Stealing Phoenix Review

When I read the first book in this series, Finding Sky which I reviewed here, I seriously hoped that it wasn’t a standalone and thought that there was a lot of potential for the other Benedict brothers to come to the forefront and be the main protagonists in their own books. I’m happy to report that this is indeed what is happening and I couldn’t be more thrilled. In both books so far, I’ve absolutely loved the mix of US /UK influences and references and I lapped this one up. Here’s the synopsis:

“Yves' story.

This is about getting you out...I'm stealing you.

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.”

Stealing Phoenix has a very strong beginning that throws you right in the middle of the action and there was even a reference to the London Olympics in there which I thought was a really nice touch. As if you didn’t know already, I’m definitely a romantic at heart so I just eat up the idea of soulfinders and I am DEFINITELY adding Yves to my list of literary boyfriends. Okay, he might have an unusual name but he is damn near perfect - he’s got the looks, the brains, the family loyalty, he wants to protect Phoenix and he’s got money. So what’s the flaw? I don’t think there is one. Yes he’s good looking but bashful with it and doesn’t realise what effect he has on other women. He is a little bit geeky but I don’t consider that to be a flaw and I love me a geek.

I really liked Phoenix’s fiery spirit, that survival instinct inside of her that pushes its way out all the time. She had a really cool gift that I would not mind having but I’ll let you figure that one out for yourself.

It’s nice that Sky and Zed made an appearare in the story; they’re just not the star attractions in this book. And I loved how the Benedict family came together when they needed to. It reminds me of the movie “While you were Sleeping” when Sandra Bullock’s character is introduced to this heart warming family and wishes she could be part of it. Secretly, I think I wouldn’t mind being part of the Benedict family but let’s just keep that between us.

I thought this was a brilliant story, one that I couldn’t have predicted Joss would come up with and she certainly kept it interesting and entertaining whilst introducing us to a bigger plot line that I’m sure will crop up again in the future. Of course, now I’m wondering which brother will be featured next and I CANNOT WAIT to find out. More please.

Stealing Phoenix is published by Oxford University Press on 1st September, 2011. Thank you to them for sending me an ARC to read and review. To find out more about Joss Stirling, please click here to access her website.