THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD ELISSA LEADS a solitary life. She knows nothing of her parents--only that her mother is dead. Her caretaker, Nana, keeps her father's identity a secret from her. Meanwhile Elissa carries her own secret--the people of the valley must not know that she has the gift of speaking to animals. For now she is just a healer's apprentice in peaceful High Crossing, but Elissa dreams of a more exciting life, and of, one day, finding her father.When an unexpected royal guest arrives at the Manor, Elissa's life changes forever. She leaves home with him, only to discover that she's become a pawn in a battle for his kingdom. Accompanied by her dear donkey, Gertrude, she is delivered to the evil Khan. Elissa's quest for freedom and the truth about her past leads to questions about the future. Is she the key to a prophecy--the prophecy of the Phoenix--that everyone seems to know about, except her?In Book One of the Phoenix Rising trilogy, new author Erica Verrillo has crafted a classic--and often humorous--fantasy adventure with a strong, unwitting heroine. -- From the Hardcover edition.