Novella Review: Phoenix Overture by Jodi Meadows

Phoenix Overture by Jodi Meadows

New Soul #2.5

Published September 3rd 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books

This breathtaking and lyrical novella captures a thrilling and momentous decision for a young man and the people he loves. Told from the perspective of Sam, the sensitive musician from Jodi Meadows’s Incarnate series, lifetimes before he meets Ana, Phoenix Overture is a story of love and loss, strength and courage, and facing the consequences of the hardest of decisions.

Phoenix Overture offers existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the intriguing history of Heart, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the romantic, captivating fantasy of the Incarnate series.

In the wilds around the Community where Sam and his family have taken shelter, life is dangerous. Dragons, trolls, centaurs, and other monsters fill the world. The word comes from the council that everyone must leave and journey to rescue their leader, Janan, who has been abducted by a mysterious new enemy in the north. Faced with overwhelming threats that bring death and destruction, Sam and the others reach the northern Range and, reunited with Janan, are given an unimaginable opportunity. Although it would give them the privilege to live and learn and love without fear, the choice is not without its own dire consequences. And lives—though not theirs—are sure to be lost. Just how much are they willing to give up to save themselves?

1 - Incarnate

2 - Asunder

*this review might have spoilers, don't read unless you've read the previous books*

Phoenix Overture is a short novella where you can read more about Sam's first life, how he discovered music and how Janan convinced all of them to join him for immortality. It's very quick to read, sometimes I thought everything was happening too fast to sound believable, but it was nice to meet this Sam, who is very different from the Sam we know in the books. He's very insecure, there are reasons for him to be that way, but also loves music.

Not only Sam, but other characters from the books are also present and you can get a glimpse on their previous life. I was specially interested in what made them choose immortality and this novella answered some of my questions.

More about this novella at Goodreads, Amazon.