Official Review: The FIFO Phoenix by R A Berryman

[mmm17]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The FIFO Phoenix" by R A Berryman.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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At the beginning of The FIFO Phoenix, written by R. A. Berryman, readers meet Lucas Booker, an Australian mechanic struggling to make ends meet. The protagonist is happy to land a job at a big iron ore project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia as a FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) worker. Not only does Lucas get a welcome financial lift but also an unexpected and life-changing adventure as he gets entangled in a dangerous ring of ruthless mining fraudsters with international ramifications.

Prompted by the suspicions of the Human Resources Manager of the company, a successful and striking brunette named Madison Farrell, Lucas begins to investigate the mining operation in Pilbara. He thinks it could be a phoenix company – a scheme that siphons money off a company and liquidates it just to set up a similar company to take over the business. In this fraudulent process, the creditors and employees get nothing.

The book has an elaborate and energetic plot. This aspect was what I liked the most about it. The author skillfully constructs a very suspenseful atmosphere, and this tension hooked me in. The narration is dynamic. As readers follow Lucas’ investigation, there is a sense of urgency to find out what the operation entails and who is involved in it. I enjoyed the background theme of a phoenix operation, which the author managed to explore with subtlety. I thought it was an original and fascinating context.

Additionally, I liked that it is an espionage story with a touch of romance. The young and athletic protagonist dates 22-year-old Natalie Prescott but also gets romantically involved with Madison Farrell. Although he finds Natalie to be an attractive and loving woman, her religious parents see him as an unworthy partner for their daughter. On the other hand, as the successful and sophisticated Madison becomes his partner in the investigation, their romance blossoms.

Unfortunately, I felt that this love triangle could have been better explored by the author. As the story progressed, I thought that the female characters were increasingly stereotyped and often objectified. I wish the author had developed them a little more, especially Natalie. This lack of character development was what I disliked the most about the novel.

Lastly, I rate the book 3 out of 4 stars. I am taking a star away because I felt that the female characters could have been better developed. Additionally, the book needs a round of professional editing; it has several grammatical, spelling, and formatting mistakes. Still, it is an entertaining novel, and I believe it will appeal to readers who enjoy criminal investigations.

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The FIFO Phoenix
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Harty]

I definitely would read this book because of the romance element. The fraud plot makes the book all the more compelling. Thanks for the nice review.

[hasincla]

I like mixing a thrilling story with romance, but I also like female characters that aren't cliches. I also like when fraudsters get what's coming to them though, so I think I'll give this one a chance! Thank you for your review.

[NetMassimo]

A thriller with an unusual setting is intriguing. Honestly the love triangle makes me dubious because it's the kind of element I really dislike. Thank you for your informative review!

[Adanna Inya]

OMG! Here's some real fascination suspense. And Lucas is having it with two belles? Some thriller spiced with romance and dipped in action. Lol
I'll love to read this book.

Thank you for a beautiful review.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

The cover is really misleading...LOL! I thought it was going to be your typical romance book, but I am delighted to see the elements of mystery and action as well as a touch of romance. Thanks for the enthralling review.

[JKO]

This sounds like a book with a great plot. It has action as well as romance. Great book. Excellent review.

[mmm17]

I definitely would read this book because of the romance element. The fraud plot makes the book all the more compelling. Thanks for the nice review.

Thank you for reading and commenting!

[mmm17]

I like mixing a thrilling story with romance, but I also like female characters that aren't cliches. I also like when fraudsters get what's coming to them though, so I think I'll give this one a chance! Thank you for your review.

Thank you for stopping by!

[mmm17]

A thriller with an unusual setting is intriguing. Honestly the love triangle makes me dubious because it's the kind of element I really dislike. Thank you for your informative review!

Well, you should probably steer clear of this one then. I appreciate your comments. Thanks!

[mmm17]

OMG! Here's some real fascination suspense. And Lucas is having it with two belles? Some thriller spiced with romance and dipped in action. Lol
I'll love to read this book.

Thank you for a beautiful review.

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your comments.

[mmm17]

The cover is really misleading...LOL! I thought it was going to be your typical romance book, but I am delighted to see the elements of mystery and action as well as a touch of romance. Thanks for the enthralling review.

The cover also intrigued me...
Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate it!

[Ediomis_Enwongo01]

The suspense filled atmosphere in the book is what will make me go for it. Thanks for a great review.

[Dannyphery]

Sounds like a nice book.
Would love to read it.
Thanks for the review