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The Fugitives' Files
Recipient of a Scholastic Regional Honorable Mention
People would die for this device… or kill for it.
Thirteen-year-old Kayla Wright has a secret—a deadly one.
The United States is on lockdown. Two months ago, the relknish and crickcrawks took over the country. Under the relknishs’ unnatural power of fear, humanity is defenseless… at least, most of humanity. Kayla is immune. No one—even her foster family—knows her secret, and she plans on keeping it that way.
But then King Fang passes a decree forcing Coloradan teenagers into slavery.
Against her will, Kayla is torn away to the New Cities—where electronics are banned, slaves are pitted against one another, and the hunt continues for the infamous Skylar Rusten. Kayla’s life depends on hiding her immunity, and she’ll do anything it takes to survive. At least, that’s what she thought… until she stumbles upon a forbidden device.
Kayla isn’t the only one hiding secrets. But the deeper she’s swept into the palace mysteries, a horrifying reality sinks some secrets are best left buried. And the fate of humanity may depend on it.
Dystopia crashes into fantasy in this epic middle-grade adventure. Written from the realistic perspective of a teen, the award-winning Freedom Through Fire Saga is perfect for fans of Keeper of the Lost Cities, The Wingfeather Saga, and The Green Ember series.
People would die for this device… or kill for it.
Thirteen-year-old Kayla Wright has a secret—a deadly one.
The United States is on lockdown. Two months ago, the relknish and crickcrawks took over the country. Under the relknishs’ unnatural power of fear, humanity is defenseless… at least, most of humanity. Kayla is immune. No one—even her foster family—knows her secret, and she plans on keeping it that way.
But then King Fang passes a decree forcing Coloradan teenagers into slavery.
Against her will, Kayla is torn away to the New Cities—where electronics are banned, slaves are pitted against one another, and the hunt continues for the infamous Skylar Rusten. Kayla’s life depends on hiding her immunity, and she’ll do anything it takes to survive. At least, that’s what she thought… until she stumbles upon a forbidden device.
Kayla isn’t the only one hiding secrets. But the deeper she’s swept into the palace mysteries, a horrifying reality sinks some secrets are best left buried. And the fate of humanity may depend on it.
Dystopia crashes into fantasy in this epic middle-grade adventure. Written from the realistic perspective of a teen, the award-winning Freedom Through Fire Saga is perfect for fans of Keeper of the Lost Cities, The Wingfeather Saga, and The Green Ember series.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2025
4 people want to read
About the author
India Johnson
11 books20 followersHi! I’m India Johnson, a teenage author hailing from beautiful Colorado. I’m the author of the middle-grade Freedom Through Fire Saga, illustrator for the bestselling National Park Mystery Series, and author/illustrator for Firefly Tales. I'm also a recipient of multiple Scholastic Gold Key awards. I aim to share meaningful, thought-provoking stories in a culture that refuses to challenge its ideology. While at it, I strive to encourage other young creators to pursue their dreams. You can find me spending time with my wonderful family, touring the national parks, drinking boba tea, or yelling at fictional characters. Or on my website ;)
Be sure to check out my short story in Firefly Tales, an anthology by thirty young authors and artists! And Beneath Wallrok, book six in the award-winning Freedom Through Fire Saga, is now available!
Be sure to check out my short story in Firefly Tales, an anthology by thirty young authors and artists! And Beneath Wallrok, book six in the award-winning Freedom Through Fire Saga, is now available!
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