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stacyroth's review against another edition
5.0
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
Princesses Seika and Ji-Lin are training to become the next empress and her guard. On their 12th birthday, their father tells them that it is time for them to make the traditional Emperor’s Journey, where they will renew the bargain with the dragon that keeps their islands safe. As they make their journey, the princesses discover unexpected monsters and other perils in their way. Will the princesses be able to complete their journey and protect their people?
This was an enchanting tale, and I would love to be able to visit Himitsu and see all of the magical animals they have (except the koji!). The princesses understandably felt unready for their journey but were able to see what they were made of through necessity. I highly recommend this book for middle grade readers and think it will also appeal to many older readers, too – this is definitely a book I could see parents and children reading together and enjoying.
Princesses Seika and Ji-Lin are training to become the next empress and her guard. On their 12th birthday, their father tells them that it is time for them to make the traditional Emperor’s Journey, where they will renew the bargain with the dragon that keeps their islands safe. As they make their journey, the princesses discover unexpected monsters and other perils in their way. Will the princesses be able to complete their journey and protect their people?
This was an enchanting tale, and I would love to be able to visit Himitsu and see all of the magical animals they have (except the koji!). The princesses understandably felt unready for their journey but were able to see what they were made of through necessity. I highly recommend this book for middle grade readers and think it will also appeal to many older readers, too – this is definitely a book I could see parents and children reading together and enjoying.
g8girl's review against another edition
3.0
Journey Across the Hidden Islands by Sarah Beth Durst
***3***
Journey is the story of two sisters who must complete a traditional quest to re bargain with the Dragon that has protected them and their islands for two hundred years. The premise behind this book was very intriguing, and the book started out pretty strongly. Unfortunately for me it fell flat. I'm hit or miss with Ms Durst and this one was a miss. There was a very large portion of the book that was just too repetitive for me. The stories within the story were lovely and very well done, and I liked Alejan, Seika and Ji-Lin well enough, but it wasn't enough to wow me like some of her other books. I'm disappointed, as I really thought I would like this one.
***3***
Journey is the story of two sisters who must complete a traditional quest to re bargain with the Dragon that has protected them and their islands for two hundred years. The premise behind this book was very intriguing, and the book started out pretty strongly. Unfortunately for me it fell flat. I'm hit or miss with Ms Durst and this one was a miss. There was a very large portion of the book that was just too repetitive for me. The stories within the story were lovely and very well done, and I liked Alejan, Seika and Ji-Lin well enough, but it wasn't enough to wow me like some of her other books. I'm disappointed, as I really thought I would like this one.
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