Fire in May

by Victoria Lopez

She will not be made lost by the lost. After finding herself in an unknown place, a young woman must find the strength and willingness in herself to meet the conditions set by enigmatic hosts whose paths assess her character. From a lavish atrium to a dim, dreary stone cavern, it is asked that she come to terms with her inner turmoil. In this unnatural place of no name, her destiny becomes intertwined with enduring themes of the supernatural, inexplicit fear and doubt, and the murderous consequences of allowing one to slip further into depression. Fire in May allows a modern reader to venture his or her own presuppositions of philosophical matters of the heart and human spirit.

216 pages, Paperback

First published April 5, 2015

About the author

Victoria Lopez is a writer, poet, and educator passionate about inspiring individuality and fostering creative exploration. As the Executive Director and Founder of Unfolded: Poetry Project, she has been a driving force in creating accessible spaces for self-expression and connection through poetry in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

Appointed as the 2022 and 2025 City of McAllen Poet Laureate, Victoria is recognized for her contributions to the literary arts and her commitment to uplifting diverse voices. Her debut novel, Fire in May (2016), and her forthcoming poetry collection (2025) reflect her dedication to storytelling and authenticity.

Victoria is also known for her Poetry on Demand performances—a live demonstration using her typewriter to write personalized poems on the spot. This practice underscores her belief that writing is both process and presence: a draft, a practice, and a shared human connection.

Through Unfolded: Poetry Project, Victoria leads free workshops, writing sessions, and open mics that nurture self-discovery, artistic growth, and community care. She is deeply committed to mentoring writers and ensuring that every voice has a platform to be heard.

Follow Victoria on Instagram at @victoria.l.lopez and Unfolded at @unfoldedpoetryproject. #youareworthy

Reviews

[Julia-Paz Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered what an adult Alice would do in Wonderland, this is the book for you. Fire in May gives you that feeling of a new age sense of self-discovery that Alice gave to you as a child. I am currently on my 2nd reading of this book and I'm falling in love with it all over again. It flows so easily from rabbit hole to rabbit hole with an ending that stays with you throughout your own self-reflections. So grab yourself a copy and follow Victoria to a new path into your heart and mind. I promise it's an adventure you won't soon forget.