Selly's first concerns are wonderfully concrete. She has errands to finish, a captain whose demands frustrate her and a father she is determined to reach. In the published opening of The Isles of the Gods, she is also buying magical supplies while hiding the magician's marks on her own hands. The world is strange; her impatience with being kept from the life she wants is easy to recognize.
Amie Kaufman lets the larger trouble enter through the ordinary business of a port. Prices are changing, supplies are scarce and people ask sailors whether war is coming. Meanwhile, a royal flotilla is decorated for festivities. Selly notices the distance between those two experiences. That gives her irritation with privilege some substance before the prince's voyage draws her into the danger herself.
We picked this novel because it offers a personal way into a large fantasy conflict. Selly already has a purpose of her own when Prince Leander's need to cross the sea takes over her plans. Readers who enjoy a reluctant alliance can begin with that friction: whose journey matters, who gets to decide, and what happens when neither person can afford to walk away?
The story combines a sea voyage, magic, romance and the threat of waking gods. It is the first half of a duology, followed by The Heart of the World, so readers have a clear next book if they want to continue. We recommend it particularly to young adult fantasy readers who like a sharp-voiced heroine and an adventure that grows out of competing loyalties. Selly's own unfinished business is a good reason to step aboard.
Selection note based on the publisher's opening excerpt, official book information and the author's catalog.
Read the publisher's opening excerpt ↗ · Author's book page ↗
