Scan barcode
gwinreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
aurorawinter's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
charlee_0's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.5
biblioamyy's review against another edition
3.0
A lovely quick read. It was slow to start off with, but it picked up the pace after 50 pages or so. A lovely story to be read by many.
v_dud's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
bigbeardedbookseller's review against another edition
5.0
In ‘The Girl of Ink & Stars’, Kiran creates a believable world inhabited by believable characters.
The story starts as though it is going to be historical fiction set on an island in an imaginary tropical ocean, but as it progresses the mystical side of the island and their inhabitants start to develop.
A convincing mythology develops as the book grows on you, gently and from under your skin, until you’re immersed in Isabella’s world. The magic feels real in the same way that Philip Pullman developed his magic in ‘His Dark Materials’, not overbearing and flashy but part of the world that you are reading about, normal.
The book is about Isabella’s journey to find her lost friend in a forbidden jungle, not only exploring the jungle but her islands past and coming to some fascinating discoveries.
Chicken House have again excelled in producing a beautiful product, with a wonderful cover by Helen Crawford-White, maps and small illustrations on each page, all which add to the reading experience.
The story starts as though it is going to be historical fiction set on an island in an imaginary tropical ocean, but as it progresses the mystical side of the island and their inhabitants start to develop.
A convincing mythology develops as the book grows on you, gently and from under your skin, until you’re immersed in Isabella’s world. The magic feels real in the same way that Philip Pullman developed his magic in ‘His Dark Materials’, not overbearing and flashy but part of the world that you are reading about, normal.
The book is about Isabella’s journey to find her lost friend in a forbidden jungle, not only exploring the jungle but her islands past and coming to some fascinating discoveries.
Chicken House have again excelled in producing a beautiful product, with a wonderful cover by Helen Crawford-White, maps and small illustrations on each page, all which add to the reading experience.
johanna_b's review against another edition
5.0
“Each of us carries the map of our lives on our skin, in the way we walk, even in the way we grow.”
Isabella dreams of a life away from her island and spends her days studying her Da's maps. When her best friend disappears Isa must journey into the heart of her island to save her. But when myth merges with reality she realizes that her quest has grown to much more that just saving her friend. Armed with ink, paper and her knowledge of the stars Isabella embarks on a journey that will ultimately decide the fate of her island.
I loved this book and think it is definately a new favorite. These kinds of books are usually the ones that end up surprising me, meaning you expect a simple story but instead get a masterpiece laced through with such emotion and just the right amount of magic. Isa is the perfect heroine, so determined and with such fierce love for her friends and family. I also liked how the author incorporated Isa's emotions, the good and the bad. Too often the main characters are almost too strong, always able to keep it together but with Isa I felt like she was right there with me and I was crying and laughing right along with her. I was a little skeptical of Lupe at first but by the end I loved her and her sacrafice was so heart-breaking. Pablo was such a great guy and I hope that he and Isabella continue to be friends for a long time. So many great themes of friendship, sacrafice, courage and reconcilliation. I highly reccomend this book and hope to read more from Kiran in the future.
Isabella dreams of a life away from her island and spends her days studying her Da's maps. When her best friend disappears Isa must journey into the heart of her island to save her. But when myth merges with reality she realizes that her quest has grown to much more that just saving her friend. Armed with ink, paper and her knowledge of the stars Isabella embarks on a journey that will ultimately decide the fate of her island.
I loved this book and think it is definately a new favorite. These kinds of books are usually the ones that end up surprising me, meaning you expect a simple story but instead get a masterpiece laced through with such emotion and just the right amount of magic. Isa is the perfect heroine, so determined and with such fierce love for her friends and family. I also liked how the author incorporated Isa's emotions, the good and the bad. Too often the main characters are almost too strong, always able to keep it together but with Isa I felt like she was right there with me and I was crying and laughing right along with her. I was a little skeptical of Lupe at first but by the end I loved her and her sacrafice was so heart-breaking. Pablo was such a great guy and I hope that he and Isabella continue to be friends for a long time. So many great themes of friendship, sacrafice, courage and reconcilliation. I highly reccomend this book and hope to read more from Kiran in the future.
skittyrreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'm gonna fucking kill myself this was so sad 😭😭. Beautifully written however and I loved the main character and the world building.
lori_h's review against another edition
5.0
Although this is a children's book, I'm in my late thirties and really enjoyed it. Read it in one sitting.