A review by yapha
Journey Across the Hidden Islands by Sarah Beth Durst

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.