The Island in the Caldera

by Lin Xueling

Being brave isn’t about never being afraid. It is about being scared and yet taking the leap and trying. Min Rui and Chloe are on a perilous journey home through the strange lands of the Island in the Caldera. The book is about how the two sisters face ferocious tree dragons, stinky giants, being hungry and tired, and still managing to survive. It is about helping friends, like a precocious talking cat, and reading lots of books. It is also a story about the amazing wisdom and beauty of Asia, where almost the entire book is based on real places in this region, real inventions by Asian scientists, actual Asian history and mythology.

The Island of the Caldera exists not only in this novel - but in the real world for those curious, and brave, enough to explore and learn.

Genres: Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2016

Reviews

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Crispy chicken
Crispy chicken
Hot and fried
Hot and fried

It is very yummy
Happy in my tummy
One, two, three
Hee, hee, hee
One, two, three
Ha, ha, ha!"

THIS IS SUCH A CUTE BOOK I finished it in a day! I think this is more tween - but I can totally imagine reading it to primary school children as a bedtime story, introducing them to the myriad vocabulary and myths and legends. I'd love to have a short background/excerpt to all the legends included in the story in the epilogue though, it would have enriched the experience even more. I loved the accompanying illustrations!!! Pillow snatcher was naturally my favourite. I can't wait for Volume Two (The Great Plain of Stupas) to be out!! Perfect gift for readers of all ages! It's so nice that Singaporean elements were scattered around the book too, I loved the references :)

[Kim Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book in Singapore because the cover was so nice LOL. Made me miss reading from the fantasy genre. Cute story, which I really enjoyed. I just dunno how I’m going to be able to read the next book in the series ‘cause this one was only for sale in Singapore ahahahaha....

Interesting fact: The island in the caldera is inspired by Taal Volcano!

[mellyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to enjoy this book this much. Impulsive bought, I need something lighter, imaginative.

The first pages were not impressive. Ah, CS Lewis wannabe who inspired by Narnia. Who doesn’t?

Slowly I was captivated by the story. I think this is because it feels close to home. I was smiling when I read “Horbo” and “Horas”. I am familiar with the benefit of different spices. It is nice to read something familiar, a mix of things you knew that’s been molded into an adventure of the girls.

I just wished I knew that this is first book!!

[Alicia Turtle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a very good book because it has a lot of twists and some parts are funny. Also, they can also make you slightly tense or nervous. I especially like the part where they found the pillow snatcher which was the imp who had a Singlish accent. I also like the part where they found Horbo.

[Cait :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows charming characters who display remarkable values such as bravery, patience and compassion. All in all such an ethereal read, although there isn’t a sequel to it :( The book has an amazing plot and will forever be one of my favourites <3

[Samran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, mythical story for young and old.

[Meta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and a great read!

[Alexy Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nah 3rd grade me loved this book