Amie Kaufman, The Isles of the Gods, A&U Children’s, May 2023, 464 pp., RRP $24.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781761180064
Amie Kaufman’s The Isles of the Gods combines fantasy and action for a compelling read in this promising series. Most worthy of its place as a CBCA 2024 Notable read, this young adult novel is not to be missed.
Selly’s plans to be reunited with her father after a year sailing the Lizabetta are destroyed when she accidentally bumps into Leander, the Prince of Alinor. The Lizabetta crew agree to secretly transport Leander to the prestigious Isle of the Gods to make his overdue sacrifice to their God, Barrica in order to prevent Macean from rising from his slumber and starting a war.
However, the Lizabetta crew are not only racing against time, but a group of violent Mellaceans determined to murder Leander before he can make the sacrifice. As a result, Selly, Leander and the crew scholar Keegan are forced to band together to outrun the Mellaceans and safely deliver Leander to the Isle of the Gods. Together they face the deaths of their friends and a violent sea all while Selly desperately tries to learn and conquer her magic.
Kaufman has done a marvelous job in creating interesting and dimensional characters which readers get to meet through the differing perspectives with each chapter. Additionally the mix of royal intrigue, romance and magic-driven adventure is sure to keep YA readers on the edge of their seats.
Having read one of Kaufman’s other incredible books, The Other Side of the Sky, I had high expectations for this read and they were well and truly met. I highly recommend this book to high school fantasy lovers.
Reviewed by Olivia Sammut
