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The Phoenix Conspiracy #2
The Phoenix Rising
As the most serious threat ever facing the galaxy now looms over them—weapons able to destroy stars—Calvin and his enterprising crew continue their mission to expose and eliminate the dark conspiracy that has taken root inside the Empire.
Now a fugitive on the run, Calvin has no choice but to work alongside Raidan’s mysterious Organization. And accept help from the unlikeliest band of fair-weather friends, including a mysterious squad of Polarian soldiers, an ex-intelligence-operative from the Rotham Republic, and the ever elusive Tristan—whose truest motives are a closely guarded secret.
To make matters worse, Calvin is hunted mercilessly across the stars by Intel Wing’s top operative, Lafayette Nimoux, who is aided by a double-agent on Calvin’s own ship.
Meanwhile the sands of fortune are shifting within the Empire, upsetting the delicate political climate. Warships and civilian transports are vanishing without a trace and murders in the dark are going unnoticed. All eyes are fixed on Renora—a human colony that has been savagely attacked and thrown into civil war. The prime suspect behind the attack is none other than Princess Kalila Akira.
All the dark signs are pointing to what could be the death of the Empire, and the end of human dominance in the galaxy.
Now a fugitive on the run, Calvin has no choice but to work alongside Raidan’s mysterious Organization. And accept help from the unlikeliest band of fair-weather friends, including a mysterious squad of Polarian soldiers, an ex-intelligence-operative from the Rotham Republic, and the ever elusive Tristan—whose truest motives are a closely guarded secret.
To make matters worse, Calvin is hunted mercilessly across the stars by Intel Wing’s top operative, Lafayette Nimoux, who is aided by a double-agent on Calvin’s own ship.
Meanwhile the sands of fortune are shifting within the Empire, upsetting the delicate political climate. Warships and civilian transports are vanishing without a trace and murders in the dark are going unnoticed. All eyes are fixed on Renora—a human colony that has been savagely attacked and thrown into civil war. The prime suspect behind the attack is none other than Princess Kalila Akira.
All the dark signs are pointing to what could be the death of the Empire, and the end of human dominance in the galaxy.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2012
112 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Richard L. Sanders
9 books84 followersI’m a 26 year old law student with a B.S. in Economics from the University of Utah. I grew up on Star Wars and Star Trek and all of that fun stuff. I’ve been writing stories since I was able to hold a pencil and have always loved escaping into books. In the real world I enjoy the beautiful outdoors (camping, hiking, climbing, swimming, all of that) and have recently gotten into skiing. I also love a good game of chess every now and then.
I cite Orson Scott Card and J.K. Rowling as my primary influences, however there are others (Roddenberry, etc.) who’ve clearly influenced me and the list of those deserving credit is, I’m sure, far longer than I could possibly guess.
Copied from http://www.richardlsanders.com/
I cite Orson Scott Card and J.K. Rowling as my primary influences, however there are others (Roddenberry, etc.) who’ve clearly influenced me and the list of those deserving credit is, I’m sure, far longer than I could possibly guess.
Copied from http://www.richardlsanders.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 15, 2024
This was disappointing after the first book..
It was a hard slog at times with too much conversation followed by some very quick action, in between.
The character building was very shallow with no real signs of improving throughout the book.
It was a hard slog at times with too much conversation followed by some very quick action, in between.
The character building was very shallow with no real signs of improving throughout the book.
April 12, 2013
Summary: Enjoyable sf - conspiracies galore and many layers of intrigue, space battles and all sorts
Plotline: A little chaotic, unbelievable (in a bad way) at times, but it certainly keeps the reader guessing
Premise: Sort of OK. Good universe, but their are inconsistencies. Best not to think too hard about these.
Writing: Like the book, chaotic a times, but highly readable
Ending: Set up for the next book, but still very good
Pace: Fast and furious. And chaotic.
Plotline: A little chaotic, unbelievable (in a bad way) at times, but it certainly keeps the reader guessing
Premise: Sort of OK. Good universe, but their are inconsistencies. Best not to think too hard about these.
Writing: Like the book, chaotic a times, but highly readable
Ending: Set up for the next book, but still very good
Pace: Fast and furious. And chaotic.
September 20, 2019
In my review of the first book, I said that The Phoenix Conspiracy had all the things that I loved about space opera: intrigue, mystery, space battles, interesting characters, empire, aliens and conspiracy. The same holds true for the sequel, which feel like simply like a continuation of the first one. The tone, the writing and the pace are the same. The series (so far) is really a great sci-fi spy thriller with high tension and space fleet action. On to book 3!
