The Firebird Song
by Arnée Flores (Author)
Debut author Arnée Flores spins an exciting and original tale about hope in even the darkest of places, perfect for fans of Shannon Hale.
The Kingdom of Lyrica was once warm and thriving, kept safe by the Firebird, whose feather and song was a blessing of peace and prosperity. But the Firebird disappeared, and Lyrica is now terrorized by the evil Spectress who wields her powers from within a volcano. All that remains is a mysterious message scrawled on the castle wall in the Queen's own hand: Wind. Woman. Thief.
Young Prewitt has only known time without the Firebird, a life of constant cold, as his village is afraid to tempt the volcano monsters with even the feeblest fire. But he has heard whispers that the kingdom's princess survived the attack . . . and he is certain that if he can find her, together they can save Lyrica. Princess Calliope has no memories beyond living on her barge on the underground lake. But as she nears her twelfth birthday, she is certain there is more to life than the walls of a cave.
When Prewitt finds her, he realizes that she is the missing princess: the only hope for Lyrica. Determined to decipher the meaning of her mother's strange message and find the Firebird, Calliope and Prewitt set off on a quest that puts them in more danger than either of them ever anticipated.
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School Library Journal
Gr 3-8-A Princess, a Demon, a Firebird, a Prophecy. In the dystopian Kingdom of Lyrica where no one dares to read, sing, or even hope, two children might just be the ones to restore their home. Young Prewitt has just turned 12-the Age of Hope-when he discovers Calliope, a long-hidden princess. The two undertake a quest to defeat the evil Spectress ruling Lyrica and call back the Firebird who once protected the kingdom. While this debut grapples with themes of hope and empowerment for young people, its well-worn tropes make it predictable and offer little to make it stand out among middle grade fantasies. In addition, it contains such extended world-building and elevated vocabulary that the intended audience may find the plot difficult to follow. The two protagonists are admirable in their courage and grit, yet the narrative is uneven in the emphasis placed on each character throughout the story. Calliope does most of the heavy lifting during the quest as Prewitt's role shifts from central to supporting and never recovers in a satisfying way. Dedicated young fantasy readers will enjoy this book, but it's unlikely to become a standout favorite. VERDICT A suitable addition where there's a demand; for large youth fantasy collections.
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
"Finding hope, true friendship, and bravery lies at the hearts of their journeys. . . . A fantastical adventure full of hope." —Kirkus Reviews
Arnée Flores is a Vietnamese-American transracial adoptee. She has been a classical pianist, a Montessori preschool teacher, a waitress, and a student. She currently lives in Seattle with her family. This is her debut novel.
www.arneeflores.com
@arneedflores (Instagram)
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV002270 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical
