Walker Books Group aims sky high with Firebird Riders
Walker Books Group
Walker Books Group is excited to announce the acquisition of a debut middle-grade fantasy series by Australian author Natalie Precians.
In a highly competitive auction, World All Language rights – excluding US and Canada – were acquired for the trilogy by Eve Tonelli at Walker Books Australia with Emily McDonnell at Walker Books UK from Gemma Cooper at Gemma Cooper Literary. Translation rights will be handled by Walker Books.
The first title Firebird Riders will publish late 2027 alongside the US edition from Abrams Books, and will be a lead series for the Group at the upcoming Frankfurt Book Fair.
For fans of the Skandar and Murder Most Unladylike series, Firebird Riders takes place in a world plagued by deadly monsters. Survival is possible only on Valrayven, where humans depend on their partnership with magical firebirds to keep their home safe.
Inspired by her heritage and love of folklore and mythology, Sydney-based Precians introduces readers to 13-year-old Ari Flint, a firebird rider who wants only one thing: to be Wing Leader. When her rival's firebird is killed and Ari becomes the prime suspect, she must set aside her own heartbreak to solve the mystery before the future she’s dreamed of is left in ashes.
Of this exciting acquisition Natalie says, ‘What a dream to have my middle-grade debut take flight with the talented team at Walker Books. Inspired in part by the folklore of my Slavic heritage, this series combines my love of magic, mythical beasts, and a good whodunnit. I can’t wait for readers to enter the world of firebirds!’
'Natalie's brilliantly imagined world of Valrayven captivated the whole Walker Books team from the beginning. We're thrilled to be on the journey with Natalie to introduce middle-grade readers to firebird cadet Ari Flint and see them delight in this exciting mystery adventure,’ says Walker Books Australia Publisher Eve Tonelli.
Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, CEO Walker Books Group added, 'This is a series that ticks all the boxes of a middle-grade fantasy destined to take its rightful place on children's bookshelves across the globe. I couldn't be more thrilled that Walker Books Australia and Walker Books UK have come together to acquire this truly exciting and original adventure.’
About us:
Natalie Precians writes fantasy and mystery stories that draw on her love of mythology, magic, and twisty plots. Prompted by her own Slavic heritage, she studied Russian and Eastern European Studies at the University of Oxford, and has worked in Singapore and Sydney, Australia, where she still lives with her partner, two children, and one overactive spoodle.
Contact details:
MELISSA LUCKMAN [email protected]