Sometimes, the most magical adventures begin when everyone else has gone to sleep

Join A.J. Priest’s Night Riders — where one girl, one loyal dog, and four donkeys are about to go on the most magical adventure of their lives.

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MEET THE AUTHOR A.J. PRIEST

I’ve always believed the best stories come from the people and places we love most. The Night Riders grew from the magical weekends I spent creating adventures with my children, inspired by family life, the countryside, and the wonder of childhood.

My hope is that these stories spark young imaginations, make readers laugh, and remind them that courage, friendship, and a little bit of magic can be found in the most ordinary places.

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About The Night Riders: A Magical Rescue

The Night Riders: A Magical Rescue is a heartwarming middle-grade fantasy adventure about a girl, her loyal dog, and a team of mischievous donkeys with a magical secret. When Ashleigh discovers a star-shaped necklace, she unlocks the power to speak with animals and begins an extraordinary journey filled with humour, bravery, and Christmas-time excitement.

Meet the characters

Ashleigh, the young heroine of The Night Riders magical adventure series.

Doughnut, the funny flying donkey from The Night Riders children's adventure books.

Misty, the wise flying donkey and leader of the magical Night Riders in the children's fantasy series by A.J. Priest.

Myles, the clever flying donkey from The Night Riders children's fantasy adventure series.

Nelson, Ashleigh's loyal family dog from The Night Riders: A Magical Rescue, whose discovery starts the magical adventure.

Noodles, the grumpy flying donkey from The Night Riders.

Featured Books

Every great adventure starts somewhere. For Ashleigh and the Night Riders, it started in a garden, with a mischievous dog and a necklace full of secrets.

The Night Riders:
A Magical Rescue

Five days before Christmas, one girl, four flying donkeys, and a very determined rescue mission. The adventure that started it all — and the beginning of something much, much bigger.

More titles coming soon.

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BEGIN THE ADVENTURE TODAY!

Follow Ashleigh and the Night Riders on a magical journey available now on Amazon.

The Story Unfolds

Follow Ashleigh’s journey from a magical discovery to a daring midnight rescue.

Each chapter brings more wonder, mischief, and adventure with the Night Riders.

Ashleigh discovers a mysterious glowing star necklace in The Night Riders: A Magical Rescue, the magical children's adventure book by A.J. Priest.

Chapter 1 – A Necklace Full of Secrets

Nelson wasn’t supposed to be digging up Mum’s flowerbeds. But then, Nelson was never supposed to do most of the

Ashleigh sits on her bed holding the magical star necklace while looking at Molly the teddy bear and wondering if the magic will work again.

Chapter 2 – The Last Day of School

One more day of school. One Christmas jumper with a flashing nose. One beloved teddy bear called Molly. One very

The ancient glowing star necklace from The Night Riders: A Magical Rescue that gives Ashleigh the power to talk to animals.

Chapter 3 – Operation Teddy Rescue

The house was quiet. Mum and Dad were asleep. Nathan was snoring. And somewhere across the frosty fields, Molly was

READERS ARE SMILING

A magical mix of humour, suspense, and heart makes The Night Riders a story readers will remember. Here’s what early readers and book lovers are saying about the adventure.

“Noodles the donkey is officially my spirit animal.” The Night Riders is pure chaotic good. I picked it up for the flying donkeys and stayed for a crisp-packet-wearing donkey named Doughnut and a dog who is entirely motivated by snacks. If you need a quick, hilarious, feel-good read that will make you laugh out loud on the train, this is it. 10/10.

Sarah M. (@Leas_Library)

(Bookstagrammer)

“A modern classic in the making.” My 8-year-old and I have been reading this together at bedtime, and it has quickly become a household favorite. While the premise is wonderfully absurd—flying donkeys helping a little girl rescue her lost teddy bear from school—A.J. Priest anchors the whole thing in real heart. It captures that fierce, innocent loyalty children have for their comfort toys. It’s warm, beautifully imaginative, and the perfect cozy winter read. We desperately need more books like this.

Elena R., Parent of two

Parent

“An exceptional tool for engaging reluctant readers.” Priest has mastered the art of the middle-grade caper. The Night Riders strikes a rare balance: it’s fast-paced enough to hook reluctant readers, but clever enough to keep advanced readers engaged. The comedic timing during the school break-in scene is impeccable, particularly the bumbling burglars and the brilliant escalation of events that leads to a donkey getting arrested. Beyond the comedy, it offers subtle, excellent lessons on teamwork and problem-solving. A must-have for the classroom.

Marcus T.

Elementary School Literacy Specialist

“An absolute triumph of imagination and comedy!” A sparkling, gold-dust-fueled adventure that proves heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and long-eared varieties. A.J. Priest has crafted a delightfully chaotic night-time caper that feels like a modern fairy tale wrapped in a classic heist movie. Packed with heart, wit, and unforgettable animal sidekicks, The Night Riders is guaranteed to enchant young readers and leave them looking up at the night sky just in case a flying donkey happens to zoom past.

David L.

Fantasy & Whimsy Magazine

“Hilarious and totally unexpected.” I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from a book about a midnight donkey rescue squad, but wow, it delivered. Ashleigh is such a great, relatable protagonist, and her chemistry with the animals is brilliant. The dialogue is snappy and actually funny (not that forced ‘kid-lit’ funny). The whole climax with the flashing Christmas sweater and the police completely sent me. My only complaint is that it ended too quickly. Can’t wait for book two!

Sarah M.

Goodreads Reviewer

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