Rising like a phoenix out of adversity is the hope of Dahlia, an artistic college student who struggles with negative self-doubt and suicidal ideation. The book follows her through some of the more transformational moments in her young adult life, as well as through the viewpoint of family members closest to her. Dahlia struggles with letting her therapist and others into her thoughts, memories, and negative self-doubt. Throughout Dahlia's young adult to adult experiences, she finds comfort in writing, much like the author of this book, C.A. Nicholas.

When A Phoenix Rose Nevermore is a story about Dahlia, who struggles with suicidal thoughts and depression. Across four books within this book, the reader observes Dahlia through her life. Following Dahlia from birth to college, we learn of her struggles and triumphs in book one, where we also meet her family. Then, we get further insight into who she is by reading her literary works across two books. Book two allows the reader to read Dahlia’s literary works through short letters, stories, poems and songs. The third book is a longer comedy written by Dahlia.