Firefly Press swoops for Pike's 'soaring' middle-grade adventure

Firefly has swooped for Julie Pike’s "soaring" middle-grade adventure novel, Flame Chasers. 

Publisher Penny Thomas acquired world rights from Jo Williamson at Antony Harwood Literary Agency. The novel, pitched for eight to 12 year olds, is slated for publication in June 2024. 

"From the outset, I was bowled over by Penny’s enthusiasm and vision for Flame Chasers, and it was obvious to me that Firefly would provide the perfect home for Julie’s writing," said Williamson. 

The synopsis for Flame Chasers reads: "All Ember wants is to fly with the golden flamebirds who stop every year at her hometown of Bright Beacon before heading west across the seas to their mysterious home. Their fiery arrival is also the signal for the waiting Flame Chasers in the harbour below to get ready to follow the birds, whose glowing tail feathers grant the finder a wish. But when Pa tells Ember he is chasing without her, she is devastated. Can she find a ship and captain to help her find her father, and the flamebirds’ secret home?

"Flame Chasers is a superb, magical, middle-grade title, swirling with rich colours, wish-magic, mysterious golden flamebirds and daring deeds on the high seas," said Thomas. 

Pike added: "Diolch yn fawr, Firefly, for warmly welcoming me to your aviary of talented authors and their wonderful stories. Flame Chasers was inspired by my own real-life adventures and treasured stories from my childhood. I hope it flies high in the hearts of every young reader who yearns for adventure."