What do you think?
Rate this book
Children of Fire #1
Phoenix Child
There should be a law, a Universal Rule, as to how much weirdness can happen to a person.
Fifteen-year-old Sara walks into the San Francisco Center for the Circus Arts determined to ignore the freaky things happening to her. As powers she doesn't want and can't control overwhelm her, Sara must decide if she can trust the strangers who say they are her family... descended from a common ancestor four thousand years ago.
Sara clings to her contented and well-planned life as a foster kid, successfully working the system, as dreams, powers, and magical creatures drag her towards her destiny.
When the ancient evil that killed her parents comes to San Francisco, Sara is forced to choose between her fears and her desire to protect those she loves.
Sometimes great things are thrust upon us. Sara wishes this supposed 'greatness' didn't include a new name, unicorns, and catching on fire.
This is a completed series; all books are published and available.
Librarian Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B007AK6DRW.
Fifteen-year-old Sara walks into the San Francisco Center for the Circus Arts determined to ignore the freaky things happening to her. As powers she doesn't want and can't control overwhelm her, Sara must decide if she can trust the strangers who say they are her family... descended from a common ancestor four thousand years ago.
Sara clings to her contented and well-planned life as a foster kid, successfully working the system, as dreams, powers, and magical creatures drag her towards her destiny.
When the ancient evil that killed her parents comes to San Francisco, Sara is forced to choose between her fears and her desire to protect those she loves.
Sometimes great things are thrust upon us. Sara wishes this supposed 'greatness' didn't include a new name, unicorns, and catching on fire.
This is a completed series; all books are published and available.
Librarian Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B007AK6DRW.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2012
240 people are currently reading
1191 people want to read
About the author
Alica McKenna-Johnson
9 books80 followersAlica McKenna Johnson lives in Southern Arizona with her cat, and the many voices in her head yammering for their stories to be told. Fueled by her love of people, travel, and food Alica writes emotionally rich stories with lots of snark, humor, and magic.
When not writing Alica supports other people’s writing dreams. Through individual and group coaching programs she gives back the support, skills, techniques, and passion that other writers gave, and continue to give, to her.
During her free time, which you need a magnifying glass to find, she can be found binge watching shows while knitting, at the movies with friends, or heading out for an adventure.
For a limited time, you can get a FREE Children of Fire short story! Visit here to find out more: http://eepurl.com/bc5bzn
Follow and chat with Alica at her Website (http://alicamckennajohnson.com/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AlicaMckenna...), Twitter (@AMckennaJohnson), or on Pintrest (https://www.pinterest.com/alicamj/).
When not writing Alica supports other people’s writing dreams. Through individual and group coaching programs she gives back the support, skills, techniques, and passion that other writers gave, and continue to give, to her.
During her free time, which you need a magnifying glass to find, she can be found binge watching shows while knitting, at the movies with friends, or heading out for an adventure.
For a limited time, you can get a FREE Children of Fire short story! Visit here to find out more: http://eepurl.com/bc5bzn
Follow and chat with Alica at her Website (http://alicamckennajohnson.com/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AlicaMckenna...), Twitter (@AMckennaJohnson), or on Pintrest (https://www.pinterest.com/alicamj/).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 9, 2016
I am not sure I could list all the reasons I love this book! So I'll highlight a few.
It is clean and without swearing! Hooray. It's becoming increasingly difficult to find modern literature that doesn't flood my mind with language and images I don't want there.
The story is original - with cohesive ideas and believable characters.
I LOVE the inspirational quotes riddled throughout the book, and the insights that come with it. One of my favorite thoughts of the book was the idea that Sapphire understood that behaving nicely meant you get privileges. It was something I understood as a teenager, but so many don't!
I simply cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. I won this book on a goodreads giveaway, and let's face it - not all of them are wonderful. This is probably my favorite one I've won so far. Go Alica McKenna Johnson - you rock.
It is clean and without swearing! Hooray. It's becoming increasingly difficult to find modern literature that doesn't flood my mind with language and images I don't want there.
The story is original - with cohesive ideas and believable characters.
