Flame Chasers

by Julie Pike

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 theharbour 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?

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

About the author

Julie Pike is a graduate of the Bath Spa MA in Creative Writing for Young People. Julie is passionate about adventure stories and volunteers in local schools, helping children find stories that excite them. She loves real-life adventures too, and has travelled to the peak of Kilimanjaro, across the Tibetan Plains to Mount Everest, and skydiving over New Zealand. When not reading, writing or adventuring, Julie works as a sustainability consultant-helping to care for the planet so future generations can enjoy their own adventures.

Reviews

[Lauren Brotherton · Rating 3 out of 5]

another work book club book. was giving fourth wing for kids, and I can get around that

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

We join the story as the excitement builds towards the Flamebird Festival. Ember has always dreamed of joining her father (Pa) on board his ship, the Happy Heart, for a flame chase: a quest to follow the flamebirds to their legendary home to find a wish-granting feather. When Ember is left on dry land again by her father, her disappointment is huge but it is soon eclipsed by his mysterious disappearance.

With the arrival of Stanley and his mother, Aggie, on board Sea Quest, the timing seems impeccable. But it seems they have not come to flame chase after all & instead Stanley is to be enrolled in school against his wishes. Just as all hope begins to fade, ‘Hope’ arrives in an unexpected package and the chase is on!

An eclectic cast of characters bolster the entertainment. Ember, our lead, is as fiery as her name suggests but also steely and loyal. Captain Aggie and Stanley are navigating stormy waters in more than one sense. There is a brilliant turn by a villainous rogue to offset all the healing and hope and to well and truly throw the cat among the …flamebirds.

A pacy, fun adventure. Just as you think you have its measure, there are twists and turns in its tailfeathers, which bring more meaning and depth to the story.

Thanks to the author, publisher & @netgalley for an eARC of this novel in exchange for my views.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ember has watched the firebirds arrive and leave her harbour home of Bright Beacon almost her whole life, and her dream is to one day fly with them. Each year, the flame chasers await the dragons appearance on the horizon so they can chase them and hopefully find one of their discarded feathers to wish on.

When Ember finally thinks she is ready to accompany her flame chaser father on his journey, he disagrees, leaving without her. When the firebirds arrive the following year there is a new ship in the harbour, one of its crew has caused panic amongst the resting birds, and before she knows what's happening Ember is on her own flame chase.

This is a beautiful book. It starts a little slowly, but once Ember boards her new friends' boat, the story really takes off and is full of excitement and surprises. The storyline covers topics such as the importance of family, respect for the environment, and the power of trust. There were parts of the story that were unexpected or sad but never out of place, and I thoroughly enjoyed this.

I was able to read a copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Firefly Press, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a lovely book. Recommended.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the magical story of Ember, whose dream of following the flamebirds on their journey as they pass over her town is dashed when her father announces that he will be participating in the chase this year without her.

The tail feathers of the birds are greatly valued because it is believed that they can grant wishes, and that is is one of the main incentives that draws the flame chasers out every year in pursuit of the birds.

But Ember is not ready to give up so easily. Surely there must be a way for her to find *someone* who will assist in her quest?

This is an epic adventure story that will have wide appeal for most readers. With a memorable protagonist and some excellent world building, Pike has delivered a marvelous piece of storytelling. It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Bookgirl888 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing! Ember is desperate to be a Flame Chaser and wants to go with her father. He forbids it and the left over magic stops her going. She is brave, determined and resourceful and, with new friends, she sets off anyway. She has many adventures and learns truths she had never even considered before.
Thus book is definitely about hope and resilience, family and love. It's such a brilliant story, full of magic and adventure.

[Ella-Mae Campling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Middle Grade story about the meaning behind believing in yourself, the importance of family and friendship. Just gorgeous, this story is filled with love and adventure and amazing creatures! A real meaningful read that is written brilliantly I think is perfect for fans of Katya Balen's work or Zohra Nabi!

[Ido · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 for younger readers.
4/5 for grownups.
The worldbuilding is fast and smoothly integrated into the story and the characters display amazing agency. The themes, lessons and adventures are wonderful for younger readers.
Thank you #netgalley for an ARC.

[Sinéad O'Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely swept away by this gorgeous story about family, heart, and courage (not to mention magic, firebirds, 'stealing' ships, facing down storms in the heart of the ocean AND the most nefarious hunter on the high seas all at the same time, and the true meaning of home). It's wonderful!

[Andrea Barlien · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant middle grade quest novel. Fabulous characters and a wonderfully engaging narrative.
Loved it!

[Camilla Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get a proof copy of this exciting MG adventure story. It’s really gripping, a fun-packed tale stuffed with magic. You’re going to love it.

Look out for my quote!

[Jahnabels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish more people discover this gem of a story!

A warm adventure is figuratively (and literally) the best description I can make of this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait for it to appear in the school library so I can read it to the children in my class, they will love it.

[Anna-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flame chasers is an excellent escape from reality, reminding me of Katharine Rundell's recent book Impossible Creatures. With elements of adventure, action, magic and fantasy this book has lots in it for everyone. Not to mention, the characters are so well constructed I was enamored by them and eager to follow their journey, almost forgetting it was a book rather than a film.

Vivid description, interesting concept mad just some fresh and fantastic!

Thank you for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.