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Rare Souls #1
Fire in Flight
“This world was one of vigilantes and unseen justice, after all.”
New Harbor is a city that praises itself on being the world’s first “utopia,” and Matt Ellis wants nothing to do with it. When his sister gets a promotion at Streak Corporation, the world’s best defense contractor, Matt follows her to the bayside city to reluctantly start a new life. But in cities like New Harbor, reality is often too good to be true.
After a sniper attacks the affiliates of Streak Corporation in the dead of night, Matt suits up as a masked vigilante to confront this city’s worst secrets, and to put an end to “New Harbor’s Reaper.”
New Harbor is a city that praises itself on being the world’s first “utopia,” and Matt Ellis wants nothing to do with it. When his sister gets a promotion at Streak Corporation, the world’s best defense contractor, Matt follows her to the bayside city to reluctantly start a new life. But in cities like New Harbor, reality is often too good to be true.
After a sniper attacks the affiliates of Streak Corporation in the dead of night, Matt suits up as a masked vigilante to confront this city’s worst secrets, and to put an end to “New Harbor’s Reaper.”
516 pages, ebook
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Ariel Barbera
2 books12 followersAriel Barbera graduated from Penn State with a BA in English, and lived in southern Pennsylvania for most of her life. She currently lives in Virginia with her family and three cats.
Fire in Flight is her debut.
Fire in Flight is her debut.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 12, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy provided by the author.
An amazing read with intriguing mystery that felt like a love letter to every hero comic we grew up loving and a reminder to fight for your dreams.
Fire In Flight is a dystopian set in a futuristic America where vigilantes run around the streets to help stave off crime. Our MC Matt is one such vigilante who spends his nights patrolling his neighbourhood to keep people safe (Major Spider-Man vibes!) Matt and his sister moves to New Harbor for his sister’s new job at the most prestigious company of New Harbor: Streak Corporation. However, Matt did not want anything to do with the new city or his sister’s new company. Despite this he becomes entangled in a conspiracy that may have been going on for longer than he thinks and maybe make him question everything he grew up believing.
The world-building is absolutely stunning. The city of New Harbor reminds me of Jump City from teen titans and every time Matt goes out to patrol, it reminds me of the titans. The action scenes were well written: each scene was unique and I can perfectly visualize everything that’s happening.
From the get go, there is an air of mystery around everything. Each character seems to have their own agenda, there’s all this hatred towards the people of Optyma but is it warranted? (The propaganda is on point in this dystopian world ahahaha). And is the villain truly a villain? Who can be trusted? And what’s up with the blue lady??? Ahem, anyways, this creates the perfect atmosphere for discovering who’s really good and who’s bad. Orrrrr so I thought! But this book also explores all the grey around good vs evil. What makes someone good or evil? Who gets to decide? If you made a mistake in your past, do you have to live the rest of your life being burdened by it? I had to stop so many times while reading this book because the topics were a lot deeper than I initially thought going in, and it made me ponder quite a bit.
I absolutely adored the characters as well (how they’re written, not the actual characters. Because I hate the guts of some of them.) The relationships between characters is also well described and feels natural; the author even makes the characters speak differently depending on who they’re talking to. That’s definitely something people do in real life so that made the characters feel real. The relationships between the hero and the villain is very unique… I mean, how often do we see two enemies having a heart to heart? Yea, not often. But this further feeds into the whole concept of right and wrong, black and white, good and evil. Where does one draw the line? Matt’s character was so refreshing. He’s not some emotionless vigilante who’s too cool to show emotions. He cares about those he loves and shows his vulnerabilities. We love that!
The reveal did not hit as hard for me because I was able to guess most of it throughout the book. However, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the setup was done extremely well. I was hoping for a crazy twist that would blow me away but I’m not mad about it! The ending on the other hand… now THAT was unexpected. I’m not sure if I’m mad, devastated, or hopeful…
Anywho, I am SO invested in this series and CANNOT wait for book 2!
An amazing read with intriguing mystery that felt like a love letter to every hero comic we grew up loving and a reminder to fight for your dreams.