I LOVE the inspirational quotes riddled throughout the book, and the insights that come with it. One of my favorite thoughts of the book was the idea that Sapphire understood that behaving nicely meant you get privileges. It was something I understood as a teenager, but so many don't!
I simply cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. I won this book on a goodreads giveaway, and let's face it - not all of them are wonderful. This is probably my favorite one I've won so far. Go Alica McKenna Johnson - you rock.
December 16, 2015
Phoenix Child by Alica McKenna - Johnson is a phenomenial and brilliant read. This science fiction fantasy novel, is one that readers will love instantly. Alica McKenna - Johnson takes readers on a deep journey following a young female teenage. Here, we see and feel what all teens go through but there is much more to explore and experience inside this stunning story. Phoenix Child is very easy to read and is very addicitve. There's magic, adventure, and suspsense. Readers will have no trouble finishing this novel in one sitting. I enjoyed reading this masterpiece, and I highly recommend it to readers everywhere. This is one story that will drag you head first right into the plot and leave you breathless. A well-written plot that will make you both cry and laugh along as you follow Sara on her journey. Overall, a perfect read for all.
August 21, 2015
This is a great first book in the series. It gives the reader enough information and definitely leaves them wanting more. The voice of the main character, Sarah, is spunky and entertaining. Her supporting characters are compelling and seem to have a wealth of backstories all their own. I can't wait to see where this series goes!
August 12, 2015
Have you seen the cover of this book? It is beautiful and one of the reasons why I wanted to read this story. The originality of the mythical creatures and magic in it was great. I thought the books pace slowed to much in the second half and could have been improved with an edit of the protagonists' letters from her mother. Also the grammar is not great in this book, so if you are a grammar natzi beware. Other than those two things I really enjoyed this book. The characters created were unique and also vital to the story, which doesn't happen a lot in YA books. There is the opportunity for more captivating romance later on in the series that i can not wait to read. This is like an origin story type first book. You learn what the protagonist is along with her and I found that enjoyable. If you love YA, science fiction, and series then this is the book for you! Go get it now!!
Win a signed copy of this book!!
Win a signed copy of this book!!
August 15, 2015
This was a pretty neat read. I loved the characters! The magic and everything was cool. There was no romance that I could detect, though maybe a hint of possibility in the future near the end, which was refreshing. I liked the lessons from Sara’s mom, but they started to get pretty tedious in the second half of the book. I’ll admit that I can’t really comment much on the few times we get the villain’s POV because I skip them – I’ve always kind of hated them in any book. The ending is no cliffhanger, but something does happen to pique your interest for book 2. There were a few minor gaps and plot holes, but nothing major enough to detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
Phoenix Child is a compelling coming of age read. Don’t miss out on this magical and emotional start to a new YA paranormal series!
Phoenix Child is a compelling coming of age read. Don’t miss out on this magical and emotional start to a new YA paranormal series!
May 2, 2016
Phoenix Child is a YA novel, following the story of Sara Fokine, growing up in a group home in San Francisco. She is looking forward to graduation and a normal life, until she comes of age and her fantastic destiny comes looking for her.
I enjoyed how Sara is not especially thrilled to receive magical powers. She had finally found the stability so rare among foster children, and life in the supernatural realm will be dangerous and uncertain. Anything but stable. An interesting counter-point to the Harry Potter trope.
I enjoyed how Sara is not especially thrilled to receive magical powers. She had finally found the stability so rare among foster children, and life in the supernatural realm will be dangerous and uncertain. Anything but stable. An interesting counter-point to the Harry Potter trope.
Read
December 31, 2015loved it
July 4, 2012
I've got a bit of a phoenix thing going at the moment and I grabbed Phoenix Child when it was on special offer on Amazon.
What really bothered me was the fact that the book has an editor's name in it when, quite frankly, it could do with a real edit. I only hope the author didn't have to pay the 'editor' because, otherwise, she's been mugged.
The most obvious sign that the editing wasn't good - assuming it was done - is that then is constantly used instead of than. A basic mistake any good editor would spot. The tenses were also all over the place.
