Review: The Girl of Ink & Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella Riosse dreams of the faraway lands her father once mapped.

When her closest friend disappears into the island’s Forgotten Territories, she volunteers to guide the search. As a cartographer’s daughter, she’s equipped with elaborate ink maps and knowledge of the stars, and is eager to navigate the island’s forgotten heart.

But the world beyond the walls is a monster-filled wasteland – and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a legendary 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.

My rating:

★★★★★

You know those rare books you absolutely have pick up in a bookshop, the ones that catch your eye from across the store because you can feel the magic inside the pages? That’s The Girl of Ink & Stars, the incredible WCBP winning debut from Kiran Millwood Hargrave. it’s the book I wish I had when I was a child. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. The cover is absolutely gorgeous, I mean, just look at it! Helen Crawford-White did such an amazing job of capturing the essence of the book. I wish you could buy posters, I love it that much. There is also a map of… in the front, anyone who knows me knows how much I love bookish maps.

The story follows Isabella, the daughter of a cartographer, who longs to explore and map areas of the island that are forbidden. When the body of a girl is found in the apple orchard, and her friend, Jupe, the commander’s daughter goes missing after crossing the wall into forbidden terrain. Isabella journeys through forgotten parts of the Island equipped with her parents maps and stories of ancient legend about the fire demon, Yote (which may, or may not be true), to find her friend.

There is so much to love about this book, from the world to the characters. Isabella is such a relatable character. She’s flawed, makes selfish decisions, but who doesn’t? The plot development is incredibly well written. Kiran’s writing style is beautiful, instantly transporting you to Joya, you struggle to walk away once you’ve finished. I don’t want to give too much away, you won’t regret reading it, trust me.

Published by: Chicken House Ltd (U.K.)
Pub date: 05/05/16
Pages: 228

Buy from: Waterstones Book Depository

Have you read The Girl of Ink & Stars? Let me know what you thought in the comments!