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Lost Children of the Far Islands
Twins Gus and Leo and their little sister, Ila, live a quiet life in Maine—until their mother falls ill, and it becomes clear her strength is fading because she is protecting them from a terrible evil.
Soon the children are swept off to a secret island far in the sea, where they discover a hidden grandmother and powers they never knew they had. Like their mother, they are Folk, creatures who can turn between human and animal forms.
Now they must harness their newfound magic for a deeper purpose. The ancient, monstrous King of the Black Lakes will stop at nothing to rise to power, and they are all that stands in his way. Their mother’s life hangs in the balance, and the children must battle this beast to the death—despite a dire prophecy that whoever kills him will die.
Can Gus, Leo, and Ila overcome this villain? Or has he grown too strong to be defeated? Lost Children of the Far Islands is a story filled with magic, excitement, and the dangers and delights of the sea.
From the Hardcover edition.
Soon the children are swept off to a secret island far in the sea, where they discover a hidden grandmother and powers they never knew they had. Like their mother, they are Folk, creatures who can turn between human and animal forms.
Now they must harness their newfound magic for a deeper purpose. The ancient, monstrous King of the Black Lakes will stop at nothing to rise to power, and they are all that stands in his way. Their mother’s life hangs in the balance, and the children must battle this beast to the death—despite a dire prophecy that whoever kills him will die.
Can Gus, Leo, and Ila overcome this villain? Or has he grown too strong to be defeated? Lost Children of the Far Islands is a story filled with magic, excitement, and the dangers and delights of the sea.
From the Hardcover edition.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
11 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 26, 2015
My 10 year old son purchased this book on one of our visits to the bookstore. He had a few books to finish before he could begin it- so, I scooped it up. I had never heard of Emily Raabe but I am always cozy within a book about children who discover they have magical abilities.
Raabe introduces her readers to a fantastical world like none that has appeared in the more recent fantasy books for children. Her Selkie-Lore is beautifully spun with a modern twist, making her story both approachable and mysterious.
Taking place in the northernmost part of Maine, "Lost Children of the Far Islands" is a book of rocks, and sea, and folk tale. Twins, Gustavia and Leomaris, and their intentionally mute little sister, Ila, are the children of a Physical Oceanographer father and an Artist mother who only paints the sea.
They are a loving family who nurture and support one another. Which is why, when some unfathomable events begin to happen, the children do not understand why their parents become so secretive.
Their father is looking into the possible reasons why several fishing ships in the area have gone missing along with their crew. Their mother has suddenly become inexplicably ill and weak and withdrawn. As if this isn't frightening enough, strange and enormous paw prints are appearing outside their home.
In conversation with their parents, the children share that they have noticed a disturbingly increased aptitude for being underwater. This alarms their parents, who decide the children must go and stay with their grandfather for a while. There is a lot of whispering behind closed doors between their mother and father. The children are frustrated because they know they are being kept in the dark about something serious and unusual.
When an impossible visitor comes in the night and introduces himself to the children with the promise to be able to explain everything to them, they embark on a dangerous and magical adventure.
This is Raabe's first children's novel and it is well executed.
My only criticism is that I think fewer pages could have been used describing the mystery behind Ila's lack of speech. There were six pages about it but, when the "explanation" for her purposeful muteness is given, it lacks proper development. Other than that, this is an engaging, exciting, endearing story that will interest both boys and girls alike.
Recommended for ages 8+. 4 stars.
Raabe introduces her readers to a fantastical world like none that has appeared in the more recent fantasy books for children. Her Selkie-Lore is beautifully spun with a modern twist, making her story both approachable and mysterious.
Taking place in the northernmost part of Maine, "Lost Children of the Far Islands" is a book of rocks, and sea, and folk tale. Twins, Gustavia and Leomaris, and their intentionally mute little sister, Ila, are the children of a Physical Oceanographer father and an Artist mother who only paints the sea.
They are a loving family who nurture and support one another. Which is why, when some unfathomable events begin to happen, the children do not understand why their parents become so secretive.
Their father is looking into the possible reasons why several fishing ships in the area have gone missing along with their crew. Their mother has suddenly become inexplicably ill and weak and withdrawn. As if this isn't frightening enough, strange and enormous paw prints are appearing outside their home.
