A Flash of Fire

2025 "Best Series" Bronze Medalist, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards 2025 "Best Audiobook" 1st Place, Royal Dragonfly Book Awards First Place, Gertrude Warner Award for Middle Grade Fiction Vivian Carmine was just trying to survive high school-until she accidentally set her school gym on fire. Turns out, it wasn't an accident. Vivian is a phoenix, born into a secret bloodline of immortal fire-wielders. And when her parents finally tell her the truth, they disappear without a trace-leaving Vivian alone with unanswered questions, unstable powers, and a growing list of enemies who may want her parents dead. Following the clues leads Vivian to RISE, a covert academy hidden in plain sight where mythical beings are trained to live among humans. There, she must learn to control her firepower, navigate shifting alliances, and decide who she can trust-especially when rumors suggest her parents may be traitors in a looming war between gods and mortals. With the help of a sharp-tongued fairy, a group of unlikely allies, and Samael-the enigmatic son of a god whose loyalties are anything but clear-Vivian begins to uncover the truth about her family, her destiny, and herself. The first book in The Phoenix Rising Trilogy, Flash of Fire, is an award-winning middle-grade fantasy adventure brimming with secret legacies, a magic school, ancient mythology, humor, and heart. Perfect for readers who love strong heroines, found family, and coming-of-age stories where discovering the truth means deciding who-and what-to stand for.