Phoenix Code

New Beginnings #0

by Stefan Pride, Kashel Char, Jonathan Waters (Narrator)

Book one of the New Beginnings Trilogy.
Get to know the men who lay the foundation for the rebirth of a new civilization on earth. This book can be read or listened to as a standalone.

A sexy all-male dystopian science fiction. Stunningly beautiful scientists and soldiers are thrown together to face Doomsday. The start of an unpredictable series about the survival of humankind, unbeknownst to external forces that drive their discoveries of new technologies and DNA manipulations. New laws are written, and an infrastructure devoid of ethnic, religious, or any other components that have steered the human race thus far, is now history.

All the while, Colonel Dr. McCormick is not only set on a course to lead the men of Phoenix through world annihilation but also come to terms with his sexuality and how to manage a bunch of horny brilliant men who are not necessarily gay or bi-sexual but who have to have some kind of sexual intimacy and gratification. How will he create a new code of conduct to appease two thousand men to live in harmony without the restrictive pointless rules of the old world?

The plot is dripping buckets full of humor, sexy man love, romance, a wedding, and a “Quik-Fix Hall” only geniuses can design and make it sound like you are taking a trip to the mall. Antarctica turned out to be the best place on earth. After all, hell has finally frozen over.

Written with a multi-POV approach to get to know the big cast of characters, their struggles, triumphs, and sexuality are only the tip of the iceberg. Fans of science and medical procedures will love the medical jargon and lingo. Get to know the couples who are about to spend millennia together. Phoenix Code is the foundation of the birth of Atlantis and the superhuman race. Earth has reached full circle. Time to face the Truth; we are on our own!

WARNING: This book contains graphic male/male hardcore sex between consenting adults, all eighteen years of age or older. Chapter nineteen is explicitly bondage roleplay with dubious consent. Sensitive readers triggered by this kind of role-play language may skip this chapter. This book is not intended for people under eighteen years of age or for anyone offended by gay male sex.
© January 2022 Stefan Pride and Kashel Char. All rights reserved

Genres: M M Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia, Post Apocalyptic, Time Travel, Gay

Audiobook

First published August 23, 2021

Reviews

[Ronie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aces High by O. E. I forget how to spell the last name. Got me back interested in the End Of The World stories. So this one was in recommendations.

Now excuse me. While I yell, why, into the void

[Rach Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story doesn’t follow just one couple of MCs, it actually follows quite a range of people - Connor and Micah, Brad and Rick, Brad’s son Simon and Paul, plus a few others. The balance between these relationships and the sci fi plot (with some interesting fantasy moments) is really good. The story is post-apocalyptic - following all of these men who are part of a surviving group of people segregated in Antarctica after a number of issues have killed off all women and then a great deal of the men on the planet. It’s fairly low angst, but there are a couple of hairy moments where I thought it might break my heart! My favourite character… has got to be Lassiter - the AI who starts each chapter with a usually random, but hilarious topic.

I have never listened to anything narrated by Jonathan waters, but what a fabulous choice for this story - after only a minute or so, I knew this would be a true pleasure to listen to - great intonation, a wide range of voices and accents - a top level narrator, well suited for this style of sci-fi storyline.

Such a good, refreshing listen overall - one of the best I’ve listened to for a while. Kashel Char has done an amazing job with this!

[Nidge · Rating 5 out of 5]

It says a lot that at about 60% of the way through I bought the second installment!
The after doomsday premise is brilliant and we'll thought through and the idea of a cut off group of survivors in Antarctica including the science behind it, totally believable. Kashels world building is second to none and I have a vivid image of what Phoenix looks, sounds & feels like. Usually I listen to books that have few MM steamy scenes in... This book has lots! But they're intrinsic to and progress the storyline of creating a new morality base so they totally need to be there... And boy they're well written! I can't say I have favourite characters as they're all good.
Obviously I'm giving it 5 stars and would completely recommend it to anyone that's looking for something other than the usual MM Sci-fi fayre out there.
Jonathan Waters is a new to me reader and his narration was a real surprise and totally spot on. I have my favourite list of narrators & usually don't stray from them. Jonathan has certainly taken his place on it! His characterisation is perfect and consistent. Pacing is great too and he absolutely knows how to create a whole performance. Sounds really hot in 'sexy' bits too :)

Right, starting volume 2 now...

[Tammy Bulcao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storyline!

This storyline is so fascinating. I love the concept of a society made up of all men. I was very intrigued with the struggles of a straight man in a world with no women but with the need for intimacy. For me, there’s a bit too much focus on the amount of sex in this story (although the sex was very hot) vs the actual storyline which I enjoyed very much. The variety of characters were unique and blended well within the story. The many cultures, ethnic backgrounds and religions blended with various lifestyles and sexual preferences of all these characters made this story even more interesting.
The narration was absolutely fantastic. Jonathan Waters performs all these characters with a level of voice acting that really brings this story to a whole other level. He makes you feel like you’re right there in the story with all the different accents and emotions. Well done everyone. This is book 1 with an HEA and can be read as a standalone.
I recommend this book.

Sisters Spotlight 💜

[RACHEL REED · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing!!🤩🤩

I absolutely loved the dystopian world building.
It was clever, descriptive and original.

I absolutely love this author duo, their writing styles appealed to me and I loved how the story came together.

The characters were real, relatable and well fleshed out.

Definitely recommend this amazing novel!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible! This was my first book by these authors and I am in love. The world building is amazing, you feel like you are in Antartica on this journey with these men. It was emotional and so realistic. The story was complex, and often nail-biting as I was waiting to find out what was going on in various moments of the plot. I loved the AI announcements at the beginning of each chapter.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jonathan Waters. He is new to me narrator and he blew me away. There were easily a dozen different main characters and each one's voice was unique and distinguished. Mika and Connor were my favorites, but I also loved sassy Juan. An absolutely amazing story! I can't wait for more in this series.

[Aggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just such a lovely combination of fun, hot, and sweet. Loved it!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story - ♥♥♥♥½ ☊
Narrator - ♥♥♥♥
A really cool story interspersed with very smexy times, laughter, love, and sorrow.

[Bittiefish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the premise and am interested in reading further. Post apocalyptic scenarios are my jam. I love the research done and the scientific explanations. The sci-fi was really cool. I'm not so sure about the fantasy element, I feel like we didn't get enough of it in this installment. I am interested and engaged with the characters and what happens to them but am not overly attached to any. I liked the multiple POV but I do feel it detracted from my ability to care about everyone. I listened to this on audio and the narrator Jonathan Waters was phenomenal! There were some weird plot holes that might be explained in the next installment (I hope) the largest being that there were no female scientists or military members originally installed at Phoenix. I get that women weren't having babies or whatever but that's not all women are good for... I will say if the series takes that direction I'll be mad. I do feel like there wasn't enough character development. Not enough on page wrestling with personal demons, especially for Brad. It seemed like he went from homophobe to gay in a week with no issues. Not normal. There was a lot of other wish fulfillment like behavior from this author giving people everything they want and need with no strife, like babies that can also only be male from men (not knocking this I don't mind mpreg but there's a theme here), guys falling in insta love, the glory holes??? gratuitous sex ( not knocking this at all it was hot), Pretty much immortality, and all the disasters that hit do minor damage. Like I said I'll read more but the character development needs work. It feels like this book was just a set up for the next book.

[Sharon L · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What science fiction writers have written about for decades, and scientists have theorized for years, has finally happened"

Oh my, what a ride!!!

This is book 1 in a series called New Beginnings by Kashel Char. This story is by a new to me author and new to me narrator. What a great post-apocalyptic book. It's so original and well thought out, I haven't read or listened to anything quite like it before.

The narrator did a fantastic job. All those characters... each with a different voice that the narrator created, were simply amazing. Bravo, Johnathan Waters.

Kashel created a story that brought humor, laughter, sadness, and tears. After listening to the book I went back and replayed pieces and parts. I'm sure I'll end up listening to the whole thing again, I do that on the stories I really enjoy.

The moral codes for some have to be set aside. This is a whole new world from what they've known before. No women definitely creates an interesting conundrum.

Lasitor was hilarious and I enjoyed how he started off each chapter.

If you like this type of book I highly recommend!!! Now I'm off to the next book in the series.

[BobbyNack · Rating 5 out of 5]

SQUEEE! This so totally worked for me!

What an unexpected bombshell! A new-to-me-author who got on my radar only because there was a sale alert on it. Reading the blurb, and it got my attention even more, so sure, why not! Next thing I knew, I was picking it up at 4am when I realized sleep was alluding me anyway. To my surprise, I was hooked right from the first page.
Believe it or not, and this rarely, if not never, happens, I started review writing while I’m still reading the book. Yes, it’s hot but the authors wrote the devilment of the story into sex scenes, yes, I'm so looking forward to see what happens next. I love all these characters, they are funny, entertaining and hot AF.
It is realistic and I can totally see this happening in the future.
Do yourself a bloody favor and try this, it’s so much more than just erotica.
The robot AI at the start of each chapter is so funny. He gives all this stupid useless information that no-one would ever care about, he was such a breath of fresh air.

[Ceebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I am truly blown away by how amazing this story is.
The story is captivating with enthralling. Very Very Very hot sex scenes.
I liked the banter and witty scientists.
The detailed establishment of a new culture and laws for men to live without women after the apocalypse was very well thought through.
It was an unpredictable experience, can't wait to read what happens next.

Yes, Next book - Please!

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved getting to know the scientists. I am a big fan of this authors writing style. Amazing world-building. My favorite character was Brad and I can’t wait to hear what happens next. This is HFN an awesome ending. Absolutely do recommend this if you like MM erotic sci-fi

[Inna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "warning" was not exaggerated ijs

[K.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dystopian MM full of hotness!
The well-constructed world drew me in from the first page. The medical and scientific language added great believability to the story of a bunch of hot and smart men stuck in Antarctica in a city-like hub. All of them together in close proximity led to some really really sexy opportunities.

The book has lots of what some would call gratuitous sex scenes. I call them "developing plot via sex acts" cause each scene shows something: a dynamic change, a plot point, character development, or a coming-out moment.
Phoenix Code follows several relationships in a community where nothing can remain a secret for long. The multi-POV shifts are handled well, so it’s always clear whose reaction we’re seeing.
A story for fans of futuristic ideas, dystopian world, hot MM encounters, and well-researched medical procedures.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio of this book. New sf authors and new narrator for me and this was amazing! I'm a huge fan of detailed world building and this one basically asks the question of what kind of world these characters are going to build and how are they going to build it as their world falls apart. You have discussions of culture, laws, morality, sexuality and consent, science, military protection/preparedness presented through situations and characters' actions and I was hooked immediately and had to binge listen to find out what was going to happen. The narrator gives a superb performance of both human and AI characters and there's humor there as well. A winner.

[Chappy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this was quite the journey. I was confused at first with Andrew/Juandre and I needed more details on the whole time-travelling vampire thing.
I really enjoyed Connor and Mika's relationship. I hated Brad at first with his homophobic views but he definitely grew on me...once Dr. Rick joins in. So many couples to follow and it was soooo HOT!!!

[Alecia Only1leesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio review –Kashel Char, a new discovery for me, has penned a work of profound depth that unfolds like a vivid movie on the pages. I eagerly anticipate further literary offerings from this talented author. I clearly enjoy MM novels

The Future , 2046, and an Antarctic base holds the key to human survival when the rest of the Earth succumbs to a deadly virus. Originally intended to house a viable population, the last known humans are a group of male scientists and soldiers. As the men grapple with their loss and their future in their isolated ice prison, Dr Brad McCormick must not only lead the men but also find creative ways to accept and manage their new social reality and that includes dumping his outdated and useless homophobia.
Through groundbreaking scientific advancements, the colony makes significant progress in procreation and biology. Yet, they must also confront the severe environmental challenges left by climate change.
This narrative offers an intriguing blend of science fiction with a touch of fantasy, delivering an entertaining experience. It introduces a plethora of innovative concepts and injects humor into the story, promising to captivate readers as they witness the evolution of the human race in this post-apocalyptic era. However, it's important to note that the story predominantly features a diverse range of characters, couples, and romantic encounters. While it occasionally follows one particular couple, it does not fit the conventional mold of an M/M romance. Additionally, the numerous explicit sexual scenes may be off-putting to some readers. Narrator Jonathan Waters excels in delivering an outstanding audio performance, skillfully employing a variety of accents, voices, and emotional nuances. I received a free audiobook copy and this is my honest , I cannot wait for the next installment.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 2046, and an Antarctic base holds the key to human survival when the rest of the Earth succumbs to a deadly virus. Originally intended to house a viable population, the last known humans are a group of male scientists and soldiers. As the men grapple with their loss and their future in their isolated ice prison, Dr Brad McCormick must not only lead the men but also find creative ways to accept and manage their new social reality and that includes dumping his outdated and useless homophobia. Through scientific breakthroughs the new colony makes leaps and bounds in procreation and biology but can they withstand the natural disasters that climate change has left them with?

This worked well as a sci-fi story with a dash of fantasy that I found entertaining. There were lots of great ideas and some humour here and it will be fascinating to watch the human race evolve further in this post-apocalyptic age. However, the bulk of the story showcases a wide range of characters, couples, and sexual liaisons and, while it does intermittently follow one couple in particular, it’s not really an m/m romance in the traditional sense and the huge number of explicit sex scenes may offend some. US voice artist Jonathan Waters does another great job on the audio here, using his extensive range of accents, voices, and emotions!
———-
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

I am a huge fan of the original book. So with the third book in the series coming out soon, I thought I better read this updated version of the Phoenix Code. Oh my gosh! This was even more incredible than the original. And the original blew me away. The meat of the story is still the same, but the new additions help enhance the overarching story line across the series. Some of the changes are subtle and some are huge like the addition of vampires and a time traveler. I can't wait to see how it all plays out in the next two books. People often wish they could go back and read a favorite book again for the first time and that's exactly what this felt like. I got to laugh, cry, gasp, and relive this story again for the first time. Once again Juan was a favorite character of mine. He and Drew got to shine a little bit more in this book (go read Just Like a Butterfly, a New Beginnings novella for their story). Whether you have read the original or this is brand new to you, you will fall in love with the men of Phoenix. The world building is incredible, there is a diverse cast of characters, and the plot sucks you in.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Beginnings is a book that takes us into the future and it is future we may not want to have to imagine because a deadly virus has wiped out almost all of the population of the world. It's an apocalypse, Doomsday. The only survivors are group of men in Antarctica and this is their story.

The story opens with a prologue. A visitor from the future visits his counterparts, reassures them all will be well and then we learn why he is there to reassure. Their world as they know it is about to end and a new one will unfold for them but it will not be without its own challenges. There will be new laws, new infrastructures and it is going to be like nothing they have ever known. Dr McCormick is going to have to guide all the men under him how to make a new life when it contains only them, he needs to show them how to live in harmony whilst also coming to terms with it all for himself too.

Be prepared for an exciting ride into a future that is filled with romance, humour, a group of genius scientists and quite simply a world like no other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Siobhan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The New Beginnings trilogy collection caught my attention through the promise of a science-fiction, fantasy, and paranormal mashup. I am always looking for new mixes, eager to combine genres I love. While there was an interesting idea with the series, I simply could not get into it.

Although I had the entire trilogy, I barely made it through We Are on Our Own, the first in the series. The idea behind the story had me wanting to know more about the world, yet I could not connect to the story. The main reason for this was the writing style. I am sure many will have no problem with it, yet it felt flat to me, filled with too many information dumps and without the level of emotion I had expected to experience. It meant I was able to put the book down with ease, and I had no real desire to pick it back up.

In the end, I am putting this down as one of those cases where I was not the right reader, despite being curious about the genre mashup.

[Kandice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both the author and narrator are new-to-me. I found the narrator Jonathan Waters very engaging, the voices and characters were well done and easily distinguishable. It was a great performance and I’ll definitely seek out his other works.

The story is post-apocalyptic sci-fi spec-fic, not a genre or style I usually read but I was excited to give it a try. The book follows many characters as this station of 100% men attempts to begin again after the Doomsday events. The stories are very dramatic and reminds me of a soap opera in its extremes – character traits, reactions, events, etc. It’s thought-provoking as it makes one wonder how we would react in a similar situation of creating a new world order. I had a bit of confusion with the time travel parts. I believe it's a me issue and that I'd follow the dates/timelines better in ebook format.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of the audiobook.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review:
This was incredible! This was my first book by these authors and I am in love. The world building is amazing, you feel like you are in Antartica on this journey with these men. It was emotional and so realistic. The story was complex, and often nail-biting as I was waiting to find out what was going on in various moments of the plot. I loved the AI announcements at the beginning of each chapter. Jonathan Waters is new to me narrator and he blew me away. There were easily a dozen different main characters and each one's voice was unique and distinguished. Mika and Conor were my favorites, but I also loved sassy Juan. An absolutely amazing story! I can't wait for more in this series.

[Marsilisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically porn without a lot of plot. I had very high hopes. I was soo happy in the beginning. A lot of terminology, medical and technical jargon and then all went /"@/='" multiple POVs without clear distinction when switching. The fact that you can say about your character that he is intelligent beyond mmeasure and then proceed to make him talk about himself in 3rd person like he does not understand the logic of the language is.... Never mind. One good thing about this book: the narrator's voice and the narration itself. New to me name, will not be the last time I'm listening to him.

[Luke Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the original cover. I will be getting my softcover from another bookstore Amazon apparently forced the author to cover up the male characters already underwater and not show any, but fucking up the cover for the author. This rewritten version was easier to read and I liked to read a bit more about Juandre and Andrew. I am fully invested in this series and have read these books twice to catch up and will be reading part three tonight. I can't wait! Definitely a must if you want something hot and different.

[Sahsa]

DNF @ 8%

This is the most confusing book I've ever read.

[Ceebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting trilogy that combines sci-fi fantasy and m/m romance elements. It is a fresh mashup explaining the paranormal, like the origin of vampires, to the creation. It is mind-bending and so well-written, it might as well be true. There is a blurring line across tropes. The world-building is complex and it has been well thought out ahead of time.

[Joe L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun sci-fi premise meets slightly idiotic M/M romance novel interspersed with hardcore porn. Uneven mix but passes the gym time. Three stars only because the audio performance fit the material so well - international diversity and cliches, comrades.

[Luke Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!