In conversation with their parents, the children share that they have noticed a disturbingly increased aptitude for being underwater. This alarms their parents, who decide the children must go and stay with their grandfather for a while. There is a lot of whispering behind closed doors between their mother and father. The children are frustrated because they know they are being kept in the dark about something serious and unusual.
When an impossible visitor comes in the night and introduces himself to the children with the promise to be able to explain everything to them, they embark on a dangerous and magical adventure.
This is Raabe's first children's novel and it is well executed.
My only criticism is that I think fewer pages could have been used describing the mystery behind Ila's lack of speech. There were six pages about it but, when the "explanation" for her purposeful muteness is given, it lacks proper development. Other than that, this is an engaging, exciting, endearing story that will interest both boys and girls alike.
Recommended for ages 8+. 4 stars.
January 13, 2017
If you liked this book, you might also enjoy:
✱ Tides
✱ Beastkeeper
If you are a fan of Irish folklore, the animated film Song of the Sea by Cartoon Saloon is well worth seeing, especially for fans of Studio Ghibli and Hiyao Miyazaki—think Irish Studio Ghibli—beautiful art and a wonderful story! Cartoon Salon's previous film, The Secret of Kells, is fantastic as well.
✱ Tides
✱ Beastkeeper
If you are a fan of Irish folklore, the animated film Song of the Sea by Cartoon Saloon is well worth seeing, especially for fans of Studio Ghibli and Hiyao Miyazaki—think Irish Studio Ghibli—beautiful art and a wonderful story! Cartoon Salon's previous film, The Secret of Kells, is fantastic as well.
December 29, 2014
I really enjoyed this one. I liked the different mythology aspect (selkies) and the way the family could save the day. It's a little typical, but for new fantasy readers (or those who want something a little different) it's a great read. And it has a Maine setting!
June 27, 2014
I was approached recently to be a part of Emily Raabe's blog tour for her debut middle grade fantasy novel, Lost Children of the Far Islands, I thought I'd like to be a part of the tour, especially after learning what Emily and her husband are doing. From Boulder, CO to Burlington, VT, they are going on a road trip to visit local, independent bookstores and blogging about their adventures. Isn't that a cool idea? I hadn't heard of her book before, so I'm also always looking for new authors to discover as well, so for me, this was a win-win situation; I get to read a new author, and support her in an amazing adventure!
It turns out that Lost Children of the Far Islands is actually a charming book! It follows the adventures of twins Gus & Leo and their younger sister, Ila, who are whisked off to a remote island off the coast of Maine when their mother falls mysteriously ill. On the island, under the guidance of their grandmother, the Morai, the discover that they are actually descendents of the Folk, magical creatures who can change from human form to that of an animal. It also comes to light that their mother is ill because she's been trying to protect them from the Dobhar-chu, the King of the Black Lakes, who will do anything to break free of his prison (where the Morai has been keeping him in check), and return to power.
Steeped in actual mythological lore, Raabe's book is plenty full of magic and adventure, but it's also full of well-polished characters. We get to see the first hand impressions of the children as they begin to become acquainted with their animal forms, and it's clear that Raabe put a lot of research into the marine life that she presents in her story. The kids themselves also act their various ages, and I liked the quirky tightness of their family. Personally, I think this is a great book for kids and highly recommend it for young readers!
It turns out that Lost Children of the Far Islands is actually a charming book! It follows the adventures of twins Gus & Leo and their younger sister, Ila, who are whisked off to a remote island off the coast of Maine when their mother falls mysteriously ill. On the island, under the guidance of their grandmother, the Morai, the discover that they are actually descendents of the Folk, magical creatures who can change from human form to that of an animal. It also comes to light that their mother is ill because she's been trying to protect them from the Dobhar-chu, the King of the Black Lakes, who will do anything to break free of his prison (where the Morai has been keeping him in check), and return to power.
Steeped in actual mythological lore, Raabe's book is plenty full of magic and adventure, but it's also full of well-polished characters. We get to see the first hand impressions of the children as they begin to become acquainted with their animal forms, and it's clear that Raabe put a lot of research into the marine life that she presents in her story. The kids themselves also act their various ages, and I liked the quirky tightness of their family. Personally, I think this is a great book for kids and highly recommend it for young readers!
