Synopsis
Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella dreams of the faraway lands her cartographer father once mapped. When her friend disappears, she volunteers to guide the search. The world beyond the walls is a monster-filled wasteland – and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Soon, following her map, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself.
I will start by saying this is a middle grade book and I don’t often read in this genre. However I enjoyed this book. It is a quick easy read. The premise of the story is great. Isabella and Lupe are both great characters. They are both brace and strong in their own way but what I really like is that they are not fearless. You see that they are frightened which makes their acts of bravery even more heroic. I loved the elements of mythology and the way the magic and real word are mixed together to make you question if it is real.
The book is beautifully illustrated which I feel adds to the story. I especially like the maps at the front and back of the book which is an important map in the story.
My only fault is there wasn’t much world building and parts of the book felt like bits of information was missed that the reader should know.
I give this book four out of five. (Five out of five for the illustrations)
W.R.L Morris-Author 