** DOUBLE NEWSFLASH!!! ** More congratulations in order – the author of this fabulous bbook has just won British Children’s Book of the Year at the #Nibbies Awards! Absolutely not surprised!

*NEWSFLASH!* Huge congratulations to Kiran Millwood Hargrave on being awarded the prize of overall winner of the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize 2017 last night.*

Isabella is a mapmaker’s daughter – ink flows through her veins.  But she’s forbidden to leave her village on the coast of Joya to explore the uncharted areas of the island.  But then a young girl is attacked in the orchard and Isabella’s best friend (and the cruel Governor’s daughter) goes missing.

Feeling responsible for her friend’s disappearance, Isabella is determined to lead the search party.  She’s also determined to explore the Forbidden Territories and map the areas her father wasn’t able to.  She soon discovers a secret hidden within her mother’s precious map which will guide her as she’s forced to navigate the deadly labyrinth hidden deep below the island where the mythical fire demon, Yote, is said to live.  The map, along with her knowledge of the stars and the brave Arinta, are the keys to her survival and the survival of the entire island.

When I started reading this book, I was immediately transported to a faraway and magical land.  Star-spun maps, myth and magic await anyone who joins Isa on her journey to save her friend and, ultimately, her whole community.

Kiran Millwood Hargrave has woven together  a gripping tale of friendship, magic and adventure which will hold its reader captivated til the very end.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who’s a fan of Katherine Rundell or Philip Pullman.

Thank you to Chicken House Books for sending me an advance copy to enjoy.

Library Girl.