July 10, 2014
In Lost Children of the Far Islands, three siblings discover that they, like their ancestors before them, have the ability to transform into animals. When their mother falls ill and a mysterious visitor arrives promising answers and an introduction to the grandmother they've never met, Gus, Leo, and Ila embark on a magical journey to an island where they'll learn the truth of their heritage. A desire to save their mother turns into a quest to stop the dark King of the Black Lakes from escaping his prison and wreaking havoc on the world. Can they defeat this terrible foe and escape with their lives?
There are so many things that I love about this book! Full of adventure, courage, and magic, this fast paced story grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go.
One of my favorite elements of this story is that the heroes are siblings. I'm a sibling, so I could appreciate Emily Raabe's characterization of Gus, Leo, and Ila. They love one another, but also spend a fair amount of time exasperated, annoyed, and even jealous. They have similarities than only family can, yet they are all individuals. They all contributed in important ways to saving their mother and defeating the King of the Black Lakes. Siblings FTW!
This novel plays on the selkie myth, which I've always liked. There are many books that focus on humans shifting into animals, but there are few that feature sea creatures as the animal form. Raabe's descriptions of the children's underwater adventures will make readers shrug off werewolves and reconsider the sea. Not only does this story inspire an interest in selkies and real ocean life, Raabe also touches on other mythology, like mermaids!
I highly recommend you embark on this epic journey across - and beneath - the sea with Gus, Leo, and Ila!
There are so many things that I love about this book! Full of adventure, courage, and magic, this fast paced story grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go.
One of my favorite elements of this story is that the heroes are siblings. I'm a sibling, so I could appreciate Emily Raabe's characterization of Gus, Leo, and Ila. They love one another, but also spend a fair amount of time exasperated, annoyed, and even jealous. They have similarities than only family can, yet they are all individuals. They all contributed in important ways to saving their mother and defeating the King of the Black Lakes. Siblings FTW!
This novel plays on the selkie myth, which I've always liked. There are many books that focus on humans shifting into animals, but there are few that feature sea creatures as the animal form. Raabe's descriptions of the children's underwater adventures will make readers shrug off werewolves and reconsider the sea. Not only does this story inspire an interest in selkies and real ocean life, Raabe also touches on other mythology, like mermaids!
I highly recommend you embark on this epic journey across - and beneath - the sea with Gus, Leo, and Ila!
August 23, 2014
This book gave me a sort of……spooky feeling. I can’t explain it really it just had this vibe that fascinated me. The way the author spun this story was very original and kept me reading and on the edge of my seat.
Gus, Leo, and Ila have to be the most realistic children to ever grace the page. When you send a child on an adventure like this you can expect the results to be that of the ending of this book. And although it pains me to say so, the tragic happening at the end of this novel was necessary and really brought a tear to my eye even if I saw it coming.
This is the better of the new books I have been reading recently and I was impressed with Emily Raabe’s unique play of selkies and creatures of the sea. I hope to hear more from her
Gus, Leo, and Ila have to be the most realistic children to ever grace the page. When you send a child on an adventure like this you can expect the results to be that of the ending of this book. And although it pains me to say so, the tragic happening at the end of this novel was necessary and really brought a tear to my eye even if I saw it coming.
This is the better of the new books I have been reading recently and I was impressed with Emily Raabe’s unique play of selkies and creatures of the sea. I hope to hear more from her
October 20, 2014
Although the lack of detail would normally have bothered me, this was a fantastic and original book for children. The writing was fluid and easy to read, the characters wonderful...and I always have a special place in my heart for stories where the children are the heroes.
March 18, 2018
Twins Gus and Leo and their little sister, Ila, live a quiet life in Maine—until their mother falls ill, and it becomes clear her strength is fading because she is protecting them from a terrible evil.
Soon the children are swept off to a secret island far in the sea, where they discover a hidden grandmother and powers they never knew they had. Like their mother, they are Folk, creatures who can turn between human and animal forms.
Now they must harness their newfound magic for a deeper purpose. The ancient, monstrous King of the Black Lakes will stop at nothing to rise to power, and they are all that stands in his way.
Their mother’s life hangs in the balance, and the children must battle this beast to the death—despite a dire prophecy that whoever kills him will die.
Can Gus, Leo, and Ila overcome this villain? Or has he grown too strong to be defeated? Lost Children of the Far Islands is a story filled with magic, excitement, and the dangers and delights of the sea.
Emily Raabe
Emily Raabe lives in New York City with her husband, the filmmaker Paul Devlin. Her novel for children, THE LOST CHILDREN OF THE FAR ISLANDS, will be published in April 2014 by Knopf. Her 2011 book of poems, LEAVE IT BEHIND, was a finalist for the FutureCycle First Book Award. Her poems have appeared in periodicals including The Marlboro Review, Big Ugly Review, Indiana Review, Diner, Chelsea, Alaska Quarterly Review, Gulf Coast, Crab Orchard Review, Antioch Review, and Eleven Eleven. She is also the author of a monograph on the work of the sculptor Lawrence LaBianca.
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Set in mythology, this well-researched book takes place in Maine. The setting is integrated into the narrative effortlessly and smoothly. The heroes of this story are siblings which I absolutely loved!
All the characters are well fleshed out and created realistically. They speak and function as children should. The author’s voice is intoxicating and enthralling making the story grab you from the start and never lets go.
Just the whole family dynamics written in the story is so well done, and each character contributes to the plot ushering the story to its conclusion. There’s plenty of mystery nurtured around secrecy that keeps you guessing and a villain that you love to hate.
There’s lots of magic, and plenty of mishaps and adventures, but this story is truly character driven. The research that had to go into such a book must have been extraordinary and the author did a fantastic job.
This is a great book for young readers and I even enjoyed as a kid-adult! 🙂 I’m so happy that when I saw it on the shelf in a thrift store, I scooped it up. It was published in April of 2014.
I highly recommend this book! I also wonder if there will be others with these characters!
Soon the children are swept off to a secret island far in the sea, where they discover a hidden grandmother and powers they never knew they had. Like their mother, they are Folk, creatures who can turn between human and animal forms.
Now they must harness their newfound magic for a deeper purpose. The ancient, monstrous King of the Black Lakes will stop at nothing to rise to power, and they are all that stands in his way.
Their mother’s life hangs in the balance, and the children must battle this beast to the death—despite a dire prophecy that whoever kills him will die.
Can Gus, Leo, and Ila overcome this villain? Or has he grown too strong to be defeated? Lost Children of the Far Islands is a story filled with magic, excitement, and the dangers and delights of the sea.
Emily Raabe
Emily Raabe lives in New York City with her husband, the filmmaker Paul Devlin. Her novel for children, THE LOST CHILDREN OF THE FAR ISLANDS, will be published in April 2014 by Knopf. Her 2011 book of poems, LEAVE IT BEHIND, was a finalist for the FutureCycle First Book Award. Her poems have appeared in periodicals including The Marlboro Review, Big Ugly Review, Indiana Review, Diner, Chelsea, Alaska Quarterly Review, Gulf Coast, Crab Orchard Review, Antioch Review, and Eleven Eleven. She is also the author of a monograph on the work of the sculptor Lawrence LaBianca.
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Set in mythology, this well-researched book takes place in Maine. The setting is integrated into the narrative effortlessly and smoothly. The heroes of this story are siblings which I absolutely loved!
All the characters are well fleshed out and created realistically. They speak and function as children should. The author’s voice is intoxicating and enthralling making the story grab you from the start and never lets go.
Just the whole family dynamics written in the story is so well done, and each character contributes to the plot ushering the story to its conclusion. There’s plenty of mystery nurtured around secrecy that keeps you guessing and a villain that you love to hate.
There’s lots of magic, and plenty of mishaps and adventures, but this story is truly character driven. The research that had to go into such a book must have been extraordinary and the author did a fantastic job.
This is a great book for young readers and I even enjoyed as a kid-adult! 🙂 I’m so happy that when I saw it on the shelf in a thrift store, I scooped it up. It was published in April of 2014.
I highly recommend this book! I also wonder if there will be others with these characters!
August 10, 2018
This book was a fun story for younger kids. My brother and his friend started reading this book and loved it so much that they wanted me to read it as well. I did and I am glad I did so. This story was filled with an enjoyable adventure about three kids who have the powers of the Folk, an ancient kind of people who can Turn into specific animals. It was a typical story where kids have to defeat the evil and bring the light back to their world before the dark can crowd its vision. It was filled with thrill and mystery and I totally recommend it if you are looking for a quick read.
April 14, 2018
I enjoyed this stand-alone middle-grade story. The relationship between the three siblings (Gus, Leo, and Ila) was wonderful and I enjoyed finding out about their family and where they come from. I don't want to say much more than what's already in the book summary, but this incorporated some myths that I'm very fond of and had a positive ending that, I think, could lead to other books in the future if the author wanted.
February 12, 2023
I loved the book, I had first read it a few years ago at the library but was unable to finish the book because I had read so many others that I had checked out, thank fully years later I remembered the book and had to get it! I loved everything about the book and Im so glad I finally got to see what happens!!
April 7, 2018
So many concepts, expertly interwoven. Selective mutism. Irish mythology. Maine seafaring life. Standard fifth-grade life issues. Ailing parent. And one of my favorite themes, that of a person with "powers" discovering the powers - what they are, how to use them, how they manifest themselves.
February 26, 2017
Liked the part about the selkies but just don't like all the fighting parts. Personally don't like that part, but kids might love it (I felt the same way about the Unwanteds!)
May 20, 2017
This book drew me in very quickly. I have not read another intermediate novel like it. I loved the author's descriptions and writing style. I look forward to reading more from her.
July 20, 2017
It was so good that I think everyone one should read this book because of the magic and sadness😂
August 17, 2017
This book was okay but I was just not interested enough to continue. I have read about a half. Returned it back to the library.
March 23, 2020
Cute, fun children's read.
June 15, 2025
Selkies are so cool.
September 11, 2022
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First off, the characters. Gus and Leo were quite interesting MCs. They had all their little quirks and it made them pop off the page! Ila started off well too, but I liked her better before she started talking.
Also, how did she know to say “Moirai”? Why did she turn into a fox instead of a seal like Gus and Leo did? Is she psychic or smth? I wouldn’t mind Ila getting a book all to herself!
The plot was quite fast and dramatic in the beginning of the book, it slowed down quite a bit in the middle, and sped up again in the last third. I would’ve preferred a more consistent pace, but it didn’t put me off enough to drop the book.
First off, the characters. Gus and Leo were quite interesting MCs. They had all their little quirks and it made them pop off the page! Ila started off well too, but I liked her better before she started talking.
Also, how did she know to say “Moirai”? Why did she turn into a fox instead of a seal like Gus and Leo did? Is she psychic or smth? I wouldn’t mind Ila getting a book all to herself!
The plot was quite fast and dramatic in the beginning of the book, it slowed down quite a bit in the middle, and sped up again in the last third. I would’ve preferred a more consistent pace, but it didn’t put me off enough to drop the book.
January 4, 2016
Lost Children of the Far Islands by Emily Raabe: This novel was frankly, a huge disappointment. I went into this book, thinking that it would be a great fantasy. Unfortunately, it was not. There were many holes in the plot line and the end did not wrap the story up. Any strengths were shadowed by all of the weaknesses. The only part of the story in which I thought original and a fine strength was that there was something called “Turning.” This is a change of form from a manatee to a human, or to a fox. Only people of the “Folk” can do this magical change. On another note, there was one character that was hot-tempered and sassy and I much would have preferred for her character to have been brought out more and in a different sort of way, besides a little sister who had selective mutism.
“‘Don’t leave me!’ Ila cried furiously. ‘It’s not fair to leave me behind!’ Her hot, angry tears scalded Gus’s icy skin while Gus promised, over and over, that they would never leave Ila again.” (Raabe 175)
In this quote, there was only a little bit of her personality brought out yet it could have become a full-blown tantrum, if the author had written it so. Raabe discovered this creative idea for the story yet did not fulfill what it could have become. One major hole in the story was that the author never described why Ila began to talk – the narrator just said that she did not even know and that it just… happened. This enraged me when I was reading because there should obviously be a reason and some effect on her later in the story, as she begins talking and is not even remotely shy.
Another frustrating part about this story is that in the end, the readers’ questions are not fully answered. I had many questions: What will happen to the remaining Folk’s powers because they are not on the island? Who will take the place of the Moraí? Would the kids ever be able to Turn again? Is there another dark monster lurking about that could cause the same trouble? Did the people lost at sea ever turn up? Was school back to normal for the kids? What was the brown, leather book in the small library at the back of the house waiting for?
I would not recommend this book to a classmate or truthfully, anyone because it did not move me in any way whatsoever and had many holes in the plot line. If this author did write more books that are part of this series (I do not believe she did) I would not read another book of Emily Raabe’s because this supposedly “fun” read was discouraging.
“‘Don’t leave me!’ Ila cried furiously. ‘It’s not fair to leave me behind!’ Her hot, angry tears scalded Gus’s icy skin while Gus promised, over and over, that they would never leave Ila again.” (Raabe 175)
In this quote, there was only a little bit of her personality brought out yet it could have become a full-blown tantrum, if the author had written it so. Raabe discovered this creative idea for the story yet did not fulfill what it could have become. One major hole in the story was that the author never described why Ila began to talk – the narrator just said that she did not even know and that it just… happened. This enraged me when I was reading because there should obviously be a reason and some effect on her later in the story, as she begins talking and is not even remotely shy.
Another frustrating part about this story is that in the end, the readers’ questions are not fully answered. I had many questions: What will happen to the remaining Folk’s powers because they are not on the island? Who will take the place of the Moraí? Would the kids ever be able to Turn again? Is there another dark monster lurking about that could cause the same trouble? Did the people lost at sea ever turn up? Was school back to normal for the kids? What was the brown, leather book in the small library at the back of the house waiting for?
I would not recommend this book to a classmate or truthfully, anyone because it did not move me in any way whatsoever and had many holes in the plot line. If this author did write more books that are part of this series (I do not believe she did) I would not read another book of Emily Raabe’s because this supposedly “fun” read was discouraging.
June 16, 2014
Emily Raabe’s Lost Children of the Far Islands is a captivating mix of fascinating lore, fresh fantasy elements, and good ol’ fashion adventure!
Twins, Gus (who is a girl) and Leo, live with their five year old sister Ila (a selective mute), and their parents in Maine. Their’s is a quiet, normal live. That is until their mother falls very sick and strange things start to happen. The three siblings are swept away to a far away island and to a grandmother they never knew. They learn that they, like their mother, are Folk, people able to shape-shift into an animal form. The siblings enjoy their new found power, but a dark monster, the King of the Black Lakes, is out to get them. Gus, Leo, and Ila must learn to harness their abilities, confront the KIng, and save their mother.
Lost Children of the Far Islands is a quietly enchanting story, with three wonderful heroes, lovely fantasy elements, and a fun, exciting story. Raabe weaves a magical tale full of enrapturing and refreshing lore. The Folk premise, steeped in actual myth, is beautifully imaginative and something I haven’t read much about in middle-grade. I loved all the fun shape-shifting abilities and the powers that come with it! Young readers will be captivated by these fantasy elements and soon be spinning their own shape-shifting stories. The isolated far island the siblings end up on makes for an awesome and intriguing setting. I greatly enjoyed exploring this world with the siblings!
Gus, Leo, and little Ila feel and act their ages, which is so refreshing. But, just because they’re young, doesn’t mean they aren’t capable, brave, clever heroes! I love the relationship between these three and how genuine, funny, and real it feels. The King of the Black Lakes makes for an awesomely, spine-tingling villain. Young readers will be just as enamored with the King as they are with the siblings.
Raabe sets her three young characters on a thrilling adventure across land and sea, full of sharks, magical books, kelpies, mermaids, and more! There’s enough exciting fun to keep readers entertained from beginning to end.
My Final Thoughts: Lost Children of the Far Islands is a fantastical new addition in the world of middle-grade fantasy. With an imaginative story, fascinating lore, and endearing characters, young readers will devour this book!
