Tala Phoenix knows that dragons aren’t real, okay? It’s just that:1. She’s trapped in a creepy boarding school.2. Dreaming of burning the teachers alive is pretty weird…3. Oh, and Axel, the sexiest guy she’s ever met, just told her she’s a dragon shifter.Her entire life, Tala has been imprisoned in the School for the Different, a mysterious home for mentally-ill orphans. But except for dreaming … mentally-ill orphans. But except for dreaming of burning things, she’s never felt crazy. So when she quits her meds, she discovers she’s been lied to for years. Magic is real. So are dragons. And witches. Even gods.
That’s when things start hotting up, literally. Her best friend Kian’s hands keep glowing. Demi can grow plants overnight. And Jeremy, well, he’s just really hungry. And kinda furry. But the clock is ticking: the school’s staff are on to them. When Jeremy disappears, Tala knows they have to escape – and fast.
Finally free, Tala learns the truth. Dragon shifters are dangerous. Most magicals are terrified of them, and as her powers grow, Tala finds out why. She’s losing control. Using her magic might mean losing the only family she’s ever known…
Axel, a deliciously hot Greek god, offers Tala and her friends a place to train: Mount Olympus. Because it’s not just Tala who is in danger. Zeus is missing, and whatever’s going on, she and her friends are right in the middle of it… And since Axel might be the only guy on the planet she can kiss without accidentally burning to death, Tala figures she hasn’t got much to lose. (Even if, sometimes, he deserves it). But Tala knows she has to go back. Magic itself is under threat. And besides, whoever kidnapped her still has Jeremy.
So it’s time for Axel to decide. Will he stand in Tala’s way, or by her side?
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Tala Phoenix is a very good book. I picked it up after reading another book by Gabby Fawkes (Shadow Rising), and am happy to have found this author. The characters are interesting and well-written. The story is full of action. I enjoy the Greek mythology aspect of the story, and the Gods, who could easily come across as distant and flat, are very human.
Inspiration strikes after reading Riggs’, Rowling’s books, drop in a few Roman Gods & Goddess & that resulted in the birth of Fawkes’ debut of a YA/fantasy novel, Tala Phoenix and the School of Secrets. (This is a spoiler free review, you just have to read the book & review for yourselves.)
There is a sense of mystery, adventure, drama, someone who says this isn’t right, I’m gonna go unravel the truth, good guys & bad guys, twists & turns. At times, it got slow & repetitive for me like she & the characters kept repeating themselves in every few paragraphs throughout the book. It’d be interesting to see where book 2 takes us.
Fantastic Start! Must read new series!
This book is a fantastic start to what is sure to be an amazing series. The characters are very interesting and their development throughout the story is quite intriguing. Right from the start the author weaved her words in a way that kept me fully engaged in the story. I can’t wait to see how things develop in book 2.
I fully recommend giving this series a chance. It’s awesome!
What a lovely surprise this book was, Debut Novels can sometimes be jumpy and confusing but this storey flowed nicely. The characters were well described, easily pictured and everything flowed nicely. The storey line was well written well but lacked a certain amount of tension and suspence in certain areas but that said i did enjoy reading the book and am looking forward to watching this author grow and blossom. Aimed at the teenage / young adult market but I do feel that a bit of heat & sexual tension between Axel and Tala wouldn’t go a miss and would add interest to the storey.
Amazing first book!!! … To be honest, I didn’t expect this book to be this good, I mean this is Gaby’s first book ever… But this ladie proved me wrong… Of course her writing needs a little polish, but damn, I couldn’t stop reading, I’m immediately fell for the bond Tala, Kian and Demi have, amazing girls, in spite of their youth, they’re so loyal, brave, determined, figthing to save their friends, from a truth and an enemy they’re don’t really understand yet… Oh and the Greek gods they find as allies, man!!!… You totally got me Gaby, magic, shifters, dragons, hot Greek gods… Can’t wait for the next book to release!!!
Tala Phoenix and the School of Secrets by Gabby Fawkes has a unique storyline and the world building is incredible. Our main characters — Tala, Kian, Jeremy, and Demi — are amazing well developed that you can’t help but love them. As they move forward in the story they develop an unbreakable bond of friendship (no one left behind). They are all orphans in a school where kids are drugged and watch others go into “The Room” never to be seen again. They know they have to escape or something drastic will happen to them and began planning their escape. Gabby has written a tale that is exceptionally well planned and keeps you reading as you are pulled into this world and experience the emotions, the action, twists & turns, ups & downs along with the characters. I am very impressed with the ability of Gabby to write a story with such phenomenal depth. I am anxiously looking forward to the sequel to see what Gabby has planned for us. I highly recommend this book. Received a copy and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I enjoyed this story. I found it a little slow to get started but once I had settled in to it I really liked it. It is an unusual idea and I liked the way it progressed. The characters are just starting to find themselves and their place in the world. I hope that this continues in another book.
Gabby Fawkes has started her career off with a bang with a well-written victory in Tala Phoenix and the School of Secrets! The storyline starts a little slow, but soon picks up and becomes well-paced and unique, filled with intrigue, danger, magic, shape-shifting, gods and a hint of romance. The characters are well-developed and endearing. I hope that there is more to follow, because I believe that this would definitely make an enjoyable series.
A debut with an interesting mix of urban fantasy, paranormal characters, and Greek mythology. The story had mystery, secrets, and romance with darker undertones that were entertaining but also a lot of competing elements within the story arcs. I admired the friendship between Tala, Demi, and Kian and their bond and commitment to staying together too. Despite these positives, I struggled with the author’s less structured writing style and forming an emotional connection with the characters. The writing was also a bit unpolished and the casual elements and references led to re-reading for clarity. I feel the story has a lot of potential but didn’t quite connect everything for me effectively. The author has demonstrated her ability with this debut and will hopefully continue to hone her skills with experience. If you are looking for something with a bit of everything and don’t mind a more casual tone (like having a friend tell you a story over coffee), then you may want to give this a try.