Other things would be a tendency to repeat the same thing and a clear slump in the second half of the book. Those structural issues should have been looked at at editing stage.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not having a go at the author. It's the editing or lack thereof that bothers me, especially when an editor gets credited in the book.
You can tell the author has researched her subject and you can see the influence of the Harry Potter series and Twilight on the basic story and the plot twists. Her use of the characters is clever: somebody apparently unrelated to the story will turn out to be essential later on. There's only one character who doesn't crop up to do anything meaningful again but I suspect he's been saved for later.
This is a YA book and it has all the ingredients for a good YA story but it needs editing and revising. One thing I particularly felt needed a bit of work was the budding romance between the main character and Taliesin. Here I'm not sure there is quite enough detail and subtlety to suit the appetite of a young readership.
Equally, I found the book to be a tad too moralizing and the extracts from the mother's diary sounded like lectures. They also slow the pace down in the second half of the book. Reworking them might be a good way to build up the suspense and getting more action in.
In a word, I'd say it's a good idea that needs a lot of polishing. Even though I liked Sara, I wouldn't read the second volume when it's out unless the first one was rewritten. I read this as if it was a first draft, not a fully formed novel and I overlooked some of te flaws because ot this. I would encourage the author to rework it with a real editor.
What really bothered me was the fact that the book has an editor's name in it when, quite frankly, it could do with a real edit. I only hope the author didn't have to pay the 'editor' because, otherwise, she's been mugged.
The most obvious sign that the editing wasn't good - assuming it was done - is that then is constantly used instead of than. A basic mistake any good editor would spot. The tenses were also all over the place.
Other things would be a tendency to repeat the same thing and a clear slump in the second half of the book. Those structural issues should have been looked at at editing stage.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not having a go at the author. It's the editing or lack thereof that bothers me, especially when an editor gets credited in the book.
You can tell the author has researched her subject and you can see the influence of the Harry Potter series and Twilight on the basic story and the plot twists. Her use of the characters is clever: somebody apparently unrelated to the story will turn out to be essential later on. There's only one character who doesn't crop up to do anything meaningful again but I suspect he's been saved for later.
This is a YA book and it has all the ingredients for a good YA story but it needs editing and revising. One thing I particularly felt needed a bit of work was the budding romance between the main character and Taliesin. Here I'm not sure there is quite enough detail and subtlety to suit the appetite of a young readership.
Equally, I found the book to be a tad too moralizing and the extracts from the mother's diary sounded like lectures. They also slow the pace down in the second half of the book. Reworking them might be a good way to build up the suspense and getting more action in.
In a word, I'd say it's a good idea that needs a lot of polishing. Even though I liked Sara, I wouldn't read the second volume when it's out unless the first one was rewritten. I read this as if it was a first draft, not a fully formed novel and I overlooked some of te flaws because ot this. I would encourage the author to rework it with a real editor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2017
I was given this book in place for an honest review.
Synopsis:
There should be a law, a Universal Rule, as to how much weirdness can happen to a person.
Fifteen-year-old Sara walks into the San Francisco Center for the Circus Arts determined to ignore the freaky things happening to her. As powers she doesn't want and can't control overwhelm her, Sara must decide if she can trust the strangers who say they are her family... descended from a common ancestor four thousand years ago.
Sara clings to her contented and well-planned life as a foster kid, successfully working the system, as dreams, powers, and magical creatures drag her towards her destiny.
When the ancient evil that killed her parents comes to San Francisco, Sara is forced to choose between her fears and her desire to protect those she loves.
Sometimes great things are thrust upon us. Sara wishes this supposed 'greatness' didn't include a new name, unicorns, and catching on fire.
