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THE PHOENIX
"The Phoenix is a thoroughbred!" - Steve Berman, Publisher, Lethe Press
Visitors, please note: With 52 reviews on Amazon.com (US), the older reviews have been truncated and marked AMAZON. They can still be read in their entirety at http://tinyurl.com/6mfadq. And I even included what I call my two stinky-cheese reviews at the bottom of the page.
NEWER REVIEWS
Excerpted from the 5 kisses review by Jeff at MichelenJeff Reviews
See the complete review at http://michelenjeff-reviews.blogspot.com/?zx=b981b6b2aa8e0b97
"...The plot is riveting and gut-wrenching in manner similar to that of Brokeback Mountain. It is an epic love story in which life circumstances seem to be conspiring to keep the central characters separated from one another, but love somehow always manages to find a way.
"The book is so masterfully written that I honestly see it as a major motion picture, or at the very least a television mini-series. It truly is a delightful read which is filled with humor, action, romance, violence, and passion."
"...Overall, I regard this book as an exceptional read. The prose is beautiful, the storytelling is captivating, and the plot is riveting. It is a must-read."
The terrific reviews keep coming in! The latest is by Gerry Burnie, author of Two Irish Lads. "A masterful piece of writing, credible and enjoyable from start to finish."
NEW! November 2009! Aunt Lynn, Reviewer, 5-star review on Jessewave's Reviews
"I need to say upfront that I loved this book. Were there a few issues? Yes, but I loved it enough to give it a 5-star rating even with the couple of niggles I had. Because of the way I read it (time-wise), I started early one evening but forced myself to stop at a critical point to go to bed. I dreamt about this book. I had to finish it the moment I woke up. Since then, I've thought about this book. I am day-dreaming about and writing the review for this book instead of doing my work. I wanted to re-read this book as soon as I finished, but I won't be able to for a little bit. I smiled, I was pissed off, I cried, I was heartbroken for both heroes and more.
Read the rest at http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/?p=10197
NEW! November 2009! BD Whitney, Reviewer, Bookwenches
"Kit St. Denys might be exceedingly wealthy and the darling of the London stage, but the fame, the glamour and the influential name are just borrowed plumage that masks much more humble origins. He has an ugly past that haunts his nightmares, and secrets that could ruin him if they became public knowledge."
"When Kit meets young physician Nick Stuart, he knows he has found the one who can keep the nightmares at bay. But while he and Nick find passion together, Nick’s strict Puritan upbringing stands in the way of their happiness. Nick is convinced that what he and Kit do is sinful, but while he does his very best to fight his feelings and do what he believes is right in the eyes of God and society, he can’t put his feelings for Kit behind him."
"Buried secrets have a tendency to be exhumed, and when Kit’s past finally catches up with him, his nightmares overwhelm him. He is thrown into a world of murder and insanity that may consume him forever, in spite of Nick’s best efforts and sacrifices on his behalf. Kit may have been able to rebuild himself after the tragedy that ended his youth, but only a phoenix can be reborn from flames such as these."
Read the complete review at http://www.bookwenches.com/october09reviews.htm
Lee Benoit, Reviewer, Uniquely Pleasurable
"Rich and thick in the best Victorian tradition, and cool and smooth as the best contemporary romances, The Phoenix is that rare bird: a convincing historical novel with a compelling modern sensibility. I can’t recommend it highly enough."
Read the rest at: http://unique.logophilos.net/?p=480
L. A. Gilbert, Reader, AmazonUK
"It's not often that a book can move me with out leaving me slightly heartbroken at the same time. This book is important to me and made me feel glad to know that there are such stories published, it's the kind of book that makes you feel slightly peaceful."
Adaora Nwandu, Reader, AmazonUK
Read the rest of the review at http://tinyurl.com/bfv9wz, written as "Ariel Now"
"People are eager to label novels as `love stories' and you finish them wondering where the love actually was. This is not one of them. Instead, forced to put down this novel because you've run out of pages, you're left with the true romantic sense of love. ... I have no reservation in recommending this book - strong in style, content and over all emotion, without being over wrought. Sims has managed that rare thing of producing a page-turner which doesn't just depend on suspense to keep you riveted. Rather, you're so interested in the characters' day-to-day lives, you want to make them part of yours."
