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Phoenix Island #2
Devil's Pocket
The follow-up to the critically acclaimed Phoenix Island, which reads like "Lord of the Flies meets Wolverine and Cool Hand Luke" (F. Paul Wilson, creator of Repairman Jack) and inspired the CBS TV show Intelligence.
With a chip in his head and hundreds more throughout his body, sixteen-year-old Carl Freeman was turned from an orphan with impulse control issues into a super-soldier. Forced into the mercenary Phoenix Force group, he begins to fear he'll never escape. Sent to a volcanic island to fight for them, he'll compete in a combat tournament that awards teens with survival for merciless brutality. But just when all looks lost, he spies a friendly face...and possibly a way out.
With a chip in his head and hundreds more throughout his body, sixteen-year-old Carl Freeman was turned from an orphan with impulse control issues into a super-soldier. Forced into the mercenary Phoenix Force group, he begins to fear he'll never escape. Sent to a volcanic island to fight for them, he'll compete in a combat tournament that awards teens with survival for merciless brutality. But just when all looks lost, he spies a friendly face...and possibly a way out.
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
About the author
John Dixon
4 books132 followersJohn Dixon's first two novels, PHOENIX ISLAND and DEVIL'S POCKET, won back-to-back Bram Stoker Awards and inspired the CBS TV series INTELLIGENCE.
A former boxer, teacher, and stone mason, John lives in West Chester, PA, with his wife, daughter, and freeloading dog. When not reading or writing, he obsesses over boxing, chess, and hot peppers.
A former boxer, teacher, and stone mason, John lives in West Chester, PA, with his wife, daughter, and freeloading dog. When not reading or writing, he obsesses over boxing, chess, and hot peppers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 11, 2022
I liked the series overall but, didn't enjoy this one as much as the first one.
July 28, 2015
Sixteen year old Carl Freeman found his time on Phoenix Island under the tutelage of his old nemesis Stark to be a mixed blessing. He had been turned into a soldier few could defeat – a member of the Phoenix Force group and a person Stark had an intense interest in, the chips which had been inserted throughout Carl’s body made a profound difference to his life. Still with thoughts of escape from the island foremost in his head, his plan was one he thought might never happen. But then Stark sent Carl and two other fighters to compete in a tournament – lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight – the massive tournament was designed for the teens to survive and win; there would be many and varied groups there.
Arrival at their destination in the depths of a freezing and icy winter, Carl couldn’t believe the luxury and opulence of their surroundings. Or the placement of the huge structures which were, stunningly, underground. But as they settled in and were shown around, Carl felt uneasy – this was nothing like he was used to – this would be brutal. There was evil in the air; some of the fighters from other teams looked like killers – still others had obviously been through battles before. And who were the people running the show?
As Carl tried to work out what to do he thought he saw a face in the crowd that he had known before – was it who he thought it was? Was there hope? But the danger was on all sides and it wasn’t just from the fighters in the ring…
Devil’s Pocket is #2 in the Phoenix Island series by author John Dixon and has proven to be just as good as the first, Phoenix Island. Once again the plot is executed with excellence; the characters are brutal. This novel is extremely fast paced and I felt completely drawn in – I couldn’t put it down. Gripping and intense with heart-stopping tension, it’s a psychological thriller with bite. Highly recommended. (Make sure you read #1 first though) I’ll be waiting impatiently for #3 to be released!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
Arrival at their destination in the depths of a freezing and icy winter, Carl couldn’t believe the luxury and opulence of their surroundings. Or the placement of the huge structures which were, stunningly, underground. But as they settled in and were shown around, Carl felt uneasy – this was nothing like he was used to – this would be brutal. There was evil in the air; some of the fighters from other teams looked like killers – still others had obviously been through battles before. And who were the people running the show?
As Carl tried to work out what to do he thought he saw a face in the crowd that he had known before – was it who he thought it was? Was there hope? But the danger was on all sides and it wasn’t just from the fighters in the ring…
Devil’s Pocket is #2 in the Phoenix Island series by author John Dixon and has proven to be just as good as the first, Phoenix Island. Once again the plot is executed with excellence; the characters are brutal. This novel is extremely fast paced and I felt completely drawn in – I couldn’t put it down. Gripping and intense with heart-stopping tension, it’s a psychological thriller with bite. Highly recommended. (Make sure you read #1 first though) I’ll be waiting impatiently for #3 to be released!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
September 14, 2018
I really enjoyed the first book of this series - the characters really stood out and I liked the premise. This one has the same characters (mostly) and I liked the boxing scenes and the SF elements. The plot, tho needed work and the ending could have been stronger. I feel like this book should have been two books - if the author took his time with all the stuff that's going on behind the scenes in this story, there's another entire book that's missing. I don't see a third book listed anywhere and if this is it, then my biggest disappointment is not seeing . But if a third is coming, then I will read it.
August 10, 2015
While Devil's Pocket pays clear homage to Enter the Dragon and You Only Live Twice (sprinkled with more than a dash of X-Men) the combination of these ingredients is uniquely John Dixon. His signature pacing and heart, first displayed in Phoenix Island, are perfected here. Once an uncertain delinquent kid thrown into a situation far beyond his control, Carl Freeman is now a young man in control of his transhuman implants, very certain of his goals, and ready to take the steps to achieve them. Before he can stage his coup, however, he is sent to fight on behalf of Phoenix Force in a bloodsport tournament called "The Funeral Games." Comparisons to The Hunger Games are inevitable, but believe me when I tell you the similarities stop at the name of the tournament. John Dixon is more deeply indebted to the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur than either the Hunger Games or Battle Royale will ever admit to being. The thing is, John Dixon knows it. The parallels with ancient gladiatorial games and Greek mythology are deliberate, on display, and infuse this story with the very DNA of action story-telling.
A fighter himself, Dixon weaves believable action (even when dealing with science fiction concepts like transhumanism and bio-enhanced super-warriors), heavy suspense, and compelling characters into a story so tight it's waterproof. I haven't read a better action novel this year, and this is easily in my top five favorite novels of 2015 so far.
A fighter himself, Dixon weaves believable action (even when dealing with science fiction concepts like transhumanism and bio-enhanced super-warriors), heavy suspense, and compelling characters into a story so tight it's waterproof. I haven't read a better action novel this year, and this is easily in my top five favorite novels of 2015 so far.
August 7, 2015
**I received this book for free from (Publisher) via (Edelweiss) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Young Adult, Thriller
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Devil's Pocket is the second installment in the Phoenix Island trilogy by author John Dixon. Devil's Pocket is a YOUNG ADULT, Science Fiction story that features Dixon's main protagonist Carl Freeman. Carl was sent to Phoenix Island after constantly getting himself into trouble back in Philadelphia. Since arriving on the Island, Carl has been beaten, burned, sliced, shot at, watched his friends die, and had chips inserted throughout his body that has made him stronger and faster.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd 05/14/2015 via Edelweiss* Published: August 4th 2015 by Gallery Books
*Genre* Young Adult, Thriller
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Devil's Pocket is the second installment in the Phoenix Island trilogy by author John Dixon. Devil's Pocket is a YOUNG ADULT, Science Fiction story that features Dixon's main protagonist Carl Freeman. Carl was sent to Phoenix Island after constantly getting himself into trouble back in Philadelphia. Since arriving on the Island, Carl has been beaten, burned, sliced, shot at, watched his friends die, and had chips inserted throughout his body that has made him stronger and faster.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd 05/14/2015 via Edelweiss* Published: August 4th 2015 by Gallery Books
September 22, 2016
This book is both tremendously well-written and plagued by major problems. John Dixon can write and I think he can write better than he thinks he can because there is a clear (and annoying) authorial intent that undermines an otherwise really fun universe: Carl and Octavia are star-crossed lovers looking for a way out of a dystopian island. If you've read PHOENIX ISLAND you understand where John Dixon is coming from with this angle, but it doesn't work here.
Carl doesn't have much to fear from Phoenix Island, the Cauldron, the Few or whatever Dixon throws at him. He's mastered that universe. He's their alpha dog. A technologically augmented leader. It undermines the entire dramatic structure of the novel. What is Carl fighting, really? What kind of life he wants to go back to? By the standards set by DEVIL'S POCKET, he's kind of at the top of the food chain although he doesn't realize it yet. Carl doesn't play by the paradigm set by the novel and it's quite annoying.
It's too bad because Carl isn't a bad kid itself. He's got the heart and the mind of a fighter. John Dixon has a gift to write interesting characters and I've became as involved in the storylines of Abgeko (or is it Agbeko?) and Tex Dubois as I was in Carl's. Dubois is by far the most interesting character out there. I don't know, maybe I would've gotten a kick out of this at 15 years old. Maybe I'm the dumb one for reading this at 33. I loved the craft of this novel, but everything else was off.
Carl doesn't have much to fear from Phoenix Island, the Cauldron, the Few or whatever Dixon throws at him. He's mastered that universe. He's their alpha dog. A technologically augmented leader. It undermines the entire dramatic structure of the novel. What is Carl fighting, really? What kind of life he wants to go back to? By the standards set by DEVIL'S POCKET, he's kind of at the top of the food chain although he doesn't realize it yet. Carl doesn't play by the paradigm set by the novel and it's quite annoying.
It's too bad because Carl isn't a bad kid itself. He's got the heart and the mind of a fighter. John Dixon has a gift to write interesting characters and I've became as involved in the storylines of Abgeko (or is it Agbeko?) and Tex Dubois as I was in Carl's. Dubois is by far the most interesting character out there. I don't know, maybe I would've gotten a kick out of this at 15 years old. Maybe I'm the dumb one for reading this at 33. I loved the craft of this novel, but everything else was off.
September 17, 2015
The first book in this series read like Matthew Reilly did The Maze Runner. This one reads more like James Rollins doing James Dashner doing The Hunger Games. That might just be the best way to describe this epic mashup of Roman-esque gladiator fights in the modern day (at least one of which required Carl to fight with a broken arm - dear God) and numerous references to Greek gods, Viking funerals, and Dante, and impending apocalyptic doom - not only from the volcano that gives this book its name, but also from the ever-escalating schemes of Stark and his masters, the Few (among whose members I wouldn't be surprised if there were members of previous Omniscient Councils of Vagueness in fiction, like the Guild, or the 1% of the 1% - including Whiterose - from Mr. Robot.)
The plot threads are mostly tied up neatly at the end, but there's definite room for a sequel. So I really hope Mr. Dixon makes this a trilogy at least - and that we don't end up having to wait as much as 18 months or more for the next book!
The plot threads are mostly tied up neatly at the end, but there's definite room for a sequel. So I really hope Mr. Dixon makes this a trilogy at least - and that we don't end up having to wait as much as 18 months or more for the next book!
June 13, 2016
Rating: 3.75/5
Review coming soon!
Review coming soon!
July 29, 2015
'Devil's Pocket' is the second installment in the young adult science fiction/dystopian Phoenix Island series. It continues to follow our main character - Carl Freeman - as he plans his escape and total destruction of Phoenix Island and their program, all while pretending to be a loyal second-in-command to the head of the operation, Stark. An opportunity presents itself when Carl is told that he's being sent to fight in the Funeral Games on behalf of Phoenix Island. He starts thinking that this may finally be his chance to set his plan in motion. However, things take a dangerous and deadly turn when Carl and his fellow fighters arrive at the Funeral Games. He realizes just what the games are - a sporting event that 'the Few' who sponsor it use merely for entertainment and showing off their enormous amounts of wealth and power. Meanwhile, Carl and the rest of the fighters are pitted against one another in a tournament where you fight to kill - or to be killed. With all of the computer chips in his brain and throughout his body, Carl isn't incredibly concerned about losing in a fight. What he is afraid of is the possibility that he will have to kill in order to make it out alive himself, and that's not even considering his plans to take down the Island. Will he be able to do what he has to in order to make it out of there alive?
