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Phoenix Rising #2
Phoenix Rising #2: Elissa's Odyssey
Sometimes all you want to do is to go home. . . .
In the sequel to Elissa’s Quest, Elissa’s Gift is not only growing in power . . . it’s changing. Elissa could always speak to animals, but now she’s able to control other things in the natural world. When Elissa becomes separated from her friend Maya—and her faithful donkey, Gertrude—she embarks on a perilous voyage that introduces her to others who have special Gifts, too. It’s as if an unseen hand is guiding her to the pieces of the prophecy . . . the prophecy of the Phoenix.
In this second title in the Phoenix Rising trilogy, readers will continue to root for Elissa—a fabulous, strong girl character—as she makes her way toward her destiny.
In the sequel to Elissa’s Quest, Elissa’s Gift is not only growing in power . . . it’s changing. Elissa could always speak to animals, but now she’s able to control other things in the natural world. When Elissa becomes separated from her friend Maya—and her faithful donkey, Gertrude—she embarks on a perilous voyage that introduces her to others who have special Gifts, too. It’s as if an unseen hand is guiding her to the pieces of the prophecy . . . the prophecy of the Phoenix.
In this second title in the Phoenix Rising trilogy, readers will continue to root for Elissa—a fabulous, strong girl character—as she makes her way toward her destiny.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Erica Verrillo
8 books67 followersMy daughter fell ill when she was eight, and for nearly two years she was unable to attend school. I spent a great deal of that time entertaining her with stories about an intrepid young girl named Elissa, who could talk with animals. Many years later she asked me to write those stories down. (I did, because I do everything my daughter says.) Once I had written them down, she told me to get them published.
A few years later, Random House published those stories as a trilogy, Elissa's Quest, Elissa's Odyssey and World's End. I discovered I liked writing, so I have kept at it ever since.
My current project is a fantasy about a girl who falls in love with Fire, jumps into a volcano, and emerges unscathed to battle Alexander the Great's Army. (My son has told me to publish it. I do everything he says as well.)
A few years later, Random House published those stories as a trilogy, Elissa's Quest, Elissa's Odyssey and World's End. I discovered I liked writing, so I have kept at it ever since.
My current project is a fantasy about a girl who falls in love with Fire, jumps into a volcano, and emerges unscathed to battle Alexander the Great's Army. (My son has told me to publish it. I do everything he says as well.)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 14, 2008
This is the second book in the Phoenix Rising trilogy, following Elissa's Quest. It continues the journey of Elissa after she and her friend Maya escape the evil Khan. Elissa and Maya are set to travel via river after surviving the heat and dryness of the desert. However, when Elissa heads to market for a gift to surprise her friend, she is drugged and robbed, missing the boat. Luckily, a young sailor finds her and offers her a job as a ship's cook aboard the cobbled-together Swamp Maiden. So her adventures begin once again, this time surrounded by swamp, jungle and lots of insects.
In this second book, Elissa also discovers new powers. She had always been able to speak with animals, but now it seems as though plants will listen to her as well. Readers will continue to wonder as they did in the first book about who Elissa really is. Though they will be closer to the answer by the end of the book, the third book will be the one to tie up all of the loose ends.
Elissa is a strong girl heroine, who never sacrifices her girlhood to be a heroic figure. Instead, she finds her own way to solve problems and survive. She is always true to herself in every instance, which makes a refreshing change for a female character. The writing is easy to enjoy, making reading a pleasure. The pace on the Swamp Maiden may be unhurried, but the storytelling stays brisk and interesting.
This magical series will be embraced by fans of Tamora Pierce, who may be looking for another trilogy to read. Appropriate for ages 10-13.
In this second book, Elissa also discovers new powers. She had always been able to speak with animals, but now it seems as though plants will listen to her as well. Readers will continue to wonder as they did in the first book about who Elissa really is. Though they will be closer to the answer by the end of the book, the third book will be the one to tie up all of the loose ends.
Elissa is a strong girl heroine, who never sacrifices her girlhood to be a heroic figure. Instead, she finds her own way to solve problems and survive. She is always true to herself in every instance, which makes a refreshing change for a female character. The writing is easy to enjoy, making reading a pleasure. The pace on the Swamp Maiden may be unhurried, but the storytelling stays brisk and interesting.
This magical series will be embraced by fans of Tamora Pierce, who may be looking for another trilogy to read. Appropriate for ages 10-13.
July 18, 2008
I just finished reading Elissa's Odyssey (the second book of the Phoenix Rising Trilogy). It was great! It was fast-paced, entertaining and funny. I especially liked Favian, the male protagonist. He's a little darker than the other characters, which I thought lent depth to the interactions. What I really like about both this book and Elissa's Quest is that the author covers a lot of ground. It has all the elements of a fantasy - a prophecy, people with magical gifts, a quest - but it also explores the relationships between people in a realistic way. While Elissa is not your typical flimsy female fantasy character, she isn't a sword-wielding spitfire either. She's perfectly believable. (I think I'm in love!) I'd recommend this book for any age group. It's safe for children, but has enough complexity to be interesting to adults.
August 4, 2008
Reviewed by Cat for TeensReadToo.com
Summertime is the travel season for most, and an ideal time to pick up ELISSA'S ODYSSEY, the second book of the PHOENIX RISING trilogy.
After making their escape from the evil ruler, Kahn, Princess Elissa, her constant companion and lifelong confidant, Gertrude the donkey, Ralph the camel, and Elissa's new friend, Maya, are led across the Great Oasis by the Blue People of the southern desert, to the city of Alhamazar as the group continue with their quest to return Elissa and Maya to their respective homelands.
Elissa's journey home has barely begun when she is cruelly separated from her friends and must make her own way to the seaside town of Gravesport. It is only when she meets outgoing but directionally-challenged deck hand Billy Buck, the dispossessed Count Favian of Leonne, Doc and Captain of the dodgy vessel called Swamp Maiden, that the next leg of Elissa's adventure truly begins.
It's the individual personalities and relationships between Erica Verrillo's quirky, charming characters that make the travelogue across a foreign world of magic and fantasy so engaging -- though followers of the series should note, most of this installment is spent getting to know Elissa's new companions rather than those from the first book. Taken as a whole, ELISSA'S ODYSSEY is a delightful adventure for readers young and old.
Summertime is the travel season for most, and an ideal time to pick up ELISSA'S ODYSSEY, the second book of the PHOENIX RISING trilogy.
After making their escape from the evil ruler, Kahn, Princess Elissa, her constant companion and lifelong confidant, Gertrude the donkey, Ralph the camel, and Elissa's new friend, Maya, are led across the Great Oasis by the Blue People of the southern desert, to the city of Alhamazar as the group continue with their quest to return Elissa and Maya to their respective homelands.
Elissa's journey home has barely begun when she is cruelly separated from her friends and must make her own way to the seaside town of Gravesport. It is only when she meets outgoing but directionally-challenged deck hand Billy Buck, the dispossessed Count Favian of Leonne, Doc and Captain of the dodgy vessel called Swamp Maiden, that the next leg of Elissa's adventure truly begins.
It's the individual personalities and relationships between Erica Verrillo's quirky, charming characters that make the travelogue across a foreign world of magic and fantasy so engaging -- though followers of the series should note, most of this installment is spent getting to know Elissa's new companions rather than those from the first book. Taken as a whole, ELISSA'S ODYSSEY is a delightful adventure for readers young and old.
July 31, 2009
I really wish this series had gone somewhere because it had so much potential for a children's story. But I find that nothing happens, and so much it taken up on nothing. The idea is there but it doesn't deliever.
This girl has powers but it's not explained or developed, so we're essentially reading about..... a plain girl. The other stuff is all shadowed in mystery like that'll keep us reading instead of making it interesting.
This book is a little better then the rest but the main action part is again a paragraph and some of the stuff doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
This girl has powers but it's not explained or developed, so we're essentially reading about..... a plain girl. The other stuff is all shadowed in mystery like that'll keep us reading instead of making it interesting.
This book is a little better then the rest but the main action part is again a paragraph and some of the stuff doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
November 27, 2008
This book was even better than the first one (Elissa's Quest). The only thing I didn't like about it was the cover. (Elissa looks like a Miss Piggy.) Aside from that, the story was great. Favian was really cool. (Every fantasy needs a magic sword.) (I am assuming it's magic.) Aesha Windsinger is a mystery still, but I thought she was a great addition. The crew of the Swamp Maiden was hilarious. I'm very excited about the next book in the trilogy.
September 6, 2009
I was really happy Elissa's Odyssey was out by the time I finished Elissa's Quest. I don't think I could have waited a year to find out what was going to happen. The second book was even better than the first--more adventure, more cool characters, more danger. The Swamp Maiden crew was something else--Billy Buck was my favorite. I loved the scenes in the jungle, especially with Night and Shadow (black panthers). And Favian is a really cool character. Can't wait for the next book!
October 2, 2010
Since I hate to tear down the efforts of an author I will say that although this book is well written, I didn't feel that I really got to know Elissa. This is not a stand alone book. I did not read the first book in the series and apparently that is crucial to understanding, at least to my understanding. Who is Elissa? Where did she come from? It was even difficult for me to figure out what kind of world she lives in. I'd like to hear what other people think about this book.
November 26, 2008
I love this book more than chocolate, and that's saying a lot. Favian is beyond cool, and Aesha Windsinger has amazing eyes. The story is exciting, and the writing is beautiful. I will be the first in line when the next book comes out.
March 10, 2011
Elissa's adventure continues in this light second installment. It is a quick and fun read in which Elissa discovers even more about her magic. The first book in the series is a must read to fully comprehend what's going on in this book.
June 9, 2011
Another fabulous book from Erica Verrillo. Her detail draws a perfect picture in the mind of the reader. It's easy to connect and relate to for people of all ages, especially women. Beautiful, beautiful work.
January 10, 2014
A good read. I think this book had a couple of cheesy moments, but mostly good, and more fast-paced than the first one. Also, the development of the characters was nice... Especially Elissa, who has always been somewhat complex, but is becoming more and more so. Plus, I love the cover!
May 19, 2008
I definatly thought this second book was far better than the first...
July 2, 2008
So glad to see Elissa as head strong as ever. Never expected her to talk with insects, but I guess it was coming. I sure hope that young noble stops being so noble.
November 16, 2008
More of the same from book one. Unexciting writing, and the minor characters are more interesting than the main one.
August 20, 2009
Great 2nd book in the trilogy, easy reading and exciting
this triliogy is great book for a book club
this triliogy is great book for a book club
February 23, 2014
Great story line and wonderful read for weekend.
January 17, 2016
This was an amazing book to read! It had adventure around every corner!
March 23, 2008
Delightful!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews