Customer Reviews

Phoenix Fire

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I read this book when it first came out, and I have not stopped thinking about it! It has left a mark in my memory that leaves me wishing I hadn't loaned my copy to a friend who eventually lost it! Mr. O'Laughlin was able to give me my first introduction to past-life regression without sounding like a fruity bar, and give me a glimpse of the environmental fights that have been going on for decades, without sounding extremely political. I related to the characters first-hand with their friendships, relationships and even parts of their lifestyle. I was excited to be able to share this book with anyone who listened, as this first time author was able to get me thinking, and the memory of his book has stayed with me since; something very few books I've read have been able to do.

This book is, I'm sorry to say, virtually unreadable. There are characters who are indistinguishable from one another. The dialogue is just plain bad. The prose isn't good, either.

This is the sort of book that you could put down halfway through and simply not care if you ever picked it up again. In fact, you might be relieved to be free of having to pick it up again!

An outstanding read! So well written it's hard to believe it's this author's first. The interweaving of various elements like past-life regression, environmental protection, music, mountain biking, legal wrangling, soul mates, and the balance on Earth of masculine and feminine energies is elegantly handled. The characters are engaging and believable. The paranormal experiences that might seem impossible to the rational mind work within the context of the story. I cheered and cried with the group of friends as they won or lost "battles" with the "enemy." I was deeply moved by their courage and profoundly affected by the entire story. This book makes an important statement in an entertaining way about the power of the mind and the power of love. I'm recommending this book to all my friends.

Boy did I like this book better than the first reviewer did.

First, I know this publisher from my years of working on bookstores back in high school and college -- they are a small house, but not a vanity press. This book is NOT self-published. And while a good copy editor would have been an asset (as with all first novels, and most second third, and tenth novels) it didn't lessen my enjoyment of the book. This is a terrific read.

I'm not usually a fan of the "light and crystally" new-age type of book, but I adored this one. Mostly because I was so completely enchanted by the characters, their relationships, and their commitment to the causes they believe in and to each other.

I the love story was magical and lovely -- and oddly believable. The major conflict was awfully black and white (no shades of gray at all) but that works in mythic storytelling. The confrontation was exciting. And while the novel has a definite pro-environment and pro-new-age agenda, it never comes across as didactic. It's always a joy to read.

I highly recommend this book, especially to people who love the urban fantasies of Charles de Lint.

Phoenix Fire has the most skillfully woven ending of any book I have ever read. The last 50 pages are tantalizing, but not in a contrived sort of way. However, this is not to minimize the rest of the story. Reading this book is time efficient: you are both entertained and informed with a plethora of subjects. I now know more about past life regression, mountain bikes, California's north coast, and legal wrangling. It's like a buffet dinner in that there are so many different and interesting morsels to try. On the other hand, this book will only expand your mind (and not your waist); and you don't finish it feeling stuffed, but wishing for more of Tim O'Laughlin's excellent descriptions.