Scan barcode
missprint_'s review against another edition
3.0
Twins Li-Jin and Seika are the princesses of the Hundred Islands of Himitsu. Li-Jin has been training at the Temple of the Sun to become an imperial guard and be able to protect her sister Seika who remains at the imperial palace studying under their father, the Emperor.
Li-Jin is thrilled when she completes her training and is able to go home so that she and Seika can spend their twelfth birthday together. But when Li-Jin and Alejan, her winged lion companion, arrive there isn't much time for a reunion.
Instead the girls soon find themselves embarking on the Emperor's Journey to travel across the islands of Himitsu to pay respect to the kingdom's dragon guardian and renew their dragon's bargain to protect the Hundred Islands.
Nothing on the journey goes right as Li-Jin and Seika encounter earthquakes, foreigners, and monstrous creatures during their travels. Despite their inexperience and doubts, both girls know that Himitsu is relying on them. As they get closer to finding the dragon they will have to rely on each other and trust their instincts to keep their people safe in Journey Across the Hidden Islands (2017) by Sarah Beth Durst.
Durst's latest middle grade novel is a standalone fantasy set in a richly imagined world filled with magical creatures and unexpected dangers.
Li-Jin and Seika are strong heroines who know their potential even if they sometimes fear too much responsibility has been set on their shoulders. The sisters have a rock solid bond and both bring numerous strengths to their adventure in Journey Across the Hidden Islands.
The Hundred Islands of Himitsu are vividly described both from the ground and above thanks to Li-Jin's travels on the back of Alejan when he is flying. This story is imbued with Japanese-inspired culture along with inventive world building including magical creatures, ancient tales, and dramatic buildings.
Li-Jin and Seika's relationship as sisters forms the center of this story as the girls work together to protect, and potentially forever change, their kingdom. Journey Across the Hidden Islands is a fast-paced adventure with not one but two engaging and clever heroines. Recommended for fans of girl power fantasies, inventive worlds, and journey stories.
Possible Pairings: The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine, Princess Academy by Shannon Hale, The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy, The Keeper Of the Mist by Rachel Neumeier, A Well-Timed Enchantment by Vivian Vande Velde, Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
*An advance copy of this title was provided for review consideration by the publisher*
Li-Jin is thrilled when she completes her training and is able to go home so that she and Seika can spend their twelfth birthday together. But when Li-Jin and Alejan, her winged lion companion, arrive there isn't much time for a reunion.
Instead the girls soon find themselves embarking on the Emperor's Journey to travel across the islands of Himitsu to pay respect to the kingdom's dragon guardian and renew their dragon's bargain to protect the Hundred Islands.
Nothing on the journey goes right as Li-Jin and Seika encounter earthquakes, foreigners, and monstrous creatures during their travels. Despite their inexperience and doubts, both girls know that Himitsu is relying on them. As they get closer to finding the dragon they will have to rely on each other and trust their instincts to keep their people safe in Journey Across the Hidden Islands (2017) by Sarah Beth Durst.
Durst's latest middle grade novel is a standalone fantasy set in a richly imagined world filled with magical creatures and unexpected dangers.
Li-Jin and Seika are strong heroines who know their potential even if they sometimes fear too much responsibility has been set on their shoulders. The sisters have a rock solid bond and both bring numerous strengths to their adventure in Journey Across the Hidden Islands.
The Hundred Islands of Himitsu are vividly described both from the ground and above thanks to Li-Jin's travels on the back of Alejan when he is flying. This story is imbued with Japanese-inspired culture along with inventive world building including magical creatures, ancient tales, and dramatic buildings.
Li-Jin and Seika's relationship as sisters forms the center of this story as the girls work together to protect, and potentially forever change, their kingdom. Journey Across the Hidden Islands is a fast-paced adventure with not one but two engaging and clever heroines. Recommended for fans of girl power fantasies, inventive worlds, and journey stories.
Possible Pairings: The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine, Princess Academy by Shannon Hale, The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy, The Keeper Of the Mist by Rachel Neumeier, A Well-Timed Enchantment by Vivian Vande Velde, Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
*An advance copy of this title was provided for review consideration by the publisher*
book_nut's review against another edition
4.0
It took a bit to get started but was charming in the end.
yapha's review against another edition
5.0
Ji-Lin has spent the past year training to be a warrior while her twin sister (who is older by 12 minutes) has been training to be the heir to the throne. This is the first time they have been apart, and both are eager to spend their twelfth birthday together. Little do they know that they are about to embark on the Emperor's Journey to renew the bargain with the dragon that keeps their chain of islands safe. Neither of them feels ready for this, but together with Ji-Lin's flying lion Alejan, they set off on the five day trip. Nothing goes as planned, however. There are monsters breaking through the barriers and earthquakes that are getting progressively worse. Will they be able to complete the journey and fulfill tradition? Everything depends on their success! This fantastic adventure will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
sean67's review against another edition
3.0
Another fantasy book with a journey motif and ideas flowing from there. Not too bad, but also pretty forgettable, in six months time, or less, it will be ah fantasy book, a journey and something something else.
finchwing's review against another edition
4.0
Actually 3.5 stars, but I rounded up. This was an interesting book, it had diverse characters but the storyline was a bit stereotypical.
nica2006's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable read with family, trust, and adventure. Also shows that things may not be as they seem.
jennybeastie's review against another edition
4.0
Fun princess fantasy adventure story -- set in an alt-Japan, with dragons, flying lions, and twin princesses -- 1 warrior, 1 heir to the throne. It's a fast-paced read, an interesting place, good magic and a message about sometimes having to let go of tradition or lose everything. Solid!
book_eater's review
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
maddyd51's review against another edition
4.0
{Many thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary eARC for review via NetGalley.}
How can anyone resist a book with a winged lion on the cover? To jump in an realize that lion had a great sense of humor was a real treat.
Sara Beth Durst's Journey Across the Hidden Islands is a solidly middle grade book (I've been having feelings about books being called Middle Grade that seemed more YA) about two twin sisters, who happen to be princesses, and who go on an epic adventure.
I really really love a story with young girls who are smart, brave, humble, and determined. The girls are entrusted with a great responsibility and they rise to the challenge. The world building here was outstanding, too, with a rich array of creatures scattered among islands hidden from the world.
If you or your young reader end up liking this novel as much as I did, check out Durst's The Girl Who Could Not Dream. When my 9-year old read it, she loved it!
How can anyone resist a book with a winged lion on the cover? To jump in an realize that lion had a great sense of humor was a real treat.
Sara Beth Durst's Journey Across the Hidden Islands is a solidly middle grade book (I've been having feelings about books being called Middle Grade that seemed more YA) about two twin sisters, who happen to be princesses, and who go on an epic adventure.
I really really love a story with young girls who are smart, brave, humble, and determined. The girls are entrusted with a great responsibility and they rise to the challenge. The world building here was outstanding, too, with a rich array of creatures scattered among islands hidden from the world.
If you or your young reader end up liking this novel as much as I did, check out Durst's The Girl Who Could Not Dream. When my 9-year old read it, she loved it!