Journey Across the Hidden Islands

February 1, 2017
Two princesses conquer self-doubt and learn to trust in each other in order to save their people and the only way of life they know. Princesses Seika and Ji-Lin, twin daughters of Emperor Yu-Senbi of Himitsu, have been best friends since birth. However, when they turn 11, first-born Seika remains at the palace to be groomed as heir apparent, and Ji-Lin is sent to the Temple of the Sun to train to become an imperial guard and her sister's protector. While Jin-Li learns to wield a sword and mount her winged-lion companion, Seika is taught how to follow rituals. Much to their surprise, Seika and Ji-Lin are sent on the Emperor's Journey on their 12th birthday. Per tradition, the Emperor's heir from every generation journeys to the volcanic island of Kazan to renew the bargain with the dragon of Himitsu, who maintains the magical barrier protecting the Hundred Islands of Himitsu. Seika and Ji-Lin soon realize the barrier is failing. When they finally reach their destination and learn tradition has been upended, Seika and Ji-Lin must trust their gut instincts and define for themselves what it means to be a hero. Durst's attempts to create an Asian-inflected fantasy world are a little contrived, but her imaginative, fast-paced adventure story will keep readers turning the pages. An enjoyable coming-of-age fantasy-adventure that also showcases the deep bond between sisters. (Fantasy. 10-14)

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June 1, 2017

Gr 4-6-Twin sisters Ji-Lin and Seika have been training for two very different roles, which they will assume on their 12th birthday. Ji-Lin has trained as a protector/warrior, and Seika is preparing to be the future ruler of the land currently led by her father, the emperor. As in any good fantasy novel, there is a dragon. In this story, the dragon is a guardian of the kingdom, to whom homage must be paid on a regular basis. When the girls are reunited after a year's time, they must embark upon a journey to pay tribute to the kingdom's dragon guardian. The sisters run into many obstacles and conflicts along the way. The author does a skillful job of world-building early on. Vivid descriptions and spot-on dialogue help pull readers into the action. The ancillary characters are also enjoyable and move the story forward. These include key players Alejan, a winged lion, and Kirro, a boy the sisters meet along the way. Readers will enjoy figuring out whether Kirro is friend or foe. The writing is accessible, and even reluctant readers will find the characters relatable and the tale engrossing. VERDICT An additional purchase for collections in need of fantasy for tweens.-Shannan Hicks, J.S. Clark Elementary School Library, LA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2017
Grades 4-7 Twin princesses Seika and Ji-Lin embark on a journey that's been a ritual in their kingdom for ages, but while they're expecting a routine trip, unexpected danger arrives, and their skills are put to the test. Since Seika is the heir to the emperor's throne, Ji-Lin is charged to be her warrior, and on the Emperor's Journey, they fly by winged lion to meet the mighty dragon that keeps their people safe from monsters of the outside world. This engaging adventure, somewhat inspired by a mish-mash of Asian themes and traditions, does a great job of showing both girls' perspectives as they face challenges and setbacks. Durst makes sure to emphasize that, despite their different roles and personal feelings of inadequacy at the beginning of the story, Seika and Ji-Lin are unwaveringly in awe of each other. The solidarity the sisters find in each other and the consistent way they choose to put the other before themselves is a refreshing feature of the story. Fans of fantasy adventures starring stalwart teams of loyal siblings will appreciate this, too.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2018
Twin princesses travel through enchanted forests to reach a sacred place, and their trusty winged lion helps them navigate through the treetops. As they encounter abandoned villages and adversaries, they realize their ritual journey--and its destination--are not what they thought. The pair's funny banter makes the imaginative story memorable.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)