freeing up imaginations
and instilling a lasting love of reading and writing
We publish inspirational fiction
and provide bespoke author-led experiences
in the UK and Japan
Announcing the winners of the Firehorse 2026 new novel contest
-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Independent publisher Firehorse announces the winners of its 2026 New Novel Competition
London, UK
7 August 2026Firehorse is delighted to announce the two winning manuscripts selected from entries to its newly launched Firehorse New Novel Competition, established to discover exceptional new voices in children’s fiction and provide them with a professional publishing pathway. The two debut novels scheduled for publication in February 2027 are:
Himalayan Blue, a Young Adult novel by Farah Rahman
Marina’s Magical Orkney Adventure, a Middle Grade novel by A.J. Pinehill
Both winning authors impressed the judges with the originality of their concepts, compelling storytelling and memorable, believable characters.
Himalayan Blue is a gripping YA science fiction saga whose plucky teenage protagonists are trying to escape off-world colonial powers and restore the natural balance of their world.
Marina’s Magical Orkney Adventure is an enchanting globe-trotting tale about a wayward ten-year-old whose wild inventiveness leads her on an unforgettable race to save the spirit of Christmas.
Firehorse is an independent UK publisher of inspirational children’s fiction and an education provider of engaging author-led experiences in the UK and Japan. Founded in 2014 by Sarah Holding, author of the Middle Grade cli-fi trilogy SeaBEAN and YA titles Chameleon, blackloop and Road to True North, Firehorse is now expanding its horizons to establish itself as a boutique press, publishing several engaging new titles each year with themes that appeal to young readers.
Sarah Holding, founder of Firehorse, said:
“Every writing competition reminds us that there are so many extraordinary stories waiting to be discovered. Farah Rahman and A.J. Pinehill have created imaginative, emotionally resonant novels that stayed with the judges long after we had finished reading. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Firehorse list and cannot wait to launch their books next February.”
Farah Rahman said:
“I wanted to write a self-affirming healing journey for teen readers involving snow leopards and psychic powers.”
A.J. Pinehill said:
“My goal is to inspire young readers to be curious about the world, especially the places I call home: Scotland and Japan.”
Both novels will be published in paperback and ebook editions,
available through online retailers worldwide and to order via Gardners.
Publication Information:
Himalayan Blue
paperback ISBN 978-1066805112, ebook ISBN 978-1066805129 (pub date February 2027)Marina’s Magical Orkney Adventure
paperback ISBN 978-1066805105, ebook ISBN 978-1066805150 (pub date February 2027)For further information, review copies or interview requests,
please email Firehorse publicist Sinéad Gosai: hello@sineadgosaipr.com
Farah Rahman
Farah Rahman was born in London and speaks English and Urdu. Farah studied English at the University of Sussex and Goldsmiths College. Himalayan Blue is their first novel, which was shortlisted for the Faber 2025 FAB Prize for children’s writing and runner-up for the 2024 Future Worlds Prize for writers of speculative fiction.
A J Pinehill
A J Pinehill is a Scottish author, screenwriter and university professor who has lived in Japan for more than thirty years. Marina’s Magical Orkney Adventure draws on his love of Scotland and Japan, bringing together adventure, mystery and humour. As well as writing, he enjoys travelling, learning languages, and telling stories.
A selection of Firehorse publications
SeaBEAN, the trilogy
by Sarah Holding
£13.99
(school discount available for orders of 10 or more copies)
blackloop
by Sarah Holding
£8.99
(school discount available for orders of 10 or more copies)
Chameleon
by Sarah Holding
£9.99
(school discount available for orders of 10 or more copies)
How to Write a Poem
by Sarah Holding
£4.99
(school discount available for orders of 10 or more copies)
road to true north
by Sarah Holding
£8.99
(school discount available for orders of 10 or more copies)
Our author-led creative writing experiences for schools
ONLINE DISCOVERY 1-HOUR SESSION
£60
Book a virtual school assembly or a class Meet & Greet with one of our authors
HALF DAY IN-PERSON SESSION
£300
Book a half-day of creative writing workshop experiences and have one of our authors visit your school
WHOLE DAY IN-PERSON SESSION
£450
Book a whole day with one of our authors, who will plan a bespoke range of activities to take place in your school
Purchase Sarah Holding’s bestselling adventure trilogy, SeaBEAN, and her delightful collection of poetry, How to Write a Poem, in this discounted bundle.
Get a complete set of Sarah Holding’s captivating YA fiction, including Chameleon, Blackloop and Road to True North, saving £7 on the RRP.
What makes Firehorse special?
-
We only work with authors who have something unique to offer in a school setting and whose books are what today’s teachers are looking for.
-
Our authors have delivered over 500 creative writing experiences to a wide range of state and independent schools around the UK and adapt sessions to suit your pupils’ needs.
-
Our products and services are competitively priced to meet today’s school budgets for learning enhancement.
-
Our authors are familiar with the demands of the National Curriculum and deliver content that matches what your cohort needs to cover in a way that delivers results.