Rope Worker

Phoenix Heart, Episode 4

By: Sarah K.L. Wilson

Narrated by: Elise Hoffman

Length: 2 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Trust is a hard thing to give when no one seems trustworthy.

Frustrated at every turn, Sersha and Judicus are determined not to give up - especially not now that they hold a vital clue to the intentions of their enemies. But when someone new appears in their path - someone who claims to have a reason to stay near Sersha - neither of them are sure if they should trust him. Worse, Kazmerev doesn't agree.

Can Sersha and Kazmerev survive their first fight and decide together on who to trust?

For lovers of Dragon School, Crown of Feathers, Dragon Riders of Pern, and Howl's Moving Castle comes a new serial novella series from USA Today best-selling author Sarah K.L. Wilson sure to fill you with the love of adventure and bright hope.

Note from the Author

Phoenix Heart is a series very much like your favorite streaming TV show. There are seasons and episodes. The episodes are designed to be heard in roughly three hours, though fast listeners will go through them more quickly, and those of you who like to take your time may go more slowly. They’re intended to be fast-paced and exciting, and they release frequently so that you can keep up with the story even if you have a very busy life. Perfect for lunch breaks, a single evening of enjoyment, and younger listeners who prefer bite-sized chunks.

©2021 Sarah K.L. Wilson (P)2021 Sarah K.L. Wilson

Another Thrilling Episode!!

Having just watched Lady Lightland sail off with both Mally and Aunt Danna tied up, and Judicus lost below the waves, and Kazmarev not yet born, Sersha has started to give up hope at the end of book 3, that is until she is swept from the cliff face and under the waves, into a small ‘Rope Bubble’ with Judicus.
Still unsure of the feathers message, and with only 2 days remaining, Judicus and Sersha book passage aboard a ship so that they can give chase to Mally and Aunt Danna.
As they are sailing, and trying to discover the secret of the feather, they are introduced to a man on the boat, who appears at first to be strange, but he offers them something that no one else can.
(Minor Spoiler), He claims to be the Guarding Flame, another Phoenix Rider, which is something that both Sersha and Judicus are immediately suspicious of, given that they know that one of the Phoenix riders has turned on their kind and is working with the Stryxex.
Events move quickly in this fourth book, as our intrepid pair try to unravel the feather. The ship that they are on falls under attack, and things get more complicated from there for the pair. Thankfully for them both, they have the support of Kazmarev, but with the introduction of this new person, this ‘Guardian Flame’ and his Phoenix, everything that Sersha thinks to Kazmarev, is relayed to him, meaning that she is no longer able to completely be honest with her Phoenix.
For the first time since she became a Phoenix Rider, Sersha is in the position of not knowing who to trust, and with the inability to properly communicate with Judicus, she is stuck not knowing what to do.
This is a really fascinating story, one that is full of action and adventure, battles, and the use of magic. But at the same time, there are also some really interesting concepts to this story as well, relating to Sersha and her internal struggles, her moral compass, what is right and wrong, the issues of trust. Sersha’s character is intriguing on so many levels due to her inability to be able to speak, and the difficulties this causes her and others. Wilson does a masterful job in relating these difficulties, in creating that understanding of her frustration, but also of Sersha’s incredible patience and intelligence in how she responds and deals with these situations. The character work is exceptional with regards to Sersha and her situation. Just as powerful is the relationship between Sersha and Kazmarev, but this relationship is tested in this book, and it is fascinating watching this unfold as the issue of trust is pushed to the limits, not just with them, but in other aspects of the story as well.
The world building continues to be exceptional, with every aspect of this story being beautifully told and described and it makes it a real joy to read. From the different locations, to the descriptions of the Phoenix’s and other creatures such as the Stryxex.
Whilst there is a degree of violence in this story, given that it is a fantasy story, and as with all of this type of story, there is fighting, conflict, injury and in some cases death, the overall descriptions and graphic nature of these fight scenes is at a level I would consider to be at suitable for young adult. I have an 11yr (at time of writing), and would be more than happy for her to read this.
This continues to be an outstanding and fascinating series as we follow this compelling young woman on her journey with her Phoenix as they try to save her family from Raiders who have taken her, believing her to be ‘The Ai’sletta’, some form of ancient prophecy. With every chapter of this novella series, it only gets more interesting!!
Elise Hoffmann has such a beautiful voice, it is so easy to listen to, and makes this one story that you just want to get the Audiobook because she is so nice to listen to, and tells the story so well. She has a wonderful range of male and female voices, really bringing the story to life. She also adds powerful emotions to the characters as she tells their stories, so that you really understand and feel what is happening, such as Sersha’s frustration at not being able to convey her thoughts, or Kazmarev’s anger, loss, anguish at various situations such as the loss of his former Flame Rider, or not being able to help Sersha with something due to her lack of experience, or just the bond he immediately feels for her due to their connection. The Narration is just outstanding, I have already bought the entire first ‘Season’ on Audiobook as I just love the Narrator’s voice, and think she is brilliant – this is one story you want to listen to rather than read, as Hoffmann is brilliant.