Flame Chasers

Julie Pike grew up on a council estate in Neath, nestled in the Welsh valleys. This inspired her debut novel The Last Spellbreather (OUP, 2019) which was longlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book of the Year. Julie now lives in the Forest of Dean where she works as an environmental consultant.

The Times Children's Best Books of the Year 2024: 'Impossible Creatures was the hit that everyone was chasing last year, but this magical adventure feels like a sparky younger sibling to Katherine Rundell's bestseller. It sizzles with imagination. Every year the flamebirds crackle through the night sky like fireworks, to stop and rest in Ember's harbour town before continuing their mysterious journey west. Anyone lucky enough to touch a golden tail feather is granted their heart's desire, But the birds are fragile and greed has consequences. An exquisite story that burns brightly.' Lucy Bannerman, The Times