Peggy Ullman Bell, Author of Fixin' Things, & Sappho Sings
http://peggyullmanbell.com
"This is one story you don't want to miss. It had me crying before I got past chapter two and laughing halfway through chapter eight. The book is a marvel of passionate difficulties without ever feeling like an emotional rollercoaster. The author's research is flawless, her writing tight and uncluttered. This is not a book for skip readers. Every word and comma is essential to the story, which, to this reviewer is exactly as it should be."
"The love between St. Denys and Dr. Stuart is subtle, sultry and real; their emotion deep, rugged and lasting. I paused many time to sit back and let the intricacies of the story flow quietly through my mind."
"Overall, I can't remember when I've ever enjoyed a book so much."
Calen Crate, Reader, Amazon
"Miss Sims has written such a beautiful story on the power of true love and how it transcends time and distance. Excellent character development, and excellent story telling. I read it in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down. This book truly is a masterpiece, I will treasure it forever."
Bhoay Matsuragi, Reader, Amazon
"When I first picked this up, I thought it was going to be another one of those fluffy olden-day English stories about romance and maybe a little adventure along the way. I'm glad it wasn't~!"
"The story is nicely paced and has a fair bit of drama in it~ I really love how this isn't one of those fluffy, puffy stories where everything goes right. It's a gritty story with a lot of meat in it which I love~"
Araminta Matthews, Front Street Reviews http://www.frontstreetreviews.com
"Ruth Sims, in her first book ... has managed what few writers are ever capable of doing: she has breathed life into her characters as if slipping the magic paper into the ears of a sandy golem. The characters are alive, now, and they live forever inside this book. ... There is an attraction - a passion that is ... both beautiful and terrible (as any true passion can be)."
"A sweetheart of a love story" Tamara Allen, Amazon reader & Author of Whistling in the Dark
"The Phoenix is a charming, lively romance between Nicholas Stuart and Christopher St. Denys, two men struggling with their personal demons and their homosexuality in a time period when discovery meant imprisonment or worse. I found Nicholas the more complex and interesting of the two characters. His background made it all the more difficult for him to come to terms with his sexuality and it took losing his phoenix, Kit, and making the mistake of wedding poor Bronwyn for him to learn that you don't choose love--love chooses you."
Zhhavit-Lamasu, Amazon reader
"THE PHOENIX is simply lovely. The romance is sizzling without being explicit. The sex is there but hardly described. But it is enough. The eroticism is well felt despite the simplicity of the text when it comes down to a bed scene. I was very satisfied. ... The story keeps you on the edge of your seat till the last page of the book .. HIGHLY RECOMENDED."
OLDER REVIEWS
"An Amazing Love Story" J.A. Brown, Amazon reader
"Ruth Sims' 'The Phoenix' is an overwhelming love story, set in a very elegant era. The symbolism that lies inside the book compliments the plot line, giving the story a very classic literary affect...Rarely a book can touch my heart as this book has. I give this book five stars and will definitely keep it as a future re-read for many years."
Alex Beecroft, Amazon reader & author of Captain's Surrender, False Colors
"How to begin to summarize this?! It's a wonderfully complex book, but at its heart is the love between Kit St Denys - the famous actor who was born a gutter rat in London ... and Nick Stuart, the idealistic doctor from a background of stifling piety...Underworld London, high society London, the theatre, the circus, and the Elephant on Coney Island. A definite keeper!"
Val Kovalin -- Obsidian Bookshelf
See the complete review at http://www.obsidianbookshelf.com
"Don't miss this sweeping historical romance set in the 1890s...big-hearted, flamboyant, historical romance...The highlight of the book for me is when Kit struggles to establish his theater company in New York City. It's fast-paced, often highly amusing, and digs deep enough to give you a real flavor of both the theater world and the cutthroat politics of the time."
Mark Probst, Amazon reader, & author of The Filly
"...discovering Ruth Sims' romantic Victorian tale was like finding a rare gem. It's been a long while since a book resonated this deeply in my soul. It's with loving care that the author seamlessly weaves the tapestry of true historical characters and events with authentic fictional counterparts... a masterwork."
Liz Nicholson, British reader
Complete review at http://community.livejournal.com/womeninprint/5202.html
"[The Phoenix is] a romance set at the end of the nineteenth/beginning of the twentieth century and centres round the lives and loves of two men. They are both English, from backgrounds as different as chalk and cheese, giving Ruth and her readers a chance to explore the London slums, the life of the very rich, village life (for a doctor's family) and the theatre...Whilst I cared deeply about the fates of the two heroes, it was the finely and lovingly drawn minor characters that gave them a solid and interesting background and lifted the book out of the run-of-the-mill romance genre...Often, I read books like this one (romance/thriller genre) and pass them on to friends or charity shops. This one will be staying on my crowded bookshelves, to be re-read in the future. Highly recommended."
Joyfully Reviewed Reviewer: Cheryl (Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA)
See the complete review at http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Oct07/ThePhoenix.RS.html
"Lovers of historical romances, gay or straight, will want to pick up The Phoenix...A sweeping tale overflowing with rich detail and emotion, The Phoenix is a grand historical romance. Ruth Sims crafts a lush world full of well-developed characters. Introduced to Kit and Nick in their youth, I truly came to know them both. Neither is perfect, but both are engaging men that had me rooting for a happy ending. Ms. Sims's vivid storytelling left me breathless at both the horrors and triumphs of these two men. Deftly handling the realities of a gay relationship at that point in history, she gives Kit and Nick's romance a true authenticity.
Midwest Book Review Reviewer: Lori L. Lake, Award-Winning Author of Snow Moon Rising & Editor, Teacher, Reviewer
The complete review may be seen on Amazon.com and on MBR -if you can find it.
"[...] the story is hardly begun before complications develop in the most delicious ways. Kit has hidden so much of his past, even from himself, and Nick has trouble reconciling religion, family expectations, and the overwhelming compulsion he feels for Kit. There are plot twists and unexpected turns, and just when you think you understand what will happen next, Sims upends expectations with a deft and gleeful hand."
"[...]THE PHOENIX is a magnificent tour de force, a novel of searing power and grace and constant surprises as it winds its way through London and New York, the slums, high society, fancy theaters, castles, madness, and the agony of one wounded heart seeking comfort and love in the arms of another man despite being without the sanction of society, church, God, or his own good sense."
"[...] Though the book is classified "historical," it's wildly evocative and dramatic without being melodramatic. The characters and themes will have you thinking about this book long after you've finished it. From the beginning to the end, the reader has no sure idea where the story will go, and while we fervently hope that Nick and Kit are, indeed, destined for love and happiness, the road they travel to invent and reinvent themselves is rocky, unpredictable, and utterly engrossing."
"THE PHOENIX is fantastic writing and storytelling of the highest order. This is one book not to be missed. I give it my highest recommendation."
Rick R. Reed, Amazon reader, & prolific author of Twisted: Tales of Obsessions and Terror; A Face Without a Heart; Obsessed; Penance; I.M., and more.
"First novels should not be this good... I have to admit, I wasn't prepared to love this book as much as I did. Rarely does a book make me cry, but this one did. ... intriguing (and often mesmerizing) blend of historical fact, pathos, comedy, and heart. This is the kind of book that you're sorry to see come to an end. Highly recommended."
Erastes, author of Standish, Frost Fair, Transgressions and more
Complete review at SpeakItsName -- http://speakitsname.wordpress.com
"What a joy to read this book proved to be. [...] It's a lovely seduction and love affair [...] Characterisation: Is great. I could really get under the skin of both main characters without any problem. Even when she shifted between one and the other, it was so starkly contrasted - the difference in their characters-that you simply thought as one then the other. While Nick's choices made me want to brain him, they made perfect sense in the world he inhabited [...] Kit is larger than life throughout, and that's perfectly in character, even when his life spirals out of control, it's in a wonderfully tragedian way with Nick hardly able to keep up. [...] Period Feel: Wonderfully done, with no Dan Brown tub-thumping explanations of what is going on and the politics of the time. Sims doesn't talk down to her reader. [...] Very highly recommended. Certainly the best written gay historical I've read[...]"
Jean Paquin, Amazon reader, Mississippi
"It is amazing to watch these two men, who are so very different in their upbringing find themselves and each other. [...] The journey these two make to come to terms with who they are is both harsh and tender. [...] The emotion between the two characters makes them unforgettable."
Toby Johnson, Amazon reader, Editor, & Co-author of Two-Spirits
"Sims' novel, THE PHOENIX, marvelously captures that intensity of emotion and obsession with love. ... I was fascinated by the deep psychological forces in the characters' lives. ... thoroughly interesting and believable."
Jordan R. Henry, 18-year-old Amazon reader
"Absolutely brilliant ...This love story has to be one of the best ever written...it seriously took me through every emotion I know...when I was angry, I was really angry, and when I was sad, I really cried. ... I still can't get it out of my head."
Victor J. Banis, Amazon reader, prolific author of 150+ books, including Angel Land, Lola Dances, Tales From C.A.M.P: Jackie's Back
"It's a good thing Ruth Sims did not live and write in the era of the witch trials, because they would surely have burned her at the stake for the spell she casts in her novel, The Phoenix. ... this is a book for everyone who loves a terrific story, told by a mistress of her craft. Just don't blame me if you find yourself 'witched."
Alex Hogan, Amazon reader, Australia
"...a passionate and romantic love story. Most definitely a book worth reading again, and again."
"Lindsey" Alberta, Canada.
Appeared on Chapters.com at http://tinyurl.com/yd2n7z
"If you liked Brokeback Mountain, you will love this book. The description on the back cover describes it as a 'gay romance', but don't let that fool you. It is indeed a historical romance between two men, but there's much more to it. It's not too often you find yourself caring so much for characters that you can't sleep at night for want of reading more. I laughed and cried along with the characters, and quite literally could not put it down. I can't recommend this book enough!"
Shannon Frost, TCM Reviews
Complete review at: http://tcm-ca.com/reviews/1214.html
"There are some words in the English language that for the sheer weight their meanings carry should be used sparingly. One such word is masterful, and yet, there is no other way to describe author Ruth Sims story telling in her captivating novel The Phoenix..."
"From the slums of London to high society grandeur, author Sims brings the Victorian Era to life with movie-like clarity. Details of theatre life and medicine, the impoverished and wealthy, London to New York, flow silken smooth...The characters are heartwarming and heartrending with Kit and Nick breathing life from the pages...The Phoenix will enchant the reader until the last word is read, and even then, the memory of the tale and characters will continue to linger on."
"Jane", Amazon reader, Ontario Canada.
"This is a wonderful and a beautifully written love story ... It reminds me of Romeo and Juliet. ... It has a blockbuster ending and keeps you guessing right up to the last page if these 2 beautiful people will finally have the love they deserve with each other. ... I loved this book and could not put it down."
Ken Sain, Reviewer, Southern Voice, The Washington Blade
"Sims does a wonderful job of recreating the New York theater scene at the turn of the century. ... It has action, drama, romance and a love between two souls that are determined to overcome all the obstacles to be together."
Chas Ridley, Reviewer, The Romance Studio
"...Ruth Sims has given us a thoroughly enjoyable tale with more twists and turnarounds than a pretzel factory. Sometimes brutal - physically and emotionally - this is a gripping story."
William Maltese, Prolific author of dozens of novels, including the Stud Draqual Mystery Series
"... Ruth Sims' twenty-years-in-the-writing Victorian novel of the love between two gay men ... rediscover the pure joy of reading.... I suspect it will be a considerable time before you find the likes of Ms. Sims' THE PHOENIX appearing in any book stores again - if ever."
Jak Klinikowski, Amazon reader
"Without doubt, the finest book I read this year. This piece of historical fiction drew me in and held me like few other books have ever been able to do. I was mesmerized, and I did not want it to end. ...It is now on, and shall always remain on, my all-time favorite book list. ... pure perfection."
Josh Aterovis, Author, Killian Kendall Mystery Series
"... wonderfully entertaining novel ... Sims' language is elegant and economical. There's not a wasted word to be found, yet she creates beautifully vivid imagery. As you read Ruth Sims' book, you fully dwell in her world."
Ladymol, Reviewer, Squashduck
"What a rare find! I was enthralled by this book and couldn't put it down. In fact, I did something I never, ever do, which is to peek at the last page; seriously, the tension was that bad!"
Diana Tixier Herald, Reviewer, Genrefluent Magazine
"Sims has done a masterful job of creating characters who are real. She had made these two men and their enduring love for each other incredibly believable ..."
Emily Veinglory, Author and Reviewer
"The Phoenix is ... a work of literature that is unashamedly emotional, lyrical and romantic but also built upon a strong, complex plot and sound historical research."
Adrian DeBolt, TGForum
"THE PHOENIX was a real joy to read... You may never have the inclination to read another such book, but do yourself the favor: acquaint yourself with this one."
Cerisaye, Rainbow Readership; Squashduck
"A juicy, page-turner that takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride through a beautifully realised late Victorian England and America in the delightful company of one of the most romantic heroes it has been my pleasure to fall head over heels in love with. It'd make a wonderful film..."
Galenn Frazier, Amazon reader
"Ruth Sims provides a glorious and insightful in-depth peek at life as it existed in an earlier age, complete with all of its handsomeness, beauty, and accompanying warts.... a truly unique experience."
Elizabeth Conley, Reviewer, Our Bookshelf
"...I literally gave up any semblance of social life to find out what would ultimately become of Kit and Nick. Without a doubt, The Phoenix is a solid five star read."
Elizabeth K. Burton, The Blue Iris Journal
"The Phoenix is an incredibly rich and compelling saga of the journey of two men of similar background yet opposing temperament whose love for each other transcends time, distance and a society that considers it an abomination. ... characters who are so thoroughly and sublimely human ...a book no one should miss."
Alastair Rosie, eBook Reviews Weekly
"The Phoenix by Ruth Sims is without a doubt a truly remarkable book ... astonishingly well written, accurately researched, and a real pleasure to read. It is rare for a reviewer to give a ten out of ten rating for a book or film, but in this case an A rating is more than justified."
Michael Halfhill, Author of Bought and Paid For, Scimitar, & Sons
"Ruth Sims is a consummate artist. This is a talent. The remarkable thing is the economy of words Sims uses. Time and again Ruth Sims tells you what is, by telling you what is not. Want a book you'll urge others to read? Then run, do not walk, and get a copy of THE PHOENIX."
Antonio Z, Amazon reader, & Playwright
"A throwback, of sorts, to Dickens, Austen and Hardy, when things like character and plot still meant something. The characters are charismatic and multifaceted, its plot twists intricate and unpredictable. ... the sign of an author who possesses both a rich, free-flowing imagination and a profound, generous humanity."
And just to be fair, here are review by at least two people who not only didn't love it-they didn't even like it. In fact, you could say that they both hated it. I have to say, I wasn't offended, but I was amused.
In Stinky-Cheese Review #1 J. D., London, wrote on AmazonUK:
"I was hoping for Sarah Waters meets Brokeback mountain, but when the back cover boasts that its written by a cookie baking grandma who has hardly ever ventured beyond the borders of rural Illinois ( and uses a flower pot as a chicken roaster - crazy!) then you realise why you get Mary Poppins meets As the world turns. Maybe if she had taken off the apron and done some research then things would have worked out better, but it reads like she googled 'facts about england' inbetween planting chickens. ... This is like a themed restaurant with polyester costumes. ... the plot is pointless. pah! stick to your chicken roasting grandma and leave the writting alone. (Note: grammatical and spelling errors are the reviewers, not mine. Oddly, this person has only one other review on AmazonUK and it's not for a book.)"
Stinky-Cheese Review #2 - S.L.B. wrote on Amazon
"Simple and Predictable" (and, strangely enough, it's the only review by this person on Amazon, also! Dear me.)
"I purchased "The Pheonix" based on the overwhelmingly good reviews that it recieved online. Much to my dismay, I was thoroughly dissappointed. The characterization was shallow and the plot was predictable. In addition, it reads like a book with a storyline intended for adults but wrote for eight grade students. ... if you would prefer to read a book that requires no thought and can easily be read while watching TV, this IS the book for you."
(Again, spelling and grammar are the poster's own, not mine.)
ForeWord Magazine
Book of the Year Award HM
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