Author: Kiran Millweed Hargrave
Published by: Chicken House
Publication date: May 5th 2016
Format: Paperback
Source: Own copy (Amazon)
I was so excited to read this one.
I was hoping for magic and adventure, myths and legends, friendship and bravery.
And while a did get all of that (ish), there just wasn't enough of it.
Not enough magic by far.
I understand that this was kind of a magical-realism novel, but apparently that genre is just not for me.
They always leave me wanting so much more.
The plot was intriguing but ended up being a bit dull unfortunately.
We follow Isabella as she embarks on a dangerous journey to find her friend.
She travels through unknown territories, getting attacked by strange creatures and eventually finds out that the whole island is in danger of being destroyed.
I LOVED the idea of an ancient fire demon living under the island and how the stories and myths that Isabella loved so much seemed to be coming true.
But it fell flat.
(I hate the 'realism' part of magical-realism!)
I did enjoy the friendship between Isabella and Lupe though.
I thought it was sweet and fierce and they were just so lovely together!
And I'm glad there wasn't any romance featured in this story. I panicked that it would be for a second there, but it's all clear! *phew*
I also really enjoyed the cartography - the information given about it, the stories that were told, the design of the pages which featured beautiful cartography illustrations throughout, and both of the maps at the beginning and end of the book.
This book really is very pretty.
Cartography has always facinated me, so it was nice to see it featured in a book.
Unfortunately, I just felt like this book was lacking that special something.
It didn't ever grab me.
Some parts dragged.
It shouldn't have been as dull as it was.
I wanted more!
I know what you mean...some books should just be magical through and through. Although the maps and map-inspired illustrations in this one sound awesome. I might pick up the book just to see those. :)
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