Stealing Phoenix - Book Review

Stealing Phoenix– Book Review

Joss Stirling

Benedicts series book #2

YA Paranormal

Synopsis:

Phoenix belongs to the Community - a gang of thieves with paranormal powers. Yves Benedict - an American student visiting London - is her mark. But Yves turns out to be more than just a target. He is her destiny. Her soulmate. But the Community owns Phoenix's past and it wants her future too…

Review:

When I picked up this book, I didn’t realise it was part of a series. However despite it being the second book, Stealing Phoenix read very well as a standalone novel and I had no problem understanding the storyline. It was all in all, a very enjoyable read.

The story follows Phoenix, a light fingered thief with uncanny abilities. When she is assigned to target Yves Benedict, a rich American student, she expects it to be an easy job with a hefty payoff. Yet when her quick snatch does not go as planned, she soon discovers that Yves Benedict isn’t just your average tourist, but does in fact have unconventional abilities of his own.

Determined to procure the items her boss, ‘the Seer’ demanded, Phoenix follows Yves and to her dismay, ends up a reluctant guest in his house. Now her whole world is thrown into question when she discovers for the first time the warmth of a family, and the heart pounding rush of true love. But even if Yve’s is her soul mate Phoenix knows, ‘the Seer’ will never let her leave his community alive…

There were so many things about this book that I loved! Its biggest draw for me however, was that in takes place in modern day London England. I just think it’s so refreshing to read a story that weaves in places you know, where the surroundings are easy to picture and everything about the scene can come alive through your own senses :)

I also couldn’t help but fall in love with the characters. The romance between Yves and Phoenix is wonderful to watch blossom and I liked the enormous differences between them. For example Phoenix has never been to school, but she is independent and street savvy, tough and slow to trust. Alone in the world, it was interesting to read how she adapted to Yves family and their giving hearts.

Yves, on the other hand is very academic. Sheltered by the loving arms of his family, he has all the best things money can buy, comfort, luxury and total security. Yet he is a kind character and his patience with Phoenix is admirable. I liked watching him try to relate to her life, a life of which he could barely imagine.

Otherwise the plot was fast paced and full of drama and tension. It certainly kept me turning the pages and I’ll deffinetly be checking out the other books in the series. So overall, Stealing Phoenix is a brilliant read and one I would recommend. 4 stars!