Wake of the Phoenix Review Spotlight

Welcome to the book tour for Wake of the Phoenix by Chelsea Harper. This epic fantasy in now available on Audible! Read on for my review and details about the book!

Wake of the Phoenix by Chelsea Harper is the first book in her epic fantasy series Artifice of Power Saga. This is a book/series that you are not going to want to miss if you are an avid reader of fantasy novels.

Wake of the Phoenix details the obvious facts that war has no long been in the past for the people of this country. It is still on the minds of many as Akraen has finally returned home. There are some who question his allegiance to the country and his right to hold the position of High Lord. Dissent is brewing in the dark corners, and on some fronts he's not helping the situation. His sister does her best to assuage the other lords concerning her brother, but there is only so much that she can do. A dangerous game is at play, and if they are not careful many more lives will be lost.

This novel is the first that I have read by this author, but I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book in this series. This novel is definitely an attention grabber, but due to the complexity of some of the names it makes for slower reading. I say this because I'm a bit of a stickler for getting it right in my head, so I took my time a bit more with this one. 

Akraen is an interesting character. He's a gay man living in a world, a time of where he has to hide his true feelings for the man he loves. Lasha is able to be at his side as his "demon" and confidant, but the author makes a point of letting readers know that there is dissent concerning even that. I was like - wow. These people just don't like much about Akraen do they? LOL! It's understandable that as the High Lord there is the expectation of him to "produce an heir." But his heart wants what it wants. It does his due diligence concerning helping rumors along, but his heart just isn't in it.

Akraen isn't the only focus of the story though. There is also the young thief, Niamsha. All she wants, truly wants, is to be free of her debt and to able to pursue her own life. Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of her control, she has debts that she must pay. Her father's debts. She also has a younger brother that she is trying to look out for, but that's a complicated situation in and of itself. Niamsha is tasked with getting close to someone she fears, and that just creates new trouble that she has to navigate.

This book is packed with intrigue, danger (seen and unseen), the trappings of court, and sprinkling of romance. The author does an amazing job keeping me page-turning as the story goes on to find out what's going to happen next. Lasha tries to use his abilities to see the path to direct Akraen to, but only so much. I love how Lasha is able to see things, but then there are some things he's not allowed to see again. It just disappears. This twist fuels me forward in the story to find out...why? What's going on? What danger lies ahead? There is also nice sprinkling of the past in this book. It really makes me want to read a prequel to this story. To learn about the bloody emperor and his reign of terror and the things he inflicted on the people. 

This is one of those series/books that I am eagerly looking forward to the sequel to find out what happens next. These characters have so much to face, and you can't help but question - who will come out at the end alive? Who will make it. I'm rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. I highly encourage you to check out this book if you enjoy fantasy novels with dynamic characters.

Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Wake of the Phoenix (Artifice of Power Saga Book 1)

Publication Date: September 28th, 2021

Genre: Epic Fantasy/ Gay Male MC 

War Hero. Thiefmaster’s apprentice. Traitors. Every title comes with a price.

Arkaen is a gods-damned saint. He sacrificed his childhood innocence fighting for the beleaguered rebellion in a civil war and relinquished a comfortable life with the man he loves to reclaim his place as high lord from corrupt nobles. Now, a hidden enemy is manipulating his lower lords into talk of rebellion, including the powerful Rogue Baron who is slowly swaying the city into questioning every move Arkaen makes.

With the help of his near-omniscient lover’s gift of foresight, Arkaen finds a potential ally in Niamsha, a reluctant thief trying to pay for her brother’s education. But Niamsha owes an insurmountable debt to the mysterious leader of her thieves guild and failing to pay means death—for her entire family. When her guild leader demands she join forces with the Rogue Baron himself, she finds herself caught in a political battle beyond her skills. Torn between protecting her family and following her conscience, Niamsha doesn’t know who to trust.

If Arkaen can win Niamsha’s loyalty, he might just prevent a second civil war and the destruction of everything he fought to protect. Or he might get them all killed.

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Excerpt

Nudging his mare forward, Arkaen rode out of the courtyard. The streets beyond his lord’s castle were quiet, only a few wealthier citizens outside. Most backed away at the sight of him, cautious gaze watching him through down-turned lashes. Arkaen kept an eye on the citizens he passed. That hint of fear hadn’t been there when he’d ridden out a few weeks before to see to Lasha’s vision. He’d deposed a baron since then, bringing the threat of war to the forefront of everyone’s mind. This felt more specific, though. Like they feared he might personally harm them.

Another corner and a crowd of young men and women bantering and flirting scattered at the sight of him. Arkaen pulled his mare to a halt. Should have brought his swords. But the image of the high lord riding through his home streets armed as for a battle could only stoke the fires of unrest. Confidence was the best image he could build.

He rode on, the few remaining people he passed seemingly prepared for his arrival now. Anyone on the street had already lined against the walls, eyes firmly stuck to the cobbles by the time he arrived, and he never again came across a group careless of his approach. As if some runner ahead warned every street before he turned on it. As if someone—or something—led him toward a certain goal. His muscles tightened, nerves strung for combat in the peaceful streets.

“I should turn back.” He muttered the words under his breath, one hand rubbing at his bare belt loop as he turned the final corner to a broad alley that led to Brayden’s home. Four men, barely older than boys, loitered in the middle of the street. Arkaen pulled his mare to a halt again, the scrape of leather on stone clearly audible behind him. “Sayli’s going to kill me.”

A deep chuckle from behind. “Nay, milor’, I ain’t think ya gotta worry ’bout that.”

Arkaen half turned in his saddle to scout the threat behind him. Only two, though one was a heavy built man with thick mats of blond hair who filled a good chunk of the street by himself. That one would be tough to push past. The other boy with him, similar in build and coloring but much slighter, looked wide-eyed and terrified. One frightened child likely facing an early initiation and the leader. The four in front would be skilled enough to hold their own without direct leadership, then. Arkaen had no weapons but his wits and what he could re-appropriate. And Lasha, who wouldn’t miss the fight if Arkaen needed him. He offered a grim smile.

“You gentlemen may want to stand down. I’ve no desire to take lives today.”  

Available for Purchase

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About the Author

Chelsea Harper is the author and publisher of Wake of the Phoenix, book one of the Artifice of Power Saga. She lives in Colorado with her husband, daughter, two dogs, one cat, and countless imaginary friends. When she isn’t writing she enjoys games, from World of Warcraft to Elder Scrolls to tabletop RPGs and even the occasional board game.

Musings, Mythos, and Magic

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