After reading the first book, 'the Phoenix Conspiracy', I was left with the feeling that the book was ok, but not spectacular; it had an interesting story, but suffered from some obvious editorial needs. However, I have to say that 'the Phoenix Rising' is a much improved book from the first in the series and I'm glad I didn't stop at the first.

This book is a straight forward military/mystery sci-fi that will appeal strongly to those who like that genre or love Star Trek books. It keeps a fast pace through most of the book with only a few minor slow points to give you a breather. I'm not sure if I was really digging the romantic scene with the Chen character, but in the end you can see how it sets him up to do what he does; I might have simply chosen a stronger plot mechanism to drive him to the same conclusion. Also, I'm still having mixed feelings about the use of vampire/werewolf type characters in the story. I know it has more of a scientific explanation in this book, but I feel like it may be pandering to the current fades rather than trying for something truly inventive and new. I guess I just didn't expect to find it here since the original book description of 'the Phoenix Conspiracy' didn't mention it.

This was a decent read for an ebook only story and the price on these books is in line with the level of this author within the sci-fi ebook sphere. I will be moving on the the third book in the series in due time. ( )