Phoenix Rising: The Fireborn Chronicles

by C.M. Adams

If you loved Fourth Wing’s dragons and Harry Potter’s magic houses, and The Magicians dangerous prophecies... welcome to Velastara, where the line between power and ruin blurs in flame.

Velastara thrives on bonds written in blood.
Dragons test their riders. Gryphons hunt with hunger. Unicorns pierce through lies.
But one girl carries a bond stronger than them all — one that could save the realm or unmake it.

Elowyn died once before.
This time, fate brought her back burning.
With brothers she never knew, love that borders on ruin, and enemies who circle like wolves, she must decide if her fire will save the realm… or consume it.

Curses, betrayals, and obsessions sharp enough to cut.
A girl who was never meant to survive.
A kingdom trembling on the edge of ruin.
One girl bears phoenix fire powerful enough to defy destiny itself.
The phoenix has risen — and she will not kneel.

597 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

C.M. Adams writes dark romance and speculative fiction for readers who crave intense worlds, unapologetic heroines, and love stories forged in fire. Her novels blend danger, desire, and high-stakes survival — whether in the chaos of a zombie apocalypse, the iron grip of a dystopian regime, or the treacherous courts of magic and power.

Her heroines fight, bleed, and sometimes burn, but they never bow. Her love interests are morally grey, fiercely protective, and just dangerous enough to keep you up all night turning pages.

Her books are published first on Amazon — available in Kindle Unlimited, eBook, paperback, and hardback — and are also available on Barnes & Noble, as well as through Gumroad, Payhip, IngramSpark, and directly on her website for the ultimate reader experience.

When she’s not building new worlds or breaking hearts on the page, C.M. Adams connects with readers on Facebook and Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, character art, and upcoming release news.

Reviews

[Arianna Holmstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

Phoenix Rising completely pulled me in from the start. The world of Velastara is dark, layered, and full of secrets, and I loved how much depth there was to the history and power dynamics. Nothing feels simple or black-and-white — there’s constant tension, conflict, and hidden truths.
Elaria is a really compelling main character. She starts off seeming ordinary, but the more you learn about her, the more powerful and important she becomes. I loved watching her grow into her role while uncovering the lies that shaped her world. The magic system is interesting, the dragons are a huge plus, and the academy setting adds a lot of intensity and structure to the story.
There’s action, romance, and emotional stakes throughout, and the characters actually feel like real people with flaws and motivations. By the end, I was fully invested in what happens next. If you enjoy dark fantasy with dragons, magic, and a strong female lead, this one is definitely worth reading.

[Andrea Campbell]

A Fiery, Fast Moving Tale of Power and Rebirth
A vivid, fast paced fantasy that blends elemental magic, personal transformation, and high stakes adventure into an emotionally charged story. From the opening chapters, the author establishes a world shaped by fireborn power, an ability that is as volatile as it is awe inspiring. The story features characters who must learn to control their power as they confront the forces that threaten their world.

There are themes of vulnerability, determination, and rising strength. The novel is quite cinematic and dynamic with quieter moments resonating with emotional depth. Despite all these concurrent happenings, the novel is not overwhelming in any way, offering just enough lore to spark curiosity while keeping the story tightly focused on character and conflict. I quite enjoyed the physical conflicts in the book; there is even one of a man being slapped around.

All is not lost, as there is evidence of rebirth, resilience, loyalty, and inner fire, adding a strong emotional core alongside the story’s magical intensity. This book is really a test of the imagination with resilience and empowerment tucked in there too.

[JM Saner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix Rising by C.M. Adams, Book 1 of The Fireborn Chronicles, is a dark fantasy with an intricate, richly layered storyline in which the characters have a three dimensional depth and conflict reigns on every page. The land of Velastara is a society built on a lie created by the Dreamfyres after they conquered and subjugated the other six kingdoms. The Blackfire royal line has been weakened by a curse intended to end their family legacy. One woman, Elaria, seemingly an orphan, rises to reveal the lie, break the curse and remake the world. Set mainly at the Blackfire War College, the future leaders of Velastara are trained to control and use their powers, ride dragons, fight in combat, and work as a unit, while also being taught a propagandized version of history shaped by those in power. Elaria, gifted with fire, starlight, vision, and the powers of the phoenix, knows the true history of Valastara. Supported by her quadruplet brothers, six bondmates, and a powerful, mystical dragon named Daena, Elaria will either save her world or burn it down. An enthralling dark fantasy that sizzles with romance and is powered by humanity.

[thedirtychapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶🌶🌶

Do you like semi dark romantasy? Do you like dragons? Do you like magic? Do you like faded mates? Did you like the Fourth Wing? Did you like Harry Potter?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then go grab this book.
This is an intense Academy based, powerful, why choose novel with strong female energy. It sucks you into the rich world building and I was hooked within the first few chapters. The characters are diverse, the story is intriguing and the spice is romance personified.
Favorite quotes:
"She is the choice I never knew I needed"
"You are my death, and I'll walk into you gladly."
Triggers: systematic cruelty, child abuse, violence, trauma, oppression,
mental health and emotional distress.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. The world-building is rich, the dragons and magic are intense, and Elowyn is a strong, compelling protagonist with real depth. The balance between action and emotion is perfect, and the story kept me hooked until the very end. That cliffhanger has me desperate for the sequel!

[Kayleigh Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoenix Rising is a high-stakes, fast paced fantasy with dragons, prophecies and fire magic, so what's not to love?
This book gives Fourth Wing vibes with its dragons and war academy; and Harry Potter vibes with its magic and houses.
The world building is detailed but not overwhelming, the characters are well developed and entertaining, and i love the mix of dark and light moments that keep you on your toes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and that cliffhanger at the end has me impatient to find out what happens next.

-Second chances
-Prophecies
-Fated bonds
-Dark romance vibes
-Court intrigue
-Dragons
-Hidden power
-Spice 🌶🌶

[Chelsei Worley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was surely action packed, def got the vibes from some other fantasy books I’ve read but it does not piggy back from them at all.

I was chosen to ARC read this and I loved it! This is such a good storyline and the next book is going to be crazy. The ending has me flabbergasted, like WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE STAYED?!? I have so many questions, I need the next book asap!!

[Alefiyah Ghadiali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I streamed through Phoenix Rising: The Fireborn Chronicles by C.M. Adams with a mix of excitement and awe—it’s a high-stakes, fire-driven fantasy that asks not only if its heroine can save the realm, but if she might become its most dangerous weapon instead. Elowyn’s story begins with death and rebirth—she once died, now she returns with flame in her veins and a bond deeper than any dragon rider’s.

What struck me most was the brutal beauty of the world and the dangerous magic. Velastara isn’t a dreamland; it’s a place where creatures test their riders, and power always demands a price. Dragons, unicorns, gryphons—every mythical companion adds layers of loyalty and hazard. Elowyn’s journey doesn’t just hinge on mastering fire; it hinges on mastering herself, and deciding if the blaze inside becomes her salvation or her ruin.

Adams balances spectacle with personal cost. I found myself pulled into Elowyn’s relationships—not heroic in the easy way, but weighed with history, betrayal, and the tug of something older than the realm itself. The romance isn’t fluff. It’s sharp. The stakes aren’t confined to battles. They spill into loved ones, trust broken, destinies rewritten.

My favorite moments were when Elowyn’s power felt bottom-line real: the fear, the hunger, the sense of what she could lose. That tension kept me engaged even when the pace shifted—there are chapters where the world-building takes its time, and while they’re rich, they sometimes slowed my momentum. But in a book like this, slow isn’t a fault—it’s space to breathe before the next inferno.

[Annelise · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ellie" is an "grew up in an orphanage life, so may others, but her life was anything but typical." I loved the characters. The plot was twisted but well thought out. The characters are well developed. The end of a cliffhanger for sure.

Eleowyn or Ellie for short has had more than one life. This timeline, she just wants to make things right. But as she goes through this timeline, the guy she came back for doesn't seem like the same one she left in the last... hmm.

I am definitely left waiting for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger and magic collide in Phoenix Rising: The Fire-born Chronicles, a fantasy adventure that throws readers straight into a world where power is earned through fierce bonds and even fiercer trials. C. M. Adams builds a realm called Velastara where mythical creatures test the strength and courage of those who dare to stand beside them.

At the center of the story is Elowyn, a heroine whose past is already marked by death and rebirth before the real battle even begins. Returning to life with a mysterious and powerful connection to phoenix fire, she finds herself surrounded by secrets, unfamiliar family ties, and enemies who are watching her every move. The weight of destiny sits heavily on her shoulders, forcing her to confront whether her power will protect the realm or destroy it.

The world-building offers plenty of excitement for fantasy fans. Dragons challenge their riders, gryphons hunt with relentless instinct, and unicorns reveal truths others would rather keep hidden. These creatures are not just decorative additions to the story but part of the larger system of power that shapes the kingdom.

Adams keeps the tension high with betrayals, shifting alliances, and emotional conflicts that push Elowyn toward difficult choices. The pacing moves quickly while still allowing moments where the deeper stakes of the story become clear.

Readers who enjoy epic fantasy filled with magical creatures, dangerous prophecy, and strong heroines will likely find Phoenix Rising an engaging introduction to Velastara. The novel offers a dramatic journey where fire, loyalty, and destiny collide in unpredictable ways.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gripping, High-Stakes Descent into Dark Fantasy
​Powerful, gritty, and impossible to put down. Phoenix Rising takes the best elements of dragon-bond fantasy and infuses them with a dark, survivalist edge. The author masterfully balances epic, cinematic battles with quiet, character-driven moments that explore trauma, loyalty, and the weight of systemic cruelty.
​At the heart of the story is Elowyn, a protagonist whose "fire in her veins" vibe is matched by her fierce determination to rewrite a future she already watched burn. Her evolution within the walls of the Blackspire War College is compelling; the world feels rich and lived-in, defined by clear hierarchies and the very real consequences of power. I was particularly moved by the "found family" aspect—watching fire-scorched orphans band together against oppressive traditions adds a profound layer of hope to the dark-romance dynamics.
​The narrative strikes a perfect chord between Fourth Wing's high-stakes academy atmosphere and a unique psychological depth. While the story leans fully into the violence of beast bonds and generational curses, it is the small acts of care—shared meals and mutual defense—that truly resonate. It is a story of rising from the ashes in every sense. That cliffhanger has me desperate for the sequel!

[KT Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix Rising by C.M. Adams, the first installment in The Fireborn Chronicles, is an enthralling dark fantasy that pulls you into a world built on deception, power, and long-buried truths. Set in a richly imagined realm, the story unfolds within a brutal, high-stakes training ground where future leaders are shaped, controlled, and fed a carefully crafted version of history by those in power.

At the center is Elaria, a fierce and compelling heroine whose strength goes far beyond her abilities. She is surrounded by complex relationships, intense bonds, and shifting loyalties that add emotional depth and tension to every chapter. The magic system is layered and vivid, the politics razor-sharp, and the atmosphere heavy with looming consequence.

What truly sets Phoenix Rising apart is its balance. It delivers dark fantasy grit while weaving in romance, loyalty, and humanity in a way that feels earned rather than ornamental. Every interaction matters. Every revelation carries weight. This is a story about truth, identity, and the cost of power, wrapped in fire, starlight, and destiny.

A bold, immersive read that burns slow and fierce, Phoenix Rising is perfect for readers who crave dark fantasy with romance, morally complex characters, and a world that feels as dangerous as it is alive.

[M D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I am glad I did.

Phoenix Rising is an intense, emotionally charged dark fantasy romance that marries academy tropes, dragon bonds, and time loops with unusual psychological depth. Elowyn, reborn at the cost of her own life, is compelling: traumatized, underfed, and wary, yet fiercely determined to rewrite a future she already watched burn. Her bond with Aerys is the book’s beating heart; protective and obsessive but grounded in small acts of care like food, boots, and shared beds, which land harder than typical romantic grand gestures.

The world built around Blackspire War College, abusive temples, and beast bonds feels rich and lived-in, with clear hierarchies, rituals, and real consequences for failure and power. The story leans fully into violence, generational curses, coercive systems, and dark-romance dynamics.

Where the book shines most is in its portrayal of systemic cruelty and found family: orphans from fire-scorched villages, mishandled by institutions, slowly become a network of mutual defense that pushes back against both tyrants and “acceptable” tradition. Readers who enjoy Fourth Wing–style intensity with stronger attention to trauma and agency will likely find this powerful and addictive.

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoenix Rising has a lot going for it, starting with a genuinely interesting premise. While the larger theme of overthrowing an evil ruler isn’t new, the way Adams approaches the rebellion feels fresh and unexpected. I won’t go into details because I refuse to spoil the fun.

Most of the characters are well-developed and engaging (a couple lean a bit stereotypical, but not enough to detract from the story). The writing gave me strong Zodiac Academy vibes, not in plot or character, but in tone and delivery. Chaotic, messy, a little unhinged just like how the Twisted Sister approach their books.

Fair warning: if you don’t like why-choose romances or the confusion that comes with time travel, this probably won’t be for you. It’s not an incredibly deep read, but it is a highly entertaining one. And yes, the comparison to Fourth Wing’s dragons and Harry Potter’s magical houses actually works without feeling like a copy.

Overall: a fun, fast-paced, slightly wild ride that earns its 4 stars.

[Nora Rushwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons and fantasy? This book was right up my alley. It gave me Jada Fisher vibes honestly. Overall i really liked it. Even though there were some issues throughout, I found that I couldn't put it down. There were some grammatical errors throughout, not TOO many, but definitely a few. One chapter was actually just a repeat of the previous chapter, and in one instance a few paragraphs were repeated right after as well so it was pretty noticeable. It also had a couple times the story, had me confused as well as which character i was currently reading about lol. But full disclaimer, I received this book for free as an ARC copy but it doesn't reflect my review. The pacing was alright. It had enough pacing to keep me hooked for sure, but it slowed down enough that there was so much character and plot development and world building. It needs some polishing, but despite it's flaws, i'd give it 4.5 stars.

[Ann Birdgenaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a slow burn of a high fantasy.

Phoenix Rising is bk 1 in the Fireborn Chronicles series. It reminded me of the Divergent series but with mythological creatures. The author takes her time creating the realm of Velastara and the intense characters who want to rule it. It's a slow burn of power shifts and dangerous trails. Elowyn is a heroine who is just coming into her power and discovering many things about herself that she never knew. Raised as an orphan at the Temple where they tried, in vain, to destroy her, but only made her stronger. Now with her bondmate at her side and the dragon who selected her, she must train to control her fire power for the battle of Velastera. The Phoenix has risen from the ashes. Juggling the love of 6 brothers is a feat in itself. I noticed parallels to other high fantasy stories including Avatar, Harry Potter and Divergent.

[Marc Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fantasy-romance fan, this hooked me fast. The prologue’s time-reboot via phoenix fire sets crisp stakes, then we drop into the brutal Blackspire climb and a simmering bond between Elowyn and Aerys—equal parts tenderness and steel. The setting feels vivid (Silverveil Falls, waypoints, House rivalries), and the thorough content warnings earn trust before the story digs into darker themes. What I loved: cinematic prose with tactile action; a protective, competent love interest who still listens; side characters (Kira, Ry, Braden) adding spark; and lived-in academy details like gear, meal bars, and waypoints that make the world believable. The “Orb of Truth,” name/creature guides, and House structure hint at deeper politics I want more of.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a fantasy book that throws you right into the middle of a war with dragons, Phoenix Rising is the one. The world-building is very rich, complete with a map, family trees, and even a coin conversion table, which tells you just how much detail the author, C.M. Adams, has put in. It's an epic chronicle and it feels like the stakes get higher with every single page.

We follow the protagonist as they navigate a chaotic battlefield full of fire. However, the real punch comes from the devastating sense of loss and betrayal. The main character is struggling to keep going even as the battleground looks like a grave they can't stop seeing.

I recommend this novel if you love high fantasy with complex characters, intense battle scenes, and themes of loyalty and grief.

[JENESSA JACOBSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to see this rise to the top of the romantasy genre. It belongs right up there with Maas and Armentrout. The thing I loved most was the born again theme Adams uses to include alternate timelines. I haven't come across that before-so for me, that was my favorite aspect. I can't wait to see what she does with that in the second novel. I NEED TO KNOW MORE!! Also, having to love and deal with all of the brothers earns mad respect for the MC, from me. One other thing I especially enjoyed was all the different possible attributes of the dragons. They can have all kinds of combinations of wings, horns, tails, etc. That opens up all kinds of possibilities for my imagination. Great job on a fantasy series that isn't just like all the rest!!

[R And · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoenix Rising: The Fireborn Chronicles is an immersive and richly imagined fantasy that draws you into a world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and high emotional stakes. The concept of phoenix fire and rebirth is compelling, and the author does a great job building a layered world with strong lore and a determined female protagonist. The story is ambitious and engaging, though at times it feels a bit long and could benefit from tighter pacing in certain sections. Still, the character growth, magical elements, and unfolding destiny make this a rewarding read for fantasy lovers. A solid start to a promising series.

