Phoenix and Ashes by Mercedes Lackey
Published by DAW (2004)
This is the third Book in her Elemental Masters series. Which, I can now proudly claim that I have read all of them; out of order and with gaps in between each book, but still.
Anyhoo, I highly recommend any person who enjoys fantasy books to pick up this series (or any other of Mercedes Lackey’s books). They are extremely entertaining and well written. The kind of book that you can submerge yourself in and almost be in the setting with the characters. If you are like me, you probably have this intense movie going on in your head as you read (and on a later day wonder what the name of that movie was or what actor was in it…) I mentioned the series, but they can be read as stand alone books since they don’t have continuing Story lines, but some characters do crossover or are mentioned.
Phoenix and Ashes is the story of two elemental masters (students really), Eleanor & Reginald, and all the hardship they face to become elemental masters. Set during World War I the two characters start out with hardships as the country is strained by the war: Reginald is a pilot called to fight and Eleanor must work miracles with all the rationing imposed. This story is a re-telling of the classic Cinderella fairytale. It’s got all the elements: a wicked stepmother, two spoiled stepsisters, a “fairy” godmother, a handsome rich “prince”, a hardworking, enslaved “Cinderella” and a royal ball, complete with a misplaced article of clothing. Over the years, I’ve read many retelling of fairy tales, but Mrs. Lackey’s are the best. She takes the underling story plot of the the fairy tale and builds her own story on top to the point where you can almost separate the two and not remember you are reading a retelling. She comes up with new, exciting ways to tell the same story and keep you completely glued to the book. Truly wonderful.
Favorite Part:
Eleanor’s journey through the Tarot as part of her education to become a Fire Master. Mrs. Lackey presented the journey with such detail and symbolism that I found myself picturing the Major Arcana as Eleanor walked among them. I only wish she would have had enough space (or time) to go through all the cards with the reader. But that’s just my personal interest in the Tarot shining through.
