jbronderbookreviews

The Phoenix Cycle: The Best Shall Rise

Publication Date: June 23, 2017

Published By: The Department of Smoke

Genre: Dystopian/ YA/ Sci-Fi

New San Francisco is the last city standing on a world ravaged by storms of ash and debris. The city survived by putting the ideals of the American dream on steroids and inspiring its people to persevere, though they have become ruthless in the process. Its citizens are ruled by the General, who has made sure that his people understand that gentleness and pity have become weaknesses that nature no longer tolerates.

Now Steve and Leslie must choose whether they will apply for the General’s once in a lifetime opportunity to “Rise from the Ashes” and join the Inner Circle that rules the city. If they don’t, they will be damned to spend the rest of their lives in the ghettos of Edingburg, a place where virtual reality has become a government-subsidized addiction.

For Steve, the choice is easy. His loyalties lie with the IRA, a revolutionary army led by a voice only known as “Mom.” They are trying to overthrow the General and free the people of New San Francisco from the cruelties of the City Guard. Steve’s mission is to broadcast a recording of a speech that a famous philosopher died to tell. Many thousands have and will perish to get this message out, but is anyone willing to listen?

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About the Author

Bob is pretty dope. Firstly, his name is Bob, so…yea. Second, have you seen him rock that suit while in a maximum security prison? Epic.

Yea. That’s Bob. No psychological scarring with that author. Nope. Totally fine.

Gosh he looks good in suits.

Hey Have you read The Phoenix Cycle? He wrote that.

One suggestion before you read it and become one of those fans that leaves him roses by his doormat. Read her slowly. This book is not Twilight. She’s deeper than that. Take your time with her. Show the book you care. Cradle it and make it feel loved. If you do, she’ll be good to you. Go too fast and you’ll have no idea why she’s acting so crazy.

Philosophies Dead     Twitter

My Review

4 stars

A meteor strike has caused a nuclear winter where ash constantly falls. The story takes place in New San Francisco. This world has been divided into two castes, the Inner Circle and the lower caste that lives in slum sections, the one we delve into is called Edingburg. The Phoenix Cycle is an opportunity for young men and women to try to raise their castes. The story follows Steve, a resistance member that is trying to get into the Inner Circle.

There is a lot of philosophy in this story and I will be the first one that admits that some went over my head. But it did make you think about the different events in this book. I liked how this book makes you stop and think about what is happening in it and what is going on around you in this world.

The Phoenix Cycle is a great story in a dystopian world with a good cast of characters. There is a Hunger Games feel with the trials to change Steve and Leslie’s castes and the IRA, opposition to the General and are trying to free the lower castes that are such in a virtual prison.

I liked this story but admit that I have had to think about the different things in it. I think I will be reading it a second time to try and process what I just read. I think this is a good read and one that you should check out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank Sage’s Blog Tours for the opportunity to read and share this book.

If you noticed, I have also taken part in a tour with R&R Book Tours with this same book in error. You can find my original post here.