Island of Whispers by Francis Hardinge illustrated by Emily Gravett

Pages: 120 

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books 

Released: 21st of September 2023 

The award-winning, bestselling Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravett unite for the first time to conjure up a thrilling fairy tale of ghosts and magic, highly illustrated throughout with a luscious blue ink.

On the island of Merlank, the Dead must not be allowed to linger. The very sight of their ghosts can kill you. When young Milo is thrust into the role of Ferryman following his father’s sudden death, he is the one who must carry away the Dead.

Pursued by a vengeful lord and two malignant magicians, Milo must navigate strange and perilous seas where untold threats whisper in the mist. Does he have the courage and imagination to complete his urgent mission?

From the Costa Book Award-winning Frances Hardinge, author of The Lie Tree and Unraveller, with spectacular illustrations from double Kate Greenaway Medal winner Emily Gravett, this riveting coming-of-age tale will sweep you away on an unforgettable journey.

Island of Whispers is a beautiful hardback glittering all over with shining silver moths, making the most exquisite gift for anybody who loves mysterious fantasy worlds, and for fans of Neil Gaiman and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

What I Have to Say 

With Francis Hardinge's fantastic writing and imagination combined with gorgeous illustrations by Emily Gravett, this book was an utter joy to read. It was really nice to have a short read that I could just sink into for a hour. 

The story was really sweet for a ghost story. I loved Milo's interaction with the ghosts and how he put his own stamp on the ferryman's job. He showed kindness and compassion and those are qualities I always love to see in a character. I loved how it was his journey to become ferryman as well as a journey full of danger and high stakes. 

I have to say again how great the illustrations were. They really brought Hardinge's work to life. I especially liked the illustrations of the moths, though there was one bit I would have loved to see illustrated that wasn't. 

 

4 stars 

My thanks go to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Books for providing me with this gifted copy for review. 

The Pavee and the Buffer Girl

Synopsis (from Goodreads) 

Pages: 112

Publisher: The Bucket List 

Released: 2nd of March 2017 

Jim and his family have halted by Dundray and the education people have been round mouthing the law. In school the Traveller kids suffer at the hands of teachers and other pupils alike, called 'tinker-stinkers', 'dirty gyps' and worse. Then the punches start. The only friendly face is Kit, a settled girl who takes Jim under her wing and teaches him to read in the great cathedral chamber of the cave below the town. With Kit and the reading, Jim seems to have found a way to exist in Dundray, but everyday prejudice and a shocking act of violence see his life uprooted

What I Have to Say 

This is a very important story about the treatment of travelers and way that friendship and romance can make just one boys life just a tiny bit better, even if only for a short while. 

The story was simple. Though the changes between scenes were sometimes a bit a sudden, so it was a little abrupt, I found it interesting. There was a lot of slurs and violence against the travelers, which was to be expected, but did make me feel a bit uncomfortable. The fact that they're treated so badly is something we don't think about. I don't know how it is these days, I hope it's at least a bit better, but I feel it's probably only a little improved. 

The illustrations by Emma Shoard were well done and very effective. They sorted the story really well, but they're not the sort of artwork I particularly like. She really captured the scenes well though, so they were good to see. 

This story is well worth reading, though it is quite hard hitting. 

My thanks go to Nina Douglas and The Bucket List for providing me with this copy for review.