Phoenix Falling audiobook

Phoenix Falling is the fifth and final volume in the Wildlands fantasy series, and succeeds in bringing the various characters' storylines (there had become quite a few) to a satisfying conclusion for the most part. I can't imagine anyone being able to follow the plot of this book without having read at least some of the prior volumes first, but the unusual combinations of twists and tropes in this time-travelling, non-urban, semi-Gothic alchemical construct make it worthwhile. I was impressed by the number of convincing animal characters, too.

4.5 of 5 starsI didn't realize until the end that this was the end. Really superb wrapup.

Final installment in this excellent UF series. Alchemy, phoenixes, toad gods, magic mirrors... lots of magic to go along with the very human concerns of losing homes to forest fires and losing parents to Alzheimer's. The ending wrapped up all the series plotlines and characters very nicely.

I’ve been loving these characters since the very beginning of the series and this one is particularly bittersweet as it is the last book. I’ve went through so much with them and I expect I’ll be going through some tough times as I get the wrap up.Petra struggles with what she is or isn’t. What makes her human? Nine has been separated from her pack. Will she rejoin them? Gabe is the last of the Hangmen. What will he be now? Owen is still haunted by a little girl from his past. Will he finally help her find peace? And what is causing the wildfires burning throughout Temperance and will Lascaris rise again to claim their souls?While the book has a bit of a slow start, I was still held captive. As I mentioned at the start of my review, I’ve loved these characters from the beginning, even that scamp, Sig, Petra’s coyote sidekick. I got all of the answers to questions I’ve had from the start of this series. Some were harrowing. Some were sweet sorrow. And some were happy happy.And I got a great ending. It was like a hug goodbye.I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

Good Urban Fantasy This is a unique urban fantasy series and I really like how the author delved deep into the human aspect of how the characters lived their lives. What does being human mean is the theme in this book, as Petra Dee fears that she is no longer human, after the occurrences in book four. She is terrified of not being human, whereas Gabe is thrilled to be back to his immortal self. The divide between being human and magic is putting a strain on their relationship, as Gabe slips away in his immortality. The series/book is unique as unlike a lot of today’s urban fantasy it doesn’t rely on sex to push the plot. There is actually a plot not just sex between two main characters, and a few scatter plot points. In fact all sex takes place off page. The main plot centers around Yellowstone burning and Lascaris’s return. The storyline of Nine comes full circle. Owen’s storyline too has a very poetic ending. Both Nine and Owen were a sympathetic characters despite Owen going off the rails in the previous book. Owen is actually redeemed in this book. In fact his story line was the most gut wrenching of all. Petra’s father storyline had a very unsatisfactory ending. Now what I didn’t like about the book/series. What held the book back from being a five star read.Despite some textual continuity issues in this book it was a good if wrap up to the series. A problem I have with the series is that Cal and Stroud’s storyline was never resolved. Despite the author having resurrected Stroud at the end of book two he never has made an appearance after that resurrection. She never resolved who paid for Joseph’s care or who Petra’s landlord was. I could point out others problems, but that would just be nitpicking. I can’t fathom why the author’s editors would leave dangling bits of a plot, as this book read like the end of the series. Possibly the editors did not read the previous books in the series.

Like Nothing You've Read BeforePhoenix Falling brings a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to Laura Bickle's excellent "Wildlands" series, leaving no loose threads or frayed ashes in this tightly woven tapestry of the strange events and occurrences in and around Temperence, Wyoming and nearby Yellowstone National Park. Bickle's characters are drawn with depth and detail, her settings sharp as an Ansel Adam's photo, and her plotting, pacing and presentation will take posession of your imagination. One warning - when you begin this series (and I strongly recommend beginning with the first book, though each installment can stand alone) be prepared for a lengthy, pleasurable journey, as Bickle's world is not one you'll soon wish to leave. I read each book of the series in one sitting, as it was released, impatient when each ended for the next. You have the advantage - get them all now.

Wildlands has an incredible female hero who has a coyote for a sidekick. I guess I need to write more about the book, but that would have sold me on it right there. COYOTE FOR A SIDEKICK. If you have not yet read this series, you'll need to read the rest before you read this one, but hey, new series. That's always a good thing. If you're already a Wildlands fan, this story sticks the landing in a lot of ways. This one has sweet romantic stuff, supernatural evil stuff, and awesome world-building. Pick it up now, but since it's the last in the series, you may want to savor it. Or just read it more than once, or seek out more from author Laura Bickle. All of these choices are good ones.

The conclusion of the Wildlands series is superb. A fitting ending to an amazing series.The world building is phenomenal and the characters unique and flawed. It is original, like nothing else I've read. And that in itself is amazing. I've read so many books...eventually the glaring similarities are unmistakable and I feel like I've already read the same story too many times. From start to finish Petra's story kept me glued to the page. I am sad to this unique series end.

Excellent natural end and to this cycle of stories. Such great characters and takes on magic. Very worth reading these wildlands novels and the prequel dark alchemy books. One of my favourite settings.

Good end to a good series. Just wish she'd add to it. Rural Fantasy is the closest I can describe it. Interesting characters, same with the world building and the plot.

Love this series so much. Sad that this is the final book but wow, what a group of characters. What an incredibly imaginative world this author built.