May 3, 2022
While I like the whole premise and the first book was decent enough. I just hate Calvin and find him way two 2 dimensional. He is an upcoming star but at the same time completely incompetent and unable to solve a simple puzzle. Boy genius that is actually an idiot.
It’s one of those getting strung along while shooting head first and no foresight
It’s one of those getting strung along while shooting head first and no foresight
February 16, 2018
Book 2
Book 2 was a fun read. The characters and plot is well developed. The plot is mostly the same, with added twists and turns to keep my interest. Each book reveals something new about the overall story of the series.
Book 2 was a fun read. The characters and plot is well developed. The plot is mostly the same, with added twists and turns to keep my interest. Each book reveals something new about the overall story of the series.
October 20, 2018
It has been four years. Since I read The Phoenix Conspiracy. But I do not remember so many. Fragmented, incomplete sentences. I think perhaps the author was aiming for a Hemingway-esque style, but only achieved a Shatner-esque parody.
September 30, 2019
Timeless Saga
Great series about the future and multiple species of beings from different world's who are fighting another group for control of a weapon that has the potential to destroy planets.
Great series about the future and multiple species of beings from different world's who are fighting another group for control of a weapon that has the potential to destroy planets.
December 11, 2019
Rose
This is such an exciting book to read. The twists and turns of this saga have some terrifying scenes. Get the characters continue showing their true feelings and desperate ways of saving each other. I look forward to the next installment.
This is such an exciting book to read. The twists and turns of this saga have some terrifying scenes. Get the characters continue showing their true feelings and desperate ways of saving each other. I look forward to the next installment.
December 28, 2019
Serious threats, overwhelming challenges
The author has put his well-developed characters in perilous situations that seem to be impossible to overcome. All the time the background tension surrounding a possible Galaxy wide conflict continues to build.
The author has put his well-developed characters in perilous situations that seem to be impossible to overcome. All the time the background tension surrounding a possible Galaxy wide conflict continues to build.
December 18, 2020
Part two is slow, more details.
Author freebie. The conspiracies multiply. Calvin gets to deal with more aliens and modified humans. Two criminal groups show up. A glossography would be helpful.
Author freebie. The conspiracies multiply. Calvin gets to deal with more aliens and modified humans. Two criminal groups show up. A glossography would be helpful.
December 23, 2022
I kind of enjoyed the first book in this series pretty well. But in this second book, the captain and crew of the starship turn out to be tweens. The juvenile relationship angst goes on for page after page, then repeats. This was a 150-page story padded out to 300 pages with middle school fluff.
September 15, 2019
Good but...
Well written with a well thought out plot but too much doesn't make sense unless you read the series in order. It stands on its own ,
Well written with a well thought out plot but too much doesn't make sense unless you read the series in order. It stands on its own ,
December 15, 2019
Not nearly as good as the 1st book in this series. Don't know if I'll continue
January 15, 2020
As the saga goes on and new players are introduced both good and bad have changed the thoughts of the outcome of the readers.. Looking forward to the next book.
January 27, 2020
Still little errors throughout the book, like spelling, punctuation. Basically what an editor is for, but the way the book is free and has a decent story is big plus.
July 17, 2020
The fast pace is continued in book 2 making it a book hard to put down.
August 27, 2023
Good story.
January 14, 2013
The Phoenix Rising, Richard L. Sanders
As Renora, a previously peaceful and industrious human colony, collapses and tears itself apart in the chaotic violence of civil war, Calvin Cross becomes ever more convinced that the elusive Phoenix Ring is responsible for instigating the conflict and seems to be one of the only people in the galaxy to notice the politicians, warships and transport ships that are vanishing throughout the Empire!
His investigations into this matter are hindered however, because Calvin and his crew are now fugitives themselves and have had no choice but to alienate themselves from the Empire and join Raiden's mysterious organisation in their search for answers. And so, believing Calvin to be a traitor, Captain Lafayette Nimoux, Intel Wing's most successful agent, is dispatched to bring Calvin and his crew to justice - chasing them across the Empire as they seek to save it from certain destruction and preserve human dominance in the galaxy.
My Thoughts
Although I enjoyed reading The Phoenix Rising, which was packed full of action and unpredictable plot lines, I was slightly disappointed with it as a whole and didn't feel that it was quite as good as its predecessor, The Phoenix Conspiracy. This is mainly because the book reads like it had been rushed in some places and, as a consequence, I feel that Richard L. Sanders has not developed its events and characters to their full potential.
Still, The Phoenix Rising is a worthy instalment to The Phoenix Conspiracy series and has a fast-paced plot right from the off that leaves you hungry for more once you've read the last page! Thus, I recommend reading The Phoenix Rising for fans of the first book and investing in the series if you enjoy sci-fi or just want to give it a go!
As Renora, a previously peaceful and industrious human colony, collapses and tears itself apart in the chaotic violence of civil war, Calvin Cross becomes ever more convinced that the elusive Phoenix Ring is responsible for instigating the conflict and seems to be one of the only people in the galaxy to notice the politicians, warships and transport ships that are vanishing throughout the Empire!
His investigations into this matter are hindered however, because Calvin and his crew are now fugitives themselves and have had no choice but to alienate themselves from the Empire and join Raiden's mysterious organisation in their search for answers. And so, believing Calvin to be a traitor, Captain Lafayette Nimoux, Intel Wing's most successful agent, is dispatched to bring Calvin and his crew to justice - chasing them across the Empire as they seek to save it from certain destruction and preserve human dominance in the galaxy.
My Thoughts
Although I enjoyed reading The Phoenix Rising, which was packed full of action and unpredictable plot lines, I was slightly disappointed with it as a whole and didn't feel that it was quite as good as its predecessor, The Phoenix Conspiracy. This is mainly because the book reads like it had been rushed in some places and, as a consequence, I feel that Richard L. Sanders has not developed its events and characters to their full potential.
Still, The Phoenix Rising is a worthy instalment to The Phoenix Conspiracy series and has a fast-paced plot right from the off that leaves you hungry for more once you've read the last page! Thus, I recommend reading The Phoenix Rising for fans of the first book and investing in the series if you enjoy sci-fi or just want to give it a go!
March 24, 2013
After reading the first book, 'the Phoenix Conspiracy', I was left with the feeling that the book was ok, but not spectacular; it had an interesting story, but suffered from some obvious editorial needs. However, I have to say that 'the Phoenix Rising' is a much improved book from the first in the series and I'm glad I didn't stop at the first.
This book is a straight forward military/mystery sci-fi that will appeal strongly to those who like that genre or love Star Trek books. It keeps a fast pace through most of the book with only a few minor slow points to give you a breather. I'm not sure if I was really digging the romantic scene with the Chen character, but in the end you can see how it sets him up to do what he does; I might have simply chosen a stronger plot mechanism to drive him to the same conclusion. Also, I'm still having mixed feelings about the use of vampire/werewolf type characters in the story. I know it has more of a scientific explanation in this book, but I feel like it may be pandering to the current fades rather than trying for something truly inventive and new. I guess I just didn't expect to find it here since the original book description of 'the Phoenix Conspiracy' didn't mention it.
This was a decent read for an ebook only story and the price on these books is in line with the level of this author within the sci-fi ebook sphere. I will be moving on the the third book in the series in due time.
March 5, 2017
I tried really hard to get into this book, but it had too many weak points. The first is that I don't care for werewolves, vampires and zombies in my space opera. The second, and probably the most damning one, was that the characters acted surprised about certain events even though they KNEW what was happening. The third major weak point is that the characters are supposed to be veteran intelligence agents and space battleship crew, but they all come across as teen-age screw-ups with no clue. I just cannot accept that. It makes the whole book inconsistent as hell! Yuck! The last weak point I need to point out is that this book was written with obvious intent to be a serial. While I knew that going into book #2, I still think it needed to be more self contained and resolve some issues. Each novel in a series should be able to stand on it's own, but this one does not. Although the plot is interesting, I will not be reading book #3, 4 or 5. No thanks, not investing my hours into more potential 'floppitude' when there are so many other good books out there. My rating is 2 star, only for the plot, and I call it a Skippable Read.
August 28, 2015
The Phoenix Rising by Richard L Sanders - 5/5 stars
I needed to attempt the sequel after having read the first book. The writing style had the similar pace and excitement I have come to rely on.
This story answers some of the unanswered questions posed in the first book, but adds many more questions. I think I would have preferred the author to have answered all the pertinent questions related to this story in this book, rather than wait until the third book. However, these are sci-fi mystery novels, and the mystery did keep me hanging on, despite the lack of answers.
As for other criticism I did find it uncanny how the characters seemed to guess accurately what their adversaries were thinking, which made the action slightly less believable.
