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The Phoenix Wars #1
The Phoenix Wars: Book I, Reprieve
You have glioblastoma, an incurable brain cancer, and have less than a month to live. What price would you be willing to pay for a cure? Any price? Are you sure?Would it be worth agreeing to join an alien nation offering a cure but without any of the messy details? * who and what are the aliens, * proof they can cure you, * why they want people from Earth, * the alien's specific needs, * what they expect from those they cure, * but knowing they will never see Earth again.Kayla, a seventeen-year-old teenager, and others with an assortment of lethal medical conditions are about to find out the price of life.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
280 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2021
65 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
C.R. Daems
51 books285 followersI was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and joined the military right out of high school. I served twenty-two years in the United States Air Force as a certified internal auditor. While in the military service, I lived in seven states and two foreign countries, and obtained two degrees: a BS in mathematics and an MS in computer science.
After I retired from the Air Force, I secured a position with Digital Equipment Corporation, located in Bedford, Massachusetts, as a software course developer and instructor. I worked twenty-two years at DEC and held positions as a course developer, course development manager, software engineer, and software engineering manager.
Today, I’m retired and live in Tucson, Arizona, with my wife of fifty-three years. My daughter and two grandchildren live in Maryland. I began writing several years after I retired, when I was seventy. My first two attempts remain in my desk drawer—good ideas, but poorly written. Subsequently, I co-authored, with Jeanne Tomlin, three fantasy novels: Talon of the Raptor Clan, Scales of Justice, and All My Friends Have Wings (young adults). Talon of the Raptor Clan was sold to ePress-online Books and came out in July 2009. Since then I have written two additional novels: The Laughing Hounds (urban fantasy) and The Riss Gamble (science fiction).
My hobbies for the past forty years have been kung fu and tai chi.
After I retired from the Air Force, I secured a position with Digital Equipment Corporation, located in Bedford, Massachusetts, as a software course developer and instructor. I worked twenty-two years at DEC and held positions as a course developer, course development manager, software engineer, and software engineering manager.
Today, I’m retired and live in Tucson, Arizona, with my wife of fifty-three years. My daughter and two grandchildren live in Maryland. I began writing several years after I retired, when I was seventy. My first two attempts remain in my desk drawer—good ideas, but poorly written. Subsequently, I co-authored, with Jeanne Tomlin, three fantasy novels: Talon of the Raptor Clan, Scales of Justice, and All My Friends Have Wings (young adults). Talon of the Raptor Clan was sold to ePress-online Books and came out in July 2009. Since then I have written two additional novels: The Laughing Hounds (urban fantasy) and The Riss Gamble (science fiction).
My hobbies for the past forty years have been kung fu and tai chi.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 1, 2021
TL:DR - Not recommended, mainly because of the way the book describes spaceflight.
First I'd like to say I'm sorry. I really wanted to like the book and I've read other books by the author so I expected to enjoy this as well. Sadly I didn't.
There were a few minor errors that slipped by in editing, but in this day and age who doesn't expect that to happen, and there were a few point-of-view jumps (although it's one of my pet-peeves since I prefer 1st person limited) but nothing that ruined the reading experience.
I enjoyed the premise of the plot and was looking forward to seeing how things evolved. Unfortunately the characters turned out seeming a bit shallow. Not in the way of being egotistical, but being incredibly well adapted and untraumatized to the incredible pressures and changes happening to them and around them. There seemed to be no emotional impact except the most superficial.
But my main reason for not liking this book is that it is a book mainly about space combat and that's where the illusion falls apart completely. Spaceflight is treated the same as atmospheric flight, and atmospheric flight is treated as space flight (they literally conduct spaceflight training in atmosphere without regard to gravity and aerodynamics).
Without going into spoilers there were a lot of examples where the logic just falls apart. Once the MC orders the ship stopped and stumbles and nearly loses balance because of the sudden change in momentum. That is the same ship who routinely accelerate up to 0.1 light speed without anybody blinking an eye. The same ship who when performing a loop maneuver, and while upside down (in space...?), has to hav things strapped down otherwise things start bumping and fall down. But at the same time there is no issue for the people on the ship.... that throughout the story has had normal earth gravity the whole time (artificial? Or just happens that down was the right way?) At some point I just gave up trying to understand the internal logic and just looked forward to finishing the book and putting it away.
