Girl on Fire: Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Survival

Girl on Fire #1

by Eden Hart

ON HER 16TH BIRTHDAY, KASSIA IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH—TWICE.

For fans of high-stakes survival novels like 5th Wave and Hunger Games.
Complete 4-book series. Perfect for binge-reading!

• 2025 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner.
• 2025 CLBC Gold Medal Winner.

On her 16th birthday, Kassia is condemned to death. Twice. A doctor gives her three months to live. That night, a strange red mist gives most of humanity a few days to live.

She should be among the first to die. She doesn't.

Instead she survives the apocalypse that kills billions. Only a tiny percentage of people are immune to the mist—but not all of them are human. Alone, Kassia searches for her family in a ruined New York filled with extraordinary dangers.

A meeting with a dynamic stranger fighting for humanity's future gives her a flash of hope. But it's soon crushed. Abandoned, she faces a devastating choice.

She doesn't realize she's being watched.

In the shadows, someone not fully human has taken a special interest in Kassia. This Outrider logs her as Subject 77, then writes down the date she'll die. When she doesn't die, his curiosity stirs, and she becomes his experiment.

He was sent to record the end of humanity. Kassia is the reason he can't finish the job.

The other Outriders have one purpose. Brutal and relentless, they are intent on eradicating the remaining humans … including Kassia.

Three survivors. One apocalypse. Their lives are already tangled—they just don't know it.

NOTE: Book 1 is told by the three survivors. Each lives the apocalypse from Day Zero until their paths collide. Books 2, 3 and 4 are told entirely by Kassia.

Girl on Fire is the first book in the complete four-book Girl on Fire series. Fast, binge-worthy, and threaded with a slow-burn romance. This fallen world has compelling characters, dark choices—and a spark of hope.

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Action, Fiction

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

There are several authors named Eden Hart, who write in a wide variety of genres.

So far, the only books I’ve written are the 4 books in the GIRL ON FIRE series.

My post-apocalyptic sci-fi survival novels focus on compelling characters caught up in extraordinary events. They are laced with romance, action, mystery, and suspense, and aim to create immersive worlds that stir the imagination and enthrall the reader.

Reviews

[Nancy (The Avid Reader)]

When I picked up Girl on Fire and started reading I wasn’t quite sure what I would find between its covers but what I found was way better than anything I could have imagined. The world-building on this one is out of this-world amazing. I loved every minute of it.

I couldn’t turn those pages fast enough all the while wishing I was watching a TV show. Girl on Fire would make a great TV series. One that I would watch over and over. The more I read the more I wanted to know about each character.

Girl on Fire is a brilliantly written story that set me on fire as I raced to the end to see how it would all turn out. I couldn’t wait to see how each story was going to connect. Girl on Fire was written so well I had no problem seeing it all play out in my head as if I were a part of its world.

Girl on Fire reminded me of not just one TV show or movie but several but it is still in a class all by itself. Although it reminded me of more than one program it was also unlike anything I have read before. I can’t wait to read more from the world of the Girl on Fire.

Girl on Fire has so much to offer. It has mystery, romance, suspense, fantasy, and much more. Girl on Fire also has many twists that it throws into the mist I never expected but it worked so well. It had my imagination working over time as I tried so hard to see what was written in my head. I sure hope I did it justice.

I loved reading Girl on Fire so much that I highly recommend it to all science fiction and dystopia fans! Grab a copy of Girl on Fire today!

[Mya Elizabeth Hill]

OOOOOOOOOOOO!!
I LOVE ME A POST APOCALYPTIC BOOK
this start is so promising I’m LEAPING into book two
I’m rooting for Kassia to stay healthy or for Lynxx to find a cure for her
I’m excited to read more from her POV in the next book
Asher’s POV was just alright that’s why I rated 4 stars instead of 5
I REAAALLLY liked Lynxx POV
now THAT I need more of
I’m very interested in that
The plot is getting GOOOOOOD
I’m so excited to continue reading!

[Ellie Collins]

I just knew going into this book by the blurb & cover I would love it & it was INCREDIBLE. The writing is super easy to follow & just flowed so well.

Dystopia sci-fi post apocalypse romance?! Like come on… this my favourite genre right now!!

It reminded me of watching the 5th wave. The world is facing the ‘red mist’ which kills most of the population & our FMC is also fighting her own battles to survive. We have our hybrids & one of the hybrid’s has taken interest in Kass & wants to try & keep her alive for a science experiment🤯

I loved the world building & everything that was happening. We have an emotional story in relation to our FMC & gosh I just wanted to reach out & give her a hug. The images I created in my head..I just love this type of story/plot/genre so much.

Romance wise.. there wasn’t much going on in this book but it didn’t stop me loving this. I can already feel the tension brewing & I am so excited to see how the next books go. The fact this is a series of 4 books..gimme them now!

Like there are sooo many questions I need answering right now & I will be jumping into the next book in the series & I think this may become one of my favourite dystopia reads of the year.

You know when you read an important sentence in a book that sticks with you? This was mine.

‘A life lived looking back is a life half lived.’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Janis]

This book is one of those OMG! moments, you will not regret spending whatever the author sets the price point at! The author didn't just build a great storyline but an entire world The descriptions were vivid, full and thought-provoking. I didn't just want these characters to survive; I wanted them to THRIVE! This will be another series that will be picked up by either a streaming service or a movie company and we will be watching it - it is that good, better than Silo, The Last of Us or dare I say even Hunger Games (which I am an ardent fan).

The characters see the end of their world and must find a way to survive in the aftermath of the new world. There is the usual mix of people - those who work together, those who thrive on the chaos and those who want to be left alone. This author has come up with a very unusual way of dealing with the thousands of resulting corpses - I was impressed. I was also impressed with the twist that the author used to drive the plot not one I had seen previously in this genre. I can't wait to read Book Two in this series!

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jen]

An edge of your seat, immersive dystopian apocalyptic story which really puts reality to the question- "How would humanity survive during an apocalypse of mammoth proportions?".

The story is centered around Kassia (a young 16 year old girl who has been diagnosed with an incurable disease) and during the fight for her life in 24 hours the world as she and everyone else knows it is altered dramatically and ravaged beyond repair having being taken over by strange alien like plants as well as by a poisonous "red mist".

I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish and I cannot wait to read the sequel.

[Frances Burke]

Girl On Fire is a magnificent treat for lovers of dystopian fiction. From its startling opening sentence, it promises the reader a heroine who must reinvent herself in a world that's changing in unthinkable ways. The storyline is extraordinarily inventive, with constant surprises; the romance is intriguing; and the pace as the characters face the ever-changing circumstances thrown at them is at times breathless.
This book is gripping and thought-provoking, and the captured reader will not easily leave it to rejoin everyday life.

[Jennifer Guindon]

I really enjoyed this book! I liked how this book was written for many reasons. I liked the 3 different points of view, but more than that, I liked how each person's point of view was all in one big chunk of the book. It helped me keep track much easier than books that flip back and forth every other chapter or randomly.

The plot was unique and well-thought out. I liked the imagination behind the actions.

I'm not sure if I'll continue reading the series or not, as I enjoyed this book on its own.

[G Fraser]

Girl on Fire is a captivating and thrilling book. The mix of science and dystopian fiction created the perfect setting to snag you and draw you into its world. The characters really seal the deal by stealing your heart and keeping you teetering on the edge, desperately wanting to know what happens next. Good from beginning to end! I received a copy for review from the author via Voracious Readers online.

[Sam]

I did really enjoy this YA, apocalyptic, end of the world adventure! Interesting characters, a really great idea, well realised, good pace & actions, great levels of tension & excitement through out the story. Great, there are moments of quite high angst, but I think now this is normal in a YA story. I did really like all of it & I will look for more by this writer!

[Hannah Woods]

Well written, good character development

I love that this moves between the POV of Kass, Asher and Lynxx - this weaves the story in such a rich way. The character development is well done also.
The post apocalyptic plant thing is a new one on me, but very well explored and a good plot device.

[Misty Thompson]

Dystopia sci-fi fantasy

So, I liked the concept. I dont like reading or watching movies from multiple characters. That was a big downside for me personally. I get bored and just want to see the story unfold. However, author states that the next books are from only Kassia"s point of view... so I'll probably give the second one a go.

[Kimberly C. Winslow]

Loved it

Hooked me right in! I didn't want to put it down! Well written with a creativity that makes it unique and puts you in the story! You feel and see the struggle as you are transported with the characters from struggle to struggle!

[David Franklin]

I give this book 5 stars, as it rekindled my lost interest in the absolute joy and escapism of reading a book on the train to and from work.

[mike leonard]

great read

very good reading interesting and keeps you interested would reccomend this book to any one that likes scifi looking forward to rest of the series

[Savannah Fredericksen]

This was a pretty unique and entertaining story and I really look forward to continuing the series. I usually don’t like books with more than two POVs but I didn’t mind with this one! (There were three and the remaining books will only have Kassia’s POV) I recommend this!

[Melanie Mason]

intriguing

This is an interesting book. I’m intrigued to see how the series will continue. I like the character so far and I’m rooting for everyone.

[tina m. paris]

Great read

I liked this book. It is a different ty
pe of post Apocalypse book. I already have the other books in this series. Looking forward to reading them.

[Michelle]

I was reading for my library & got sucked in

I loved the characters and it was so engaging. I was just checking it out to see if it was something the kids would like… the answer is a resounding yes. I’m gonna get the whole series.

[Tanya]

Her life has not been easy and she has survived a plague but she is barred from joining the group to fight for survival. She is being watched by him and things may finally change for her. What is going to happen? How will she get on? Will he help her? See how she gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Aurelia Hulls]

This was the kind of book that reminded me why I love reading in the first place. The characters felt like people I knew, and the emotional journey was so raw and honest. I was completely immersed from the beginning, and there were parts that made me stop and just sit with what I’d read. It’s not just a story, it’s an experience. One I’ll definitely be recommending

[Matilda Bartley]

This book is great for people who like hunger games, fantasy and to be on edge. I loved this book, I read it in class at school, in the car, and at home.

[Dawn Ireland]

I had nightmares!

I’m going to keep my eyes on this gal. Eden Hart is one helluva storyteller! What started out so normal quickly twisted into something that, when you think about it, could actually happen. Very scary, but ya just can’t stop reading!

[Kris]

This book was a great dystopian genre to jump back into after not reading for years. I read this book within a week and I was drawn in at every part of it. It was very interesting and the character development was amazing as well. Can't wait to start the 2nd book in the series!!

[R. D.]

The book details and and blurb drew me in. Wow, Girl on Fire did not disappoint. Great character and story development! I am looking forward to book 2!

[Maggie]

A series high school libraries will want to have in their collection for their sci fi readers.

[James M Hart]

Slow burn romance

This an unusual romance . the planet has
Been invaded by these alien flowers some are benign others are not. You are going to be amazed by this book.

[Kathy Zuercher Diveley]

Kassie

End of the world scenario with deadly alien plant life and hybrid aliens this can mind control.
Kassie has survived Leukemia and the red mist. Finally found her twin sister, but then one day her sister doesn't return.

[Kelly Hudson]

Get ready for a cliffhanger ending

I read this book courtesy of Freebooksy. Naturally the cliffhanger ending is to tempt the reader to purchase book 2. I’m undecided on that right now. The writing is solid, and the plot is fresh. It is more melancholy than I would like. I enjoyed the read, although it feels very young adult.

[Lorie]

Too slow..

Don't care for this slow and make the heroine as weak and pathetic. Lots of telling and missing the feel. The heroine was unlikable. Lost interest..DNF

[Literary Reviewer]

Girl on Fire by Eden Hart is a gripping mix of dystopian thrills and deeply personal struggles. The story follows Kassia, a sixteen-year-old girl who’s already grappling with a terminal leukemia diagnosis when the world plunges into chaos. On what seemed like humanity’s last normal day, a mysterious red mist heralds an apocalyptic event. Kassia’s life, already overshadowed by her illness, becomes a frantic fight for survival as the red mist triggers a global collapse. From moments of tender family connections to heart-stopping sequences of disaster, the book manages to weave the personal and the epic seamlessly.

What struck me most was Eden Hart’s ability to humanize the catastrophic. Kassia’s struggle with leukemia adds an emotional weight that’s missing from most apocalyptic novels. Early on, when Kassia receives her death sentence from Dr. McKay, it feels devastating but oddly distant—a reminder of how life continues its cruel march, even as the world burns. Then the red mist arrives, layering her personal battle with a planetary one. Hart’s writing here is haunting; when Kassia touches the alien “terras” sprouting on the Brooklyn Bridge and they scrape her skin, the grotesque beauty of this new reality left me chilled. The ordinary transforming into something alien yet visceral is a recurring theme that Hart handles brilliantly.

The relationships in the book feel real and raw, especially Kassia’s dynamic with her cousin, Charlotte. Their moments of banter and shared danger stand out, like when they navigate the eerie red haze only to find a classmate, Amanda, bleeding and collapsing. This scene perfectly captured both the horror of the new world and the fragility of the old one they’re losing. And then there’s “Loner,” the enigmatic boy whose chemistry with Kassia provides a simmering tension throughout. He’s a frustrating yet magnetic character—mysterious to the point of irritation—and while I’m unsure if he’s a hero or an antihero, his role is undeniably compelling.

Hart’s vivid descriptions of disaster feel cinematic. The fiery destruction of the Brooklyn Bridge and the surreal spread of alien plants, or “terras,” are written with intensity. The pacing slows slightly as Hart balances Kassia’s internal turmoil with the unfolding global crisis. But even in these slower moments, Kassia’s voice—honest, vulnerable, and fiercely determined—kept me hooked.

Girl on Fire is about confronting mortality, finding strength in unexpected places, and holding onto humanity when the world crumbles. This book is perfect for fans of survival stories with a touch of science fiction, like The 5th Wave or Station Eleven. Teen readers will appreciate the raw, relatable protagonist, while adults can delve into the deeper themes of resilience and loss.