Fire In Flight is a dystopian set in a futuristic America where vigilantes run around the streets to help stave off crime. Our MC Matt is one such vigilante who spends his nights patrolling his neighbourhood to keep people safe (Major Spider-Man vibes!) Matt and his sister moves to New Harbor for his sister’s new job at the most prestigious company of New Harbor: Streak Corporation. However, Matt did not want anything to do with the new city or his sister’s new company. Despite this he becomes entangled in a conspiracy that may have been going on for longer than he thinks and maybe make him question everything he grew up believing.
The world-building is absolutely stunning. The city of New Harbor reminds me of Jump City from teen titans and every time Matt goes out to patrol, it reminds me of the titans. The action scenes were well written: each scene was unique and I can perfectly visualize everything that’s happening.
From the get go, there is an air of mystery around everything. Each character seems to have their own agenda, there’s all this hatred towards the people of Optyma but is it warranted? (The propaganda is on point in this dystopian world ahahaha). And is the villain truly a villain? Who can be trusted? And what’s up with the blue lady??? Ahem, anyways, this creates the perfect atmosphere for discovering who’s really good and who’s bad. Orrrrr so I thought! But this book also explores all the grey around good vs evil. What makes someone good or evil? Who gets to decide? If you made a mistake in your past, do you have to live the rest of your life being burdened by it? I had to stop so many times while reading this book because the topics were a lot deeper than I initially thought going in, and it made me ponder quite a bit.
I absolutely adored the characters as well (how they’re written, not the actual characters. Because I hate the guts of some of them.) The relationships between characters is also well described and feels natural; the author even makes the characters speak differently depending on who they’re talking to. That’s definitely something people do in real life so that made the characters feel real. The relationships between the hero and the villain is very unique… I mean, how often do we see two enemies having a heart to heart? Yea, not often. But this further feeds into the whole concept of right and wrong, black and white, good and evil. Where does one draw the line? Matt’s character was so refreshing. He’s not some emotionless vigilante who’s too cool to show emotions. He cares about those he loves and shows his vulnerabilities. We love that!
The reveal did not hit as hard for me because I was able to guess most of it throughout the book. However, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the setup was done extremely well. I was hoping for a crazy twist that would blow me away but I’m not mad about it! The ending on the other hand… now THAT was unexpected. I’m not sure if I’m mad, devastated, or hopeful…
Anywho, I am SO invested in this series and CANNOT wait for book 2!
June 24, 2026
When I get you ....
Fire in Flight is a superhero esque dystopian novel with a young vigilante as a main character. Matt has a strong sense of justice and uses it for what he thinks is the greater good. However, it is apparent that Matt tends to be quite naive at times, when doing so.
After being dragged to New Harbor by his sister Madeline, he gets a position as an intern at the large weapons company she works for. However, certain workers there have been targeted by a mysterious sniper. Will Matt find out who the sniper is and what their goals are, and most importantly will he be able to stop them?
*
Fire in Flight was awesome. Dystopian novels are usually not at all my cup of tea, but this one balanced lore, world building and personal character interactions just right.
The novel is fantastically paced as well and doesn't get stale or boring at any point.
The pace does pick up incredibly fast at the end.
The characters feel interesting and well thought out. Everyone has their motives and it ties together nicely. In the middle of the book there are many questions open that get tied together very nicely in the end too. The ending in general is a good wrap up for the first book, that leaves lots of excitement for book 2. I can't wait!
My only point of criticism is that I would have loved a few clear moments that really showed how Matt got good at Vigilantism or moments that make it clear he trains for it. Matt is strong and fast but it never really gets shown why he is that, which makes it a bit less convincing in my eyes. A few scenes where he works hard and trains for his nightly activities would have gone a long way. However, all that might already be there in the upcoming novella :-)
Extra bonus points for the writing of romance and asexual represenation: Matt's aceness does not feel forced or weird and I actually related with him so much it hurt. The romance was also very naturally written and convincing, which I oftenly don't see in literature, especially with mxf couples!
Overall, I can definitely recommend this book. It got me out of a reading slump and I had a good heartbreaking time.
Fire in Flight is a superhero esque dystopian novel with a young vigilante as a main character. Matt has a strong sense of justice and uses it for what he thinks is the greater good. However, it is apparent that Matt tends to be quite naive at times, when doing so.
After being dragged to New Harbor by his sister Madeline, he gets a position as an intern at the large weapons company she works for. However, certain workers there have been targeted by a mysterious sniper. Will Matt find out who the sniper is and what their goals are, and most importantly will he be able to stop them?
*
Fire in Flight was awesome. Dystopian novels are usually not at all my cup of tea, but this one balanced lore, world building and personal character interactions just right.
The novel is fantastically paced as well and doesn't get stale or boring at any point.
The pace does pick up incredibly fast at the end.
The characters feel interesting and well thought out. Everyone has their motives and it ties together nicely. In the middle of the book there are many questions open that get tied together very nicely in the end too. The ending in general is a good wrap up for the first book, that leaves lots of excitement for book 2. I can't wait!
My only point of criticism is that I would have loved a few clear moments that really showed how Matt got good at Vigilantism or moments that make it clear he trains for it. Matt is strong and fast but it never really gets shown why he is that, which makes it a bit less convincing in my eyes. A few scenes where he works hard and trains for his nightly activities would have gone a long way. However, all that might already be there in the upcoming novella :-)
Extra bonus points for the writing of romance and asexual represenation: Matt's aceness does not feel forced or weird and I actually related with him so much it hurt. The romance was also very naturally written and convincing, which I oftenly don't see in literature, especially with mxf couples!
Overall, I can definitely recommend this book. It got me out of a reading slump and I had a good heartbreaking time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fire in Flight is an emotionally packed adventure with so many myserious curves to it. The world built behind the scenes and the motives of the characters involve a destroyed nation, and a war that has created a new promise that inevitably leads into a hidden dystopia. Everything is carefully considered into the writing, giving a well-fleshed out story with a new thing to learn about its world and characters with every page.
And my favorite aspect are the memorable characters throughout the story! Each one is distinct and has so much weight behind their development and dialogue, and for those who love character-driven stories in a world much wider than themselves, this story delivers it. The action is intense with high stakes, and the consequences of them hit hard. An amazing, heart-aching story with a cast of fantastic characters with their own drives, and overall a book that I absolutely loved to hold.
And my favorite aspect are the memorable characters throughout the story! Each one is distinct and has so much weight behind their development and dialogue, and for those who love character-driven stories in a world much wider than themselves, this story delivers it. The action is intense with high stakes, and the consequences of them hit hard. An amazing, heart-aching story with a cast of fantastic characters with their own drives, and overall a book that I absolutely loved to hold.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was an ARC reader and this is my review of Fire in Flight.
I absolutely loved Fire in Flight by Ariel Barbera! The book entails compelling characters, important themes, and an amazing plot.
The setting of New Harbor is captivating and exciting, and Barbera does an excellent job of bringing the audience into this world. Furthermore, the book follows multiple philosophical questions and topics that I found to be incredibly meaningful and relevant. There were also many powerfully written one liners throughout the book that stood out to me.
I loved how character and dialogue driven Fire in Flight is. I especially enjoyed reading the conversations between Christine and Matt, they were full of complexity, philosophy, and just felt so human and comforting. I also really loved the relationship between Matt and Madeline, and how despite disagreements it was characterized by the two of them wanting to protect each other.
Matt is my favorite character, and I was moved by how empathetic he is and how he thinks through issues with such complexity, especially when it comes to the Optymans. The discussion of Optyman refugees and how they were blamed and mistreated in New Harbor felt very relevant and relatable in today’s political climate. I thought it was very powerful and important how there was emphasis on how society should not blame the people for the actions of their government.
The end of the book was heartbreaking, but I am incredibly excited to see Matt’s story continue!
I was an ARC reader and this is my review of Fire in Flight.
I absolutely loved Fire in Flight by Ariel Barbera! The book entails compelling characters, important themes, and an amazing plot.
The setting of New Harbor is captivating and exciting, and Barbera does an excellent job of bringing the audience into this world. Furthermore, the book follows multiple philosophical questions and topics that I found to be incredibly meaningful and relevant. There were also many powerfully written one liners throughout the book that stood out to me.
I loved how character and dialogue driven Fire in Flight is. I especially enjoyed reading the conversations between Christine and Matt, they were full of complexity, philosophy, and just felt so human and comforting. I also really loved the relationship between Matt and Madeline, and how despite disagreements it was characterized by the two of them wanting to protect each other.
Matt is my favorite character, and I was moved by how empathetic he is and how he thinks through issues with such complexity, especially when it comes to the Optymans. The discussion of Optyman refugees and how they were blamed and mistreated in New Harbor felt very relevant and relatable in today’s political climate. I thought it was very powerful and important how there was emphasis on how society should not blame the people for the actions of their government.
The end of the book was heartbreaking, but I am incredibly excited to see Matt’s story continue!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an exciting debut novel, with a setting in a dystopian future with vividly written characters and scenery. A mystery that delivers gripping twists that pack an emotional punch. I love the way the city of New Harbor was described. As someone from Baltimore, I could almost feel as if I were walking in my hometown but with a slightly futuristic feel to it.
This book has everything you want from a good mystery... terrific world building, well written characters(you will fall in ❤️ with), terrific balance between narrative and dialogue with an ending I did not see coming.
It is part of a series, and I am already hooked on the main characters of this story and simply cannot wait for part 2!!!
So what are you waiting for... this story is such a great read, put this on your list!!
This book has everything you want from a good mystery... terrific world building, well written characters(you will fall in ❤️ with), terrific balance between narrative and dialogue with an ending I did not see coming.
It is part of a series, and I am already hooked on the main characters of this story and simply cannot wait for part 2!!!
So what are you waiting for... this story is such a great read, put this on your list!!
May 15, 2026
This book delivers a gripping blend of mystery, action, and psychological tension from start to finish. The concept of New Harbor being presented as a “perfect utopia” while hiding dark secrets underneath creates an atmosphere that feels both intriguing and unsettling. Matt Ellis is a relatable protagonist whose reluctance to embrace the city makes his journey even more compellingThis book delivers a gripping blend of mystery, action, and psychological tension from start to finish. The concept of New Harbor being presented as a “perfect utopia” while hiding dark secrets underneath creates an atmosphere that feels both intriguing and unsettling. Matt Ellis is a relatable protagonist whose reluctance to embrace the city makes his journey even more compelling
June 29, 2026
What a fun (yet heartbreaking) read! This is a dystopian adventure packed with genuine emotion and tense moments.
I thought the setting was a highlight, with the characters close behind. Christine and Matt especially. Their discussions could get cerebral at points, but they always felt natural and fluid. In fact, the whole book does leave you with things to think about, it’s not a typical good vs bad type of story.
It has genuine mystery and personally, I couldn’t guess what was coming next. Mind you, I was so engrossed in the story, I didn’t really try haha.
Over all highly recommend.
I thought the setting was a highlight, with the characters close behind. Christine and Matt especially. Their discussions could get cerebral at points, but they always felt natural and fluid. In fact, the whole book does leave you with things to think about, it’s not a typical good vs bad type of story.
It has genuine mystery and personally, I couldn’t guess what was coming next. Mind you, I was so engrossed in the story, I didn’t really try haha.
Over all highly recommend.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the author who sent me this ARC via email after I signed up for it. This will definitely go down as one of my favourite books of the year, an incredible read. Really easy to follow story that is definitely bittersweet. Cannot wait for the next book
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I had a wonderful time reading the fast-paced and multifaceted “fire in flight”! From the beginning, the author stretches your imagination, presenting a rich world of vigilantes, mega-corporations and arcane magic that few have the power to wield. The characters are compelling, and the dialogue is lifelike while still propelling the story. The setting and plot threads are expansive, so even if you guess the twist, many other surprises await.
The tale itself is paced very well. New Harbor is modeled after Baltimore, MD, so even though the setting has many speculative elements, the descriptions feel familiar enough to ground the reader. Transitions between scenes feel natural, and contrasting storylines add tension and complexity.
Enjoyers of sci-fi, fantasy, crime thriller, or just about any genre will enjoy this highly readable and compelling debut that absolutely earns itself 5 stars. And you will enjoy the sequel even more!… ;)
The tale itself is paced very well. New Harbor is modeled after Baltimore, MD, so even though the setting has many speculative elements, the descriptions feel familiar enough to ground the reader. Transitions between scenes feel natural, and contrasting storylines add tension and complexity.
Enjoyers of sci-fi, fantasy, crime thriller, or just about any genre will enjoy this highly readable and compelling debut that absolutely earns itself 5 stars. And you will enjoy the sequel even more!… ;)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews