Map of Flames (the Forgotten Five, Book 1) - (The Forgotten Five) by Lisa McMann

About the Book

Five children who are the offspring of supernatural criminals and who have special abilities of their own leave their isolated tropical home and head to the city of Estero, where they hope to find their parents and the treasure they hid years ago.

Book Synopsis

X-Men meets Spy Kids in this instant New York Times bestseller! Here's the first book in a new middle-grade fantasy/adventure series from the author of The Unwanteds.

Fifteen years ago, eight supernatural criminals fled Estero City to make a new life in an isolated tropical hideout. Over time, seven of them disappeared without a trace, presumed captured or killed. And now, the remaining one has died.

Left behind to fend for themselves are the criminals' five children, each with superpowers of their own: Birdie can communicate with animals. Brix has athletic abilities and can heal quickly. Tenner can swim like a fish and can see in the dark and hear from a distance. Seven's skin camouflages to match whatever is around him. Cabot hasn't shown signs of any unusual power--yet.

Then one day Birdie finds a map among her father's things that leads to a secret stash. There is also a note:

Go to Estero, find your mother, and give her the map.

The five have lived their entire lives in isolation. What would it mean to follow the map to a strange world full of things they've only heard about, like cell phones, cars, and electricity? A world where, thanks to their parents, being supernatural is a crime?

Review Quotes

Praise for Map of Flames

A New York Times Bestseller
An Indie Bestseller

"This new series blends science fiction with the animal kingdom, highlighting incredible feats of nature alongside a compelling quest to survive . . . Middle graders seeking a new twist on science fiction and superpower heroism will find this fast-paced first installment the answer to their search." --School Library Journal

"[Addresses] complicated family dynamics, grief, and the ups and downs of friendship . . . Entertaining and meaningful." --Booklist

"Lisa McMann is a unique talent who creates richly imagined worlds where children discover hidden talents, overcome insurmountable challenges, and learn to live with both hope and loss." --Brightly

"Supernaturally cool." --Kirkus Reviews

"An alternating third-person perspective deftly depicts the five friends struggling to remain together as they navigate contemporary technologies, all the while employing their superpowers to survive in a dangerous new environment." --Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Lisa McMann is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of dozens of books, including The Unwanteds series, the Wake trilogy, and her most recent novel, Clarice the Brave. She is married to fellow writer, Matt McMann, and they have two adult children--her son is artist Kilian McMann and her daughter is actor Kennedy McMann. Lisa spends most of her time in Arizona, California, and Vancouver, British Columbia, and loves to cook, read, and watch reality TV. You can visit Lisa at lisamcmann.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @lisa_mcmann.