The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave |

The Girl of Ink and Stars

Author: Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Genre: MG, Fantasy

Publisher: Chicken House

Publication Date: May 5th 2016

Format: Paperback (228 pages)

Goodreads: Author Book

Synopsis:

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: ★★★★★

The Girl of Ink and Stars is one of those rare treasures that is as gorgeous on the inside as it is on the outside. After initially eyeing this up as a cover buy and then hearing nothing but incredible things about this book I finally jumped straight in and I loved every second.

This book is absolutely gorgeous from beginning to end. Set in a beautifully imagined parallel world, The Girl of Ink and Stars is Isa’s tale. She is such a strong and fierce character and I’m sure that she will be an inspiration to many young girls. This is truly a tale of strength and love whether it be family or friends both of these themes run throughout this book.

The writing is gorgeous and I loved how magical and mystical the world was whilst remaining firmly rooted in our world. I loved the mythology behind the story and how everything unfolded. The added magical realism elements were also really engaging for me.

This is definitely a book that younger readers will be captivated by but there is plenty to like about this magical tale for people of all ages.

I also just need to take a moment to acknowledge that as well as an incredibly gorgeous cover the inside pages of this book are also all beautifully decorated with small illustrations and maps for each part of the book. It’s a masterpiece in every sense.

The Girl of Ink and Stars is a beautiful adventure in a vibrant world with wonderfully imagined characters. A new kind of fairy tale.