The Firebird Song

by Arnée Flores

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781547609949
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	10/18/2022
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	697,720
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

About the Author

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)

Editorial Reviews

Inviting young readers to journey into their own ‘Age of Hope,’ The Firebird Song shows how forgiveness and friendship offer light in even the darkest of times. A timely and beautiful tale.” - Christiane M. Andrews, author of Spindlefish and Stars

“A rich and empowering story of young heroes brave enough to choose hope over fear, challenge the despair of others and change their world.” - Deva Fagan, author of Nightingale and The Mirrorwood

“The Firebird Song is for anyone with a love of adventure, a heart full of hope, and the belief that one person can make a difference. Powerful, fast-paced, and unforgettable.” - Gillian McDunn, author of Caterpillar Summer and Honestly Elliott

“A fast-paced, heart-squeezing adventure, perfect for fans of intricate fantasy worlds and memorable characters.” - Booklist, starred review

“Finding hope, true friendship, and bravery lies at the hearts of their journeys. . . . A fantastical adventure full of hope.” - Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

07/01/2021

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.—Kelly Jahng, South Park Elem. Sch., IL

School Library Journal

2021-03-16
Two tweens embark on a journey to fulfill a prophecy and save their kingdom.

Years ago, Lyrica was filled with life, warmth, and hope, protected as it was by the Song and Feather of the Firebird. Until the night when the Spectress and the Demon of Fear filled the sky with darkness, killing the queen and everyone else in the castle—and leaving behind a cold land, devoid of hope. In the present, Prewitt is turning 12, the Age of Hope, and Granny Arila is finally telling him the truth about Lyrica’s dark past, satisfying his curiosity about things no one speaks of openly. Prewitt discovers not only that the Lost Princess survived that terrible night, but that their destinies are tied together through a mysterious prophecy. Prewitt leaves home, searching for the princess, and runs into Calliope, a girl who has been hidden from the world for 12 years. When he realizes she is the Lost Princess, something she had not known herself until recently, they embark on a dangerous quest to find the Firebird’s Feather and Song and save Lyrica. Their journey is a fast-paced adventure full of monsters and magic. Told in the third person, the book focuses on Calliope and Prewitt, but secondary characters’ stories are neatly woven in. Finding hope, true friendship, and bravery lies at the heart of their journey. Prewitt has brown hair and skin; black-haired Calliope has honeyed skin.

A fantastical adventure full of hope. (Fantasy. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews