A stunning story of adventure, friendship and finding your heart's desire.

'It reads like the spirited younger sibling to Impossible Creatures ...exquisitely rendered... A smokin' summer read.' The Times

'Julie's world building and magic systems are second to none!' Louie Stowell

All Ember wants is to fly with the golden flamebirds who stop every year at 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?

· First novel in duology.

· Included in the Times Children's Best Books of the Year 2024.

· Winner of the Hounslow Junior Book Award 2025.

· Julie's first book The Last Spell Breather was longlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Award.

Brave perilous magic and the high seas to reach the golden flamebirds, whose magical tail-feathers grant your heart's desire.



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.