Moira is a powerful empath, a psychic graced with the ability to read emotions and memories. Her skill is as much a curse as a gift, for in the harshly stratified city of Braxton empaths are slaves. Clever and beautiful, Moira has learned to rely on no one but herself. Determined to escape life as a concubine, she kills her master, and is imprisoned for the crime.
This could be the end for Moira, but the government has need of her skills. A mysterious serial killer known as the Phoenix has been planting suggestions in his victims’ minds that drive them to murder and suicide. To gain her freedom, Moira partners with Keenan Edwards, a handsome young detective, to stop the killer.
Hunting the Phoenix will bring Moira on a more dangerous road than she imagined, forcing her to confront dark minds, twisted moralities, and her growing feelings for the detective.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.
Mind of the Phoenix is a fantasy (maybe slightly Steampunk, but not sure) mystery book. It is set in a world similar to early 1900’s our world. The technology and clothing are similar. However, the class structure is different. There are empaths, people who can feel and go into your mind, and regular humans. The regular humans are the “dominant” race. Empaths are slaves, given the last name of their owners, and classified into different groups in order to make the lives of the rich and normal people easier.
Moira is an empath who doesn’t follow the rules placed on her from before her birth. She is strong, cynical, and intelligent. I love her as a female lead. She was realistic with real human problems and supernatural awesomeness. The male lead, Detective Keenan Edwards is the male version of Moira. His quiet and reserved way made him both infuriating and intriguing.
The book has two mysteries within it. The first one is a series of murders that hint at a conspiracy or outside revolution. The second mystery is a series of rapes and murders. The first one is not resolved at the end of the book, but does keep you wanting more. I found the second mystery fairly easy to figure out.
Honestly, it is the world, characters, and the big mystery that has me going. I found Moira a great character and someone to root for. I will definitely read more of McLachlan’s books.
Casia's Corner 