Review:
Once again, I apologize to the author for taking so long to get this read. But now that I have I'm glad I did. When I first picked up this book I really didn't want to put it down, it was very intriguing. However, somewhere in the middle it felt to me really slow and I was having a hard time actually sitting down and reading this. But once again I'm so glad I did. Here's why.... ok first it's a new and interesting story and even though it felt slow at some pints is only because it needed to build the foundation of the series itself. Finally though once you get near the 3/4 mark of the book things really start to pick up. And that's where the book/series hooks you. And BAM! Now I have all these questions running through my head. Like will Sapphire/Sara ever feel comfortable with her uncle and her new family? What is up with Taliesin? Is he the possible live interest or what? And a few others. All in all this was a good book, deserving of a 4 star rating. Now I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book on the series.
Synopsis:
There should be a law, a Universal Rule, as to how much weirdness can happen to a person.
Fifteen-year-old Sara walks into the San Francisco Center for the Circus Arts determined to ignore the freaky things happening to her. As powers she doesn't want and can't control overwhelm her, Sara must decide if she can trust the strangers who say they are her family... descended from a common ancestor four thousand years ago.
Sara clings to her contented and well-planned life as a foster kid, successfully working the system, as dreams, powers, and magical creatures drag her towards her destiny.
When the ancient evil that killed her parents comes to San Francisco, Sara is forced to choose between her fears and her desire to protect those she loves.
Sometimes great things are thrust upon us. Sara wishes this supposed 'greatness' didn't include a new name, unicorns, and catching on fire.
Review:
Once again, I apologize to the author for taking so long to get this read. But now that I have I'm glad I did. When I first picked up this book I really didn't want to put it down, it was very intriguing. However, somewhere in the middle it felt to me really slow and I was having a hard time actually sitting down and reading this. But once again I'm so glad I did. Here's why.... ok first it's a new and interesting story and even though it felt slow at some pints is only because it needed to build the foundation of the series itself. Finally though once you get near the 3/4 mark of the book things really start to pick up. And that's where the book/series hooks you. And BAM! Now I have all these questions running through my head. Like will Sapphire/Sara ever feel comfortable with her uncle and her new family? What is up with Taliesin? Is he the possible live interest or what? And a few others. All in all this was a good book, deserving of a 4 star rating. Now I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book on the series.
July 29, 2018
Terrific Book For All Ages Over 10, I'd Say
This book has many quotes with them explained as messages her mother left her. Sara is raised in a group home after her mothers death at five years old. She wakes up on her fifteenth birthday knowing something has happened but not what or why. She knows her skin has changed color and so has her hair which she covers up. She is allowed to go to a school teaching circus stunts . She will discover many things there besides the training. Dream memories will lead her to gifts and a messages from her mother, one telling her who to go to and hoping it is before her fifteenth birthday which it is not but she has actually ended up meeting who she was to go to just ten years later. She finds her family,learns her real name is Sapphire and she is The Jewel with a very special job ahead of her. With the help of family and friends all Children of Fire descendant of Shamash and Aya the King and Queen of Phoenix . With her Uncle Gavin and his wife Anali friends Kayin , Taliesin they will prepare to travel with the Cirque du Magigue Feu to hide while completing their job to safe all the magical beings and return them to Akasha, protecting them from the Sons of Belial. A job that could not be done without The Jewel (Sapphire,Sara). This is really, really good and very interesting combined with being so well written. I know the stories will continue. We are so lucky.
This book has many quotes with them explained as messages her mother left her. Sara is raised in a group home after her mothers death at five years old. She wakes up on her fifteenth birthday knowing something has happened but not what or why. She knows her skin has changed color and so has her hair which she covers up. She is allowed to go to a school teaching circus stunts . She will discover many things there besides the training. Dream memories will lead her to gifts and a messages from her mother, one telling her who to go to and hoping it is before her fifteenth birthday which it is not but she has actually ended up meeting who she was to go to just ten years later. She finds her family,learns her real name is Sapphire and she is The Jewel with a very special job ahead of her. With the help of family and friends all Children of Fire descendant of Shamash and Aya the King and Queen of Phoenix . With her Uncle Gavin and his wife Anali friends Kayin , Taliesin they will prepare to travel with the Cirque du Magigue Feu to hide while completing their job to safe all the magical beings and return them to Akasha, protecting them from the Sons of Belial. A job that could not be done without The Jewel (Sapphire,Sara). This is really, really good and very interesting combined with being so well written. I know the stories will continue. We are so lucky.
May 5, 2024
2.5 Rounded down. this was a disappointment. At first I thought it would be just an average 2012 ya fantasy but it lacked so much. There are so many unanswered questions about motivations for these characters. They lack any real dimension. I still don't know why Sara wanted to be in the circus camp in the first place. The author then goes on to use a ton of stereotypes for the diversity, using a kid from Zimbabwe as the "big brother" character, which also I can see so much anime influence because the main character and Kayin continue to refer to each other as Big Brother, Little Sister and it's so unnatural and annoying as hell.
Then we have Shin. The Korean. And Sara asks him about Korea and what does he tell her to be wary of when visiting? Dog meat. That's just racist. Why did that need to be put in? I even fact checked it because dog meat, while has been consumed previously is very uncommon and done only in very rural areas and as of 2024 is now completely outlawed. So what the hell? Why did that need to be put in? It didn't.
There's also use of Lakota legends in this that while they exist, didn't know why.
The character also has all these journal entries from her mom that get inserted in between dialogue that it takes you completely out of the story. This book needed a few developmental editors to make this work and several sensitivity readers. I really can't recommend it.
Then we have Shin. The Korean. And Sara asks him about Korea and what does he tell her to be wary of when visiting? Dog meat. That's just racist. Why did that need to be put in? I even fact checked it because dog meat, while has been consumed previously is very uncommon and done only in very rural areas and as of 2024 is now completely outlawed. So what the hell? Why did that need to be put in? It didn't.
There's also use of Lakota legends in this that while they exist, didn't know why.
The character also has all these journal entries from her mom that get inserted in between dialogue that it takes you completely out of the story. This book needed a few developmental editors to make this work and several sensitivity readers. I really can't recommend it.
June 2, 2024
I wanted to like it, I really did. I met the author at Tuscon's Festival of Books, and the premise seemed right up my alley. But I'm dnfing, not even a quarter way through.
It clearly needs a professional editor to help clean up the mess. The idea and plot are interesting, but the execution was not there.
The main character starts feeling other people's emotions after it was mentioned that it was a power. Didn't use foreshadowing to establish it before she knew what she was. The main character also starts using terms that she shouldn't know before she's introduced to them by her "teachers." At times, the 15 year old MC was written true to 15 year olds, but at other times, she was too wise for her years.
The writing is rough, bumpy, and hard to dig into. I just couldn't get into and make myself read anymore. And I've slog through plenty of books that weren't great.
I wish the author luck. I understand having a story and wanting to get it out there. I hope they can find a better editor and maybe go back and rewrite the book with the help of more years of writing under their belt.
It clearly needs a professional editor to help clean up the mess. The idea and plot are interesting, but the execution was not there.
The main character starts feeling other people's emotions after it was mentioned that it was a power. Didn't use foreshadowing to establish it before she knew what she was. The main character also starts using terms that she shouldn't know before she's introduced to them by her "teachers." At times, the 15 year old MC was written true to 15 year olds, but at other times, she was too wise for her years.
The writing is rough, bumpy, and hard to dig into. I just couldn't get into and make myself read anymore. And I've slog through plenty of books that weren't great.
I wish the author luck. I understand having a story and wanting to get it out there. I hope they can find a better editor and maybe go back and rewrite the book with the help of more years of writing under their belt.
May 8, 2023
Very good first book into the series. The author does a great job developing the characters! The book starts off very slow but it's worth it as you get to know each and every character and form attachments to them! I loved the main character Sara/Sapphire! Her bubbly personality really shone throughout the book! All of the other supporting characters were great as well! The only reason this book did not get five stars is that there are a lot of editing errors; random words left out of a sentence, misspellings, etc. Some of the errors do unfortunately throw off the pace of reading as you need to stop for a couple of seconds and figure out what the author means. I won't be too harsh on this fact though seeing as it is an independently published book and the author probably didn't have a super strong editing team!
June 23, 2018
Uplifting, Thoughtful, Amazing!!!
Sara, who is in the foster care system because her mother gave her up to protect her, just wants to finish school and live an ordinary life. When she joins a school to learn to be a circus performer, she finds her uncle and begins the journey that will last a lifetime. She's not ordinary at all, she’s the granddaughter of a thousands year old magical king and queen and possesses gifts, she very reluctantly must master, to save others of her kind.
Her mother has left her a journal of love and lessons that teach Sara, and us the wisdom of love, loss, failure, tenacity and the wonder of love, family and especially self love. Join her. You'll be a better person by the end!
Sara, who is in the foster care system because her mother gave her up to protect her, just wants to finish school and live an ordinary life. When she joins a school to learn to be a circus performer, she finds her uncle and begins the journey that will last a lifetime. She's not ordinary at all, she’s the granddaughter of a thousands year old magical king and queen and possesses gifts, she very reluctantly must master, to save others of her kind.
Her mother has left her a journal of love and lessons that teach Sara, and us the wisdom of love, loss, failure, tenacity and the wonder of love, family and especially self love. Join her. You'll be a better person by the end!
October 8, 2024
A very gripping story. Sara is a young teenager, whose experiences unusual changes and also finds her long lost family - so much to take in, for sure. Loved the quotes in this book; mostly, it is written in the form of a journal from Sara’s mother, but there were others as well. Wonderful tidbits on how to live better: every teenager ought to know these, I feel. I do feel invested enough to read the rest of the series.
May 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be carrying on with the series.
Sara is in the social care system as she has no family or so she thinks. Weird things happen when she turns 15 and she gains all theses powers etc.
I really liked the premise of the book, the characters and the setting.
A book for adults and children a like.
Would recommend it.
Sara is in the social care system as she has no family or so she thinks. Weird things happen when she turns 15 and she gains all theses powers etc.
I really liked the premise of the book, the characters and the setting.
A book for adults and children a like.
Would recommend it.
August 4, 2018
Sarah really did go through some tough ordeal. and underwent some interesting challenges. She makes a good character for debate in fiction group, if it arises. I have to leave it to the author and let myself be driven by the timeline. The character of a young girl was explicitly detailed here. a nice work all in all.
August 21, 2017
I enjoyed this book, it read well and certainly held my interest. The flow was smooth which is always a big plus, for a book that is disjointed jerking you about is harder to relate to and you feel like you are being jerked about without a solid logical path.
December 16, 2018
I really liked this one! It's been a while since I've read and actually enjoyed a good YA book. It had some problems and some inconsistents, but kothing major. And the protagonist only annoyed me a vouple of times! =D
December 30, 2018
Really interesting
This was my first book by this author. Well it did have some slow moments it was actually very well written. The characters were well fleshed-out and very easy to imagine. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
This was my first book by this author. Well it did have some slow moments it was actually very well written. The characters were well fleshed-out and very easy to imagine. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 27, 2020
Attention Grabber
I honestly could not stop reading this book and would enjoy reading the others in this series. If you are a reader who adore mythical creatures, I recommend that you download this book.
I honestly could not stop reading this book and would enjoy reading the others in this series. If you are a reader who adore mythical creatures, I recommend that you download this book.
February 28, 2017
please read my review at my blog
November 4, 2017
YA paranormal delight
February 20, 2018
8/10 :)
August 5, 2020
This whole series is fantastic, one of my favorite series, and I read alot.
February 19, 2021
One of my favorites ❤️🔥
June 2, 2021
Slow start for me but once I was engaged I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 15, 2017
Great book
Keeps you reading,don't want to quit . So many things going on keeps you interested. Love these kind of stories.
Keeps you reading,don't want to quit . So many things going on keeps you interested. Love these kind of stories.
May 19, 2020
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story! The writing isn’t fantastic, but the story was intriguing enough that I kept reading. I’m looking forward to the next book which I already bought!
March 5, 2017
Mystery worth reading
This book is a supernatural mystery. It is also connected to the next book in the series. You just can't lay it down.
This book is a supernatural mystery. It is also connected to the next book in the series. You just can't lay it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews