M U R M U R A T I O N

L A U N C H D A Y!

Today is the day! Murmuration is live! Whoop! You can find it at Amazon (paperback and ebook) and you can preorder from my Etsy shop if you want a special edition with edge printing!

Thanks so much to everyone who has read an advance copy (and if you have, please leave me a review if you enjoyed it!) Thanks also to my writing group for their massive encouragement and anyone else who has been involved with the book in any way at all.

Here’s a little more info if you’re intrigued..!

So, what’s it about?

Murmuration opens with three teenage boys in a boat on a lake, unaware that life as they know it is about to change. A murmuration of starlings flies overhead and they wake the next day to find that all the adults have disappeared. Jay finds himself emerging as the leader. He has to try to work out what happened to all the adults and how to survive.

Who is it for?

It is a YA dystopia with a touch of magic. It is suitable for 14 + right up to adult.

Where did the idea come from?

A long time ago, a friend posted a YouTube video of a group of teenagers in a boat, with a murmuration swirling above them. The kids were entranced and this incredible moment seemed to cut across everything. That was the kernel of inspiration and the rest of the book grew from there.

What are the themes in the book?

There’s all sorts going on. It is a kind of coming-of-age story for Jay. There is also the sense of voicelessness that the kids feel initially but then they discover that, like the starlings, their strength is in the multitude.

What are people saying about it?

I’ve had some wonderful early reviews, here’s a snapshot:

Early reviews:

‘A lyrically written dystopian thriller, Pike manages to tackle political issues with a deft hand while keeping up an exciting pace that will appeal to teen and adult readers alike. A stunning debut.’

Melissa Welliver, author of My Love Life and the Apocalypse.

‘Pike’s poetic gift breathes magic into Murmuration. From the initial horror of abandonment, I was swept into a beautiful tale of resilience, unity, and the wonder of the natural world.’

J.M. Gale, author of Cupid’s a Psycho

‘It’s extraordinary, quite unlike anything I’ve read before. Partly science fiction, partly a reworking of Lord of the Flies, partly contemporary social and political commentary, partly fantasy, partly a eulogy to the wild landscape of the Essex coast.’ Peter W.

‘I was totally hooked! Loved the story and the characters so much.’ Sarah E.

‘I’m in love with it!!! Wow.’ Vic B.

‘I couldn’t stop reading, brilliant world-building and so many great characters.’ Naomi M.

‘I adored this book from start to finish. Very rarely do I find a book that hooks me in as much as this one did! Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year 10/10!!’ Rosa, YA reader.