Overall this story is an intriguing, suspense-filled mystery that continues the story of Calvin Cross, Commander of a rogue Intel Wing craft called the Nighthawk. I think the military action scenes, the realistic portrayal of the characters and the intriguing scenarios they meet with are the most entertaining and aspects of this novel. Oh, and the fact that I can’t stop reading this series!
I needed to attempt the sequel after having read the first book. The writing style had the similar pace and excitement I have come to rely on.
This story answers some of the unanswered questions posed in the first book, but adds many more questions. I think I would have preferred the author to have answered all the pertinent questions related to this story in this book, rather than wait until the third book. However, these are sci-fi mystery novels, and the mystery did keep me hanging on, despite the lack of answers.
As for other criticism I did find it uncanny how the characters seemed to guess accurately what their adversaries were thinking, which made the action slightly less believable.
Overall this story is an intriguing, suspense-filled mystery that continues the story of Calvin Cross, Commander of a rogue Intel Wing craft called the Nighthawk. I think the military action scenes, the realistic portrayal of the characters and the intriguing scenarios they meet with are the most entertaining and aspects of this novel. Oh, and the fact that I can’t stop reading this series!
June 10, 2015
I read the first book in this series a couple of years back. As part of an effort to finish up many of the series I've started on, I put it on my list of series to conquer for this year.
Upon reading the book, I realized I'd forgotten a lot of what had happened in the first book, The Phoenix Conspiracy , but that didn't prevent me from enjoying this book. In fact, it was quite easy to develop an idea of the first book's contents, simply by reading this one.
I applaud the writer's efforts to make everything seem real. I've attempted writing non-human worlds/imaginary worlds before and it's quite a feat to make it sound believable, a feat which Richard L. Sanders was able to pull off quite well. The Rotham, Polarians, and Remorii all seemed very realistic aliens/non-humans.
This series definitely deserves to be on the silver screen!
Upon reading the book, I realized I'd forgotten a lot of what had happened in the first book, The Phoenix Conspiracy , but that didn't prevent me from enjoying this book. In fact, it was quite easy to develop an idea of the first book's contents, simply by reading this one.
I applaud the writer's efforts to make everything seem real. I've attempted writing non-human worlds/imaginary worlds before and it's quite a feat to make it sound believable, a feat which Richard L. Sanders was able to pull off quite well. The Rotham, Polarians, and Remorii all seemed very realistic aliens/non-humans.
This series definitely deserves to be on the silver screen!
February 10, 2017
Gripping second book
The second book in the series and whilst slow to start was fraught with action, suspense and mystery towards the end. I look fwd to read what Calvin's next move is.
The second book in the series and whilst slow to start was fraught with action, suspense and mystery towards the end. I look fwd to read what Calvin's next move is.
July 16, 2012
I can think of very few instances where I felt that the second book in a series was better (standing alone) than the first and didn't just act as a necessary filler book. I have now added The Phoenix Rising to that list. Even if you hadn't read The Phoenix Conspiracy, this book presents a fantastic action-packed story with enough resolution to be satisfying - and enough questions to make you want more. When viewed as a sequel to an already fantastic book, it becomes even better. Sanders clearly knows where he is going with this series and I can't wait to find out where that is.
March 3, 2013
Reading this book after reading the first a while ago is like watching a good TV series, I can't wait for the next episode. The plot gets deeper as you go and the main character, Calvin Cross, is thrust into positions that any leader would have nightmares about. This book shows how the crew of a ship interacts with amazing detail and reality.
August 31, 2012
It continues to move and unfold. The ending is open, so you must read the next book. I don't like open ended series that do that. Other than that, it was good. I don't know yet if I'll read the next book. If it turns out to be a trilogy (or any closed end series), I'll definitely finish the series.
January 17, 2016
A good sequel but dragged on a bit
The author does develop the character a lot better, but still not perfectly in the sequel. The book got disengaging as too many twists and turns seemed to pointlessly distract from the main plot.
The author does develop the character a lot better, but still not perfectly in the sequel. The book got disengaging as too many twists and turns seemed to pointlessly distract from the main plot.
January 28, 2016
I find the plot interesting but i feel let down by the protagonist, he is supposed to be an intelligence officer yet he get played by a girl and get scared too easily and he isn't very good at thinking strategy.
He should be more commanding and confident and cunning.
He should be more commanding and confident and cunning.
September 21, 2012
Brilliant was worth the wait and waiting for the next installment.
September 22, 2012
Good follow-up to the first book but now I have to wait for the third....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews