First Place Winner of the Gertrude Warner Award for Middle Grade Fiction 

When Vivian Carmine accidentally sets her school gym on fire, she learns the truth her parents have been hiding: she's a phoenix. And fire? It runs in the family.

Before she can ask questions, her parents vanish leaving Vivian alone to uncover a world of myth, magic, and mayhem hiding in plain sight. Swept into RISE, a top-secret academy that trains magical misfits to blend into the human world, Vivian finds herself learning spycraft, combat skills, and the finer points of intentional arson.

With the help of a snarky fairy and the mysterious son of a rebel god, she must track down her parents, master her powers, and stop a war between gods and mortals—before it's too late.

Flash of Fire is a voice-rich fantasy adventure perfect for ages 11–15. Narrated by Erin Chmela, a gifted puppeteer and voice actress who 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.