Twins, Gus (who is a girl) and Leo, live with their five year old sister Ila (a selective mute), and their parents in Maine. Their’s is a quiet, normal live. That is until their mother falls very sick and strange things start to happen. The three siblings are swept away to a far away island and to a grandmother they never knew. They learn that they, like their mother, are Folk, people able to shape-shift into an animal form. The siblings enjoy their new found power, but a dark monster, the King of the Black Lakes, is out to get them. Gus, Leo, and Ila must learn to harness their abilities, confront the KIng, and save their mother.
Lost Children of the Far Islands is a quietly enchanting story, with three wonderful heroes, lovely fantasy elements, and a fun, exciting story. Raabe weaves a magical tale full of enrapturing and refreshing lore. The Folk premise, steeped in actual myth, is beautifully imaginative and something I haven’t read much about in middle-grade. I loved all the fun shape-shifting abilities and the powers that come with it! Young readers will be captivated by these fantasy elements and soon be spinning their own shape-shifting stories. The isolated far island the siblings end up on makes for an awesome and intriguing setting. I greatly enjoyed exploring this world with the siblings!
Gus, Leo, and little Ila feel and act their ages, which is so refreshing. But, just because they’re young, doesn’t mean they aren’t capable, brave, clever heroes! I love the relationship between these three and how genuine, funny, and real it feels. The King of the Black Lakes makes for an awesomely, spine-tingling villain. Young readers will be just as enamored with the King as they are with the siblings.
Raabe sets her three young characters on a thrilling adventure across land and sea, full of sharks, magical books, kelpies, mermaids, and more! There’s enough exciting fun to keep readers entertained from beginning to end.
My Final Thoughts: Lost Children of the Far Islands is a fantastical new addition in the world of middle-grade fantasy. With an imaginative story, fascinating lore, and endearing characters, young readers will devour this book!
December 19, 2016
My son read this and recommended that I do so, as well. He liked the story and thought it’d be something I’d particularly enjoy – and he was right. The children/characters in the novel are realistic and troubled yet endearing, their plight and journey dark, the villains perfectly spooky, and sometimes you don’t even know whom to trust. There was true sadness and loss, but also glorious triumph. Greatly descriptive and completely rounded with a captivating, emotive vibe, this tale has proven to be one of my favorites on the selkies.
August 14, 2015
Gus, Leo and Ila live with their parents in Maine. They have a pretty idyllic life until their mother gets sick. She deteriorates rapidly and suddenly the kids are whisked away to a grandmother they don't know on a remote island. Their grandmother is the Morai, an ancient being who protects the world from the evil Dobhar-chu. She is also a selkie, a shape-shifter who can go between the human and seal shape. Gus, Leo and Ila are also shape-shifters. Because Gus and Leo are 11 they are taught how to change shapes. Ila is too young to shift, but seems to be gifted in that she has a third shape of a fox. With their mother fading and their grandmother old and weak, the kids are the only ones left between the world and the evil of the Dobhar-chu.
I really enjoy books that delve into different cultural mythologies. There are books about selkies, but you don't see a lot for this age group. I liked that even though the book deals with the mythology of selkies it doesn't specify the culture they are from or directly point to a specific culture. I liked the kids a lot. Gus and Leo are twins but very different. The star of the show was little Ila though. She doesn't speak for the first 5 years of her life and it is only after the mom falls ill that she starts to talk. It turns out she is also the most talented of the family in regards to shifting. She is a fierce little thing and quite entertaining. This is a great stand alone book for fantasy fans.
I really enjoy books that delve into different cultural mythologies. There are books about selkies, but you don't see a lot for this age group. I liked that even though the book deals with the mythology of selkies it doesn't specify the culture they are from or directly point to a specific culture. I liked the kids a lot. Gus and Leo are twins but very different. The star of the show was little Ila though. She doesn't speak for the first 5 years of her life and it is only after the mom falls ill that she starts to talk. It turns out she is also the most talented of the family in regards to shifting. She is a fierce little thing and quite entertaining. This is a great stand alone book for fantasy fans.
June 17, 2014
My review for School Library Journal was published on May 1, 2014 (odd that they sent me the book so early).
Gr 4-6-Twins Gustavia and Leomaris live fairly normal lives, so it comes as a complete surprise that their mother becomes mysteriously ill--because she's not really human; she's a Folk, part of a group of people who can turn into animals. Gus and Leo are about to turn 11, the age at which the Folk begin to Turn, and they start to notice peculiar things happening to them, like being able to hold their breath underwater for long periods of time. Their younger sister, Ila, is a selective mute and begins to speak for the first time. When their mother goes into a coma, the children learn that they are being hunted, and that their mother gave up her health and strength to protect them. What's more, they are the last of the Folk, and the only ones who can stop the Dobhar-Chu, the villainous King of the Black Lakes, from escaping his cave prison. The characters are complex and well developed, and the plot flows smoothly, apart from a slightly abrupt ending, and there is a great deal of interesting information about animals ("Killer whales are apex predators"). Raabe has created a rich and detailed world for fantasy fans.--Jessica Ko, Los Angeles Public Library
November 24, 2015
This is a well written book. Emily Rabbe has written poetry and non-fiction for children and this her first work of fiction is really well done. The three children are strong characters. Even when the youngest Il,a a head strong child, creates problems the writer has crafted a character that is resilient and brave. She reminds me of other strong characters such as the Katniss from Hunger Games.
The ability of the children to turn into other forms will engage young readers as it is a fantasy many children relate to and often wish they could do. Ms. Rabbe's background in non-fiction supports her writing in that she presents animals with characteristics they do have and the lighthouse setting is described with minimal yet precise detail. The twins more rational personalities off set their sisters defiant one in a tale that combines adventure, magic, and love of family that is altogether appealing. The end does come quickly after a long build up but it seems to work as the story is about the journey the children face not necessarily the outcome. This is a good book to for upper elementary through middle school libraries. I might even see it in a high school library for reluctant readers or for ELL students as the story is strong enough to interest at this level but they will be able to read the text.
The ability of the children to turn into other forms will engage young readers as it is a fantasy many children relate to and often wish they could do. Ms. Rabbe's background in non-fiction supports her writing in that she presents animals with characteristics they do have and the lighthouse setting is described with minimal yet precise detail. The twins more rational personalities off set their sisters defiant one in a tale that combines adventure, magic, and love of family that is altogether appealing. The end does come quickly after a long build up but it seems to work as the story is about the journey the children face not necessarily the outcome. This is a good book to for upper elementary through middle school libraries. I might even see it in a high school library for reluctant readers or for ELL students as the story is strong enough to interest at this level but they will be able to read the text.
August 10, 2016
Oh to be 11 and learn to turn into a seal! What a treat! I've often reflected on the Selkie myth and am delighted to see Ms. Raabe's interpretation. I really enjoyed Gus, Leo, and Ila's efforts to work together to defeat their foe. I was on the edge of my seat and finished in 2 sittings! As an environmentalist, I also appreciate how the author sneaks a bit in about climate change. In many ways the fate of the world does rest with the young...and we will need to transform ourselves if we are to survive. From my perspective, the Dobhar-chu is an apt simile for the man-made catastrophes that greed and unfettered industrialization have spawned.
July 31, 2014
An interesting concept on the selkie myth, Lost Children of the Far Islands starts out fairly intense. There is mystery, danger, and excitement. And then there is a really boring middle that seems to drag on forever before reaching it's gruesome end. MG readers who love fantasy, particularly about shape shifters will enjoy this one. It wasn't a favorite of mine this year, but is one I have no trouble for recommending.
March 28, 2014
This book had a really good plot/storyline, but it lacked details. I would have preferred the author, Emily Raabe, to have elaborated more on descriptions, and maybe also using precise words instead of "said". The plot is creative, though it is not as well laid-out as it could have been if the author had used more vivid words in the description of the setting and characters. It's a good book, but it could be better.
April 19, 2014
I must be on a roll, as this is the second mundane book I've read this week. This book lacked detail. The plot was fairly original, but it was fairly rushed and wild. There wasn't enough character development for you to really get to know the characters. It was still enjoyable, and I might look into the second book, if I have a lull in my reading material. Until then, however, I shall not be hearing from these characters for awhile.
April 30, 2014
My 13yo daughter read this, and loved it, the adventure, mythological creatures, lives on the line; it had it all. She begged me to read it, and while it's not my favorite book, I'm also not the intended market, and in our house, this book was a hit. She intends to read it again, and fell in love with Ila.
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