I'll probably read more of the authors books (It's the sixth book of his I've read) but I'll probably stay clear of this series in the future.
First I'd like to say I'm sorry. I really wanted to like the book and I've read other books by the author so I expected to enjoy this as well. Sadly I didn't.
There were a few minor errors that slipped by in editing, but in this day and age who doesn't expect that to happen, and there were a few point-of-view jumps (although it's one of my pet-peeves since I prefer 1st person limited) but nothing that ruined the reading experience.
I enjoyed the premise of the plot and was looking forward to seeing how things evolved. Unfortunately the characters turned out seeming a bit shallow. Not in the way of being egotistical, but being incredibly well adapted and untraumatized to the incredible pressures and changes happening to them and around them. There seemed to be no emotional impact except the most superficial.
But my main reason for not liking this book is that it is a book mainly about space combat and that's where the illusion falls apart completely. Spaceflight is treated the same as atmospheric flight, and atmospheric flight is treated as space flight (they literally conduct spaceflight training in atmosphere without regard to gravity and aerodynamics).
Without going into spoilers there were a lot of examples where the logic just falls apart. Once the MC orders the ship stopped and stumbles and nearly loses balance because of the sudden change in momentum. That is the same ship who routinely accelerate up to 0.1 light speed without anybody blinking an eye. The same ship who when performing a loop maneuver, and while upside down (in space...?), has to hav things strapped down otherwise things start bumping and fall down. But at the same time there is no issue for the people on the ship.... that throughout the story has had normal earth gravity the whole time (artificial? Or just happens that down was the right way?) At some point I just gave up trying to understand the internal logic and just looked forward to finishing the book and putting it away.
I'll probably read more of the authors books (It's the sixth book of his I've read) but I'll probably stay clear of this series in the future.
January 12, 2022
This was fairly typical of this author’s books and like all his previous offerings I found it an enjoyable read. However this didn’t mean there weren’t any weaknesses. I liked the premise that the Anixians save your life in exchange for service in their military, but this isn’t a good deal if it is a never ending commitment and the only way out is to die! The effect on morale must be devastating, as over a period of time all the people around you die and there is no reprieve. The Anixian’s are supposed to be super-intelligent how did they not recognise that this could be contributing to all the mutinies?
There were a also a few minor problems that made me think, but in the end didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the book, although they did affect my rating:
The beginning of the book didn't feel right there would have to be something serious wrong with parents that would ignore their daughter complaining of headaches and dizzy spells for a whole year.
Then came Doug and Carl, they were ridiculous caricatures and to be honest I was disappointed with their storyline, given the main story this was just too contrived. The author wanted to introduce some tension and jeopardy into Kayla’s life, but you would have to be beyond stupid not to have ditched Doug and Carl long before they became a real problem. In fact the continual mutinies became quite annoying.
Finally if you look too closely at the space combat I’m not sure it is really plausible, however I was quite happy to just suspend my disbelief and go with the story.
There were a also a few minor problems that made me think, but in the end didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the book, although they did affect my rating:
The beginning of the book didn't feel right there would have to be something serious wrong with parents that would ignore their daughter complaining of headaches and dizzy spells for a whole year.
Then came Doug and Carl, they were ridiculous caricatures and to be honest I was disappointed with their storyline, given the main story this was just too contrived. The author wanted to introduce some tension and jeopardy into Kayla’s life, but you would have to be beyond stupid not to have ditched Doug and Carl long before they became a real problem. In fact the continual mutinies became quite annoying.
Finally if you look too closely at the space combat I’m not sure it is really plausible, however I was quite happy to just suspend my disbelief and go with the story.
March 17, 2021
Adventure, new worlds, aliens and space warfare
I enjoyed the evolution of The young female warrior and the progression of weapons to save the planet. I look forward to the next installment!!
I enjoyed the evolution of The young female warrior and the progression of weapons to save the planet. I look forward to the next installment!!
March 18, 2021
Typical read for this author. Some unique concepts and leaving you wanting more.
June 13, 2023
It has been a long time, a lot of books in between, that I have been excited and entertained by a story. This is such a story. It tells the story of a bright, daring and brave young terminal teenage girl, Kayla Tagert, that gets a second opportunity at life, a very exciting and dangerous life as a spacial fighter pilot.
It is not original, because it reminded me of several books and movie script stories like The Last Starfighter, Ender's Game and The Hunger Games and maybe, just maybe, I am biased because I would love to fly, fly into the sky, not as Luke Skywalker did to fight the Empire, but a little bit more like Captain Picard and the Star Trek stories and movies...
I hope this story continues and I will continue to read it, in its second volume Phantom and more if it does...
The story does not have character summaries or descriptions, does not have maps or diagrams of the cruiser ships, fighter ships or alien technologies.
This is a book that is story driven. There are not that many character descriptions, technology descriptions or technological processes described. So, if you are a Sci-Fi geek that love the technology and state of the art, maybe this story driven by a teenage protagonist will fall short. Because of the character, the maturity of the teenage- protagonist, I would guess that the author is Central European (probably German or Czech). Western authors tend to be less mature and more action-driven. This story is actually value (ethical value) driven.
I recommend this Fantasy Sci-Fi story.
It is not original, because it reminded me of several books and movie script stories like The Last Starfighter, Ender's Game and The Hunger Games and maybe, just maybe, I am biased because I would love to fly, fly into the sky, not as Luke Skywalker did to fight the Empire, but a little bit more like Captain Picard and the Star Trek stories and movies...
I hope this story continues and I will continue to read it, in its second volume Phantom and more if it does...
The story does not have character summaries or descriptions, does not have maps or diagrams of the cruiser ships, fighter ships or alien technologies.
This is a book that is story driven. There are not that many character descriptions, technology descriptions or technological processes described. So, if you are a Sci-Fi geek that love the technology and state of the art, maybe this story driven by a teenage protagonist will fall short. Because of the character, the maturity of the teenage- protagonist, I would guess that the author is Central European (probably German or Czech). Western authors tend to be less mature and more action-driven. This story is actually value (ethical value) driven.
I recommend this Fantasy Sci-Fi story.
April 24, 2021
I wanted to really like this book. I liked the premise, but the space mechanics fail completely and quite a lot else also does not make sense. Space combat here is apparently fought in atmosphere and on a planet, only then does it make some sense. A huge issue for me though was that the MC is treated as being a genius for being - basically - not entirely stupid. Her "revolutionary" innovations can be described as either obvious or stupid. But that was by far not the only issue where I shouted "NO, it just doesn't work that way!" into my room.
I would recommend the author read a few Honor Harrington books. Or anything else space related with a strong heroine, really.
I would recommend the author read a few Honor Harrington books. Or anything else space related with a strong heroine, really.
March 18, 2021
What price loyalty?
If you were dying and an alien promised to heal you in return for your loyalty and help, would you give it? Or would you decide that you could renege on your part of the bargain.
Kayla chooses to do anything she needs to do to repay the Anixians for her return to health even though it means fighting a war on their behalf.
I enjoyed the story and would recommend it for young people older than 10 or 11. There is a lot of action , villains both human and alien, and growth for the main character.
I will be interested to see how this story will develop in the next book.
If you were dying and an alien promised to heal you in return for your loyalty and help, would you give it? Or would you decide that you could renege on your part of the bargain.
Kayla chooses to do anything she needs to do to repay the Anixians for her return to health even though it means fighting a war on their behalf.
I enjoyed the story and would recommend it for young people older than 10 or 11. There is a lot of action , villains both human and alien, and growth for the main character.
I will be interested to see how this story will develop in the next book.
April 7, 2021
I'm a little bit bias about my rating. That because I love this type of story. Anyways about this book....
The author has a very specific formula about the heroine and story. You can always expected who and what in the book. The flow can be called fast in term of timeline, and called relax in the term of story. The story itself is somewhat A-okay, little flaw here and there but you can gloss it off.
I would really like to read a different kind of story from the author, a different kind of plot and character, but I also like this kind of story, I can always read another book from another author if I want something different.
The author has a very specific formula about the heroine and story. You can always expected who and what in the book. The flow can be called fast in term of timeline, and called relax in the term of story. The story itself is somewhat A-okay, little flaw here and there but you can gloss it off.
I would really like to read a different kind of story from the author, a different kind of plot and character, but I also like this kind of story, I can always read another book from another author if I want something different.
April 8, 2021
Another GREAT Read !!!!!
I've been a huge fan of this author's books for quite a while now and he has yet to disappoint!! I have loved his other series' and looked forward to something different, now I have to wait patiently (well maybe not so patiently ;) I'll probably be bouncing around checking all the updates constantly) for book two of The Phoenix Wars!!
I think this new series is a great read, I like the concept, although I'll not go into detail as I don't want to divulge spoilers. The tale is worth the read to find out for yourself!!!
Buy it and give it a go, you not regret it!!!
I've been a huge fan of this author's books for quite a while now and he has yet to disappoint!! I have loved his other series' and looked forward to something different, now I have to wait patiently (well maybe not so patiently ;) I'll probably be bouncing around checking all the updates constantly) for book two of The Phoenix Wars!!
I think this new series is a great read, I like the concept, although I'll not go into detail as I don't want to divulge spoilers. The tale is worth the read to find out for yourself!!!
Buy it and give it a go, you not regret it!!!
March 17, 2021
New adventure you dont want to miss
Kayla is a young girl who is not even old enough to vote but has a desiese that is going to kill her very soon. She soon finds her self cured and in a new world. Her saviours are an amazing race of intelligent bird like people. They need help in saving there race from a warmongering race bent on wanting to destroy them. Unfortunately they are a pacifist nation and like the killer instinct of us humans. Then here comes kayla who rocks there world!! Must read to fing out the rest!! All I can say is... when is the next book coming out???
Kayla is a young girl who is not even old enough to vote but has a desiese that is going to kill her very soon. She soon finds her self cured and in a new world. Her saviours are an amazing race of intelligent bird like people. They need help in saving there race from a warmongering race bent on wanting to destroy them. Unfortunately they are a pacifist nation and like the killer instinct of us humans. Then here comes kayla who rocks there world!! Must read to fing out the rest!! All I can say is... when is the next book coming out???
March 24, 2021
This is a good story and I am interested in reading the complete series.
The only thing that I found very wrong is that there's no up or down in space. If there's artificial gravity inside the ship, it doesn't matter the position of the ship while it's in space. So if you're going vertical, nothing is going to fall because the artificial gravity is at a constant. I'm just a layman and I understand that much.
The only thing that I found very wrong is that there's no up or down in space. If there's artificial gravity inside the ship, it doesn't matter the position of the ship while it's in space. So if you're going vertical, nothing is going to fall because the artificial gravity is at a constant. I'm just a layman and I understand that much.
July 30, 2021
This is not a good book
The basic story is kinda interesting but the execution is one of the worst I've read. The writing is extremely basic with every character having less complexity than a cardboard cut-out. There's no complexity, no depth, non-existent character development and the authors understanding of orbital mechanics, military strategy, physics and technology is very lacking. Nothing in this story felt believable.
Even if you got this for free, you paid too much.
The basic story is kinda interesting but the execution is one of the worst I've read. The writing is extremely basic with every character having less complexity than a cardboard cut-out. There's no complexity, no depth, non-existent character development and the authors understanding of orbital mechanics, military strategy, physics and technology is very lacking. Nothing in this story felt believable.
Even if you got this for free, you paid too much.
March 19, 2021
Sci Fi
All of Mr Daems books are good. His fantasies are delightful. But this one is pure science fiction like most of his more recent novels. In his Riss series, or his Red Angel series, most of the bad guys are human. But here he has humans fighting aliens with other aliens as allies. As the beginning of a new series, this is a promising opening.
All of Mr Daems books are good. His fantasies are delightful. But this one is pure science fiction like most of his more recent novels. In his Riss series, or his Red Angel series, most of the bad guys are human. But here he has humans fighting aliens with other aliens as allies. As the beginning of a new series, this is a promising opening.
March 21, 2021
Good Start
Kind of reminds me if the Riss series in the way it is written. The characters are, per usual, fun but predictable. The addition of several different spacefaring peoples will add a lot of diversity and excitement to this series, I think. As always, I look forward to the next book.
Kind of reminds me if the Riss series in the way it is written. The characters are, per usual, fun but predictable. The addition of several different spacefaring peoples will add a lot of diversity and excitement to this series, I think. As always, I look forward to the next book.
March 22, 2021
Thank you
I was excited to see a new series from this author. I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to to the next one. The only issue I had was wondering why a 17 year old girl wouldn't have wondered what her family thought had happened to her but I guess that is indicative of what my first thoughts would have been.
I was excited to see a new series from this author. I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to to the next one. The only issue I had was wondering why a 17 year old girl wouldn't have wondered what her family thought had happened to her but I guess that is indicative of what my first thoughts would have been.
April 20, 2021
Good stuff!!
Another excellent story from this author! I so enjoy the female protagonists and their attitude and creativity! This looks to be a good series, looking forward to more excitement!
Another excellent story from this author! I so enjoy the female protagonists and their attitude and creativity! This looks to be a good series, looking forward to more excitement!
March 27, 2021
Bad
I have read almost al his earlier work, with a lot of pleasure. This one cold not keep my attention . Cardboard al the way.
I have read almost al his earlier work, with a lot of pleasure. This one cold not keep my attention . Cardboard al the way.
April 3, 2021
Another interesting series
A young interesting female character, with world that is different. She loving g family that has no idea of the problems facing her.
A young interesting female character, with world that is different. She loving g family that has no idea of the problems facing her.
April 23, 2021
Another excellent read from Mr Daems
Excellent characters as usual, a fun set-up and I can't wait for the next book. I like most of his books and this is no exception.
Excellent characters as usual, a fun set-up and I can't wait for the next book. I like most of his books and this is no exception.
May 4, 2021
Fast paced, good read.
Good plot and characters. One of those books that makes you want to know what happens next. Waiting for a sequel.
Good plot and characters. One of those books that makes you want to know what happens next. Waiting for a sequel.
July 18, 2021
Cured by aliens only to be used.
Being young and dying. Then cured to fight for an alien bird planet. A new start for a courageous teen.
Being young and dying. Then cured to fight for an alien bird planet. A new start for a courageous teen.
July 24, 2021
Good read
Ended way to soon. Had no idea where the story was going at first. I truly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one
Ended way to soon. Had no idea where the story was going at first. I truly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one
February 15, 2022
I am addicted to C.R's books and this one doesn't disappoint. There is a similarity to all C.R's series but they do touch on different genres, straight thriller, Syfi and some with a fantasy element all very enjoyable. This first book in the Phenix series gives a good good base to build the series on and watching the young heroin blossom into a thinking hero with hard morals is great fun. Have already read the next book so more to review soon.
July 17, 2022
I really wanted to like this book but it's even more of a cardboard cutout than this author's normal - e.g. at the start our teenage heroine is dying and none of her or her family's reactions ring true; we're being told emotions rather than feeling them (and as an aside - you're wealthy and educated, and your teenager has spent a year complaining about headaches, and you never get her checked out??). Similarly the bad guys are so over-the-top evil in how they talk, and our heroine is of course brilliant and better than everyone else ever even though she's 17 and new to fighter piloting. I mean, I usually forgive this author a lot of sins as I like his strong feminist streak, but somehow this book had me rolling my eyes rather than engaged. Have just gotten the second in the series; curious how series develops….
September 10, 2021
So good
I love how C.R. Daems as lays has strong female characters. It never gets boring when a young girl grows up and kicks butt. I look forward to more in this series.
I love how C.R. Daems as lays has strong female characters. It never gets boring when a young girl grows up and kicks butt. I look forward to more in this series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews