Firebug

by Risa Patterson

Olivia Madden’s future is looking bright. She’s got a great job in a new city, devoted friends, and a lover who lights her up. All is well, except for the wager that has been cast for Olivia’s mortal soul, unlocking latent psychic powers that lash out into the world when she’s angry.

Will Olivia triumph over the escalating tensions and paranormal horrors that consume her world? Or will her life turn into a tragic echo of the past she has tried so hard to leave behind?

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2025

Reviews

[zim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally could not put this book down. It unfolds vividly and cinematically, with shifting perspectives and brisk chapters which keep the story flowing with momentum and suspense. I've had a reading-fiction block for a couple of years, and this book melted through that and reminded me of the power of story to take you out of the world (extremely helpful right now) while also touching on modern political themes, making it feel relevant to the current moment.

The author is particularly talented at describing internal emotional states with startlingly evocative and poetic imagery which manages not to feel cliche. The writing is speckled with smart humor. I wasn't sure what to expect, because I'd heard it referred to as horror-adjacent (while also supernatural thriller/transcending a single category) and I very much lean away from that (delicate psyche), but while there are admittedly some vividly visceral and otherworldly spider scenes right out the gate, it doesn't feel heavy or dark or malicious, and its overall theme of prevailing through mental hellscapes (personally relevant to me) is, at its core, uplifting, and worth every spider (some of whom are even also rooting for us to prevail.)

I think this would be a great, fun film. Directors: get on it!

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific and thrilling novel, and even more impressive is that it doesn't fit neatly into any specific genre. There are supernatural elements, a coming of age story about a (rightly) troubled young girl, and a religious fundamentalist storyline that drives complex characters through journeys of romantic, filial, and brotherly love. It is a page turner that has you questioning who to root for and why, as their situations and motives change. I would highly recommend this to any fans of Garth Ennis, Terry Pratchett, Tom Robbins, Neil Gaiman, and/or Jim Butcher. This was a gem and I look forward to rereading it for any details I may have missed the first time through.

[Kelly Broadstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read Firebug, mainly because I went to school with the author, Risa Patterson. I am in absolute awe of her writing. This story is so descriptive yet also fast paced. I could not put it down and I was on the edge of my seat. I can't even put it into a category - it's a thriller, a little horror, supernatural. But most importantly, phenomenal. The journey the characters go through keeps you switching between who to root for. I laughed, I cried, and I got totally creeped out. I already want to read it again!

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a wonderful book. Ms. Patterson somehow takes fantasy, mystery, drama, and social commentary and combines them into a thoughtful and *imminently readable* combination. We all love a “smart” book, but so often they forget to be fun to read. This book is so smart and still so fun to read, I couldn’t put it down. I love the characterization, the action, and the humor. If you like speculative fiction, at any level, do yourself a favor and read this. Fantastic achievement!

[Samantha Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. Firebug is a supernatural thriller that blends mystery, romance, and eerie cult themes in a way that kept me glued to the pages. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and written with such a distinct voice that you immediately know you’re in the hands of a natural storyteller. I couldn’t put it down and genuinely can’t wait to see what she writes next!