JOSS STIRLING’S STEALING PHOENIX: DARK, DEPRESSING, DAMNED GOOD

RATING GUIDE:

 

5 – A keeper!   

4 – Very good

3 –  Passable

2 –  I’d rather read a telephone book

1 – An absolute bomb.  Read at your own risk!

Joss Stirling’s heroine in her book, “Stealing Phoenix,” isn’t your typical lady in distress.  Think 21^st century Artful Dodger with the ability to freeze time.  She’s a kept thief by an underworld character who goes by the nickname, “The Seer,” probably the most despicable character I have come across in books in quite a while (he’s even scarier than Harry Potter’s Voldemort!).  Instead of using his mind control powers for good, The Seer uses his powers to force savants to steal for his own gain.  How despicable is that?

The Seer gives Phoenix an assignment, and it’s to steal something from a target he picked, a male American student, Yves, who’s currently in London.  Incidentally, Yves also happens to be the brother of Zed Benedict, the hero in Stirling’s first book, “Finding Sky”.

To Phoenix’ surprise, not only Yves thwart her attempt to steal from him, she also finds herself inexplicably drawn to him (then again, who could resist a gorgeous guy with intelligence to boot?).  It turns out that Yves is a savant just like her.  Not only that, he’s actually her soul-finder.  Yves vows to save Phoenix from The Seer, but Phoenix is torn.  She wants a new life, but can she risk putting the life of her soul-finder at risk?

For a young adult/paranormal romance, this is an extremely dark and depressing book.  The Seer is actually a terrifying character, who makes Voldemort appear like a wuss (I’m not kidding).  Even Silence Of The Lamb’s Lectre would appear like a saint next to this dude! 

Just like Sky, the heroine in Stirling’s first book, “Finding Sky,” Phoenix is the victim of an abusive environment.  And yet, as in Stirling’s first book, “Finding Sky,” the darkness and despair that envelops the heroine is replaced by hope when she slowly discovers the goodness in people (in this case, Yves and the rest of the Benedict family). 

If you are into kilig moments, then there’s lots of it in this book for you.  But in my opinion, the book’s strengths lie in its tension-filled action scenes, as well as Phoenix’ emotional journey, from being someone who’s isolated and can’t trust anyone, to someone who is loved and can love and trust in return. 

This book is definitely a page-turner and worth your money. 

RATING:  4 1/2