CHILDREN’S
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Island Of Whispers by Frances Hardinge Illustrated by Emily Gravett (Two Hoots £14.99, 120pp)
Island Of Whispers
by Frances Hardinge Illustrated by Emily Gravett (Two Hoots £14.99, 120pp)
Hardinge is an extraordinary writer for teenagers so don’t be misled by the extended picture book format — this powerful, multi-layered gothic fantasy exploring death, grief, destiny and identity isn’t for toddlers.
Milo’s father is The Ferryman who carries souls of the dead to Broken Tower island before the ghouls wreak havoc.
But after his father is killed, Milo assumes the role and must transport the daughter of a distraught nobleman who refuses to accept her death and wants to reclaim her.
Pursued by him and his magicians, Milo faces chilling, supernatural danger but must fulfil his task to save her spirit. Atmospheric illustrations add to the ghostly drama. Age 12+.
Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis (Simon & Schuster £8.99, 384pp)
Thieves’ Gambit
by Kayvion Lewis (Simon & Schuster £8.99, 384pp)
Strap in for the ride with this twisty, fast-paced heist that’s part elimination game show and part Ocean’s Eleven.
Seventeen-year-old Rosalyn Quest is a super-thief, raised by her equally talented mother to trust no one. But when her mother is kidnapped, Ross accepts an invitation to enter the secretive Thieves’ Gambit competition, where the victor has one wish granted — Ross could save her mum.
But all other competitors are equally driven and after each task the weakest one will leave.
Should Ross team up with someone or go it alone? Can you actually trust anyone? Terrific fun with great characters, edge-of-the seat tension and a sequel and movie planned. Age 14+.
Finding Bear by Hannah Gold (Harper Collins £12.99, 352pp)
Finding Bear
by Hannah Gold (Harper Collins £12.99, 352pp)
In this sequel to Gold’s award-winning The Last Bear, a year has passed since April rescued a polar bear in the Arctic and she and her widowed scientist Dad are back home. But when she receives a message that Bear has been shot, she persuades her father to fly them back to search for him.
In a dramatic and dangerous quest, April’s spiritual connection to the wild animal overcomes all obstacles, and Bear’s need to protect his motherless cub mirrors April’s own relationship with her father.
Stunningly illustrated, this touching environmental story of surviving and thriving is both scientifically accurate and magically inspiring. Age 8+.
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