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The Whispering World: Book 2 - An epic magical fantasy adventure
For 400 years magic was fading. Two extraordinary twins have changed everything. Now magic is back, but it's out of control. . . Discover the extraordinary world of Artezans, by acclaimed middle-grade author, L.D. Lapinski.
Praise for the Artezans
'A stupendous, witty, humane fantasy. . . an inventive, compelling world and characters I would die for. LD Lapinski is a genius!' Louie Stowell, author of ' A Bad God's Guide' series
Twins Elodie and Edward Crane are Artezans, inheritors of strange and powerful magic. After surviving an epic battle with The Sandman, the twins are now shipwrecked on a mysterious island with storms raging around them. The islanders are welcoming, but troubled new friend, Laurie, knows more than they are willing to tell. And Elodie is haunted by ominous whispers that are growing ever louder.
As magic spirals into chaos, it's time for Ed and Elodie to face their destiny as they seek the lost Artezan Masters . . .
Praise for the Artezans
'A stupendous, witty, humane fantasy. . . an inventive, compelling world and characters I would die for. LD Lapinski is a genius!' Louie Stowell, author of ' A Bad God's Guide' series
Twins Elodie and Edward Crane are Artezans, inheritors of strange and powerful magic. After surviving an epic battle with The Sandman, the twins are now shipwrecked on a mysterious island with storms raging around them. The islanders are welcoming, but troubled new friend, Laurie, knows more than they are willing to tell. And Elodie is haunted by ominous whispers that are growing ever louder.
As magic spirals into chaos, it's time for Ed and Elodie to face their destiny as they seek the lost Artezan Masters . . .
- GenresFantasyMiddle GradeQueer
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2025
3 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
L.D. Lapinski
17 books207 followersL. D. Lapinski is the best-selling author of JAMIE, Stepfather Christmas, and The Strangeworlds Travel Agency series, including Adventure in the Floating Mountains, which was a 2023 World Book Day title. JAMIE was nominated for the 2024 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing.
L. D's new middle-grade fantasy series ARTEZANS launches in February 2024 with the first book Artezans: The Forgotten Magic.
L. D.'s books are published around the world in fifteen languages, and each book in the Strangeworlds trilogy has been awarded a Kirkus star - one of the most coveted designations in the book industry,
marking books of exceptional merit.
L. D. Lapinski lives just outside Sherwood Forest with their family, a lot of books, and a cat called Hector. L. D. first wrote a book aged seven; it was made of lined paper and sellotape, and it was about a frog who owned an aeroplane. When L. D. grows up, they want to be a free-range guinea pig farmer.
L. D.'s literary agent is Claire Wilson at Rogers, Coleridge and White Literary Agency. For Film / TV, contact Emily Hayward Whitlock.
Twitter / Instagram / TikTok: @ldlapinski
L. D's new middle-grade fantasy series ARTEZANS launches in February 2024 with the first book Artezans: The Forgotten Magic.
L. D.'s books are published around the world in fifteen languages, and each book in the Strangeworlds trilogy has been awarded a Kirkus star - one of the most coveted designations in the book industry,
marking books of exceptional merit.
L. D. Lapinski lives just outside Sherwood Forest with their family, a lot of books, and a cat called Hector. L. D. first wrote a book aged seven; it was made of lined paper and sellotape, and it was about a frog who owned an aeroplane. When L. D. grows up, they want to be a free-range guinea pig farmer.
L. D.'s literary agent is Claire Wilson at Rogers, Coleridge and White Literary Agency. For Film / TV, contact Emily Hayward Whitlock.
Twitter / Instagram / TikTok: @ldlapinski
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 15, 2025
I love this series.
I really enjoyed returning to the world of the Artezans.
We catch up with the Cranes as they head off to Norway in search of the missing Artezan Masters. Catastrophe strikes and the family find themselves shipwrecked on the Eilan Dìomhair, an uncharted island and refuge to Artezans since the Trials in the 1600s. The Cranes initially feel lucky and cared for by the islanders. However, as time passes, the storm around the island continues to rage, and rescue remains impossible, it becomes obvious that all is not well on the island.
The island setting, complete with swirling tempest, ensures a claustrophobic, uncanny atmosphere. The unsettling feeling grows incrementally through small revelations about island life and strange interactions with the inhabitants. Is this just how life is in a remote community? Or, are Elodie’s instincts correct? Are the whispers she is hearing a warning, or a threat?
This sequel is packed with peril and action from the off, building into the most fantastic crescendo, with unexpected moments that even the most powerful Artezan could not have anticipated. Suffice to say, I’m still in a state of shock after that ending! Lapinski does a great job of recapping the story without retreading huge amounts of detail and the characters develop in interesting ways through the story as they try to establish who they can trust on the island.
I really enjoyed returning to the world of the Artezans.
We catch up with the Cranes as they head off to Norway in search of the missing Artezan Masters. Catastrophe strikes and the family find themselves shipwrecked on the Eilan Dìomhair, an uncharted island and refuge to Artezans since the Trials in the 1600s. The Cranes initially feel lucky and cared for by the islanders. However, as time passes, the storm around the island continues to rage, and rescue remains impossible, it becomes obvious that all is not well on the island.
The island setting, complete with swirling tempest, ensures a claustrophobic, uncanny atmosphere. The unsettling feeling grows incrementally through small revelations about island life and strange interactions with the inhabitants. Is this just how life is in a remote community? Or, are Elodie’s instincts correct? Are the whispers she is hearing a warning, or a threat?
This sequel is packed with peril and action from the off, building into the most fantastic crescendo, with unexpected moments that even the most powerful Artezan could not have anticipated. Suffice to say, I’m still in a state of shock after that ending! Lapinski does a great job of recapping the story without retreading huge amounts of detail and the characters develop in interesting ways through the story as they try to establish who they can trust on the island.
January 27, 2025
Scream.
I am shook.
Longer review to come.
I am shook.
Longer review to come.
April 26, 2025
The opening of this novel made my cry. That is as upfront as I can be without giving too much away, but if I would’ve been reading a physical copy, I would’ve been upset with myself for tear-staining the pages so quickly. This is one of many examples within the novel showcasing Lapinski’s exceptional talent for packing a punch with words. I don’t think I’ve read a book in a long time that had me in tears that fast.
The Crane twins continue to sparkle in their magical way throughout The Whispering World. Elodie gets to shine this time round as the lead protagonist in the novel, after Ed’s turn last time, and this was a genius move. The Crane twins are so distinctly different that it’s intriguing to see an entirely different perspective of the world we fell in love with in The Forgotten Magic. I enjoyed this take and I’m invested in both of them wholeheartedly because they’re one of the most realistic sets of twins out there on the children’s fiction market.
Laurie is a wondrous addition to this cast of characters, and I think they are one readers are going to love. Their light in what, at times, can be quite a dark story, radiates endlessly and I’m excited to see where their journey takes them should their adventure coincide with the twins in Book 3 (Again, this is a no spoiler review). They remind me of a lot of people in my life growing up, who unfortunately felt restricted by the beliefs of others, but still managing to be a positive influence on everyone around them, so I loved them instantly.
The plot of this novel really does take you on an emotional journey. I was especially prepared as I reread The Forgotten Magic immediately before (something I would recommend to anyone planning on reading The Whispering World), and I have to hold my hands up and say it still wasn’t enough preparation! I cheered, I cried, I screamed, I laughed, I clapped (yes, out loud), and at one point had a touch of motion sickness. This read will have you on the edge of your seats, but don’t worry, there are a couple slower paced moments too to add to the ebb and flow and allow reader recovery. All in all, The Whispering World is an adventure I’d recommend everyone take!
L.D. Lapinski has crafted a perfect sequel and one that I’m sure will have new and returning readers engrossed. As the first sequel I’ve read this year, if The Whispering World is setting the precedent then the bar is incredibly high! While you head on to your preferred bookseller to pre-order a copy, I’m off to check there’s no little red boxes lying around… (In the words of River Songs, ‘Spoilers’)
The Crane twins continue to sparkle in their magical way throughout The Whispering World. Elodie gets to shine this time round as the lead protagonist in the novel, after Ed’s turn last time, and this was a genius move. The Crane twins are so distinctly different that it’s intriguing to see an entirely different perspective of the world we fell in love with in The Forgotten Magic. I enjoyed this take and I’m invested in both of them wholeheartedly because they’re one of the most realistic sets of twins out there on the children’s fiction market.
Laurie is a wondrous addition to this cast of characters, and I think they are one readers are going to love. Their light in what, at times, can be quite a dark story, radiates endlessly and I’m excited to see where their journey takes them should their adventure coincide with the twins in Book 3 (Again, this is a no spoiler review). They remind me of a lot of people in my life growing up, who unfortunately felt restricted by the beliefs of others, but still managing to be a positive influence on everyone around them, so I loved them instantly.
The plot of this novel really does take you on an emotional journey. I was especially prepared as I reread The Forgotten Magic immediately before (something I would recommend to anyone planning on reading The Whispering World), and I have to hold my hands up and say it still wasn’t enough preparation! I cheered, I cried, I screamed, I laughed, I clapped (yes, out loud), and at one point had a touch of motion sickness. This read will have you on the edge of your seats, but don’t worry, there are a couple slower paced moments too to add to the ebb and flow and allow reader recovery. All in all, The Whispering World is an adventure I’d recommend everyone take!
L.D. Lapinski has crafted a perfect sequel and one that I’m sure will have new and returning readers engrossed. As the first sequel I’ve read this year, if The Whispering World is setting the precedent then the bar is incredibly high! While you head on to your preferred bookseller to pre-order a copy, I’m off to check there’s no little red boxes lying around… (In the words of River Songs, ‘Spoilers’)
January 13, 2025
Back with Ed and Elodie, into the world of Artezans and an ambitious quest to to save Artezan magic.
This one was absolutely filled with excitement, drama and high stakes action. The more I read, the more I got sucked in and it was such a compelling story.
I love these characters and there is always great representation in L.D Lapinski’s books. By the end I was left reeling at the events that had taken place and by goood, it’s set itself up to be one fab and epic conclusion in the next book. There is so much at stake and so much to fight for, I can’t wait.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
This one was absolutely filled with excitement, drama and high stakes action. The more I read, the more I got sucked in and it was such a compelling story.
I love these characters and there is always great representation in L.D Lapinski’s books. By the end I was left reeling at the events that had taken place and by goood, it’s set itself up to be one fab and epic conclusion in the next book. There is so much at stake and so much to fight for, I can’t wait.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
February 25, 2025
Very lucky to be part of a book loop for this.
This was just incredible. So so much that I want to shout about from the rooftops. The magic! The bad guys! The good guys! The new friends! The bits that kick you in the face! I cried so much… and frequently. There’s just so much love in this. I love these characters so much, and I love the world so much. I gasped; I cried; I laughed; I swore. Genuinely raced through it in like 3 hours.
Now bring on the last one (once my heart is mended).
This was just incredible. So so much that I want to shout about from the rooftops. The magic! The bad guys! The good guys! The new friends! The bits that kick you in the face! I cried so much… and frequently. There’s just so much love in this. I love these characters so much, and I love the world so much. I gasped; I cried; I laughed; I swore. Genuinely raced through it in like 3 hours.
Now bring on the last one (once my heart is mended).
April 3, 2025
This is such a great sequel and I already can't wait for the next one! Elodie and Edward and their dads are off on a journey to help deal with the magic that isn't working properly. They have a plan and are on their way when disaster strikes, and they are stranded on an island. Not everyone is who they seem, but no-one realises just what they are doing and why. There is so much mystery and intrigue and I was guessing the whole way through. Loved it.
April 5, 2025
Once again absolutely brilliant! I'm so excited for the third book already <3
May 23, 2025
Wow! Can’t wait for the next one 😊
February 17, 2025
Ed and Elodie Crane are back. And they are going away 'for the summer' although they don't really know for how long. Having found out that they are Artezan masters they need to find more Masters and the place to start is the North - Norway to start with, Their fathers having decided that Elodie's fear of flying is worse than Ed's fear of the sea have arranged for a boat from Scotland across, the captain is an artezan as well.
But things go very wrong when they are caught in a storm - and the boat is wrecked, they go into the water but Dad makes Elodie leave her beloved cat because they cannot hold him, however they are picked up by boats from Eilan Diomhair. The problem is it's an artezan island and no-one knows where it is because it's not on a map.
On the island they meet Laurie - they wear gloves and are staying with two islanders - but why. There is something strange about them and about the other islanders. When things go very obviously wrong they find out something important about Laurie. And they all want to leave - quickly...but some one arrives, who they think will help but who causes more problems than they expected. One problem is very big and the children have no idea how to fix it.
How can they get off this island?
This is a perfect sequel to book 1, family, magic and a new and special character who is going to be a very important part of book 3. Again the book ends leaving us wanting more. I need book 3!
This series is so good. We definitely need it at school. I was lucky to read an ecopy on NetGalley.
But things go very wrong when they are caught in a storm - and the boat is wrecked, they go into the water but Dad makes Elodie leave her beloved cat because they cannot hold him, however they are picked up by boats from Eilan Diomhair. The problem is it's an artezan island and no-one knows where it is because it's not on a map.
On the island they meet Laurie - they wear gloves and are staying with two islanders - but why. There is something strange about them and about the other islanders. When things go very obviously wrong they find out something important about Laurie. And they all want to leave - quickly...but some one arrives, who they think will help but who causes more problems than they expected. One problem is very big and the children have no idea how to fix it.
How can they get off this island?
This is a perfect sequel to book 1, family, magic and a new and special character who is going to be a very important part of book 3. Again the book ends leaving us wanting more. I need book 3!
This series is so good. We definitely need it at school. I was lucky to read an ecopy on NetGalley.
March 10, 2025
Brilliant and captivating middle-grade fantasy adventure.
I came to this not having read the first in the series, but it didn’t matter as the author quickly caught me up. Ed and Elodie are 13 year old Scottish twins, growing up in a family of Artezans (magical humans). Along with their dads and their cat, they embark on an adventure to find other powerful Artezan Masters like them, but it quickly goes wrong when their ship encounters a storm and begins to sink. Luckily, they’re rescued by a remote island community, but things might not be as they seem.
This is a beautifully-written book, simple enough for young readers to enjoy but rich with detail and character development. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and joyful. The casual LGBTQ+ rep is particularly great! The relationships between the young people and the way they’re entwined with magic are lovely, reminiscent of the intensity and confusion of early adolescence.
A coming-of-age story with a difference - I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book.
I came to this not having read the first in the series, but it didn’t matter as the author quickly caught me up. Ed and Elodie are 13 year old Scottish twins, growing up in a family of Artezans (magical humans). Along with their dads and their cat, they embark on an adventure to find other powerful Artezan Masters like them, but it quickly goes wrong when their ship encounters a storm and begins to sink. Luckily, they’re rescued by a remote island community, but things might not be as they seem.
This is a beautifully-written book, simple enough for young readers to enjoy but rich with detail and character development. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and joyful. The casual LGBTQ+ rep is particularly great! The relationships between the young people and the way they’re entwined with magic are lovely, reminiscent of the intensity and confusion of early adolescence.
A coming-of-age story with a difference - I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book.
April 26, 2025
Even if you haven't read the first book you quickly begin to understand what has happened before as the author provides a good recap. This is a really well written book that children of all ages will enjoy, it's simple enough for younger readers to understand but the author has made it rich with character development and world building. This book will have younger readers on the edge of their seats, there's adventure, mystery and friendship.
This is a coming of age story that shows the characters growing up. I'm really looking forward to the next one.
This is a coming of age story that shows the characters growing up. I'm really looking forward to the next one.
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May 26, 2025Very exciting and I can’t wait until the next book is out!!
September 4, 2025
Amazing how many books are this good 👍 I love ❤️ it so much I can’t wait for the next book 📖
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews