Flash of Fire: The Phoenix Rising Trilogy, Book 1

2025 “Best Audiobook” 1st Place, Royal Dragonfly Book Awards

2025 Bronze Medalist for 'Best Series' in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards

2019 1st Place Winner of the 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.


Flash of Fire is a voice-rich fantasy adventure narrated by the award-winning narrator, Erin Chmela. A gifted puppeteer and voice actress, Erin brings every character to life with heart, humor, and the spark of a true storyteller.


Perfect for fans of fast-paced action, strong female heroes, and everyday magic, this award-winning series starter is packed with mythology, found family, and one fierce girl determined to save the world—before it goes up in flames.