Red Phoenix (Dark Heavens, Book 2) [Paperback]

I decided that after my rather harsh review of White Tiger (Dark Heavens, Book 1)I would give the second book in this series a chance just to see if the author decided that over-writing a novel to make it a very long novel, is not the way to keep readers happy. Some readers enjoy a sparer sort of prose. Well Ms Chan still uses pages and pages to describe something that could have/ should have taken just paragraphs. I almost get the feeling that the author thinks her readers are not the sharpest knives in the drawer and needs to keep repeating herself so we will `get it'.
I realize that this isn't a `romance', but if there is going to be a scene where that protagonists make love I think that there should either be a little more description or even less. Anything has to be better than (paraphrasing) "he held her down and then fell on her".

I'm still not happy with this novel, but I have to admit that this book had way less flaws than White Tiger.

Emma Donahoe saw herself as ordinary until an extraordinary man came into her life and changed everything. She was hired on to be the nanny for John Chen's daughter not the wife of John, Xuan Wu, Dark Lord of the North, God of Martial Arts, and mightiest demon killer of all time. But she is engaged to the Lord and now everyone sees her as the Lady of the manor, a title she is not comfortable with or wants but will fulfill with grace and dignity. All this action happens within the backdrop of Hong Kong a city surrounded in mystery that stirs your soul.

She has already shown her skills in battle after fighting off one evil Lord but the demons keep coming and soon she will have to lead John's army without him. John is losing his powers and must go to recharge but the length of time that takes to happen is unknown and Emma will become the Lady of the Manor. Emma can handle the pressure; rebuild John's army after suffering such horrific loss in the last battle; take responsibility to run his business; and fight any evil force trying to bring them pain. But can she survive without her soul mate John? She does view him as the love of her life, even though she cannot yet touch him but when they do unite, the heavens and earth will shake.

Emma and John fight for their civilization, protect their families, and the hope to continue their existence. Taking in all manner of warriors and training them for the ultimate fight that is coming is nothing in comparison to when Emma's parents suddenly show up and no explanation is going to keep them happy.

This is a complicated and detailed read that while not for everyone it is definitely for those of us that love the genre. There is so much going on but the reader never feels confused or overwhelmed by any of the action, which is nonstop. The number of pages may seem overwhelming but you need every one of them.

Kylie Chan continues to be a delight to read in this second book of the series.

I rate it five stars because I throughly enjoyed the book and just HAD to get the sequel as soon as I could. I had to know what would happen next!

If there was anything to dislike about the book, I can't think about it now. Especially seeing as at the time of writing this review I have read the four books that came after it and I am eagerly awaiting the next book. Be warned, while this is labelled book 2 of 3, it's actually book 2 of 9. Mrs Chan is writing a 9 book series made of three trilogies.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys talented writing, interesting characters and a healthy dose of eastern mysticism.