Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slow start, but magical high-seas action worth the wait.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THE ISLES OF THE GODS, Selly is beyond disappointed when her father doesn't arrive on his ship to whisk her away from the stern Captain Rensa. So she tries to take matters into her own hands and stow away on another ship headed north in order to find him. Only problem is that part of the port is blocked by a huge royal fleet ready to escort Prince Leander on a diplomatic mission. As she sneaks around the many giddy royal revelers and stern Queensguard to find a safe way to her stowaway ship, she runs into a boy about her age and takes out her frustration on him. Why are the royals having so much fun when all the ports are talking about the war that's coming? And why are they sending a useless partying prince on such an important trip? Selly's plans immediately go awry when she sneaks back to Captain Rensa's ship to get her things. They are leaving immediately in the cover of darkness on a secret mission to the Isles of the Gods. Now there's no escape for her, and worse, they need to deliver Prince Leander there -- his royal fleet is only cover. That's when Selly discovers that the partying prince she loathes is the very same boy she yelled at on the docks.
Is It Any Good?
While this seafaring tale is slow to launch, fantasy fans will be rewarded for their patience with a fantastic mix of suspenseful action, sweet romance, and curious magic. You can blame the slow launch on the five narrators. There's Selly the no-nonsense sailor; Leander, the preening prince; Keegan, the bookworm with secrets; Jude, the disgraced noble in exile with his ailing mother; and Laskia, the scrappy little sister of a gang leader desperate to prove herself. Everyone gets their say long before a boat launches and the chase to the Isles of the Gods begins.
But when the sails are hoisted high and the chases are finally underway, the juggled narration turns into the right choice. Seeing Laskia's every ruthless leave-no-survivors decision from her perspective adds to the tension and to the climactic action at the end. Hearing Selly lament over all her failings, both magical and romantic, makes her successes so much sweeter. Then there's Leander, whose eyes open to what he is capable of as a powerful magician and just how much burden is really on his shoulders; he's a useless prince no more. Jude's and Keegan's voices are vital, too, and it's easy to see that more is in store for both of them in Book 2. No doubt, with the suspenseful, action-packed, and surprising ending of The Isles of the Gods, readers who stick out a slow start will be clamoring for the sequel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the magic in The Isles of the Gods. How is it different from other books with elemental magic? What does Leander do to invoke the elements? Why is it so hard for Selly to access her magic?
There are five main narrators in this story: Selly, Leander, Jude, Keegan, and Laskia. What does each add to the story? Could you have enjoyed the book without one or more of these perspectives? What would be missing then?
What do you think is next for the main characters? What about the gods and the countries that worship them?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , Pirates
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : May 2, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 464
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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