This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Writer and Filmmaker MARGARET M. MACDONALD is passionate about telling stories which transport people into other worlds and make this one a little more extraordinary. Her visual writing style, shaped by her background as a designer, conveys a tangible sense of place, inviting readers into the story world. Born and raised in the United States and currently living in Australia, Margaret likes to bring a mix of both cultures into her work. She has written a library of screenplays and novels in a mix of genres, has directed several short fi lms, and has been lucky enough to win a few awards along the way. She enjoys embracing a creative challenge and wants, more than anything else, to tell a story audiences will love.
Reviewed by Juan Lynch for Readers' Favorite
The Phoenix Effect, Part 1: The Reuniting by Margaret M. MacDonald is a compelling science-fiction novel. The Unity, a government-like powerhouse, is set on taking over the world with its seemingly immortal army. Their soldiers have all been injected with nanites that drastically increase strength and healing factors at the cost of the ability to feel emotions. Arin joined the army and quickly moved up the ranks to commander. His childhood sweetheart, Lia, strongly opposed his enlistment. Years later, they reunite as enemies on the battlefield. Arin, a rational, emotionless soldier, has the chance to end her life, but he doesn't. He is now a traitor in the eyes of The Unity. However, would the resistance army that Lia is a part of accept him?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Phoenix Effect, Part 1 by Margaret M. MacDonald. This story has an exciting plot that blends science-fiction, action, adventure, mystery, and comedy into a well-paced thriller. I appreciated how genuine all the characters felt. I understood the motivation behind the actions taken by every person in this story. It was easy to emotionally bond with Arin and Lia, and empathize with Roland, Lia's husband. The themes of romantic love, betrayal, governmental oppression, and resistance were brilliantly highlighted. I was forced to consider what I would do if faced with living in a totalitarian regime. MacDonald shows that when oppressed, some desire equality, while others hope to flip the tables and become the oppressors. I highly recommend The Phoenix Effect, Part 1 to everyone.