[May Oktan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book overall, even though it wasn’t perfect for me. The world is dark and intense, and I liked that the story doesn’t soften how harsh and unfair things can be. Elowyn is a strong main character, but she also makes mistakes and reacts emotionally, which made her feel believable rather than idealized.
The academy setting, magic, and dragons kept things interesting, and I often found myself reading “just one more chapter.” Some parts felt a bit crowded, with a lot happening at once, and I had to slow down to keep track of everything. Still, it was engaging and left an impression. A solid 4-star read, and I’m definitely curious about the next book

[Gracie Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix Rising: The Fireborn Chronicles by C.M. Adams was an engaging, dark fantasy that really worked for me as someone who enjoys the genre. Set in the brutal world of Velastara, the story follows Elaria, a young woman tied to fire and the phoenix, as she trains at the Blackfire War College while uncovering hard truths about her kingdom’s past and the curse weakening its royal line. The academy setting, dragons, magic, and layered power dynamics pulled me in quickly, and I appreciated how themes of loyalty, identity, and resistance are woven into the plot. It balances action with emotional depth and left me eager to continue the series.

[Thinker Mindset]

Pheonix rising hooked me from the first page. The writing is smooth and I could feel it like a movie in my head. The bond stuff is wild and intense. There is fate, rebirth, timelines, etc. The relationships are messy and emotional, with jealousy, loyalty, and real arguments. The world building is fun. I liked the quiet scenes too, those made the big battles hit harder. If I had one small dislike, it’s that everyone is very beautiful and very intense all the time. By the end, I was fully in. It feels like the start of a series that could go deep into this world and these bonds. If you like dragons, magic schools, found family and complicated romance, this one is a really good ride.

[Reina Everhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. Elowyn’s whole “died once, came back with literal fire in her veins” vibe grabbed me right away, and the world-building is just perfect—dragons, deadly magic, dangerous bonds, all of it. The story nails that balance of epic fantasy and emotional chaos, making every battle feel like a movie and every relationship feel deep and interesting. It slows down in a few places, but that gives you a chance to catch your breath before things heat up again. By the end, I was completely hooked.

[S.A. Writes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power hurts and survival isn’t guaranteed. Elowyn’s return from death feels earned, not convenient. She’s not written as a chosen one who glides through danger, but as someone who’s already been broken once and refuses to be used again. The bonds with beasts, with other characters, and with the past are well established. They’re intense, sometimes uncomfortable, and emotionally charged. I like how the world treats cruelty as systemic rather than villain-of-the-week evil; institutions are just as dangerous as monsters, if not more so.

[Atilion Atilion · Rating 5 out of 5]

a gripping fantasy with strong world-building and an emotionally compelling protagonist. Elowyn’s journey of rebirth, power, and responsibility feels intense and authentic, and the phoenix magic adds a fresh, symbolic depth to the story. The balance between action, mythology, and inner struggle kept me engaged throughout. The world feels alive, the stakes are high, and the character development gives the story real heart. A solid choice for readers who enjoy character-driven epic fantasy with a darker, mythic tone.

[Jagdish Arora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because it has a strong fantasy world full of magic, creatures, and high stakes. The story moves quickly and keeps things exciting with twists, emotions, and plenty of action. The main character’s journey feels inspiring as she learns about her power and place in the world.

The mix of adventure, mystery, and relationships makes the story easy to enjoy. Overall, it’s an entertaining fantasy read that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys magical worlds and character-driven adventures.

[Evie Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow. First off, thank you for the opportunity to read this arc. It was fantastic! The story grabbed me right away and kept me hooked, especially with Elowyn getting another shot at life and always worrying about what might go wrong. The magic feels dangerous, and the relationships are messy, yet strong, not easy or safe. The smaller moments make the big scenes even more powerful. I finished the book feeling excited, stressed, and already eager for the next one.

[Elizabeth Horst · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an orphaned temple girl has an opportunity to escape her current fate and change her life by going on an unforgettable adventure, she goes for it with everything she has. From there, the author takes us on a fast-paced tale full of twisted romance, violent power struggles, and mystic characters. Recommended for those who enjoy dark fantasy, but please read the opening disclaimer first to make sure it’s the right fit for you.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Phoenix Rising" is an intense and beautifully written fantasy. I was drawn in from the first page—the characters are well-developed, the world-building is rich, and the story flows with action and emotion. The themes of transformation and resilience are powerful and inspiring. I’d recommend it to fans of dark fantasy with strong emotional depth. Five stars well deserved!