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The Fire We Inherit
Every adult in Las Vegas is dead.
Now the kids run the city.
After being exposed to a mysterious sickness, the adults knew their days were numbered. Instead of losing hope, the city banded together to prepare the only ones who were immune—The Kids.
So, The Preparation was formed. A plan to keep the city alive and well. Farms and ranches. Power and water. Businesses and emergency services. Each kid received specific training in their career field to ensure they not only survived, but thrived.
Three years after the last adult died, 14-year-old Aiden Brann begins his first day as a firefighter in a city run entirely by kids. Aiden joins a tight-knit fire crew in The After and quickly learns that protecting the city you love asks more of him than he ever imagined, and that being truly good is harder, and more costly, than being a hero.
But the city's hard-earned peace is under threat. A group known only as The Children, led by the ruthless KID, is plotting to tear down everything these kids have worked so hard to create, including Aiden's newfound family.
The Fire We Inherit is a gripping emotional adventure about courage, sacrifice, and what it means to inherit a broken world and choose to make it worth living in.
Aiden and his crew are relatable role models, not rebels, each with their own character growth. They show up, they sacrifice, and they lead by example. Because in a world without adults, the only thing standing between order and chaos is the character of the kids who choose to care.
Perfect for readers who love:
Character-driven stories with genuine heart
Found-family friendships built on loyalty and trust
Action and adventure with real emotional depth
Heroes who lead with integrity, not attitude
Post-apocalyptic worlds grounded in hope - with clean, content-safe storytelling
Clean, parent-approved YA stories with strong moral values
Now the kids run the city.
After being exposed to a mysterious sickness, the adults knew their days were numbered. Instead of losing hope, the city banded together to prepare the only ones who were immune—The Kids.
So, The Preparation was formed. A plan to keep the city alive and well. Farms and ranches. Power and water. Businesses and emergency services. Each kid received specific training in their career field to ensure they not only survived, but thrived.
Three years after the last adult died, 14-year-old Aiden Brann begins his first day as a firefighter in a city run entirely by kids. Aiden joins a tight-knit fire crew in The After and quickly learns that protecting the city you love asks more of him than he ever imagined, and that being truly good is harder, and more costly, than being a hero.
But the city's hard-earned peace is under threat. A group known only as The Children, led by the ruthless KID, is plotting to tear down everything these kids have worked so hard to create, including Aiden's newfound family.
The Fire We Inherit is a gripping emotional adventure about courage, sacrifice, and what it means to inherit a broken world and choose to make it worth living in.
Aiden and his crew are relatable role models, not rebels, each with their own character growth. They show up, they sacrifice, and they lead by example. Because in a world without adults, the only thing standing between order and chaos is the character of the kids who choose to care.
Perfect for readers who love:
Character-driven stories with genuine heart
Found-family friendships built on loyalty and trust
Action and adventure with real emotional depth
Heroes who lead with integrity, not attitude
Post-apocalyptic worlds grounded in hope - with clean, content-safe storytelling
Clean, parent-approved YA stories with strong moral values
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2026
About the author
Laric Tolleson
1 book4 followersLaric Tolleson is a firefighter with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, where he has served since 2014 and was promoted to Captain in 2023. Over the years, he has witnessed the traumatic, the heroic, and the unexpectedly funny moments that come with the job—experiences that have deeply shaped the stories he tells.
He grew up in the tiny town of Beatty, Nevada, 100 miles north of Las Vegas, before eventually starting his career in Las Vegas. Though he works in Las Vegas, Utah is where he and his family have established their home. Married to the ultra-gorgeous love of his life. He and his wife enjoy traveling as much as they possibly can. He is the proud father of four children—two boys and two girls—who continually inspire him.
In his writing, Laric hopes to show both kids and adults that young people are often far more capable than we sometimes give them credit for. At the same time, he seeks to share pieces of the real world he’s lived in as a firefighter, honoring both its weight and its humor.
He grew up in the tiny town of Beatty, Nevada, 100 miles north of Las Vegas, before eventually starting his career in Las Vegas. Though he works in Las Vegas, Utah is where he and his family have established their home. Married to the ultra-gorgeous love of his life. He and his wife enjoy traveling as much as they possibly can. He is the proud father of four children—two boys and two girls—who continually inspire him.
In his writing, Laric hopes to show both kids and adults that young people are often far more capable than we sometimes give them credit for. At the same time, he seeks to share pieces of the real world he’s lived in as a firefighter, honoring both its weight and its humor.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 16, 2026
I saw a video on Facebook asking if anyone wanted to put their name in for an early copy of this book, I love to read so I threw my name in, and got selected, and I am so glad I did. This book blew me away.
The premise alone hooked me: a virus slowly wipes out every adult in Las Vegas over three years, leaving the children to figure out how to keep a city running on their own. Doctors, politicians, police officers, firefighters. All of it falls to kids who were trained just enough to survive. The story is told through the eyes of a child firefighter, and those scenes are so detailed and real that you forget for a second you're reading fiction. I'm sure that's because the author is a real Las Vegas fire captain, and it shows on every page.
There's genuine excitement, a little mystery woven in to keep you guessing, and then, out of nowhere, moments so tender and human that I had actual tears running down my face. More than once. I wasn't expecting that, and it hit harder because of it. There is an obvious sense of loss and yet evidence of real support systems among the children.
This is a story about what it means to carry something forward when the people who were supposed to show you the way are gone. It really stuck with me. Five stars.
The premise alone hooked me: a virus slowly wipes out every adult in Las Vegas over three years, leaving the children to figure out how to keep a city running on their own. Doctors, politicians, police officers, firefighters. All of it falls to kids who were trained just enough to survive. The story is told through the eyes of a child firefighter, and those scenes are so detailed and real that you forget for a second you're reading fiction. I'm sure that's because the author is a real Las Vegas fire captain, and it shows on every page.
There's genuine excitement, a little mystery woven in to keep you guessing, and then, out of nowhere, moments so tender and human that I had actual tears running down my face. More than once. I wasn't expecting that, and it hit harder because of it. There is an obvious sense of loss and yet evidence of real support systems among the children.
This is a story about what it means to carry something forward when the people who were supposed to show you the way are gone. It really stuck with me. Five stars.
April 20, 2026
Inspiring!
I thoroughly enjoyed this YA / upper middle-grade dystopian, post-apocalyptic adventure. I was lucky enough to recieve an ARC. Tolleson did a fabulous job! I laughed and I cried (many times). When an author can evoke that kind of emotion from me, I am impressed. This book felt raw and real in the best of ways.
I loved the character development for all the characters. They felt real and fleshed out. The healing and self-discovery for all characters was wonderful but most of all the growth Aiden achieved in the end was inspiring to witness.
And the end of the Epilogue! I'm excited to see what comes next!
I thoroughly enjoyed this YA / upper middle-grade dystopian, post-apocalyptic adventure. I was lucky enough to recieve an ARC. Tolleson did a fabulous job! I laughed and I cried (many times). When an author can evoke that kind of emotion from me, I am impressed. This book felt raw and real in the best of ways.
I loved the character development for all the characters. They felt real and fleshed out. The healing and self-discovery for all characters was wonderful but most of all the growth Aiden achieved in the end was inspiring to witness.
And the end of the Epilogue! I'm excited to see what comes next!
April 14, 2026
Fantastic novel for a first time author. I loved this new take on a dystopian story, where they had time to prepare, so instead of struggling to survive, the world (Vegas) is surviving. I loved the growth of the characters and where the story took us. I cried a LOT. The story was full of adventure, found family, and difficult moments. I think my kids will really enjoy this book as well. I love that the author is a firefighter, which makes Aiden’s adventures at work more believable. Can’t wait for book two!
April 15, 2026
This was a great read! Loved the details of each emergency the firefighters were called out to. A great read for young adults, cute romance without unnecessary spice.
Great job for a first time writer!!
Great job for a first time writer!!
April 14, 2026
This book was a fantastic debut perfect for all ages. I love a good Found Family and this book delivered. There were twists I didn't see coming, jokes that had me laughing out loud, and I even shed a couple of tears. It was funny, heart wrenching, and left me excited to see what comes next for Aiden and the crew.
April 16, 2026
This debut novel combines young emotions from kids who are dealing with adult life - situations they wouldn't normally deal with for years. But with all the adults dead from a mysterious virus, they must take over after being trained a few years before they were left alone in a quarantined Las Vegas. This story had me laughing, crying a few times, and truly opened my eyes about the possibility that children can and will step up to the plate.
The fire calls seem true to life, especially coming from the new author who is a true Las Vegas Fire Captain.
The characters are funny, flawed, humorous, trying their best, and easy to root for. The twists and turns throughout kept you guessing with unique and intense plots. If you enjoy dystopian fiction, I highly recommend for you as an adult, and for your kids! I can't wait for the next one!
The fire calls seem true to life, especially coming from the new author who is a true Las Vegas Fire Captain.
The characters are funny, flawed, humorous, trying their best, and easy to root for. The twists and turns throughout kept you guessing with unique and intense plots. If you enjoy dystopian fiction, I highly recommend for you as an adult, and for your kids! I can't wait for the next one!
April 17, 2026
This is a fun book! It has a cool take on a dystopian future that reminded me of The Maze Runner series. This book felt real with no punches held back. The author’s life experience shows with the calls they run in the books. They feel real world and not like a Hollywood rendition.
There were unexpected twists that got me and I teared up the first time I read it. Both signs of a great book! I look forward to reading more from the author.
Review by Ridge Kanet
There were unexpected twists that got me and I teared up the first time I read it. Both signs of a great book! I look forward to reading more from the author.
Review by Ridge Kanet
May 8, 2026
Laric did an incredible job on this first novel! Every chapter left you wondering what was coming next and excited to read it! My 8 year old son is loving it. This story has the perfect amount of family values, love, friendship and character building. We are so excited for the next book!
May 19, 2026
A fun book with a unique story that pays off wonderfully at the end. It ties together loose ends and has a shocking reveal that leaves the reader wanting more.
April 21, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book! For me it's a book with good world building and this book delivered. The characters felt real and were nice to see them grow and take on their challenges. With funny and sad moments, this book had a lot to offer. If there is a second book, I would read it.
May 15, 2026
Welcome to one of the best new books you’ll read this year! Coming of age through a survival dystopian that truly hits the ground running. Set in Las Vegas, we follow a town where all the adults died off, but they trained the kids to function without them. Even with three years into the kids only culture, the grief and pressure on our teenage fire department provide amazing conflict. Aiden is the classic character learning as he goes along, determined to prove himself. He’s got a lot to prove as a terrorist group of arsonists want to destroy what the adults left behind.
What I loved most is the fire department’s friendships and brotherhood. Mum being the mother hen, Reed was the jock type guy who messed with everyone, Ryan’s past kept me on my toes, I could go on and on. It’s well proofread as far as I could tell, and the prose fleshed out Aiden justifying him as our eyes into this world. Even the villains I couldn’t get enough of. “The Children” are these discarded foster kids left behind in the wake preparing for the aftermath losing the adults, and they want to be understood. And they want chaos to rise from the ashes.
The themes explored in this novel blew my mind. The “Children” are designed to show what happened without kindness or adult guidance, whereas our firefighter heroes are coping with loss and growing up too fast BECAUSE they had such things. I adored this story, FIREFIGHTERS for the win! Well done, sign me up for the book 2 preorder.
PS- Spectacular cover
What I loved most is the fire department’s friendships and brotherhood. Mum being the mother hen, Reed was the jock type guy who messed with everyone, Ryan’s past kept me on my toes, I could go on and on. It’s well proofread as far as I could tell, and the prose fleshed out Aiden justifying him as our eyes into this world. Even the villains I couldn’t get enough of. “The Children” are these discarded foster kids left behind in the wake preparing for the aftermath losing the adults, and they want to be understood. And they want chaos to rise from the ashes.
The themes explored in this novel blew my mind. The “Children” are designed to show what happened without kindness or adult guidance, whereas our firefighter heroes are coping with loss and growing up too fast BECAUSE they had such things. I adored this story, FIREFIGHTERS for the win! Well done, sign me up for the book 2 preorder.
PS- Spectacular cover
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Fire We Inherit is a gripping, heartfelt adventure exploring courage, sacrifice, and friendship—and the quiet, unbreakable strength young people find when they are called to carry the world. all adults are gone in LA children have to maintain an adults world and be the leaders, until they run into a group of kids who dont want to be the adults and believe they should be as they are and have a childhood. a great read filled with so many emotions.
April 15, 2026
This is a book worth reading! Laric has created a great story that hits all the feels, and keeps you interested throughout as you start your first day at the firehouse with the MC, Aiden. All the characters are relatable and enjoyable!
I really had fun reading this story!
Grab this book!
Read it!
Thank me later!
I really had fun reading this story!
Grab this book!
Read it!
Thank me later!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews