Journey Across The Hidden Islands

by Sarah Beth Durst

Overview

The traditional Emperor’s Journey is meant to be uneventful. But as the princesses Seika and Ji-Lin—twin sisters—travel to pay respects to their kingdom’s dragon guardian, unexpected monsters appear and tremors shake the earth. The Hidden Islands face unprecedented threats, and the old rituals are failing. With only their strength, ingenuity, and flying lion to rely on, can the sisters find a new way to keep their people safe?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780544706798
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	04/04/2017
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 7.60(h) x 1.40(d)
Lexile:	640L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 12 Years

About the Author

Sarah Beth Durst is the author of fantasy novels for children, teens, and adults. Winner of the Mythopoeic Award and an ALA Alex Award and thrice nominated for the Andre Norton Award for YA Science Fiction and Fantasy, she lives in New York. www.sarahbethdurst.com, Twitter: @sarahbethdurst.

Editorial Reviews

"The writing is accessible, and even reluctant readers will find the characters relatable and the tale engrossing."  —SLJ "The solidarity the sisters find in each other and the consistent way they choose to put the other before themselves is a refreshing feature of the story. Fans of fantasy adventures starring stalwart teams of loyal siblings will appreciate this, too."—Booklist "An enjoyable coming-of-age fantasy-adventure that also showcases the deep bond between sisters."—Kirkus Praise for Sarah Beth Durst’s The Girl Who Could Not Dream “A fun, fast read with broad appeal.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review  “Funny, warm, and highly imaginative.”—Kirkus, Starred Review “A perfect combination of adventure, humor, and pure imagination, seasoned with a dash of creepiness!”—Jessica Day George, New York Times bestselling author of the Tuesdays at the Castle series “Funny, scary, and endlessly inventive.”—Bruce Coville, author of Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher —

From the Publisher

06/01/2017
Gr 4–6—Twin sisters Ji-Lin and Seika have been training for two very different roles, which they will assume on their 12th birthday. Ji-Lin has trained as a protector/warrior, and Seika is preparing to be the future ruler of the land currently led by her father, the emperor. As in any good fantasy novel, there is a dragon. In this story, the dragon is a guardian of the kingdom, to whom homage must be paid on a regular basis. When the girls are reunited after a year's time, they must embark upon a journey to pay tribute to the kingdom's dragon guardian. The sisters run into many obstacles and conflicts along the way. The author does a skillful job of world-building early on. Vivid descriptions and spot-on dialogue help pull readers into the action. The ancillary characters are also enjoyable and move the story forward. These include key players Alejan, a winged lion, and Kirro, a boy the sisters meet along the way. Readers will enjoy figuring out whether Kirro is friend or foe. The writing is accessible, and even reluctant readers will find the characters relatable and the tale engrossing. VERDICT An additional purchase for collections in need of fantasy for tweens.—Shannan Hicks, J.S. Clark Elementary School Library, LA

School Library Journal

2017-01-17
Two princesses conquer self-doubt and learn to trust in each other in order to save their people and the only way of life they know. Princesses Seika and Ji-Lin, twin daughters of Emperor Yu-Senbi of Himitsu, have been best friends since birth. However, when they turn 11, first-born Seika remains at the palace to be groomed as heir apparent, and Ji-Lin is sent to the Temple of the Sun to train to become an imperial guard and her sister's protector. While Jin-Li learns to wield a sword and mount her winged-lion companion, Seika is taught how to follow rituals. Much to their surprise, Seika and Ji-Lin are sent on the Emperor's Journey on their 12th birthday. Per tradition, the Emperor's heir from every generation journeys to the volcanic island of Kazan to renew the bargain with the dragon of Himitsu, who maintains the magical barrier protecting the Hundred Islands of Himitsu. Seika and Ji-Lin soon realize the barrier is failing. When they finally reach their destination and learn tradition has been upended, Seika and Ji-Lin must trust their gut instincts and define for themselves what it means to be a hero. Durst's attempts to create an Asian-inflected fantasy world are a little contrived, but her imaginative, fast-paced adventure story will keep readers turning the pages. An enjoyable coming-of-age fantasy-adventure that also showcases the deep bond between sisters. (Fantasy. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews