- Simple and imaginative at times but is not a thoroughly edited execution.
The Wicked Phoenix
The Wicked Phoenix lightly explores a fantastical reality of cohabiting humans and elves. Love, greed, hate, envy, loss and grief are touched on periodically, with the element of greed being the key motivation of the behavior of ‘Phoenix’ – a key character who is in pursuit of gaining control over not only the city Goldmoor and Vicari, but anyone who angers or obstructs his pursuit of such control, which eventuates in many elements alluding to threats and conflicts throughout. Other key characters to note involve the unusually unraveled relationship between a human ‘Ong’ and a special elf ‘Keisha’ who become the opposing leaders of Phoenix in the pursuit to free Goldmoor. The novel therefore is based heavily on the conflict between good versus evil, a common trope in modern fiction.
While the above elements were, at times, interesting and imaginative, the poor editing, constant dialogue, and repetitive attempt at cliches leaves the reader perplexed, jarred and disappointed. The same effect was extended through periodic and inconsistent allusions to explicit content, and simple concepts and language, leaving the intended audience ambiguous. Accordingly, the pace of the novel is populated with interruptions of gaps of apparency, context and reason behind the introduction of characters and scenes, poor punctuation, grammar and spelling, the use of digits instead of words, and repetitively unnecessary language.
Despite the novel consistently suggesting which characters the reader might want to support, the relationship built between characters leaves the reader in an uncomfortable position. Masculine and feminine societal roles and relationships are strongly suggested, even bordering on non-consensual activities. Suggestions of heavy topics and feelings are also explored to the extent that would be appreciated.
Overall, the novel, though simple and imaginative at times in its execution and themes, does not have the presentation of a thoroughly edited piece, and as such, leaves the reader to mostly benefit from a light read.
Writing since high school, Theresa has recently begun self-publishing fantasy fiction novels. While 'The Wicked Phoenix' is her first, she has two more planned: 'Phoenix's Revenge' and 'Phoenix's Downfall' - a continuation of the series 'The Elves of Vacari'.
Theresa has obtained an associate degree in paralegal study. She worked in a law firm for over five years in Texas. Since moving to South Carolina, she has been a caregiver for her mother. When she is not writing, Theresa paints or plays video games.
