoyed the fact that they had a intense emotional connection for much of the book. Even if Sadie denied it a lot. They were sensual without trying and when they come together it was almost sweet instead of “wham bam thank you mam”. I did get annoyed with Sadie’s back and forth on every single thing. Does she go with Osiris? Does she stay away? Does she even like him at all? Kiss him then push him away. For a woman as old as she was, she sure acted really young sometimes.
I also felt like this was wrapped up extremely fast. I think I just wanted something a bit longer. It felt so much shorter then the other two books, though I don’t know if it was or not. I felt a bit rushed there in the last few chapters like everything happened way to quickly and was resolved way to easily. The last page or so wasn’t enough for me to feel a happily ever after. Maybe it’s because I liked these characters so much and had looked forward to it since the beginning. Regardless, I think the ending hurt my perception of it just slightly.
I give The Last Beginning by Rachel Firasek 3.75 stars!
Osiris is desperate to help the one woman he damned years ago for no reason. He has to have her. Has to keep her and nothing is going to stand in his way. He’s a God, if anyone can break the rules he should be able to. Osiris has been in love with Sadie a very long time. Now if only she could admit to herself that she’s been in love with him too.
I have been looking forward to this book since I first read Ice’s story awhile back. I have steadily followed these characters because I love the way in which they are wrote. I love the depth of the characters and the way they just pull me in and keep me ensconced for chapter after chapter. Osiris, from the beginning was a character I wanted to sink my teeth into. He is guarded and really, unsure of himself though he masks it with superiority and arrogance. Once it comes out that he himself is the fourth phoenix that had been living with Sadie in previous books I knew he must have a thing for her.
The Last Beginning opens with a look back 150 yrs to when he took Sadie from her life and cursed her with the phoenix. He did so in a purely selfish move because she had not sinned and didn’t need to repent for anything. In her mind, she thought she was going to hell already and so Osiris just let her believe as much. The injustice of what he took from her hurt my heart. All because he couldn’t approach her and just give her a choice. Again, surely because he was afraid of what she might say.
When Ice and Arabella become mortal again, leaving only her, she becomes lonely. She spends much of the book confused and scared for what her future holds since she believes she may end up in hell. I really disliked Osiris for using that fear against her to keep her close. Though his dedication I suppose should be commended. Especially when Sadie becomes sick and Osiris doesn’t know why. He becomes obsessed with finding a cure, regardless of Sadie’s wishes.
I enjoyed the fact that they had a intense emotional connection for much of the book. Even if Sadie denied it a lot. They were sensual without trying and when they come together it was almost sweet instead of “wham bam thank you mam”. I did get annoyed with Sadie’s back and forth on every single thing. Does she go with Osiris? Does she stay away? Does she even like him at all? Kiss him then push him away. For a woman as old as she was, she sure acted really young sometimes.
I also felt like this was wrapped up extremely fast. I think I just wanted something a bit longer. It felt so much shorter then the other two books, though I don’t know if it was or not. I felt a bit rushed there in the last few chapters like everything happened way to quickly and was resolved way to easily. The last page or so wasn’t enough for me to feel a happily ever after. Maybe it’s because I liked these characters so much and had looked forward to it since the beginning. Regardless, I think the ending hurt my perception of it just slightly.
I give The Last Beginning by Rachel Firasek 3.75 stars!
January 27, 2012
Serie :CURSE OF THE PHOENIX
- The last rising
- The last awakening
- The last beginning.
Stavolta vorrei parlarvi di una saga che sembra conclusa, anche se la mia speranza è che l'autrice scriva anche un quarto libro su un certo traghettatore di anime, ma va bè come si sa chi visse sperando....
Le protagoniste di questa serie sono tre "donne" costrette dal dio egiziano Osiris ad essere le incarnazioni delle fenici, mitici uccelli che rinascono dalle loro ceneri e recentemente tornate alla luce della ribalta grazie ad Harry Potter. Costrette a queste reincarnazioni per espiare i loro grossi peccati e a sacrificarsi per salvare le anime di umani più meritevoli di loro, capirete che non sono proprio le personcine più simpatiche dell'universo, costrette ogni paio di settimane a morire nei modi più atroci.
La protagonista del primo libro è niente di meno che la vedova di Osiris, la dea Iside (Ice) che per salvare il suo amato ha scombinato le leggi dell'Universo e quindi, mentre era in tutt'altre faccende affaccendata, ha causato la morte del figlio e dei suoi fedeli.
La seconda fenice è invece Arabelle (Ari), ai tempi sacerdotessa vodoo che incapace di controllare i suoi poteri ha causato la morte di tutte le persone del suo villaggio.
La terza e per ora ultima protagonista, quindi siamo arrivati all'ultimo libro, è invece Sadie, che potremmo chiamare la "fenice per caso" che ha catturato l'attenzione proprio di Osiride mentre come un novello Paperone prima della Numero Uno cercava oro nel Klondike.
Tutte e tre queste eroine, per una volta non tremebonde verginelle quanto piuttosto donne massicce e inca$$ate, troveranno il loro alter ego maschile e quindi pane per i loro denti. Non voglio svelare e spoilerare di più perchè mi auguro davvero che questa serie venga tradotta al più presto per una serie di ragioni fondamentali: intanto le fenici ancora non erano state (ab)usate nel paranormal romance e qundi un plauso alla fantasia dell'autrice che le ha addirittura mischiate con la mitologia egiziane.
Secondo poi nel primo libro abbiamo anche un ribaltamento dei ruoli intesi come piuttosto statici del romance classico in cui l'uomo non vuole che il sesso e la donna invece si vuole sentire impegnata in una relazione. Quale piacevole novità trovare un uomo che s'impunta e non cede ai piaceri della carne fino a che la donna non capitola, devo ammettere che già questo basterebbe a farmi apprezzare il libro, i dialoghi poi sono simpatici e più di una volta mi sono trovata a ridacchiare per qualche rispostina pungente qua e là.
Ultimo, ma non per questo meno importante, a metà della storia troviamo una "clamorosa svoltona" tale da farci ripensare a tutta la storia in corso d'opera, quindi dimenticata le classiche storie in cui sappiamo da dove partiamo e dove arriviamo anche se non la strada che i due personaggi percorreranno per arrivare a stare assieme.
Chiaramente non è che non ci siano anche alcune cosette che mi hanno convinto poco poco, però tutto sommato la storia merita e anche il fatto che l'autrice tenga basso il numero delle pagine azzera i tempi morti ed evita di farci leggere ripetutamente le solite cose tipo "...si guardarono negli occhi e tutta la loro esistenza cambiò improvvisamente...." etc.etc.
- The last rising
- The last awakening
- The last beginning.
Stavolta vorrei parlarvi di una saga che sembra conclusa, anche se la mia speranza è che l'autrice scriva anche un quarto libro su un certo traghettatore di anime, ma va bè come si sa chi visse sperando....
Le protagoniste di questa serie sono tre "donne" costrette dal dio egiziano Osiris ad essere le incarnazioni delle fenici, mitici uccelli che rinascono dalle loro ceneri e recentemente tornate alla luce della ribalta grazie ad Harry Potter. Costrette a queste reincarnazioni per espiare i loro grossi peccati e a sacrificarsi per salvare le anime di umani più meritevoli di loro, capirete che non sono proprio le personcine più simpatiche dell'universo, costrette ogni paio di settimane a morire nei modi più atroci.
La protagonista del primo libro è niente di meno che la vedova di Osiris, la dea Iside (Ice) che per salvare il suo amato ha scombinato le leggi dell'Universo e quindi, mentre era in tutt'altre faccende affaccendata, ha causato la morte del figlio e dei suoi fedeli.
La seconda fenice è invece Arabelle (Ari), ai tempi sacerdotessa vodoo che incapace di controllare i suoi poteri ha causato la morte di tutte le persone del suo villaggio.
La terza e per ora ultima protagonista, quindi siamo arrivati all'ultimo libro, è invece Sadie, che potremmo chiamare la "fenice per caso" che ha catturato l'attenzione proprio di Osiride mentre come un novello Paperone prima della Numero Uno cercava oro nel Klondike.
Tutte e tre queste eroine, per una volta non tremebonde verginelle quanto piuttosto donne massicce e inca$$ate, troveranno il loro alter ego maschile e quindi pane per i loro denti. Non voglio svelare e spoilerare di più perchè mi auguro davvero che questa serie venga tradotta al più presto per una serie di ragioni fondamentali: intanto le fenici ancora non erano state (ab)usate nel paranormal romance e qundi un plauso alla fantasia dell'autrice che le ha addirittura mischiate con la mitologia egiziane.
Secondo poi nel primo libro abbiamo anche un ribaltamento dei ruoli intesi come piuttosto statici del romance classico in cui l'uomo non vuole che il sesso e la donna invece si vuole sentire impegnata in una relazione. Quale piacevole novità trovare un uomo che s'impunta e non cede ai piaceri della carne fino a che la donna non capitola, devo ammettere che già questo basterebbe a farmi apprezzare il libro, i dialoghi poi sono simpatici e più di una volta mi sono trovata a ridacchiare per qualche rispostina pungente qua e là.
Ultimo, ma non per questo meno importante, a metà della storia troviamo una "clamorosa svoltona" tale da farci ripensare a tutta la storia in corso d'opera, quindi dimenticata le classiche storie in cui sappiamo da dove partiamo e dove arriviamo anche se non la strada che i due personaggi percorreranno per arrivare a stare assieme.
Chiaramente non è che non ci siano anche alcune cosette che mi hanno convinto poco poco, però tutto sommato la storia merita e anche il fatto che l'autrice tenga basso il numero delle pagine azzera i tempi morti ed evita di farci leggere ripetutamente le solite cose tipo "...si guardarono negli occhi e tutta la loro esistenza cambiò improvvisamente...." etc.etc.
March 13, 2012
2.5 stars
The Last Beginning is the final installment of the Curse of the Phoenix series. When I requested this novella, I did not know it was a the third in a series, but The Last Beginning can act like a stand-alone if you have yet to read the first two novels. I am sorry to say that despite its easy follow-along story, this book became a chore for me to finish.
Sadie is a woman living during the Gold Rush and trying to make an honest living after her husband dies. Her pure soul catches the sights of the sun god Osiris who wants her more than anything but cannot have her. Despite Sadie not having an immoral bone in her body, Osiris takes it upon himself to make her a phoenix-a creature that must find the good in humanity and must die for every countless soul so that they may live on. One day after Sadie saves an old woman from certain death, she notices something different about herself-she's on fire. Sadie must team up with the man she hates the most to figure out what is happening.
The plot is pretty straight forward. Sadie hates Osiris, Osiris loves Sadie, Sadie just might be dying, Osiris and Sadie fall in love. Rinse and repeat. I really wish that this wasn't a novella because this book definitely needed to be fleshed out. The action seemed to jump from scene to scene with no real flow. It was basically "we need to go to this place" and so they do. I was also disappointed that we really didn't get to see Sadie in her Phoenix-y element. Instead she runs between the Otherworld, and at the previous phoenixes' homes in an effort to bring back familiar characters from the previous two installments.
My major issue with this book was the characters and their lack of personalities. Sadie is presented as a strong-willed character but yet, she falls into Osiris' arms just to remember that she hates him. I also despised Osiris. He went through RIDICULOUS lengths to makes Sadie notice him just to be surprised that she wasn't confessing her love for him. Yeah if I found out some guy was manipulating me for his own lust I don't think I would be that accepting either. Nothing Osiris did made any sense, and for such a strong woman Sadie sure did have many lapses in judgment.
The writing was consistent but I did not find it to be very engaging. The writing seemed to tell more rather than do which I think is partly because Firasek wanted to include the stories of the past two phoenixes.
Overall this book was not for me. The plot and characters were very bare, with forced action and love scenes. There is a possibility that I may have liked this book more if I read the first two books, but at the moment I have no plans to pick up the first two.
I recommend this novel for fans of the first two installments and those who like paranormal romances.
The Last Beginning is the final installment of the Curse of the Phoenix series. When I requested this novella, I did not know it was a the third in a series, but The Last Beginning can act like a stand-alone if you have yet to read the first two novels. I am sorry to say that despite its easy follow-along story, this book became a chore for me to finish.
Sadie is a woman living during the Gold Rush and trying to make an honest living after her husband dies. Her pure soul catches the sights of the sun god Osiris who wants her more than anything but cannot have her. Despite Sadie not having an immoral bone in her body, Osiris takes it upon himself to make her a phoenix-a creature that must find the good in humanity and must die for every countless soul so that they may live on. One day after Sadie saves an old woman from certain death, she notices something different about herself-she's on fire. Sadie must team up with the man she hates the most to figure out what is happening.
The plot is pretty straight forward. Sadie hates Osiris, Osiris loves Sadie, Sadie just might be dying, Osiris and Sadie fall in love. Rinse and repeat. I really wish that this wasn't a novella because this book definitely needed to be fleshed out. The action seemed to jump from scene to scene with no real flow. It was basically "we need to go to this place" and so they do. I was also disappointed that we really didn't get to see Sadie in her Phoenix-y element. Instead she runs between the Otherworld, and at the previous phoenixes' homes in an effort to bring back familiar characters from the previous two installments.
My major issue with this book was the characters and their lack of personalities. Sadie is presented as a strong-willed character but yet, she falls into Osiris' arms just to remember that she hates him. I also despised Osiris. He went through RIDICULOUS lengths to makes Sadie notice him just to be surprised that she wasn't confessing her love for him. Yeah if I found out some guy was manipulating me for his own lust I don't think I would be that accepting either. Nothing Osiris did made any sense, and for such a strong woman Sadie sure did have many lapses in judgment.
The writing was consistent but I did not find it to be very engaging. The writing seemed to tell more rather than do which I think is partly because Firasek wanted to include the stories of the past two phoenixes.
Overall this book was not for me. The plot and characters were very bare, with forced action and love scenes. There is a possibility that I may have liked this book more if I read the first two books, but at the moment I have no plans to pick up the first two.
I recommend this novel for fans of the first two installments and those who like paranormal romances.
March 5, 2012
As you will remember from my reviews of The Last Awakening and The Last Rising, I absolutely love this series of novellas. The Last Beginning was no exception - especially when it comes to Osiris, the God who had locked all of these ladies into being phoenixes. I knew that I did not complete understand Osiris but didn't realize how much I didn't understand. While this is Sadie's story, the last remaining phoenix since Osiris has allow the other two women out, the story is just as much about Osiris. As always, Rachel's writing style grabbed my attention right away and never let it go. I read this story in one sitting. I just could not get enough. It is the absolute passion that Rachel Firasek uses to create the mesmerizing and captivating interactions between Sadie and Osiris, that draws a read in and results in powerful emotional responses from the reader, both positive and negative.
The fact that there is background provided as to how Sadie became a phoenix and why Osiris has always seemed to have a special affection for her was an excellent way to start not only the story but my deeper understanding of Osiris and his obsession and love for Sadie. And in return Sadie total dislike and frustration with Osiris. However, this beginning to change rapidly as Sadie has some very painful transitions and beings to flame as she transitions or gets upset. Osiris knows that he can't lose Sadie and will do anything to save her. Even if it is breaking all the rules. The pain and heartbreak of this story was well done. It is amazing to me that what most authors do in a full length novel, Rachel Firasek is able to do in a novella length book without leaving the reader completely frustrated with a lack of true ending which is the trouble I typically have with novellas.
This novella provides an emotional roller coaster of events most of which I never saw coming. It was the perfect ending to an outstanding series of novellas. I am sad to see the end come. I would love to see a fourth story that would give a peak into each former phoenix's life now and just where they are. These ladies have found fresh starts and it would be awesome to see them down the line living those lives.
All in all, I was extremely pleased with the outcome of this book and the wrap up of the series. I cannot wait to see what adventure Rachel Firasek will provide us with next. Be sure to stop by and check out her website, as well, there is always something fun going on.
The fact that there is background provided as to how Sadie became a phoenix and why Osiris has always seemed to have a special affection for her was an excellent way to start not only the story but my deeper understanding of Osiris and his obsession and love for Sadie. And in return Sadie total dislike and frustration with Osiris. However, this beginning to change rapidly as Sadie has some very painful transitions and beings to flame as she transitions or gets upset. Osiris knows that he can't lose Sadie and will do anything to save her. Even if it is breaking all the rules. The pain and heartbreak of this story was well done. It is amazing to me that what most authors do in a full length novel, Rachel Firasek is able to do in a novella length book without leaving the reader completely frustrated with a lack of true ending which is the trouble I typically have with novellas.
This novella provides an emotional roller coaster of events most of which I never saw coming. It was the perfect ending to an outstanding series of novellas. I am sad to see the end come. I would love to see a fourth story that would give a peak into each former phoenix's life now and just where they are. These ladies have found fresh starts and it would be awesome to see them down the line living those lives.
All in all, I was extremely pleased with the outcome of this book and the wrap up of the series. I cannot wait to see what adventure Rachel Firasek will provide us with next. Be sure to stop by and check out her website, as well, there is always something fun going on.
February 25, 2012
(( Dont you just love the cover )) Being a cover Love Kinda girl this one is just gorgus !!
Book three of the Curse of the Phoenix series *The Last Beginning * is a wonderfully delivered story. With characters that will draw you into the pages and a plot that will have you reading from beginning to end , sighing in contentment at a well scripted ending to a fantastic trio.
If you have read the first two books it gives you the storyline of the phoenixes, but I especially enjoyed the fact that Rachel filled us in with this story on how Sadie became a phoenix. I wasn’t sure to be angry and Osiris or feel sorry for him. Loving someone and not wanting to let go - he turned her into a phoenix for his own reasons.
In The Last Beginning we see a love - hate relationship between the pair but in time as Sadie grows weaker and her flame is taking over she sees Osiris for a different man rather than a God whom doomed her to the life of a Phoenix.
The love was passionate and heart-warming, Osiris not being able to give up on Sadie even till her last breathe. Rachel has certainly thrown a curve ball in this story, giving us more than we anticipated and an ending that was certainly not predictable!
A short read filled with the entire goodies one could want, after finishing this story there are no loose ends, no questions just an ending to a well delivered series. Smooth flowing storyline and chapters, well put forth plot and overall a sad tale to see end.
Rachel Firasek delivers what every reader wants, anticipation, mystery, romance and a tale that you will remember after you have turned the last page.
I rated The Last Beginning 5 Hearts as every story in this series will take a small piece of yours ! Its heartfelt, romantic and just leaves you starry eyed and sheepishly grinning ! What every reader wants RIGHT !
Book three of the Curse of the Phoenix series *The Last Beginning * is a wonderfully delivered story. With characters that will draw you into the pages and a plot that will have you reading from beginning to end , sighing in contentment at a well scripted ending to a fantastic trio.
If you have read the first two books it gives you the storyline of the phoenixes, but I especially enjoyed the fact that Rachel filled us in with this story on how Sadie became a phoenix. I wasn’t sure to be angry and Osiris or feel sorry for him. Loving someone and not wanting to let go - he turned her into a phoenix for his own reasons.
In The Last Beginning we see a love - hate relationship between the pair but in time as Sadie grows weaker and her flame is taking over she sees Osiris for a different man rather than a God whom doomed her to the life of a Phoenix.
The love was passionate and heart-warming, Osiris not being able to give up on Sadie even till her last breathe. Rachel has certainly thrown a curve ball in this story, giving us more than we anticipated and an ending that was certainly not predictable!
A short read filled with the entire goodies one could want, after finishing this story there are no loose ends, no questions just an ending to a well delivered series. Smooth flowing storyline and chapters, well put forth plot and overall a sad tale to see end.
Rachel Firasek delivers what every reader wants, anticipation, mystery, romance and a tale that you will remember after you have turned the last page.
I rated The Last Beginning 5 Hearts as every story in this series will take a small piece of yours ! Its heartfelt, romantic and just leaves you starry eyed and sheepishly grinning ! What every reader wants RIGHT !
March 5, 2012
The Last Beginning is the last book in this wonderful series, and as happy as I am after reading it I have to say I am sad at the same time. I am sad to see this amazing world and cast of characters Rachel has created has come to an end. I love finding a world and set of characters that you can tell right from get go the author has poured so much love and passion into creating, it wasn't just a series of books, it was her baby, born, nurtured, loved, guided, and lovingly cared for, but like all of our children they grow up and we at some point have to let them go.
I have reviewed and posted of each in this series and I hope you all have had the chance to read them all and enjoyed as much as I have.
I really am having a hard time choosing a favorite character, Rachel has done such a phenomenal job at creating them you just love them all, Osiris you hate but end up loving and understanding better by the end of the last book, I would have to say Sadie is my favorite but really loved them all.
It truly couldn't have ended a better way, I was quite surprised at the curve Rachel throws in there, didn't see that one coming at all. This last book takes you for a roller coaster ride like no other that you don't want to miss, it has everything you are looking for in a great book, romance, suspense, mystery, humor, a fantastic plot, and characters you will fall in love with and not want the stories to end. Rachel has masterfully created three books that will be on my shelves forever, Thank you Rachel, well done! Well done! I can't wait to see what Rachel comes up with next I know it will be smashing!!!!
I have reviewed and posted of each in this series and I hope you all have had the chance to read them all and enjoyed as much as I have.
I really am having a hard time choosing a favorite character, Rachel has done such a phenomenal job at creating them you just love them all, Osiris you hate but end up loving and understanding better by the end of the last book, I would have to say Sadie is my favorite but really loved them all.
It truly couldn't have ended a better way, I was quite surprised at the curve Rachel throws in there, didn't see that one coming at all. This last book takes you for a roller coaster ride like no other that you don't want to miss, it has everything you are looking for in a great book, romance, suspense, mystery, humor, a fantastic plot, and characters you will fall in love with and not want the stories to end. Rachel has masterfully created three books that will be on my shelves forever, Thank you Rachel, well done! Well done! I can't wait to see what Rachel comes up with next I know it will be smashing!!!!
March 25, 2012
The Last Beginning by Rachel Firasek is the last novella in the Curse of the Phoenix Series and a fabulous ending to this Trilogy.
Sadie is the last of the remaining curse phoenixes and really wants to know why Osiris won’t let her go like Ice and Ari. Even though she is the youngest of the phoenixes, her body is already giving up on her. Lately when she gets too emotional her body roams with flames and it has weakened her. The only man who can help her is the very one who turns her into this mess in the first place.
Osiris knows time is running out to save Sadie and he will do anything in his power to save her, even if that means breaking some rules. In order to save her soul from burning, he has to get the Book of the Dead and the help of Ice and Ari to do it. But will they be in time?
From the first novella you can sense that Osiris has a soft spot for Sadie and that there is more behind this Egyptian God of the Underworld. I have to say that I had mixed feelings about him and his selfish acts to have Sadie from the moment he laid eyes on her. He turned her into a phoenix simply because he wanted her. I do believe he has true feelings for her, but he could have showed her that in a normal way. Luckily for him he changed for the better good and Sadie made him see that.
Rachel Firasek has again written a great story with fabulous characters. I loved the fact that all the characters from the three novellas are woven into each other’s lives. Ice and Ari both didn’t hesitate when Osiris got them back to save Sadie’s soul.
I have to say that this short series was definitely worth to read and I’m curious to see what other books this author have to show me.
Sadie is the last of the remaining curse phoenixes and really wants to know why Osiris won’t let her go like Ice and Ari. Even though she is the youngest of the phoenixes, her body is already giving up on her. Lately when she gets too emotional her body roams with flames and it has weakened her. The only man who can help her is the very one who turns her into this mess in the first place.
Osiris knows time is running out to save Sadie and he will do anything in his power to save her, even if that means breaking some rules. In order to save her soul from burning, he has to get the Book of the Dead and the help of Ice and Ari to do it. But will they be in time?
From the first novella you can sense that Osiris has a soft spot for Sadie and that there is more behind this Egyptian God of the Underworld. I have to say that I had mixed feelings about him and his selfish acts to have Sadie from the moment he laid eyes on her. He turned her into a phoenix simply because he wanted her. I do believe he has true feelings for her, but he could have showed her that in a normal way. Luckily for him he changed for the better good and Sadie made him see that.
Rachel Firasek has again written a great story with fabulous characters. I loved the fact that all the characters from the three novellas are woven into each other’s lives. Ice and Ari both didn’t hesitate when Osiris got them back to save Sadie’s soul.
I have to say that this short series was definitely worth to read and I’m curious to see what other books this author have to show me.
February 20, 2012
This series has been absolutely amazing. Great characters, interesting story lines for each of the phoenixes and romances like no other. In this third and final installment of the Curse of the Phoenix series more of Osiris' story comes out and there is finally a glimpse at his emotional side. I was wondering if we would get to see this.
Sadie's story is so unlike the others - where Ice and Ari both had committed great sins, Sadie had not. During the story we find out the reason that Sadie was chosen to become one of his phoenixes was because of Osiris' selfishness. (I'm leaving it at that so as not to totally spoil things for those still wanting to read this novella).
They have this love hate relationship - he loves her unconditionally, but she hates him with all of her being one minute and the next she is drawn to his raw masculinity like a moth to a flame. Their desire for one another is quite smoldering, regardless that Sadie tries her best to not give in to her needs.
When Sadie becomes deathly ill, Osiris does everything within his power to try and save her life. Though they have not been romantically inclined before, he is completely in love with her. With this need to save her life, Osiris calls upon Ice and Ari for some help and it is wonderful to see the other two phoenixes make an appearance via their new lives.
Overall this story is fast paced, intense and unpredictable. There are things I just assumed would happen and the few small twists were perfect at keeping me on my toes. I loved how this series ended and it is one of my top novella series to date.
Sadie's story is so unlike the others - where Ice and Ari both had committed great sins, Sadie had not. During the story we find out the reason that Sadie was chosen to become one of his phoenixes was because of Osiris' selfishness. (I'm leaving it at that so as not to totally spoil things for those still wanting to read this novella).
They have this love hate relationship - he loves her unconditionally, but she hates him with all of her being one minute and the next she is drawn to his raw masculinity like a moth to a flame. Their desire for one another is quite smoldering, regardless that Sadie tries her best to not give in to her needs.
When Sadie becomes deathly ill, Osiris does everything within his power to try and save her life. Though they have not been romantically inclined before, he is completely in love with her. With this need to save her life, Osiris calls upon Ice and Ari for some help and it is wonderful to see the other two phoenixes make an appearance via their new lives.
Overall this story is fast paced, intense and unpredictable. There are things I just assumed would happen and the few small twists were perfect at keeping me on my toes. I loved how this series ended and it is one of my top novella series to date.
February 5, 2012
OK, first things first, I love the cover. Secondly, this is the third book in the series but I haven't read the first two. That doesn't really faze me out since every book in the series should stand by on its own. And this one does too, except I was a bit confused in the beginning and had to cautiously step into the book.
Well, this book is about fantasy and though I am not too big a fan of this genre, I liked this book fairly well. It has a plot to keep you occupied, there is enough stuff to trigger your imagination. I kept visualizing all the places and the Gods and all.
The beginning of the story is really well done, it lures you in. And I think that should be the first basis of a writing. There are so many books that are supposed to get good later on but since I don't like how it begins, I end up abandoning it.
Having said all that, some things didn't appeal to me (though they could have been changed in the final version). I couldn't imagine a God's life-love wearing a tank top and jeans. It just plays havoc with all my imagination. Also, thinking of a God in jeans and another one saying 'guys'. Umm, it doesn't work for me. It completely shatters my becoming one with the fantastical creations.
I so wish that there was more in the book except the God yearning for his maiden and trying to save her. I don't know what but something more.
In all, a quick read that is good enough for a one-time read.
I am torn between a 2.5 and a 3.
Well, this book is about fantasy and though I am not too big a fan of this genre, I liked this book fairly well. It has a plot to keep you occupied, there is enough stuff to trigger your imagination. I kept visualizing all the places and the Gods and all.
The beginning of the story is really well done, it lures you in. And I think that should be the first basis of a writing. There are so many books that are supposed to get good later on but since I don't like how it begins, I end up abandoning it.
Having said all that, some things didn't appeal to me (though they could have been changed in the final version). I couldn't imagine a God's life-love wearing a tank top and jeans. It just plays havoc with all my imagination. Also, thinking of a God in jeans and another one saying 'guys'. Umm, it doesn't work for me. It completely shatters my becoming one with the fantastical creations.
I so wish that there was more in the book except the God yearning for his maiden and trying to save her. I don't know what but something more.
In all, a quick read that is good enough for a one-time read.
I am torn between a 2.5 and a 3.
February 10, 2012
I have read this series from the very beginning. This is the 3rd & final installment and features the story of Osiris, the god who was responsible for the women becoming phoenixes and Sadie, the last remaining phoenix.
I really enjoyed reading about Sadie's background and how Osiris wrongfully took her... as Sadie had not "sinned" and did not owe retribution for past wrongs as the other phoenixes had when they were taken. We learn much more about Osiris in this installment, and while he's not fully redeemed in my mind, he came out of the story better than he went in...
The story revolves around a life-threatening condition that Sadie develops that shouldn't be... Osiris and Sadie search for the Book of the Dead to find a possible "cure."
I always enjoy updates on how favorite characters from previous books are faring and Rachel lets us revisit the phoenixes from the prior installments as they are called upon by Osiris to help save their sister phoenix. Along the way, we visit exotic locales, meet up with other deities, and enjoy flashbacks to each of their pasts.
While Osiris & Sadie yearn for each other like one would crave a forbiiden fruit on the vine, there was more emotion between the two of them than romance.
All in all, Rachel writes very engaging tales and ... and this is no exception.
I really enjoyed reading about Sadie's background and how Osiris wrongfully took her... as Sadie had not "sinned" and did not owe retribution for past wrongs as the other phoenixes had when they were taken. We learn much more about Osiris in this installment, and while he's not fully redeemed in my mind, he came out of the story better than he went in...
The story revolves around a life-threatening condition that Sadie develops that shouldn't be... Osiris and Sadie search for the Book of the Dead to find a possible "cure."
I always enjoy updates on how favorite characters from previous books are faring and Rachel lets us revisit the phoenixes from the prior installments as they are called upon by Osiris to help save their sister phoenix. Along the way, we visit exotic locales, meet up with other deities, and enjoy flashbacks to each of their pasts.
While Osiris & Sadie yearn for each other like one would crave a forbiiden fruit on the vine, there was more emotion between the two of them than romance.
All in all, Rachel writes very engaging tales and ... and this is no exception.
May 4, 2012
The third and (depressingly) final installment of the Phoenix series did disappoint me - because it was achingly short.
Rachel is excellent at putting a lot of story into a little amount of space - but when I saw the page count I shed a little tear. I have thoroughly enjoyed the series and knew I didn't want to end that soon. In fact, I set this book aside and waited to read it to draw out the amount of time with the characters.
Of course, once I started I wish I'd never waited. Osiris and Sadie were such a mix. Osiris, God or not, well - he was SUCH a man. I wanted to smack him sometimes...but it didn't make me love him less.
Sadie is probably my favorite heroine - and not just because she has the most awesome name of them all ;) She's spunky has hell, fiery - the perfect match for that stubborn man.
It was over too soon, and for that I was sad. But in the end, the story was amazing, a unique trilogy that is on my favorites shelf forever.
Rachel is excellent at putting a lot of story into a little amount of space - but when I saw the page count I shed a little tear. I have thoroughly enjoyed the series and knew I didn't want to end that soon. In fact, I set this book aside and waited to read it to draw out the amount of time with the characters.
Of course, once I started I wish I'd never waited. Osiris and Sadie were such a mix. Osiris, God or not, well - he was SUCH a man. I wanted to smack him sometimes...but it didn't make me love him less.
Sadie is probably my favorite heroine - and not just because she has the most awesome name of them all ;) She's spunky has hell, fiery - the perfect match for that stubborn man.
It was over too soon, and for that I was sad. But in the end, the story was amazing, a unique trilogy that is on my favorites shelf forever.
May 31, 2013
Short read; I finished it in less than 2 hours.
So, naturally, it's a bit squished. Much like my complaints about book #1, I find that book #3 has too much focus on the build-up and too little focus on the climax and end, so I was left mildly disappointed.
So many things were thrown at me in the last...half of the book...that I honestly wasn't sure whether to shake my head or roll my eyes. It would've been okay if we were given some kind of slow-it-down rationale to give some kind of framework. As it stands, all we see of Osiris' reasons are the mid-action ripples; we never get to see what's making the waves.
So, naturally, it's a bit squished. Much like my complaints about book #1, I find that book #3 has too much focus on the build-up and too little focus on the climax and end, so I was left mildly disappointed.
So many things were thrown at me in the last...half of the book...that I honestly wasn't sure whether to shake my head or roll my eyes. It would've been okay if we were given some kind of slow-it-down rationale to give some kind of framework. As it stands, all we see of Osiris' reasons are the mid-action ripples; we never get to see what's making the waves.
February 24, 2012
The last chapter of the Curse of the Phoenix series was a beautiful ending to the trilogy.
For anyone who loves a good romance, this is the book for you. I really liked Sadie with her fiery personality and was pulled into her story. I think Sadie is my favorite Phoenix. Her journey is one of the best so far.
The book reminds me of the complexity of love and all the feelings that come into play.
I give this book 5 stars for the simple truth of love and for making me feel the story.
Bravo, Rachel. I will continue to be a fan of your books.
For anyone who loves a good romance, this is the book for you. I really liked Sadie with her fiery personality and was pulled into her story. I think Sadie is my favorite Phoenix. Her journey is one of the best so far.
The book reminds me of the complexity of love and all the feelings that come into play.
I give this book 5 stars for the simple truth of love and for making me feel the story.
Bravo, Rachel. I will continue to be a fan of your books.
June 2, 2012
Amazing. The entire trilogy was amazing. I was so sad to see it end. When I started it I was lent the first two books by a friend and read them both within days. When this one came out I couldn't wait to read Sadie's story.
It was so good to see some of the characters from the other books in this one as well. (Ice had been my favorite from the beginning) But seeing the journey that Osiris and Sadie had to take was well worth it.
The only disappointment in this book for me was that it was over. I think I could read books about these three women and their men for a long time.
It was so good to see some of the characters from the other books in this one as well. (Ice had been my favorite from the beginning) But seeing the journey that Osiris and Sadie had to take was well worth it.
The only disappointment in this book for me was that it was over. I think I could read books about these three women and their men for a long time.
February 17, 2015
The Curse of the Phoenix series has quickly become a favorite of mine. It has a little bit of ever thing that I love in a book. It has some romance, some drama, some hot guys. What more do you need?
I also love the idea that the girls are soul savers. It kind of makes me wish that there really were a group of people out there dedicated to making sure some of us live a little bit longer.
Great read, a lot of fun.
I also love the idea that the girls are soul savers. It kind of makes me wish that there really were a group of people out there dedicated to making sure some of us live a little bit longer.
Great read, a lot of fun.
June 20, 2012
And with Osiris and Sadie finish off this series with a sexy, hot and amazing bang. Ms. Firasek is a go to about who put so much effort and love into her books that you can't help but feel lucky you found her. She will take excellent care of your heart while you enjoy her amazing ride. Treat yourself to her whole collection!
February 7, 2012
Perfect ending to the Curse of the Phoenix series!
http://darhkportal.com/2012/02/review...
http://darhkportal.com/2012/02/review...
April 2, 2013
A great series
January 7, 2021
This review and others can be found at http://www.wholelatteromance.blogspot...
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9781937044565
I'll be the first to admit that while I haven't read the first two books, I jumped at the chance to read this when I saw it on NetGalley, Egyptian Mythology has always been something I've been interested in and this story sounded right up my alley. I was, however, disappointed. I'm not sure exactly if it's any one thing over the other, more so than a combination of things, but I really just could not connect with this story. I found the characters to be superficial, shallow, wishy-washy, arrogant and the execution of the plot was weak at best. I haven't read the first two books in the series, and I didn't feel as though I was missing any information when reading it, it did indeed stand alone, but I just couldn't connect.
The Blurb:
Though she's always hated being a phoenix, Sadie has to admit immortality has its advantages. She's seen and done more in the last 150 years than she'd ever dreamed of, but she can't get past the fact that Osiris has done nothing but manipulate her and her fellow phoenixes.
Or that, when her last incarnation as a phoenix comes to a fiery end, the fire slowly begins to consume her body.
Sun god Osiris is ashamed of his role as ruler of the Underworld, but unless he can figure out how to save Sadie, that's exactly where she's going to end up. Permanently. Terrified he's going to lose her, he takes her on a hunt for The Book of the Dead, which is the only way he knows he can save her-even if it means she'll hate him forever.
My Take:
I found Osiris to be selfish and arrogant, which in the beginning of a story is fine, the problem was right up to the very end he continued to be selfish and arrogant, even as he 's trying to save Sadie's life, I don't get the feeling he's doing it for her, but for him which takes away all the romance in the gesture of trying to save Sadie.
I found Sadie herself to be shallow and wishy-washy, I want him, I don't want him, flirting and then don't even think about it. It was like she was two different people and it became annoying.
Frankly, for Osiris to be an Egyptian God, he didn't come across as godly, in addition to his selfishness (which, okay that's a bit typical of gods,) and arrogance, his obsession with Sadie was a bit too much to handle as though he was a puppy. He didn't come across as manly or alpha to me, as a God should in my opinion, especially one such as Osiris. Obsession isn't sexy, it's creepy.
The sexual chemistry for the two was non-existent though the author did try, and I think for the most part it was due to the characterization of the hero and heroine. I felt like it was just thrown in there for the sake of it. Most of the time I felt like Sadie really truly did not like Osiris which is why I felt like the sex and sexual tension was just thrown in.
I felt like I was floating above the story rather than being a part of it. As I said earlier, I just didn't connect. I really really wanted to like this story, which is why I finished it. I was hoping by the end that everything would fix itself, but sadly it didn't.
The story is on the shorter side, around 100 pages or so and perhaps this is one of the reasons I didn't connect, there was just too much plot and history between the characters to fit into roughly 100 pages. I felt that I was being told most of the history of Osiris and Sadie's relationship rather than getting to see it develop. This story, had it been executed better, could have been great. Sadly, it wasn't.
My Rating: 2/5 lattes
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9781937044565
I'll be the first to admit that while I haven't read the first two books, I jumped at the chance to read this when I saw it on NetGalley, Egyptian Mythology has always been something I've been interested in and this story sounded right up my alley. I was, however, disappointed. I'm not sure exactly if it's any one thing over the other, more so than a combination of things, but I really just could not connect with this story. I found the characters to be superficial, shallow, wishy-washy, arrogant and the execution of the plot was weak at best. I haven't read the first two books in the series, and I didn't feel as though I was missing any information when reading it, it did indeed stand alone, but I just couldn't connect.
The Blurb:
Though she's always hated being a phoenix, Sadie has to admit immortality has its advantages. She's seen and done more in the last 150 years than she'd ever dreamed of, but she can't get past the fact that Osiris has done nothing but manipulate her and her fellow phoenixes.
Or that, when her last incarnation as a phoenix comes to a fiery end, the fire slowly begins to consume her body.
Sun god Osiris is ashamed of his role as ruler of the Underworld, but unless he can figure out how to save Sadie, that's exactly where she's going to end up. Permanently. Terrified he's going to lose her, he takes her on a hunt for The Book of the Dead, which is the only way he knows he can save her-even if it means she'll hate him forever.
My Take:
I found Osiris to be selfish and arrogant, which in the beginning of a story is fine, the problem was right up to the very end he continued to be selfish and arrogant, even as he 's trying to save Sadie's life, I don't get the feeling he's doing it for her, but for him which takes away all the romance in the gesture of trying to save Sadie.
I found Sadie herself to be shallow and wishy-washy, I want him, I don't want him, flirting and then don't even think about it. It was like she was two different people and it became annoying.
Frankly, for Osiris to be an Egyptian God, he didn't come across as godly, in addition to his selfishness (which, okay that's a bit typical of gods,) and arrogance, his obsession with Sadie was a bit too much to handle as though he was a puppy. He didn't come across as manly or alpha to me, as a God should in my opinion, especially one such as Osiris. Obsession isn't sexy, it's creepy.
The sexual chemistry for the two was non-existent though the author did try, and I think for the most part it was due to the characterization of the hero and heroine. I felt like it was just thrown in there for the sake of it. Most of the time I felt like Sadie really truly did not like Osiris which is why I felt like the sex and sexual tension was just thrown in.
I felt like I was floating above the story rather than being a part of it. As I said earlier, I just didn't connect. I really really wanted to like this story, which is why I finished it. I was hoping by the end that everything would fix itself, but sadly it didn't.
The story is on the shorter side, around 100 pages or so and perhaps this is one of the reasons I didn't connect, there was just too much plot and history between the characters to fit into roughly 100 pages. I felt that I was being told most of the history of Osiris and Sadie's relationship rather than getting to see it develop. This story, had it been executed better, could have been great. Sadly, it wasn't.
My Rating: 2/5 lattes
July 7, 2014
The third book in the Curse of the Phoenix series is a mesmerizing read that keeps readers trembling on the edge of their seat. Sadie’s fire is slowly consuming her body and with all Osiris’ manipulations he sure he can find a way to save her even it makes her hate him forever.
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers entertained with suspense, drama, and a spark flying romance. The author breathes life into the story with well written scenes and details which inspire vivid images and make the reader feel as if they are part of the story.
Spine tingling suspense builds throughout the romance as Osiris and Sadie battle each other even as Osiris tries to keep the fire from consuming Sadie. The characters are strong, compelling, easily understood and invite the reader to join them in their story.
Sadie can’t deny the red hot passion she possess for Osiris, but she isn’t going to share that information with him which causes sparks to fly and tempers to flare throughout the relationship. The reader can’t help but get caught up in the drama and the intrigue as the two try to find out what is happening to Sadie and how to stop it. Osiris’ guilt for what he has done is obvious, but did he learn his lesson, remember Gods don’t exactly think like humans do.
The author keeps the drama flowing smoothly and throws a few surprises at the reader keeping them guessing as to what will happen next in this short but fulfilling story that brings the Egyptian God of the Underworld to the attention of the readers. And I found the story to be enjoyable and exciting, although I do wonder what Osiris thought of Sadie’s redecoration of his home.
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers entertained with suspense, drama, and a spark flying romance. The author breathes life into the story with well written scenes and details which inspire vivid images and make the reader feel as if they are part of the story.
Spine tingling suspense builds throughout the romance as Osiris and Sadie battle each other even as Osiris tries to keep the fire from consuming Sadie. The characters are strong, compelling, easily understood and invite the reader to join them in their story.
Sadie can’t deny the red hot passion she possess for Osiris, but she isn’t going to share that information with him which causes sparks to fly and tempers to flare throughout the relationship. The reader can’t help but get caught up in the drama and the intrigue as the two try to find out what is happening to Sadie and how to stop it. Osiris’ guilt for what he has done is obvious, but did he learn his lesson, remember Gods don’t exactly think like humans do.
The author keeps the drama flowing smoothly and throws a few surprises at the reader keeping them guessing as to what will happen next in this short but fulfilling story that brings the Egyptian God of the Underworld to the attention of the readers. And I found the story to be enjoyable and exciting, although I do wonder what Osiris thought of Sadie’s redecoration of his home.
June 15, 2014
Rachel Firasek writes a series which is truly new and completely addicting. This trilogy of novels is wonderfully written in such a way that the reader relies on the story continuing. Overlapping the characters from story to story, has been done before but in this case completes the flow of the individual books.
The Last Rising – introduces you to the series and the Phoenix’s. Ice is a Phoenix who is making penance for her sins, Turner Alcott is her mark and together they weave a story that enchants, entertaining the romantics while remaining original enough to entice readers not usually interested in this genre.
The Last Awakening – continues with Ari’s story and circles around her voodoo magic and Grey’s troubled past. Wonderfully meaningful while continuing with the romance we expect from such a book.
The Last Beginning – tells the story of Osiris and his very human needs. Does something that began with a wrong lead to something right? This is the question which twists through the novel, threading through the story of Sadie’s life as a Phoenix.
Individually these books would have been good or better, together they are an outstandingly entertaining bundle of romance which I thought completely engaging and phenomenally thought provoking, while remaining wholly romantic.
The Last Rising – introduces you to the series and the Phoenix’s. Ice is a Phoenix who is making penance for her sins, Turner Alcott is her mark and together they weave a story that enchants, entertaining the romantics while remaining original enough to entice readers not usually interested in this genre.
The Last Awakening – continues with Ari’s story and circles around her voodoo magic and Grey’s troubled past. Wonderfully meaningful while continuing with the romance we expect from such a book.
The Last Beginning – tells the story of Osiris and his very human needs. Does something that began with a wrong lead to something right? This is the question which twists through the novel, threading through the story of Sadie’s life as a Phoenix.
Individually these books would have been good or better, together they are an outstandingly entertaining bundle of romance which I thought completely engaging and phenomenally thought provoking, while remaining wholly romantic.
June 24, 2014
The last book in the Curse of the Phoenix series really brough it all together with a fantastic ending. Osiris has finally admitted (at least to himself) that Sadie is something special and different - but when she heats up, literally, with fire coursing through her body he has no clue what is going on. Their relationship goes through several stages as they try to find a cure to whatever has happened, but Osiris may still be too arrogant and make a mistake that could lose her forever.
Each of the phoenixes has had a very unique and special touch to their character and their happily ever afters. In my opinion, each one got a little better throughout the whole series. Sadie's ending is epic in many ways. Osiris was still too much of a jerk for me to really like him a whole lot though. He's an arrogant man, that thinks that because he is a god, he has the right to do whatever he wants.
This was a very good series - lots of fun with some great characters.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/0...
Each of the phoenixes has had a very unique and special touch to their character and their happily ever afters. In my opinion, each one got a little better throughout the whole series. Sadie's ending is epic in many ways. Osiris was still too much of a jerk for me to really like him a whole lot though. He's an arrogant man, that thinks that because he is a god, he has the right to do whatever he wants.
This was a very good series - lots of fun with some great characters.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/0...
September 7, 2016
Sadie hates her life. She spends her time saving people as a phoenix and has had to sea her friends become mortal and have a real life. She likes the fact she has lived a long life but she s ready to move on. The only problem is Osiris the god who turned her into a phoenix. He doesn't want to let her go and did something a long time ago he is afraid to admit. He is afraid to let her goal as it would mean saying goodbye to the woman he loves. He will do anything to save her and keep her with him. Sadie isn't afraid to let go she only hopes she doesn't end up in hell.
Osiris is a very powerful god and you really get to see all sides of him in this book. He is the god behind the phoenix and has his reasons for choosing each one. He picked Sadie because she caught his eye and caused him to care. Sadie feels ashamed of what she had to do to survive when she was alive. She doesn't feel worty and doesn't believe Osiris can really love her. She isn't afraid of danger or dying. She is very proud. I love the journey to all the places these two go to and all their adventures. It has lots of love and a great paranormal plot.
Osiris is a very powerful god and you really get to see all sides of him in this book. He is the god behind the phoenix and has his reasons for choosing each one. He picked Sadie because she caught his eye and caused him to care. Sadie feels ashamed of what she had to do to survive when she was alive. She doesn't feel worty and doesn't believe Osiris can really love her. She isn't afraid of danger or dying. She is very proud. I love the journey to all the places these two go to and all their adventures. It has lots of love and a great paranormal plot.
February 1, 2012
When I requested this book I didn't realize that it was the third in a series. That however shouldn't really have mattered as all books in a series should stand find on their own. I was rather confused at the beginning of this book as it assumed that I would know characters from the previous books.
I also found that the main characters could really stand to be fleshed out more. Yes I know that Osiris really wants Sadie but what else makes him tick. We are shown that Sadie is holding a grudge against him for both recent happenings and also things that happened 150 years ago but we are told that she isn't one to stay mad at someone for that long. I really need to know more about her to be able to understand why.
This isn't a bad story and it is a quick read. It's just that I feel that it has the promise to become a really good story with a few changes.
**I recieved this book free thru NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No money exchanged hands and all opinions are my own.
I also found that the main characters could really stand to be fleshed out more. Yes I know that Osiris really wants Sadie but what else makes him tick. We are shown that Sadie is holding a grudge against him for both recent happenings and also things that happened 150 years ago but we are told that she isn't one to stay mad at someone for that long. I really need to know more about her to be able to understand why.
This isn't a bad story and it is a quick read. It's just that I feel that it has the promise to become a really good story with a few changes.
**I recieved this book free thru NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No money exchanged hands and all opinions are my own.
July 23, 2014
Full Review @http://www.abookishescape.com/2014/07...
The authors writing was engaging and will keep you turning the pages throughout. There weren’t any dull moments. Like I said this was my favorite I felt like the plot was more not to say the others were bad but this was by far my favorite. We were able to revisit all of the other main characters in past installments which I loved. This was an okay series that ended with a bang. I would've done some things differently but I’m not the author. I have to mention that everyones tastes are different and perhaps this just wasn’t my cup of tea. So if your curious then go for it! The price for the bundle is super cheap so you know you wont be forking out barrels of money, and hey this may become your next fav!
My Rating
4.0 Mining, Red Curls, Shotgun, Fire, Sirens, Gem, Phoenix, Abet, Destiny, Despair, Second Chance Love filled stars! I recommend this for those looking for a different paranormal romance with lots of HEA’s!
The authors writing was engaging and will keep you turning the pages throughout. There weren’t any dull moments. Like I said this was my favorite I felt like the plot was more not to say the others were bad but this was by far my favorite. We were able to revisit all of the other main characters in past installments which I loved. This was an okay series that ended with a bang. I would've done some things differently but I’m not the author. I have to mention that everyones tastes are different and perhaps this just wasn’t my cup of tea. So if your curious then go for it! The price for the bundle is super cheap so you know you wont be forking out barrels of money, and hey this may become your next fav!
My Rating
4.0 Mining, Red Curls, Shotgun, Fire, Sirens, Gem, Phoenix, Abet, Destiny, Despair, Second Chance Love filled stars! I recommend this for those looking for a different paranormal romance with lots of HEA’s!
August 6, 2016
Until the end, this was my favorite of the series. I just wished there could have been a little more. It felt a tiny but abrupt for me. :-/
--full review coming for the full trilogy box set and Author Event in July
--full review coming for the full trilogy box set and Author Event in July
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