Review: The Last Beginning by Rachel Firasek

The Last Beginning by Rachel Firasek

Title: The Last Beginning (Curse of the Phoenix, #3)
Author: Rachel Firasek
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Launch Date: February 2012
ISBN: 978-1-937044-56-5

Source: NetGalley

Synopsis:

Though she’s always hated being a phoenix, Sadie has to admit immortality has its advantages. She’s seen and done more in the last 150 years than she’d ever dreamed of, but she can’t get past the fact that Osiris has done nothing but manipulate her and her fellow phoenixes.

Or that, when her last incarnation as a phoenix comes to a fiery end, the fire slowly begins to consume her body.

Sun god Osiris is ashamed of his role as ruler of the Underworld, but he unless he can figure out how to save Sadie, that’s exactly where she’s going to end up. Permanently. Terrified he’s going to lose her, he takes her on a hunt for The Book of the Dead, which is the only way he knows he can save her—even if it means she’ll hate him forever.

My Thoughts:

As you will remember from my reviews of The Last Awakening and The Last Rising, I absolutely love this series of novellas.  The Last Beginning was no exception – especially when it comes to Osiris, the God who had locked all of these ladies into being phoenixes.  I knew that I did not complete understand Osiris but didn’t realize how much I didn’t understand.  While this is Sadie’s story, the last remaining phoenix since Osiris has allow the other two women out, the story is just as much about Osiris.  As always, Rachel’s writing style grabbed my attention right away and never let it go.  I read this story in one sitting.  I just could not get enough.  It is the absolute passion that Rachel Firasek uses to create the mesmerizing and captivating interactions between Sadie and Osiris, that draws a read in and results in powerful emotional responses from the reader, both positive and negative.

The fact that there is background provided as to how Sadie became a phoenix and why Osiris has always seemed to have a special affection for her was an excellent way to start not only the story but my deeper understanding of Osiris and his obsession and love for Sadie.  And in return Sadie total dislike and frustration with Osiris.  However, this beginning to change rapidly as Sadie has some very painful transitions and beings to flame as she transitions or gets upset.  Osiris knows that he can’t lose Sadie and will do anything to save her.  Even if it is breaking all the rules.  The pain and heartbreak of this story was well done.  It is amazing to me that what most authors do in a full length novel, Rachel Firasek is able to do in a novella length book without leaving the reader completely frustrated with a lack of true ending which is the trouble I typically have with novellas.

This novella provides an emotional roller coaster of events most of which I never saw coming.  It was the perfect ending to an outstanding series of novellas.  I am sad to see the end come.  I would love to see a fourth story that would give a peak into each former phoenix’s life now and just where they are.  These ladies have found fresh starts and it would be awesome to see them down the line living those lives.

All in all, I was extremely pleased with the outcome of this book and the wrap up of the series.  I cannot wait to see what adventure Rachel Firasek will provide us with next.  Be sure to stop by and check out her website, as well, there is always something fun going on.

My Rating:

5 Penguins!

An outstanding wrap up and more.

Heart Breaking yet freeing