A village in peril. A girl who won't sit still. And a spark she barely knows how to hold.
When fire rains down on her village, twelve-year-old archer Amber discovers a spark within herself — real elemental power she can barely control.
Teaming up with bold Basil and big-hearted Theo, she uncovers a plot that threatens the realm far beyond her valley. Between midnight escapes, woodland skirmishes, and a perilous trek into enemy territory, Amber must decide what kind of hero she'll be: a lone ember that burns out… or the spark that lights a beacon.
Set in the kingdom of Arendon — a world of pixies, goblins, dragons, and a hidden circle of wizards pulling strings across every court — Phoenix Rising opens a four-book saga that starts with middle-grade adventure and grows darker, deeper, and more daring with each volume. For readers who fell in love with The Chronicles of Narnia, who grew up with Harry Potter, and who are ready for a new fantasy world to call their own.
Co-written by Ephie Risho and his then-third-grade child, Blue Risho, Phoenix Rising began as a single sheet of pencil-scribbled synopsis and became a Kirkus-reviewed series opener that hit Amazon's Top 20 in YA Fantasy. It is, in every sense, a book about a young person finding their power — written in real part by one.
"An imaginative fantasy that will appeal to young readers ready for their next adventure… A tale that lays steady groundwork for a YA epic to come."
"The stakes rise in earnest when Amber and company learn that 'evil can be stopped by youngsters who are able to unite the six core elements.' Their humbleness is one of several excellent lessons for YA readers woven into the story… Bushana's color illustrations and map are fabulous, and readers will wish there was a dozen more of them."
"Fast-paced adventure in a fantasy world full of magic and lore."
"There's action and magic from page one… We can't wait for the next installment of Amber's adventures!"
"If you start this book, I predict you will finish it in nearly no time at all, like it is magically unfolding before you."
"Enjoyable, entertaining, engaging!"
"I reached the end of the book, hungry for more. Can't wait for the next in the series!"
"Loved it! Fun quick read. I can't wait to share it with my daughter. Really looking forward to the next book."
Drop your email and I'll send you the opening five chapters of Phoenix Rising — delivered instantly. You'll also get Surviving Dinner and Other Occupational Hazards, a free standalone novella, when it drops in May 2026, plus regular notes from Ephie on the writing life, the worlds behind the books, and whatever else is worth sharing.