Birth of Fire is a science fiction adventure novel about the Martian War of Independence as the Mars Colonies attempt to break away from the Earth Federation Government. Garrett Pittston is a member of a Baltimore street gang when he is arrested and sentenced as an involuntary colonist. He must learn to live in the harsh conditions of Mars, and learn the customs of the Mars RimRat culture. He finds himself at the center of the Independence movement although he had never intended to join. Now he must prove himself to be a Marsman.