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Rise of the Phoenix
(Guardians of the Fae Realms – Book 1)
by J.L. Madore
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Medium Burn PNR RH
Available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
Down & Dirty
A human dies and is reborn as a Phoenix… the mythic saviour of a people she never heard of before. Great premise and even better presentation – free on Kindle Unlimited.
What is it about?
(Blurb from GoodReads)
Monsters, Magic, and Mates I never knew existed.
Kia versus power pole isn’t the end I expect—it’s the beginning of… gawd, where do I begin?
Four wildly sexy males. Powers I don’t understand. And the eyes of the fae world on me as the person to unite the severed realms. No pressure.
Author’s Note:
*This is book one in a steamy new reverse harem paranormal romance series. Expect sexy polyamorous situations (mmmfm), rollicking action, ongoing storylines, and shifter lovers who find what they need from not only their queen but each other as well. Med-burn, low angst, vivid sexual content and language.*
My Thoughts on Rise of the Phoenix
4.5 rounded up
I really, really like the writing style here, the way the words are twisted and phrases thrown. Pictures are painted with ease in this literary mind and I’m here for the imagery. It only lost a 1/2 star with me because the actual plot line feels a little worn and tired, we’ve seen it before – though it’s tweaked just enough to make it stand alone, though not apart. This might be because this is this authors first foray into the reverse harem world, and the tropes and plots that fit that theme are familiar. Who knows? Regardless, the writing style alone makes it a winner, even if the circumstances are well trod.
When Cali, quite literally, rises from the ashes, she has to set her past life behind and embark on a journey few can understand – or even comprehend. Fortunately, she has four guardians that rose when she did, called by magic and fate to her side, even though they all have lives and responsibilities of their own. The Author’s note indicates this is low-angst, and while that MIGHT be true…. it kinda isn’t. There is angst, and struggle, and sorrow in spades, and frankly, it’s just getting started.
Perspective
First Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type
To-Be-Continued
Rating
Adult. Very, very adult.
Romantic Dynamic
MMMFM – M/M scenes as well.
Character Age Range
20’s+
My Final Verdict on Rise of the Phoenix
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, with it’s twists and turns, emotional pull and witty style. I enjoyed it so much I am going to dive into this author’s backlog and indulge in the books that have come before. My only complaint, like stated above, is a sense that that the plot line is a bit TOO familiar. Regardless, it’s a fantastic story that I am looking forward to continuing. Free on Kindle Unlimited.
Rise of the Phoenix
Published May 26th, 2020
202 Pages

If you enjoyed this review of Rise of the Phoenix, please consider checking out a few of my other articles.
- The Water Princess: Claiming of Earth by Gina Manis – A Book Review
- The Whimsy Witch Who Wasn’t by Donna Augustine – A Book Review
- Echoed Defiance by K. N. Banet – A Book Review

Your Turn
What are you reading today? Have you read this book yet? How about any other books by J.L. Madore? Leave a comment, I would love to talk!
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