Since this is the second book in the series, I highly recommend reading the first book before this one. In some cases, you can read books in a series almost like standalone novels - which you could do with this if you really wanted to. There are a lot of references to past experiences, memories, and characters from the first book throughout this story and I believe that reading them in order will help clarify points in the story along with some of the characters' backgrounds. That being said, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book. The plot sounded like it was full of action and violence - which I don't normally tend to read. I'm once again glad that I stepped outside my comfort zone to give this book a shot, because I truly enjoyed it - blood, fighting, action, and all.
As I mentioned, this book picks up where the first left off - with Carl having several computer chips implanted throughout his body and pretending to be a good soldier and second in command to the man behind the whole operation. We get to know Carl on a much deeper level in this book - it builds off of the information we learned about him in the first novel and expands it to make him more fully rounded and dimensional. We learn more about his past, things that have happened on the island - both to him and by him, along with watching him grow and mature even more than he had during the first book. By the end of this story, Carl has really grown into his role by maturing and integrating fully with the computer chips to make them work to his advantage. The story's written from the third person point of view, so we don't get to know Carl on the very personal level that first person POV allows; but I think that the author does a great job showing his growth and maturation along with conveying his thoughts, fears, emotions, and other important variables.
The plot wasn't wholly original - when I read the description, my mind went immediately to The Hunger Games - but it's written and played out in a fresh way that made it all it's own. The plot does have elements that make it feel like other storylines that we're familiar with, but the author does a great job of taking these bits and pieces and melding them together with originality to create something different and new. As I said earlier, I don't normally gravitate towards books that have a lot of fighting in the plot - but I found myself completely riveted to this story. It drew me in right from the very beginning and didn't let go until the final words. During the Funeral Games, I was basically on the edge of my seat, reading as fast as I could to see what was going to happen. It was full of suspense, tension, and twists you don't see coming - then leave you with your mouth hanging open in surprise. The attention to detail, fast pace, vivid imagery, and intense descriptions allowed me to easily slip inside the world the author created - to the point where I felt like I was there myself, experiencing everything that Carl did. I was honestly shocked at how much I enjoyed this book along with how ingrained I became into the world and the story itself. It was a fantastic surprise and one that I definitely recommend to other readers. Even if you don't think this type of story is for you - give it a chance. It really might surprise you! I highly recommend it to fans of science fiction, dystopia, action, adventure, and suspense.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Since this is the second book in the series, I highly recommend reading the first book before this one. In some cases, you can read books in a series almost like standalone novels - which you could do with this if you really wanted to. There are a lot of references to past experiences, memories, and characters from the first book throughout this story and I believe that reading them in order will help clarify points in the story along with some of the characters' backgrounds. That being said, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book. The plot sounded like it was full of action and violence - which I don't normally tend to read. I'm once again glad that I stepped outside my comfort zone to give this book a shot, because I truly enjoyed it - blood, fighting, action, and all.
As I mentioned, this book picks up where the first left off - with Carl having several computer chips implanted throughout his body and pretending to be a good soldier and second in command to the man behind the whole operation. We get to know Carl on a much deeper level in this book - it builds off of the information we learned about him in the first novel and expands it to make him more fully rounded and dimensional. We learn more about his past, things that have happened on the island - both to him and by him, along with watching him grow and mature even more than he had during the first book. By the end of this story, Carl has really grown into his role by maturing and integrating fully with the computer chips to make them work to his advantage. The story's written from the third person point of view, so we don't get to know Carl on the very personal level that first person POV allows; but I think that the author does a great job showing his growth and maturation along with conveying his thoughts, fears, emotions, and other important variables.
The plot wasn't wholly original - when I read the description, my mind went immediately to The Hunger Games - but it's written and played out in a fresh way that made it all it's own. The plot does have elements that make it feel like other storylines that we're familiar with, but the author does a great job of taking these bits and pieces and melding them together with originality to create something different and new. As I said earlier, I don't normally gravitate towards books that have a lot of fighting in the plot - but I found myself completely riveted to this story. It drew me in right from the very beginning and didn't let go until the final words. During the Funeral Games, I was basically on the edge of my seat, reading as fast as I could to see what was going to happen. It was full of suspense, tension, and twists you don't see coming - then leave you with your mouth hanging open in surprise. The attention to detail, fast pace, vivid imagery, and intense descriptions allowed me to easily slip inside the world the author created - to the point where I felt like I was there myself, experiencing everything that Carl did. I was honestly shocked at how much I enjoyed this book along with how ingrained I became into the world and the story itself. It was a fantastic surprise and one that I definitely recommend to other readers. Even if you don't think this type of story is for you - give it a chance. It really might surprise you! I highly recommend it to fans of science fiction, dystopia, action, adventure, and suspense.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2017
There is so much to like about this book. I'm not a fight fan, but somehow John Dixon made me unable to turn away from the brutal competition fights in this sequel to "Phoenix Island".
It's rare for a sequel to improve upon the first story (Wrath of Khan excepted, as everyone knows), but this one really does --- and I liked the first one a lot.
In this book Carl is less victim and more agent of his own destiny, as much as he can be in his circumstances. It was never too clear which way Carl would go (do the ends justify the means?) making him a really interesting character. The supporting cast is compelling and there are some nice twisty plot developments.
The ending is not too neat, but is satisfying. I hope there are more installments, though!
Great book for older teens and adults (especially boys--- exciting, action packed, hint of romance but not too much given the setting).
It's rare for a sequel to improve upon the first story (Wrath of Khan excepted, as everyone knows), but this one really does --- and I liked the first one a lot.
In this book Carl is less victim and more agent of his own destiny, as much as he can be in his circumstances. It was never too clear which way Carl would go (do the ends justify the means?) making him a really interesting character. The supporting cast is compelling and there are some nice twisty plot developments.
The ending is not too neat, but is satisfying. I hope there are more installments, though!
Great book for older teens and adults (especially boys--- exciting, action packed, hint of romance but not too much given the setting).
January 4, 2016
Thanks to Edelweiss and Gallery Books for early access to this title.
This is a great addition to the first book of the series. It has extreme action, and may be too intense for younger teens, but older teens, especially boys should love this. There's fighting and political intrigue and blood and heart, and it all comes together to create an excellent book 2.
Recommended for readers who enjoyed the action of Maberry's Rot and Ruin series and those who love hand-to-hand combat.
This is a great addition to the first book of the series. It has extreme action, and may be too intense for younger teens, but older teens, especially boys should love this. There's fighting and political intrigue and blood and heart, and it all comes together to create an excellent book 2.
Recommended for readers who enjoyed the action of Maberry's Rot and Ruin series and those who love hand-to-hand combat.
August 16, 2015
Very exciting diversion from the usual sequel fare.
Reminded me of Enter the Dragon crossed with The Hunger Games.
Very, very cool.
Reminded me of Enter the Dragon crossed with The Hunger Games.
Very, very cool.
August 11, 2015
[BOOK REVIEW] “Devil’s Pocket” by John Dixon an Entertaining Sequel to “Phoenix Island”
Second books in series can be dangerous territory for both the reader and writer. All too often, the writer “blows out” all the creative energy in the first book, leaving the second and following books … well … lacking. Considering the exceptionally strong start provided by Dixon’s “Phoenix Island”, his book two in the young-adult-targeted (Note 1) series titled “Devil’s Pocket” (released August 4, 2015 by Gallery Books) could have easily suffered such an anti-climactic fate.
Thankfully, this is not the case.
“Phoenix Island” kicked off the series with a brutal and suspenseful action/adventure story populated by fun and engaging characters. A troubled teen orphan, Carl Freeman’s quick temper, quicker fists, and overwhelming need to put bullies in their place (most often the emergency room…) gets him sent to Phoenix Island, a military-style youth rehabilitation camp off the Mexican coast that is actually a breeding ground for fanatical, technologically-enhanced super soldiers serving the commander, Stark, in a plot to rule the world.
“Devil’s Pocket” picks up with Carl serving as Stark’s prodigy on Phoenix Island (while secretly plotting to take the “Old Man” down). Between a microchip planted in his brain and nano-bots coursing through his bloodstream, Carl has superhuman strength, stamina, and mental abilities to help him achieve his overt and clandestine goals.
As a test, Stark sends Carl to the Funeral Games, the ultimate underground fight match with a purse of $10 million but also the strong potential to get beaten to death. The remotely-located but lavish Funeral Games are put on to entertain The Few, a small cadre of ultra-rich and powerful elitists who regard the champions traveling from around the world as playthings rather than people.
But Carl doesn’t care about the money, because if he wins then Stark will make him the official second-in-command at Phoenix Island, giving Carl the access he needs to destroy Stark and his operation. Accompanying Carl to the Funeral Games is his good friend Agbeko, an African heavyweight introduced to readers in “Phoenix Island”, as well as Tex, a pompous lightweight fighter with a vicious streak.
Carl’s well-laid plans, though, are complicated by a young trainer/girlfriend named Margarita that accompanies Julio, a Mexican fighter with almost as many secrets and ulterior motives as his girlfriend. Through her interventions, Carl’s ultimate mission grows larger and more difficult by orders of magnitude as he learns more about The Few and their deadly true purpose behind the Funeral Games.
“Devil’s Pocket” is a more complex book than “Phoenix Island” with an even larger cast of characters (some better developed than others) as well as more subterfuge nicely mixed in with tons of compelling action and fight scenes. The overall premise remains outlandish in scope but engaging nonetheless. That’s all part of the successful formula that has yielded great results for other YA book series including “The Hunger Games” and “The Maze Runner”.
In terms of story comparisons, I’ve seen several references to “Fight Club” in other discussions of “Devil’s Pocket”, which makes no sense to me. Aside from the existence of people punching each other, “Devil’s Pocket” has almost nothing in common with the heady existential and proletarian themes encompassed in “Fight Club” (book or movie). A more apt comparison could be made to the aesthetic of the 1988 martial arts film “Bloodsport” starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. “Bloodsport” was completely hokey crowned with abysmal acting, but it was fun to watch and pitch-perfect for a male audience. Dixon’s “Devil’s Pocket” captures that same spirit of fun and martial-arts appeal while utilizing a more engaging plot and more interesting characters.
Like “Phoenix Island”, “Devil’s Pocket” aims pretty squarely at a male audience, but isn’t out of reach for female readers that seek fiction outside their demographic stereotypes. John Dixon’s own Golden Gloves boxing background plays a larger role in “Devil’s Pocket” with fight scene descriptions that are detailed but not overly technical.
Given the strength of both “Phoenix Island” and “Devil’s Pocket”, I suspect that this book series has the momentum for several more installments in its future. I’d also like to see Carl Freeman’s story moved to the big screen in much the same way as “The Hunger Games” and “The Maze Runner” (Note 2). Both books are already perfectly plotted for film adaptations.
In “Devil’s Pocket”, John Dixon provides an engrossing young-adult thriller with tons of promise for future books. I suspect that the chief complaint leveled at the author is that he’s not writing them fast enough.
===========
NOTE 1: I'm told that Dixon's publishers are no longer marketing this series as YA. I can see that. Both “Phoenix Island” and “Devil's Pocket” have strong YA-to-adult crossover appeal. That said, “Devil's Pocket” still has many of the trappings of YA fiction.
NOTE 2: “Phoenix Island” loosely inspired the 2014 CBS TV drama “Intelligence” starring Josh Holloway for a single season. By ‘loosely inspired’, I’m saying that the TV series had sweet f*** all to do with Dixon’s novel. A more-faithful adaptation to feature film would be a better fit for this storyline.
Read more of my book reviews at http://johndharvey.com/
-- END --
Second books in series can be dangerous territory for both the reader and writer. All too often, the writer “blows out” all the creative energy in the first book, leaving the second and following books … well … lacking. Considering the exceptionally strong start provided by Dixon’s “Phoenix Island”, his book two in the young-adult-targeted (Note 1) series titled “Devil’s Pocket” (released August 4, 2015 by Gallery Books) could have easily suffered such an anti-climactic fate.
Thankfully, this is not the case.
“Phoenix Island” kicked off the series with a brutal and suspenseful action/adventure story populated by fun and engaging characters. A troubled teen orphan, Carl Freeman’s quick temper, quicker fists, and overwhelming need to put bullies in their place (most often the emergency room…) gets him sent to Phoenix Island, a military-style youth rehabilitation camp off the Mexican coast that is actually a breeding ground for fanatical, technologically-enhanced super soldiers serving the commander, Stark, in a plot to rule the world.
“Devil’s Pocket” picks up with Carl serving as Stark’s prodigy on Phoenix Island (while secretly plotting to take the “Old Man” down). Between a microchip planted in his brain and nano-bots coursing through his bloodstream, Carl has superhuman strength, stamina, and mental abilities to help him achieve his overt and clandestine goals.
As a test, Stark sends Carl to the Funeral Games, the ultimate underground fight match with a purse of $10 million but also the strong potential to get beaten to death. The remotely-located but lavish Funeral Games are put on to entertain The Few, a small cadre of ultra-rich and powerful elitists who regard the champions traveling from around the world as playthings rather than people.
But Carl doesn’t care about the money, because if he wins then Stark will make him the official second-in-command at Phoenix Island, giving Carl the access he needs to destroy Stark and his operation. Accompanying Carl to the Funeral Games is his good friend Agbeko, an African heavyweight introduced to readers in “Phoenix Island”, as well as Tex, a pompous lightweight fighter with a vicious streak.
Carl’s well-laid plans, though, are complicated by a young trainer/girlfriend named Margarita that accompanies Julio, a Mexican fighter with almost as many secrets and ulterior motives as his girlfriend. Through her interventions, Carl’s ultimate mission grows larger and more difficult by orders of magnitude as he learns more about The Few and their deadly true purpose behind the Funeral Games.
“Devil’s Pocket” is a more complex book than “Phoenix Island” with an even larger cast of characters (some better developed than others) as well as more subterfuge nicely mixed in with tons of compelling action and fight scenes. The overall premise remains outlandish in scope but engaging nonetheless. That’s all part of the successful formula that has yielded great results for other YA book series including “The Hunger Games” and “The Maze Runner”.
In terms of story comparisons, I’ve seen several references to “Fight Club” in other discussions of “Devil’s Pocket”, which makes no sense to me. Aside from the existence of people punching each other, “Devil’s Pocket” has almost nothing in common with the heady existential and proletarian themes encompassed in “Fight Club” (book or movie). A more apt comparison could be made to the aesthetic of the 1988 martial arts film “Bloodsport” starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. “Bloodsport” was completely hokey crowned with abysmal acting, but it was fun to watch and pitch-perfect for a male audience. Dixon’s “Devil’s Pocket” captures that same spirit of fun and martial-arts appeal while utilizing a more engaging plot and more interesting characters.
Like “Phoenix Island”, “Devil’s Pocket” aims pretty squarely at a male audience, but isn’t out of reach for female readers that seek fiction outside their demographic stereotypes. John Dixon’s own Golden Gloves boxing background plays a larger role in “Devil’s Pocket” with fight scene descriptions that are detailed but not overly technical.
Given the strength of both “Phoenix Island” and “Devil’s Pocket”, I suspect that this book series has the momentum for several more installments in its future. I’d also like to see Carl Freeman’s story moved to the big screen in much the same way as “The Hunger Games” and “The Maze Runner” (Note 2). Both books are already perfectly plotted for film adaptations.
In “Devil’s Pocket”, John Dixon provides an engrossing young-adult thriller with tons of promise for future books. I suspect that the chief complaint leveled at the author is that he’s not writing them fast enough.
===========
NOTE 1: I'm told that Dixon's publishers are no longer marketing this series as YA. I can see that. Both “Phoenix Island” and “Devil's Pocket” have strong YA-to-adult crossover appeal. That said, “Devil's Pocket” still has many of the trappings of YA fiction.
NOTE 2: “Phoenix Island” loosely inspired the 2014 CBS TV drama “Intelligence” starring Josh Holloway for a single season. By ‘loosely inspired’, I’m saying that the TV series had sweet f*** all to do with Dixon’s novel. A more-faithful adaptation to feature film would be a better fit for this storyline.
Read more of my book reviews at http://johndharvey.com/
-- END --
July 8, 2017
Διατηρώντας το ύφος και την αφηγηματική ταυτότητα του πρώτου βιβλίου, το sequel αυτό κυμαίνεται στα ίδια επίπεδα δράσης και αγωνίας, αλλά και σε ό,τι αφορά το χειρισμό της γλώσσας και της απόδοσης του κειμένου. Έντονες σκηνές μάχης, ανατρεπτικές εξελίξεις και γεγονότα που εξελίσσονται με τρόπους μη αναμενόμενους, αλλά με ένα φινάλε που αφήνει ανοιχτά θέματα κι ερωτηματικά, στα οποία δεν βλέπω να δίνεται απάντηση, αφού υποτίθεται πως θα είχαμε μία τριλογία και έχουν περάσει δύο χρόνια χωρίς κανένα νεότερο.
January 3, 2019
The book was very interesting, but certain parts were very confusing.
August 6, 2015
Funeral Games - Go #19!
I enjoyed the first book in this YA series PHOENIX ISLAND and this second book is just as good - albeit totally different.
In this second offering, teen Carl Freeman is still under the tutelage of madman Stark but hoping for a way to escape from him. He thinks he might get a chance when three fighters (including Carl) - light, medium and heavyweight - are sent to the underground Funeral Games hosted by the Few, wildly rich and totally decadent.
The fighters from all over the world get to the Devil's Pocket and find they are to be octagon cage fighting - with very few rules.
As in the first book, there is lots of fighting and you can tell the author has some expertise in boxing. The fight scenes seem very real and are violent so I wouldn't recommend this book to younger readers. But most older teens will enjoy both books in this series - blood, broken bones, and all.
I could visualize Devil's Pocket easily. The fighters, from the Phoenix Island group through all the others, were described well especially the ones that have been "chipped."
This is a great action adventure tale and I recommend it highly.
NOTE: I received this book from Gallery Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the first book in this YA series PHOENIX ISLAND and this second book is just as good - albeit totally different.
In this second offering, teen Carl Freeman is still under the tutelage of madman Stark but hoping for a way to escape from him. He thinks he might get a chance when three fighters (including Carl) - light, medium and heavyweight - are sent to the underground Funeral Games hosted by the Few, wildly rich and totally decadent.
The fighters from all over the world get to the Devil's Pocket and find they are to be octagon cage fighting - with very few rules.
As in the first book, there is lots of fighting and you can tell the author has some expertise in boxing. The fight scenes seem very real and are violent so I wouldn't recommend this book to younger readers. But most older teens will enjoy both books in this series - blood, broken bones, and all.
I could visualize Devil's Pocket easily. The fighters, from the Phoenix Island group through all the others, were described well especially the ones that have been "chipped."
This is a great action adventure tale and I recommend it highly.
NOTE: I received this book from Gallery Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
August 18, 2015
John Dixon delivers on so many levels with his second novel. A little romance, humor, intrigue, mystery and my favorite part... some Epically written bad-ass hand to hand combat sequences! At times I felt like was reading a modern version of the great 80's action flick Blood Sport. As a long time UFC/MMA fan I was quite thrilled with how Dixon (a Gold Glove Boxer) was able to pull the reader right into his bone crunching "kumite" style fights and make me wince with every hook, uppercut, leg sweep and submission hold. Devil's Pocket is much more than brutal violence. A great story with some serious sci-fi aspects, and far too many questions left unanswered for there not to be a third book in this series.
One very minor spoiler. In Devil's Pocket the fighters are all given numbers instead of using their names. Carl (the main character) is Fighter 19. If you have ever read Stephen King, you know the importance of the number 19 throughout his writings. Hopefully it led you to do some research on the number 19 and its importance through out religion, history and other literature. Did Mr. Dixon randomly name Carl "Fighter 19" or is there a hidden meaning?? Hopefully we will find out in the next book!
One very minor spoiler. In Devil's Pocket the fighters are all given numbers instead of using their names. Carl (the main character) is Fighter 19. If you have ever read Stephen King, you know the importance of the number 19 throughout his writings. Hopefully it led you to do some research on the number 19 and its importance through out religion, history and other literature. Did Mr. Dixon randomly name Carl "Fighter 19" or is there a hidden meaning?? Hopefully we will find out in the next book!
August 18, 2015
I received this book free from Good Reads.
Devil's Pocket is the second book in John Dixon's Phoenix Island series. It's as good as the first book, though quite different, and believe me, that's high praise because Phoenix Island is a fantastic book also. Dixon has a way of connecting to you through his words, an immediacy, that compels you to read "just one more chapter" over and over until suddenly you've finished the book. It's that good.
Most of the characters in the book are teenagers and the book is being marketed towards the young adult market but Devil's Pocket should be just as appealing to the general market. There's thematic similarities to The Hunger Games but the writing and approach are quite different however if you liked one you'll probably like the other as well. Both are dystopian novels wherein young adults make a difference through combat--and both series are very well written.
Devil's Pocket is the second book in John Dixon's Phoenix Island series. It's as good as the first book, though quite different, and believe me, that's high praise because Phoenix Island is a fantastic book also. Dixon has a way of connecting to you through his words, an immediacy, that compels you to read "just one more chapter" over and over until suddenly you've finished the book. It's that good.
Most of the characters in the book are teenagers and the book is being marketed towards the young adult market but Devil's Pocket should be just as appealing to the general market. There's thematic similarities to The Hunger Games but the writing and approach are quite different however if you liked one you'll probably like the other as well. Both are dystopian novels wherein young adults make a difference through combat--and both series are very well written.
August 2, 2015
I enjoyed the first book, so I was excited to read the second one! The premise of this book is similar to The Hunger Games which was disappointing. However the story felt fresh and had some original twists. This book picks up right after the first and follows Carl again. He has a plan to end Phoenix Island and to escape alive. However our chipped super solider Carl is put in a tournament to kill for the entertainment of others. Being faced with the new challenges in this book Carl grows as a character. New Characters are introduced and they add to the depths of the story. The pace keeps you reading to the end of the book. The tension, violence, and descriptive dark elements that I loved in the first book are back. Overall a great read and addition to the series. I can't wait for the third book!
Go get your copies now!
Check out my blog for more reviews and giveaways!
Go get your copies now!
Check out my blog for more reviews and giveaways!
October 19, 2016
THe story starts off with Carl and three other Phoenix islanders getting on a helicopter to go to a remote location to fight in the funeral games where people go into a ring and fight. When Carl gets there he finds a girl who he later realizes is his old companion Octavia whom he thought was still in a hospital. After talking to her she reveals that she’s working with an agency to try to bring down the makers of the funeral games. (The Few) The problem is the arena is rigged with explosives, in case anyone finds them. So they have to disarm the explosives, find the few and alert. The agency before the tournament is over. I feel the book is trying to cash in on the hunger game’s arena craze. I how ever enjoyed the fights with the short but descriptive fights. I wish they made it instead about “The Dragons keep” They referred to in the first book. I’d give the book 7/10 And i’d recommend it to anyone who’s into action. Overall I enjoyed the book though.
August 30, 2015
This sequel to Phoenix Island is freakin' AWESOME! That's all I have to say.
August 29, 2015
This book was just as good as Phoenix Island. John Dixon did not disappoint in this second book. Had lots of 'Well I did not see that coming' moments. Cannot wait for the next one.
July 9, 2015
A great sequel to Phoenix Island. John Dixon really knows how to write a compelling story.
August 9, 2015
This book was different than Phoenix Island, but same feel and spirit. I enjoyed it. I'm definitely hooked on this series.
January 19, 2023
Devil's Pocket was a thrilling and easy book to read. Devil's Pocket is a sequel to Phoenix Island, another book made by John Dixon. Devil's Pocket follows the story of two characters, Carl Freeman and "Margarita." The beginning starts off with Carl being introduced to the other characters in the storyline, one being Texarkana Reginal Dubois, or Tex for short. Tex, Carl, and Agbeko are sent to a volcano in the middle of Antarctica to fight in what's called the Funeral Games. Carl Freeman ends up winning the middleweight championship while Tex loses in lightweight and Agbeko sadly passes away in the finals for the heavyweight. The other storyline character, Margarita, is revealed to be Octavia. She goes to the Funeral Games as well, but not representing Phoenix Island, rather she goes with Julio, her fake boyfriend. Carl and Octavia meet and after many meetings, they come up with a plan to escape. However, this plan doesn't work but in the end, Carl, Octavia, Davis (the medic for Phoenix Island), and Julio make it out alive after SI3, the person Octavia is working with, raids the Funeral Games.
In English class this year we've been looking at how literature acts as both a mirror, providing a reflection of ourselves, our lives, and our attitudes and as a window, providing a view of the world, other people, other places, and other conflicts. This book for me was mostly a freshly cleaned window. Let me explain, the reason it being a freshly cleaned window is that it shows some part of a reflection of myself, but mainly a window towards the lives of others. For example, it reflects on my life because I feel that I can relate to Davis, the medic. In the first book, Phoenix Island, Davis is a gangbanging prisoner whose morals aren't set straight. However, in this book, Davis has set off to become a better person, and instead of taking lives, he saves them. Although I cannot relate this deeply with Davis, we as humans make mistakes, sometimes grave mistakes that are irreversible. In the past, I had a short fuse and thought very highly of myself. This attitude led me nowhere but backward in life. I've gone to see this issue and do my best to fix myself. This is not as harsh as Davis's but I believe everyone deserves a second chance. To clarify the window part, well, this is taken inside a volcano in the middle of Antarctica. And it also holds blood fights to the death or until someone taps out. I can't ever see myself in that position, and if I happened to end up in one, I'd be really confused. However, setting aside, the character also acts as windows because I get to see their personalities, their motives, and even their progression over time which I've never experienced nor seen.
Reflecting on this book, my biggest takeaway would be that it is science fiction. Many people don't enjoy science fiction, and as a result, disregard the book for its worth. Another takeaway is that Devil's Pocket is a sequel, meaning you would have to read Phoenix Island prior to Devil's Pocket. There aren't many takeaways due to the fact that this book is thrilling and easy to read. Devil's Pocket is meant to be read as an entertaining book, not some educational book assigned by a teacher.
In English class this year we've been looking at how literature acts as both a mirror, providing a reflection of ourselves, our lives, and our attitudes and as a window, providing a view of the world, other people, other places, and other conflicts. This book for me was mostly a freshly cleaned window. Let me explain, the reason it being a freshly cleaned window is that it shows some part of a reflection of myself, but mainly a window towards the lives of others. For example, it reflects on my life because I feel that I can relate to Davis, the medic. In the first book, Phoenix Island, Davis is a gangbanging prisoner whose morals aren't set straight. However, in this book, Davis has set off to become a better person, and instead of taking lives, he saves them. Although I cannot relate this deeply with Davis, we as humans make mistakes, sometimes grave mistakes that are irreversible. In the past, I had a short fuse and thought very highly of myself. This attitude led me nowhere but backward in life. I've gone to see this issue and do my best to fix myself. This is not as harsh as Davis's but I believe everyone deserves a second chance. To clarify the window part, well, this is taken inside a volcano in the middle of Antarctica. And it also holds blood fights to the death or until someone taps out. I can't ever see myself in that position, and if I happened to end up in one, I'd be really confused. However, setting aside, the character also acts as windows because I get to see their personalities, their motives, and even their progression over time which I've never experienced nor seen.
Reflecting on this book, my biggest takeaway would be that it is science fiction. Many people don't enjoy science fiction, and as a result, disregard the book for its worth. Another takeaway is that Devil's Pocket is a sequel, meaning you would have to read Phoenix Island prior to Devil's Pocket. There aren't many takeaways due to the fact that this book is thrilling and easy to read. Devil's Pocket is meant to be read as an entertaining book, not some educational book assigned by a teacher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2023
Devil's Pocket was an action-packed book. It was about the events after the first book, Phoenix island, where the main character accepts the role of apprentice of the main antagonist. After he works for the main antagonist making sure that the order and sustainability of the island's prisoners are insured, he sends the main character to a fighting tournament where the winner gets 10 million dollars. The main character finds out that this tournament is highly illegal as it ends up being a fight to the death in some cases willingly or unwillingly. Along with that are mysterious experiments and horrifying discoveries along the way. In English class this year we've been looking at how literature acts as both a mirror, providing a reflection of ourselves, our lives, and our attitudes and as a window, providing a view of the world, other people, and other conflicts. This book for me was mostly a window. Let me explain: I have never fought to the death or just fought for competition in my life and especially not held back against someone I could have a chance of nearly killing. This makes this book highly unrelatable, but it immerses me in a new world or life I have never experienced in the slightest way. For example, the main character in the book has to hold himself back to stop from killing his opponent or permanently injuring him. The repetition of his teammate in the tournament telling him to "knock the opponent out" or "hit him now" really gave me the idea that the main character had every chance to absolutely annihilate his opponent and also the perspective of having to hold back. Reflecting on this book, my biggest takeaway would be to have heart, honor and integrity. You must have heart because without passion it's difficult to do the tough things in life. You must have honor because honor that is given will also be received and it's good to have someone honor you in life. You must have integrity because without integrity you are left with characteristics such as hypocrite, unhonorable, immoral, disrespectful, and more that you wouldn't want.
February 22, 2021
Hello! I wrapped up reading the sequel to your book Phoenix Island known as Devil’s Pocket and was really captivated by it. I was really into the first book and I was hoping that the sequel would follow suit with being as captivating. It shows some similar themes as the first one, showing the dark ideas of control and need for structure and order, and the need to fight back against it.
One thing that is made clear is the fighting, first and foremost. Your book delivers lengthy, powerful scenes of fighting as Carl tries to better himself to win and escape the island and topple the Phoenix force. He tries to reel himself in as he wants to stay against this control. It gives a sense of independence and a fight for escape, which is something that a lot of teenage readers can relate to, though much less extreme than portrayed here. They’re graphic, detailed, and long. It makes you feel how you would feel in a real fight this way, and you really outdid that part.
This continued theme of control resonated throughout the book. Commander Stark wants to initiate a more controlled government and world, with a Spartan-like style of order. You show this idea of how much people desire for control, through all of these extreme examples of how hungry people are for simply power over another. I didn’t necessarily learn anything, as it’s more so representation in fiction than examples, but it does show ways to point them out and how to fight against those ideas. After all, Control Vs. Independence is becoming a more talked about topic, whether it be real or fiction.
These ideas of escaping control and being obsessed with it are prevalent, and it also shows these ideas of being misfits, like square pegs in round holes. Carl is shown to have a terrible past, and is only here because of the fact that he’s so different from social norms. This is excellent writing, as you show how some people want to take over the lives of outcasts, and feel like they have no freedom, or at least that’s how I see it. Carl was an orphan, then was taken to the island, then stripped of his freedom, and now he’s part superhuman with robotic upgrades. It shows this excessiveness people have against outcasts.
Mr. Dixon, this book was an excellent showcase of the twisted parts of control and society. It shows these ideas of control, with people just wanting power and only that. It shows how people try to escape the system by constantly motivating them, as shown with Carl’s journey. It shows this need to want to control over outcasts and keep social norms the norm. It’s an ambitious book for an ambitious series. This was a great read, and I thank you for that.
One thing that is made clear is the fighting, first and foremost. Your book delivers lengthy, powerful scenes of fighting as Carl tries to better himself to win and escape the island and topple the Phoenix force. He tries to reel himself in as he wants to stay against this control. It gives a sense of independence and a fight for escape, which is something that a lot of teenage readers can relate to, though much less extreme than portrayed here. They’re graphic, detailed, and long. It makes you feel how you would feel in a real fight this way, and you really outdid that part.
This continued theme of control resonated throughout the book. Commander Stark wants to initiate a more controlled government and world, with a Spartan-like style of order. You show this idea of how much people desire for control, through all of these extreme examples of how hungry people are for simply power over another. I didn’t necessarily learn anything, as it’s more so representation in fiction than examples, but it does show ways to point them out and how to fight against those ideas. After all, Control Vs. Independence is becoming a more talked about topic, whether it be real or fiction.
These ideas of escaping control and being obsessed with it are prevalent, and it also shows these ideas of being misfits, like square pegs in round holes. Carl is shown to have a terrible past, and is only here because of the fact that he’s so different from social norms. This is excellent writing, as you show how some people want to take over the lives of outcasts, and feel like they have no freedom, or at least that’s how I see it. Carl was an orphan, then was taken to the island, then stripped of his freedom, and now he’s part superhuman with robotic upgrades. It shows this excessiveness people have against outcasts.
Mr. Dixon, this book was an excellent showcase of the twisted parts of control and society. It shows these ideas of control, with people just wanting power and only that. It shows how people try to escape the system by constantly motivating them, as shown with Carl’s journey. It shows this need to want to control over outcasts and keep social norms the norm. It’s an ambitious book for an ambitious series. This was a great read, and I thank you for that.
September 11, 2022
I loved the series both books! I was disappointed at how it ended there were many things I’d have liked to read/know. Most definitely the last showdown with Stark & the end of Phoenix Island I really wanted to see how all that played out!? Also I wanted to see if they could hopefully find Campbell & maybe help him somehow like they did Octavia or at least give him the best life possible away from that fucked up island & the people on it. Then there was the bearded man the head of the few I wanted to know what was the dark clouded shit he threw at Carl that like electrocuted him or shocked him until he was knocked out? And how did the beard man know Octavia was mapping his face & how was he able to keep changing the faces she saw & making it even harder for her & hurting her worse? It’d have been cool if they made this book longer or added another book. Where they could maybe try to find any other islands or locations they have like Phoenix Island where they kill, experiment & fuck kids up among other things & shut them down & make those responsible pay! And if they figured out who The Few actually were instead of the missing people they were masquerading as. I know most likely there won’t be another book it’s been quite some time since these books came out unfortunately :-(
All of that & more woulda been awesome but it’s still a great book & series though!!
All of that & more woulda been awesome but it’s still a great book & series though!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2019
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher at NYCC, which was good because I probably wouldn't have picked it off the shelf otherwise. I have not read the first book so I did not understand all of the references to previous characters and plotlines, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. I didn't really know what to expect from this book going in which I think helped keep me interested because I had no idea where it could go. It's really well written which makes it an easy read. The characters are interesting and although it borrows from some other stories it still manages to remain original.
My only real disappointment is that now I really really want to read the next in the series but there doesn't seem to be anything on the horizon!
My only real disappointment is that now I really really want to read the next in the series but there doesn't seem to be anything on the horizon!
January 29, 2018
It was a good book. But I had a couple complaints about how it strays away from it's prequel. It is a science fiction book compared to its predecessor which was fiction. It also introduces a lot more things then it solves from the last book. I also don't think there will be another one so you are just left feeling empty handed and not satisfied. But overall I thought it was a good book and was well written. I felt immersed in the world of Carl Freemen, but you also need to read the first book to be able understand the second. They use a lot of characters from the last without reintroduction and reading this 3 months after the first I still forgot characters reintroduced.
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