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Jay Aspen
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Resistance: A Near Future Adventure Romance (The Phoenix Enigma Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Jay Aspen (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 127 ratings

"An inspiring epic of love, courage and loyalty, challenging a ruthless regime."

Would you risk everything for freedom?
Resource wars have wrecked most things from refineries to satellites. Danger stalks an uneasy peace.

It was the day Jac discovered how precarious her life had become.

Her love of nature and steadfast loyalty to her remote forest community no longer weaves the illusion of safety she has believed for so long. Driving damaged roads to a city she hasn’t seen for six years, Jac uncovers disturbing truths about the ruthless Avarit imperium controlling their lives.

And then… she has never met anyone like Raine, the mysterious and charismatic leader of the outlawed forest rangers. She offers her medic skills to the Resistance, caught between the Avarit military and the terrorist F2 gangs inflicting havoc on the city and Outlander families.

Maybe she will discover why her father was killed...

But would you risk everything for freedom?

Resistance is the first book in the Phoenix Enigma series, the dystopian adventure-romance epic from Jay Aspen.

Publisher’s note; The Phoenix Enigma series is best read in chronological order. Each book has character arcs and plot resolution within the longer series arc. Readers who prefer the whole epic story and character depth all at once can download The Phoenix Enigma Box Sets.

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  1. Book 1 of 9
    The Phoenix Enigma
  2. Print length
    501 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    February 14, 2022
  6. Reading age
    14 - 18 years
  7. File size
    2.5 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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 See full series
There are 9 books in this series.

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From the Publisher

Jac above night city

An epic story of danger, love, and courage on the long road to freedom.

Can friendship and loyalty overcome ruthless power?

Editorial Reviews

Review

***** A tightly-plotted near-future dystopian, with a great atmosphere and characters you can root for!
–– Reedsy Discovery

***** Gripping adventure-romance in a dangerous near-future world, with fast action, well-written strong characters, sharp satire. I hope to see the TV script version make it into production!
–– Paul Campbell, BBC screenwriter

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09Q78JRX9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sandfire Publishing Ltd
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 14, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 501 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 9 ‏ : ‎ The Phoenix Enigma
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 127 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Jay Aspen

Jay Aspen

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Jay is a fantasy and sci-fi author from the wild Welsh borders, who loves weaving her (sometimes hair-raising) experiences of extreme sports and travel adventures into both contemporary and imagined worlds. With a blend of fast-paced plots and interesting, compelling characters, these sagas bring to life first-hand experiences that are sometimes stranger than fiction itself.

More books due out this year...

You can get a free copy of Spyhunter, the exciting prequel short story to the Stormweaver series, when you sign up for Jay's reader's club at https://www.jayaspen.com

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
127 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the book's writing quality, with one noting how well the author sets the scene. The story keeps readers engaged, with one customer highlighting its compelling narrative about resistance against an oppressive government.

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Writing qualityStory quality
8 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as a good read with descriptive scenes, and one customer notes how well the author sets the scene.

"...From the very first chapter, I was drawn in. Aspen does a fantastic job setting the scene and putting you right into the action without disorienting..." Read more

"...This author does well. With few grammatical errors. They keep it interesting and flowing smoothly. Keep up the good work." Read more

"I greatly enjoyed it. It is good rip-roaring stuff, with discretely hidden technology. The suspense is very well done as well...." Read more

"...Not badly written, just too bleak for me to continue reading." Read more

5 customers mention "Story quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging, with one review highlighting its compelling narrative of resistance against an oppressive government.

"...The plot was also solid and fast-paced while still giving the characters a chance to breathe...." Read more

"...This author does well. With few grammatical errors. They keep it interesting and flowing smoothly. Keep up the good work." Read more

"...Above all it raises deep questions on how we will adapt in the face of climate and societal breakdown. A fantastic read." Read more

"But a compelling story of resistance to an oppressive government in a future devastated by ecological changes that I find implausible...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Becca
    5.0 out of 5 stars A tightly-plotted near-future dystopian, with a great atmosphere and characters you can root for!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    In a near-future dystopian version of Great Britain where a despotic megacorp known as Avarit controls, well, everything, a sharp young woman named Jac has to leave the comfort of her sheltered forest community to visit the city, only to learn just how deep and wide the corruption goes. After unknowingly saving the leader of the resistance, she finds herself drawn to the cause... and to him. *wink, wink*

    From the very first chapter, I was drawn in. Aspen does a fantastic job setting the scene and putting you right into the action without disorienting you. However, she also keeps a very strong focus on character reactions and thought processes, which really helped ground me in the world in a way that sci-fi jargon simply couldn't.

