Cody Redman used to be a YouTube sensation (used to!). The problem with child superstars is that when they grow up, they’re not “cute” anymore, and their audience tunes out. This is exactly what happened to Cody, but it gets worse. The world’s worst parents abscond with all the money, leaving him to fend for himself. His best friend Thad and his parents take Cody in and raise him. Flash forward to their early 20s, hiding from the mafia who had lent money to his parents, Cody has changed his name, and he and Thad share a dreadful apartment in a block called The Oasis, which is as far from an oasis as possible. In a chance meeting, Cody is discovered by the mafia and fears for his life. Thad comes up with the genius plan of moving to Lemuria Down, an idyllic town on a Hawaiian island that’s been created to demonstrate how people can live in harmony. Everyone in the town is handpicked, so Thad hacks into the computer system and creates fake IDs for them to get in. Is Lemuria Down the nirvana it’s promoted to be? Read Rod Drought’s Phoenix Rising, Lemuria Down to find out.

From the opening sentence to the closing one, this story captivated my attention. Cody’s story is one we’ve heard many times before, with parents exploiting their children online to make money. It’s what happens afterward that we don’t always know, and that’s what I love about this story; it’s all so plausible. The concept of a perfect nirvana is one many of us dream about, and I suspect that what Rod Drought writes here is pretty close to what could actually happen if a place like that existed. As the narrative continues, there are a few twists and turns and an absolute blindside that will make you physically drop the book and say, “What?” Promoted as comedy/satire, this book is also a coming-of-age story; it’s inspirational, and as it’s heavily character-driven, it borders on literary fiction. Phoenix Rising, Lemuria Down is an incredible book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants an entertaining read along with some feel-good vibes.

In Phoenix Rising, Lemuria Down by Rod Drought, Cody Redman was known for being a famous kid on YouTube. He now goes by the name Cody Green and is trying to figure out who he really is after losing his fame and dealing with his family's issues. He lives with Thad, his roommate, in a shabby apartment and finds an injured bird, which makes him think differently about his life. Cody volunteers at a bird sanctuary and meets Sierra, a kind woman who helps him confront his past. When circumstances push him to Lemuria Down, a man-made island designed for people trying to reinvent themselves, Cody must confront his old life and make serious decisions about his future. Along the way, he reconnects with people tied to his complicated past. But with all the challenges he faces, can he rebuild a real life for himself in the end?

Phoenix Rising, Lemuria Down by Rod Drought is a coming-of-age story that blends humor with emotional moments. If you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, you’ll love this book. Watching Cody work through the effects of his childhood fame and his family problems made me think about how trauma can follow someone for years. I actually liked that the book doesn’t paint Cody's journey toward healing as easy or perfect. I really connected with how hard it was for Cody to open up to people. Simple actions, like helping the bird and spending time with Sierra, gradually helped him change. Drought's prose is thoughtful, and the humor balances the serious moments in Cody’s life. His journey lingered with me, and it made me realize how the small acts we do every day can truly have a big impact on the person we become. Very highly recommended.