A sweeping debut inspired by ancient Chinese mythology, Reigning Fire is perfect for readers who loved the emotional weight of The Poppy War, the court politics of The Goblin Emperor, or the dreamlike defiance of She Who Became the Sun. In a realm where power is sealed through smoke and blood, Yan Xun was born to inherit a crown-or be destroyed by it. When her phoenix Emberkin arrives far too early, and in a form the world has no place for, Xun becomes a danger to the very empire she was meant to serve. As she uncovers long-buried truths and navigates a court built on silence, loyalty, and control, her existence alone threatens to unravel everything. Set in an ancient Chinese-inspired empire of myth and ash, Reigning Fire is a lyrical fantasy about forbidden power, political unrest, and the ghosts we carry. Through richly layered worldbuilding and emotional depth, this debut novel explores the complexities of trauma, neurodivergence, and what it means to survive when your truth has no place in the world. Perfect for readers who love introspective characters, slow-burn rebellion, and myth-infused storytelling, Reigning Fire blends court intrigue with emotional intensity in a story about legacy, selfhood, and the quiet power of choosing your own name. **Recommended for mature readers (18+) due to dark themes, including trauma, abuse, coercive control and violence. Reader discretion advised.