Liviania’s review of Apocalypse Happens (The Phoenix Chronicles, Book 3) by Lori Handeland
Contemporary paranormal romance released by St. Martin’s 3 Nov 09
On some level, I know this series is not as good as most of the other urban fantasy I read. On the other hand, I find it extremely enjoyable. I actually skipped the second book, but I could easily pick up what occurred and go from there. (Though I do want to read it now, since quite a bit happened.) I think that may be why I like this series. I tend to like things that entertain me no matter what, and let’s face it: stuff happening is entertaining. (That’s part of why post-season one Heroes sucks.)
Oddly, there’s one aspect of The Phoenix Chronicles that both weakens and strengthens it for me. [SPOILERS FOR SECOND BOOK.] Elizabeth Phoenix becomes a vampire because her ghostly mentor tells her she needs an evil side. Now, she has a collar to keep her vampire self under wraps, but sometimes she hears whispers of her own evil desires.
Watching Liz struggle with the darkness she’s taken into herself is interesting. At the same time, it seems like a heinously bad idea even if it does help her and on-again off-again love Jimmy Sanducci at times. She’s the leader of the good side. Personally, I’d want my leader more on my side than a failing enchanted necklace that isn’t that hard to unclasp. But that’s just me.
As for her love interests, there’s a nice balance of Jimmy and Sawyer. Due to the events of Doomsday Can Wait and the beginning of Apocalypse Happens, Jimmy understandably wants space. But Liz needs to get closer to Sawyer in order to go after Apocalypse Happens’ Big Bad, and perhaps discover once and for all whether he really is on her side. And you know all that stuff happening? I can’t wait to find out what happens in the relationships in the fourth book, Chaos Bites, due to everything that happens in the climax.
I also appreciate that Lori Handeland is finally revealing some information about Liz’s biological heritage. But that brings the book once more to Sawyer’s tendency to do squicky things despite being the hero. In Any Given Doomsday, he drugs Liz then sleeps with her. This time it was more consensual, but he still keeps to the line of not being as sexy as he should be for the narrative due to bad behavior.
I will be back for the fourth outing since I find the Phoenix Chronicles fun. I think most will find them fun, but for those who are exacting in their requirements for paranormal romance, this might not be the series to pick up.
Grade: C+
Read more reviews on this series by clicking on its tag here.
Summary:
Elizabeth Phoenix is one of a select few with the power to battle those who have escaped from the darkest level of hell—demons bent on destroying humanity and reclaiming earth once and for all. Liz is determined to stop yet another Doomsday. But this time, it’s going to be more difficult than ever because someone she thought was dead isn’t dead anymore…and is bound and determined to destroy Liz and everyone she loves in the upcoming Apocalypse.
Liz has arrived in Los Angeles to ferret out a nest of varcolacs: half human, half dragon creatures who crave the destruction of the sun and moon. But before she can prevent the kind of eclipse that would bring the world to an end, Liz must mine the depths of her own heart. She and her former lover Jimmy Sanducci have some personal demons to battle—and there’s always her mentor, the Navajo shaman Sawyer. Is he on their side or isn’t he? In the end, the three of them must find a way to fight together…or perish alone.
Read an excerpt here.
Other books in the series:
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Chaos Bites (Book 4), Spring 2010 |
