Title: Phoenix Rising

Author: Theo Fenraven

Genre: Crime, Mythology,

Length: Novella (176pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (11^th July 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: New York City homicide detectives Artemis Gregory and Rachel Wayland are first on the murder scene of a beautiful young gay man, the third victim of a serial killer dubbed the Moon Killer by the department. Their investigation leads them to Talis Kehk, charismatic lead singer of the rock group Phoenix Rising. As the next full moon approaches, Artemis and his partner uncover clues that lead straight to Talis—even as Talis, exhibiting behavior Artemis finds strange indeed considering the circumstances, uses every means possible to keep Artemis close.

Artemis could never fall in love with a murderer, could he? Innocent or not, Talis has a secret… and it’s about to change Artemis’s world forever.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3099

Review: Artemis is on the trail of a serial killer when he follows a thin trail to Talis, the lead singer of a rock group. with the evidence against Talis piling up Artemis is getting ready to move in for the kill, but Talis has other ideas. Talis has spent many years hunting for his soul-mate, now he has found him and all he wants to do is get Artemis to fall in love with him. but, Artemis suspects him of murder, so Talis has to take drastic action to secure Artemis’ affection.

This is an interesting novella that combines mythology with crime and soul-mates and gives us some interesting character building. Artemis lives for his job. he loves the thrill of the chase, but the newest case of young hot gay men being mysteriously murdered have left him baffled. The evidence is plenty, the cause of death undetectable and the suspects nil… until Artemis makes a tenuous connection to the leader of the rock band, Phoenix Rising. Talis is running out of time, he doesn’t have much longer left to find his soul-mate and he finally finds him in the shape of police detective Artemis Gregory. But, Artemis is resistant to his wiles, so Talis has to resort to drastic measures to convince him he did not murder those young men.

There are many things that this book has going for it.  the storyline is good and strong, the plot interesting and the writing is good. But, there are a few things that pulled me from the book, as I had to suspend my disbelief to continue and I was disappointed in the way that Artemis seemed to change half way through the book (I like my characters consistent). Artemis came across as a strong character. he can compartmentalize with ease, but his focus is always on the job. he isn’t about to be swayed by any pretty face and he will catch the criminal… but then he changed and he was all wishy washy, pulled about by his attraction to Talis and completely losing focus of all the young men who were murdered.

Talis was a much more consistent character. he has one focus and that is to survive. I really can’t say if Talis and Artemis would make a good couple because I only saw Talis trying to seduce Artemis over to his side and Artemis going from a strong man to a man in the throes of infatuation.

That isn’t to say that the book isn’t good. Part 1 was brilliant and had me hooked, but then Part 2 started to lose me as Artemis changed. But, then Part 3 threw me for a loop. The storyline of a Phoenix searching for its soul-mate was really good and the string of unsolved gay murders was a brilliant touch. the way the characters were at the start of the book was great and I had very high expectations.

So, I will recommend this to those who love mythical creatures, two hot men, and great, hot sex (lol), impressive written imagery, a great storyline and a happy ending.