FIREBRANDS

A Historical Thriller set Against the 1871 Great Chicago Fire!

Before Titanic sank, Chicago burned!

Shannon McCleary’s one and only dream is to live in Chicago, far from her parents and their small prairie town. Now she finally has her chance, tutoring the young brother of the wealthy and striking Nathanial Collins. The boy proves to be a handful though, as is his disapproving family. To be both immigrant and Irish in 1871 is two strikes too many. Nathanial however, sees beyond it. He his inexorably drawn to her intelligence, her independence, and her Irish spirit.

But a terrible fate will intercede in their burgeoning romance. For it would be a hot time in the old town tonight.  The Great Chicago Fire will begin innocently enough, in the small O'Leary barn on the West Side. Then the prairie winds will blow, the flames jump rivers, and Chicago will burn. Shannon and Nathanial lie directly in its path. Will they manage to escape in a city where only the Firebrands survive?

A fateful tale, following the insatiable march of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Against the vivid backdrop of America's first great disaster, FIREBRANDS interweaves the lives of two mismatched lovers with the march of the Great Chicago Fire. From an innocent barn fire on the West Side to a monstrous conflagration that jumps rivers, panics its populace, and consumes the bustling city. A compelling tale of love, tragedy, bravery and cowardice. Will our young lovers escape in time?