Burn Down, Rise Up

Written by Vincent Tirado

Narrated by Julienne Irons

Mysterious disappearances. An urban legend rumored to be responsible. And one group of friends determined to save their city at any cost. Stranger Things meets Jordan Peele in this utterly original debut from an incredible new voice.

For over a year, the Bronx has been plagued by sudden disappearances that no one can explain. Sixteen-year-old Raquel does her best to ignore it. After all, the police only look for the white kids. But when her crush Charlize's cousin goes missing, Raquel starts to pay attention-especially when her own mom comes down with a mysterious illness that seems linked to the disappearances.

Raquel and Charlize team up to investigate, but they soon discover that everything is tied to a terrifying urban legend called the Echo Game. The game is rumored to trap people in a sinister world underneath the city, and the rules are based on a particularly dark chapter in New York's past. And if the friends want to save their home and everyone they love, they will have to play the game and destroy the evil at its heart-or die trying.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: May 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705293805

Vincent Tirado

Vincent Tirado is a non-binary Afro-Latinx Bronx native. They ventured out to Pennsylvania and Ohio to get their Bachelor’s degree in biology and Master’s degree in bioethics. They have had short stories published in Desert Rose Lit Mag and FIYAH! Magazine.

Reviews for Burn Down, Rise Up

[Finaya · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

HOLY SHIT

This was phenomenal! It's Stranger Things x Nerve (meaning vibes only).

The book has numerous elements, including a game, in-depth and reoccurring commentary regarding the murder and mistreatment of/racism towards black people, and a paranormal and creepy setting.
This book combines a lot of things and nothing falls short!

The horror aspects of this book gave me literal chills. This is an amazingly executed YA horror book and a debut at that! I will definitely keep an eye out for more books by this author.

And the way it handled relationship dynamics, was everything I wished for!
I have to say that I really enjoyed the romance of this book!! It's sapphic and messy.

This is a massive recommendation!