A review by ellelainey
Phoenix King by TJ Nichols

emotional inspiring mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine

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Phoenix King, by T.J. Nichols
Brothers of Fire, 02
★★★★★

3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: LGBTQIA+, Assassin, Romance, Royalty, Shifters, Forced Proximity, Spies, Insta-lust, Anonymous hookup, grief, suicide ideation
Triggers: mild violence, danger; kidnap and trafficking of shifters; mentions of military career; mentions of family kidnap, threat, death and blackmail
Genre: MM, Romance, Shifter, PNR, Crime

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Phoenix Spy is the second book in the Brothers of Fire series, which continues the story of the Shadow Board and phoenixes, while giving us a glimpse into King Gerrit's life. 

Our two MC's are interesting. We start with Malcolm, a Scottish ex-military man who is in emotional turmoil and searching for Mont du Leucoy. A gang have kidnapped his mother, brother and sister, and already killed his mother as a warning. To free his brother and sister, he needs to kill the King of Mont du Leucoy. As he's travelling, he sees a rare sight in the sky – a phoenix that shouldn't exist. 
On land, King Gerrit has snuck off for a clandestine fly as his phoenix. He's got a fire, a bottle of brandy, and time to kill. He's in his forties, and still grieving for his wife who died years ago, in a car crash that almost also took Everest. As Everest grew up and became independent, Gerrit also lost the father/son relationship they'd had. With the weight of kingly responsibility bearing heavily on his shoulders, he's really struggling to cope. 
An accidental meeting that night leads to a one-night stand and insta-lust, but they go their separate ways never realising how their paths are fated to cross. Together, they create an interesting dynamic and have an incredible chemistry right from the first page. 

The story is told in dual POV, but with occasional input from Kaine – whose book is next! – which give us an insight into the security aspect of the Coven. It also shows us more of the relationship between the brothers and how delicate their juggling act can be, and how their various roles influence each life. 

I really loved the continuing concept of previous-life connections, the soul bruise, and the bond that isn't quite a true mate or fated mate, but has the same impact on the characters. I loved the sizzling chemistry between Malcolm and Gerrit, how they fill the gaps in each other's lives and help each other in unexpected ways, with unexpected consequences. 

The world-building continues with each book, picking up on the threads that were woven in the Familiar Mates series, and creating a complex but intriguing storyline revolving around the Shadow Board. This book is no different, in that it adds and expands on what we've already learned. 

I'm looking forward to seeing Kaine's story. Giving him a slightly bigger role in this book really helps with the fact that his story is next. 

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Favourite Quote 

 “What are we doing?” he whispered against Gerrit's lips. 
 “Hiding from the storm.” Whether that storm was outside, or within him, Gerrit wasn't sure. Nor was he sure which one would do more damage.” 
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