Phoenix Falling

Starred review from October 22, 2018
Geologist Petra Dee Manget has a lot on her plate in Bickle’s fifth novel (after 2016’s Nine of Stars) set in the supernaturally saturated town of Temperance, Wyo. Particularly vicious wildfires are sweeping through Yellowstone National Park, and evidence indicates that a phoenix might be behind them. Petra’s husband, Gabe, is no longer human and must frequently regenerate under the Lunaria, the Tree of Life; Petra is free of leukemia, but her new body, born of magic, has her doubting her own humanity. As these individual challenges strain their relationship, Gabe and Petra also fear that evil alchemist Aldus Lascaris might still be alive and seeking to obtain immortality at any cost. Petra and her unusual friends and allies must confront an all-encompassing evil that threatens the fate of everything they hold dear. Bickle has a firm hold on her wonderfully weird world and her characters, who each have an important part to play in Petra’s most harrowing and high-stakes adventure yet. Gabe and Petra’s romance is complex and bittersweet, and her beloved Sig, who is no ordinary coyote, steals scene after scene. This emotionally resonant installment is a standout in a consistently superb series. Agent: Becca Stumpf, Prospect.

February 1, 2019

The town of Temperance, WY, has seen its share of magic and mayhem, starting with its founding by alchemist Aldus Lascaris. As geologist Petra Dee Manget attempts to deal with the new body she's been given by way of magic, her husband, Gabe, must spend most nights away regenerating his no-longer-human body under Lunaria, the Tree of Life. Dangerous wildfires are spreading through Yellowstone, and Petra is unable to find the cause. She and Gabe fear that Lascaris may have survived his fiery fate and seeks to finish his plans, destroying Temperance and claiming every soul residing there. With Gabe, her coyote companion Sig, and other familiar allies, Petra faces off against a powerful evil with a friendly face. VERDICT Bickle's fifth outing (after Nine of Stars) showcases a contemporary Weird West tale with complex characters. Skillful worldbuilding and action climaxes in a fight built from magic and fire. Another excellent series entry.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2019
Following the events of Witch Creek (2018), geologist Petra Dee and crew barely have time to lick their wounds before a blazing inferno threatens to overtake Temperance, Wyoming, and the rest of Yellowstone Park. But the power behind the inferno isn't the only evil that has been resurrected: a dark entity that lives in the deepest recesses of the earth has gotten its grips into citizens of Temperance. Added to that is the return of Lascaris, the evil alchemist and founder of the town, ready to complete his Great Work. Phoenix Falling is full of action and supernatural happenings that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, and fans will ultimately be satisfied with this scorching series conclusion.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)