The Isles of Gods, by Amie Kaufman - Kelly
I’m a big fan of the author’s previous YA books and looked forward to reading this one with great excitement. I can say that it more than lived up to the expectations- a beautifully crafted world, with intricate yet easily established magic and lore. An array of gods and myths shape the world, the lands divided in spirit by whom they follow.
Our main character Selly is a magician- or at least, she should be. But her magic has never awakened, so she spends her time aboard one of her fathers cargo ships, training to become a captain like him. Her regular seafaring life is interrupted, however, when she and her crew are roped into helping an undercover prince get to the mythical Isles of the Gods, their country’s fate in his hands.
But Selly soon has to face more than just her distaste for the smug prince when the ship is attacked by a mysterious foe who wishes to start an all out war that will awaken a sleeping, vengeful God and lay waste to the world. Selly, the prince, and a very annoyed scholar must band together, outwit their pursuers, and get to the isles before the world they know falls apart in a blaze of blood and fire.
I was itching to get the next book the moment I finished this. Amie Kaufman is a stellar writer, with a great ability to blend humour and heavy storytelling into a compelling narrative that’ll have you wanting more. Complex villains, intriguing heroes, and powerful Gods will fight for your attention as the story opens up - who will reach the fabled islands first, and will it be enough to save the day?
If you haven’t read the previous series’ she’s written alongside Jay Kristoff, I highly recommend you do. Her style handles heavy themes very naturally, and it isn’t too overwhelming to understand.
I loved this book, I think you will too!
Kelly