    Which, speaking of sci-fi jargon, Aspen still does a great job of incorporating it without it feeling like endless exposition dumping--and I have a total monkey brain when it comes to catching worldbuilding details, so if I could follow along okay, that's a huge point in its favor.

    Our main protagonist, Jac, is smart, relatable, and felt like a real person. I liked that she wasn't a warrior-huntress but still had real courage and gumption. I also loved her found family and the sweet relationship she had with her grandfather.

    Meanwhile, Raine is strong, steadfast, and a total badass while still feeling human. I thought the build-up to him and Jac meeting was perfect; after all, I am a sucker for the "injured warrior needs a stranger's help" trope. (Is that a trope? Well, it is now!) While I did think their romance came on a little fast, it's still in its infancy, so I'm eager to see how it develops in later books.

    The plot was also solid and fast-paced while still giving the characters a chance to breathe. While it is setting up a trilogy, there is a very clear sense of conflict and direction. I liked how everything converged in the end, though it left me with enough questions to want to read more!

    Overall, I totally recommend this to dystopian fans, especially if you liked The Hunger Games!

    *Originally posted as an ARC review for Reedsy Discovery. All opinions are my own.*
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Human Destiny
    Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It seems that humans may be destined for this kind future. Until we can forego greed and hate, this may be what we will look forward to in the close future. This author does well. With few grammatical errors. They keep it interesting and flowing smoothly. Keep up the good work.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Christopher A. Brewster
    5.0 out of 5 stars Technology and suspense in the forest
    Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I greatly enjoyed it. It is good rip-roaring stuff, with discretely hidden technology. The suspense is very well done as well. I particularly enjoy the gentle hints of people’s relationship with the forest, of their ability to sense beyond our normal senses. I just think the whole thing works really well. The book also provides a very well thought out forewarning of where our society is heading in terms of corporate power and the elimination of individual freedom. Above all it raises deep questions on how we will adapt in the face of climate and societal breakdown. A fantastic read.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Engaging
    Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I'm glad I decided to check this series out! I'm a huge fan of all scifi/fantasy but often find the sam-ish storyline after storylines..BUT this was a nice change of pace with some great characters I can't wait to read more & continue their story.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • H. G. Hettinger
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not my cup of tea
    Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I don't know if I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for this type of story, or there was just too much corporate greed and dystopia (not one of my favorite genres), but this was a dnf for me. Not badly written, just too bleak for me to continue reading.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Evelyn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I can see everything I read in this book clearly in my mind. Very descriptive, I have nightmares of this happening to the world. I hope it never does.
    One person found this helpful
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  • michelle loschiavo
    2.0 out of 5 stars Sorry
    Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’m so sorry I didn’t like the book. It was just sooooo 1970’s harlequin. Definitely a formula story. The only thing that really resonated with me was the relationship between the 2 sisters. Very similar to mine. I didn’t understand the stolen car thing, not even a little. There just isn’t much for me to say, I just thought it was too sappy.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jeff Clark
    4.0 out of 5 stars Just starting to get interesting.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    There are a few twists has you try to sort good guys from bad guys and friends from foe's. Will the catch the traitor or die trying.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Blanca Bayón
    4.0 out of 5 stars Looking forward to reading the second part
    Reviewed in Spain on February 18, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I love this autor. I found this a well written, page-turning adventure mixed with some needle-sharp satire that had me laughing out loud. The characters are realistic and engaging, wrestling with personal challenges but still managing to look out for each other in a future world where threats of lifelong debt-slavery and unreliable food supplies leave the Resistance relying on teamwork to survive.
    a good read that has made me spend an entertaining time.
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  • Ms Virginia A Kennedy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced and thought provoking
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 4, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The Phoenix Enigma,
    Review of paperback

    Virginia Kennedy

    The well drawn distinctive characters in this dystopian thriller form a interdependent and cohesive community in fear of, and resistance to, a corrupt regime. Set in an old stone homestead called the Warren. The fear of detection by a military force is an ever present threat which haunts the characters and narrative alike.

    Trying to escape the tyranny of the regime, building violence and the fear of being discovered, the author creates an adrenaline fuelled narrative set in a society threatened by the proximity of the city under corrupt military control. With reference to climate change, rising sea levels, flooding, ice islands, food shortages and riots and reference to unknown wars. the action could possibly take place in a not too very distant future of our own.

    Elements of ancient knowledge contrast with new technology. The aged old use of horses as transport and, also in combat. I in particularly enjoyed the fascinating references to the knowledge and use of medicinal plants and herb lore by ancient shamanic means from the past with reference to communication with nature spirits. The plants are harvested and used for both medical reasons and, later we discover, as weapons - the points of arrows being coated in powerful herbal concoctions to temporarily anaesthetise and render unconscious their enemies.

    In the Author’s note, Jay reveals that Phoenix is inspired by the ‘unsung heroes of Medicins Sans Frontiers.’ Interestingly the novel refers to the use of martial arts now in combat rather than as meditative practice. The threat of being discovered maintains the fast pace and the fear of discovery imbues the narrative. By contrast we are taking into the future - as with technology, ever building in this fast paced thriller.

    Content builds as does the secretion of adrenalin. Twists in the plot, warfare the betrayal of a spy who has infiltrated the community and has remained undetected. and, intermittent, moments of tenderness and interdependence are interwoven into the plot.

    The momentum is sustained and indeed builds apace as some of the characters make an effort to enter the city. Tracing their way through the squalor of sewers where a plague of rats infected with bird flu, The novel ends quite abruptly leaving me wanting more and a longing for the next title. Well done Jay!
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  • Mike the Turk
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A good read, enjoyed it. Look forward to part two.
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  • Amazon Kunde
    4.0 out of 5 stars A great book that asks great questions
    Reviewed in Germany on March 22, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    It's always difficult to predict what our future is going to be like, but Resistance does a really good job of being both innovative enough to be entertaining, but also accurate enough to be scary. Floods, droughts and ensuing food wars have changed the face of the earth. A regime has taken control of food production and is working its subjects to the bone. But not everyone follows their ways. The rangers who live hidden in the woods are planning the end of the regime...
    The story follows Jac, a young girl training as a medic, as she goes from living in the relative safety of her grandfather's farm, to training with the rangers, led by the charismatic Raine. Several other characters have a point of view, showing us the different sides of the conflict.

    One of my favourite things are the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, which are very insightful, sometimes funny and have often made me think about things in a new way. The social and economic changes and the technological advancements are very interesting and well-researched too. They feel organic and it's interesting to read how our culture and technology might adapt to such a changed environment. The questions of justic and injustice, right and wrong, whether power corrupts and what humans are capable of if they truly work together are explored in depth and I'm curious to see what is going to happen in the next book!
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  • Kevin Elliott
    5.0 out of 5 stars Startling and punchy dystopian thriller: well worth reading
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 14, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    'If they wanted to stay at the top of the pile they had to preserve the pile!'

    What if growing your own food brought harsh punishment; what if a bloated bureaucracy used hunger to keep hold of power? A lesser author might have handed us a society to look at, but Aspen neatly uses anecdotes and recollections to paint a vivid dystopia; we're shown how our world has mutated into a future society where calories are currency.

    In ‘Resistance’ shoppers require planning and high-tech skills to avoid arrest; our mundane chores have become terrifying exercises in presenting a legal front to a dictatorial government. You don’t have to disguise yourself at the supermarket, but anyone surviving Aspen’s world must fly under the radar.

    Both plausible and horrifying, 'Resistance' uses sharply drawn characters and brisk action scenes to narrate a captivating story. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
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