Cycles of the Phoenix is a unique collection of stories that coalesce into an undefined whole that proves to be greater than its individual parts. Divided into three distinct books, the anthology kicks off with a scintillating fantasy story. The major players are on the brink of an epic battle, which ensues with breathless action sequences. Just as quickly, the story shifts. Dragons and swords give way to a more conceptual tale with obscure boundaries. And then another shift. Just when you settle into one location or genre, C.A. Nicholas cycles into a completely different story with a drastically different feel. There is, however, a solid thread of hope and self-worth woven throughout this extraordinary compilation.
It is impossible to categorize a book like this into any one genre. Fantasy, contemporary, horror, and literary fiction are all at play in this grand work. In fact, many of the stories read like poetry. Especially in the latter sections does the prose morph into something less stylized and more thoughtful. There are some places where the composition feels forced, and the overall mood of the collection sways back and forth from dark to bright, with the dark being quite grim. However, the most heartening story includes a young girl named Neha. Though the end of Neha’s story is no fairy tale, it is surprisingly emotional and uplifting. If you’re looking for an emotive novel with an avant-garde style, Cycles of the Phoenix by C.A. Nicholas is an ambitious and artistic journey through the human psyche and soul.
