morganbc728's review
5.0
After reading the book’s cover description, I was already intrigued to learn more, not only about the history of this futuristic society where brutality has become the norm, much as it had been in Roman times, but also by the main character, Raven. It did not take long to connect with his tortured soul as he was beautifully and lovingly developed; his pain and the trials he faces to survive, outwardly and inwardly, are poignant and marvelously developed in a story that delves far beyond the gladiator theme I originally envisioned.
Aptly named, The Phoenix Project tells a stirring, vivid tale of a self-destructive soul who eventually discovers Hope and Renewal through the inspirations and insights provided by those he meets on his journey. Entertaining, yet thoroughly provocative, Raven’s story captured my imagination and, very quickly, my heart.
Aptly named, The Phoenix Project tells a stirring, vivid tale of a self-destructive soul who eventually discovers Hope and Renewal through the inspirations and insights provided by those he meets on his journey. Entertaining, yet thoroughly provocative, Raven’s story captured my imagination and, very quickly, my heart.
ksmarsden's review
5.0
The forgiving world we know has crumbled in the aftermath of terrorist threats. In a bid to appear strong enough to make the tough decisions, and to make the public think that something is actively being done, the government create the Phoenix Project. A brutal new way for prisoners to live, being forced to fight and die in pits for entertainment.
Once a anti-Phoenix campaigner, Raven winds up in Salverford prison, and becomes entangled in a much bigger game.
This was brilliant! Although it is a dystopian, it focusses more on the psychological aspect of existing within the prison system. Knowing that at any time, you could step into the ring to die. Or worse, to have to kill a fellow inmate with your bare hands.
There are some, like the prison champion Khan, who thrive under the spotlight and attention. He is Britain's number 1 gladiator.
Most others just hope to stay alive. They might enjoy a few successes and a brief fame outside the walls of the prison; but ultimately they will die.
This follows Raven, who is deep in depression and self-loathing. His motivation to win his fights is shaped as a sort of self-punishment, that he is not allowed to die until he has paid off the debt that he is carrying with him. But I do wonder if he is partly telling himself that, to make it ok that he has a survival instinct that kicks in every time he enters the arena.
The perception of the Phoenix Project, and the public championing one fighter or another... those that catch their admiration are adored, worshipped, become celebrities etc. There is one point where, during an interview Millicent (the ultimate bitch and wild animal with no control in the arena) says that she is an idol to young girls - encouragement that they should grow up to be all that they can be.
As the lines between the punishment of the penal system and the demands of entertainment blur, it is often overlooked, or consciously dismissed that all these people are criminals. That is why they are here in the first place!
Even Raven, the hero in our story. He is in prison for a very good reason. Which begs the question, does he actually deserve freedom and forgiveness?
I found the end of this book a little unusual. I'm not sure whether I dislike it, or found it refreshing, the verdict is still out. Not to give anything too spoilerish away, but I was surprised by Raven's role (or lack thereof) in bringing down Salverford. There's a part near the end where an important discovery is wedged in, and then there's a bit of a blur over time, as though the author was in a rush to tie things up.
Overall, a really good psychological and moral drama.
Once a anti-Phoenix campaigner, Raven winds up in Salverford prison, and becomes entangled in a much bigger game.
This was brilliant! Although it is a dystopian, it focusses more on the psychological aspect of existing within the prison system. Knowing that at any time, you could step into the ring to die. Or worse, to have to kill a fellow inmate with your bare hands.
There are some, like the prison champion Khan, who thrive under the spotlight and attention. He is Britain's number 1 gladiator.
Most others just hope to stay alive. They might enjoy a few successes and a brief fame outside the walls of the prison; but ultimately they will die.
This follows Raven, who is deep in depression and self-loathing. His motivation to win his fights is shaped as a sort of self-punishment, that he is not allowed to die until he has paid off the debt that he is carrying with him. But I do wonder if he is partly telling himself that, to make it ok that he has a survival instinct that kicks in every time he enters the arena.
The perception of the Phoenix Project, and the public championing one fighter or another... those that catch their admiration are adored, worshipped, become celebrities etc. There is one point where, during an interview Millicent (the ultimate bitch and wild animal with no control in the arena) says that she is an idol to young girls - encouragement that they should grow up to be all that they can be.
As the lines between the punishment of the penal system and the demands of entertainment blur, it is often overlooked, or consciously dismissed that all these people are criminals. That is why they are here in the first place!
Even Raven, the hero in our story. He is in prison for a very good reason. Which begs the question, does he actually deserve freedom and forgiveness?
I found the end of this book a little unusual. I'm not sure whether I dislike it, or found it refreshing, the verdict is still out. Not to give anything too spoilerish away, but I was surprised by Raven's role (or lack thereof) in bringing down Salverford. There's a part near the end where an important discovery is wedged in, and then there's a bit of a blur over time, as though the author was in a rush to tie things up.
Overall, a really good psychological and moral drama.
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