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The Accidental Pirates #2
The Journey to Dragon Island
In this sequel to The Voyage to Magical North, Brine, Peter, Cassie and crew return for another swashbuckling adventure on the high seas.
Reaching the edge of the world can't stop the crew of the Onion! It's westward ho in search of dragons, no matter the obstacles. And there are obstacles. Flesh-eating vines, violent locals, and mischievous magi―not to mention Marfak West's ghost―meet the pirates when they land on the Western Island, where a volcano threatens to end them all. Together, Brine and Peter might just be able to save the crew, the island, and themselves. Or they might all go up in flames. It really could go either way.
Reaching the edge of the world can't stop the crew of the Onion! It's westward ho in search of dragons, no matter the obstacles. And there are obstacles. Flesh-eating vines, violent locals, and mischievous magi―not to mention Marfak West's ghost―meet the pirates when they land on the Western Island, where a volcano threatens to end them all. Together, Brine and Peter might just be able to save the crew, the island, and themselves. Or they might all go up in flames. It really could go either way.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 16, 2017
10 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Claire Fayers
10 books89 followersPlease note: I don't often visit Goodreads so I don't accept friend requests and I'm unlikely to see questions posted here. If you'd like to get in touch, please send me a message through my website.
Claire Fayers writes comic fantasy featuring swashbuckling pirates, evil magicians, heroic librarians and man-eating penguins. She grew up in South Wales, studied English in Canterbury, and is now back in Wales where she spends a lot of her free time tramping around castles in the rain, looking for dragons.
Claire Fayers writes comic fantasy featuring swashbuckling pirates, evil magicians, heroic librarians and man-eating penguins. She grew up in South Wales, studied English in Canterbury, and is now back in Wales where she spends a lot of her free time tramping around castles in the rain, looking for dragons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 12, 2017
A solid sequel with new interesting adventures, magic, pirates and characters of color.
This second volume was as pleasant to discover as the first. Most of the ingredients I liked before where here, especially smart kids, people of colors, pirates and adventures! All the cast added something to the story, so the team work was good and the relationships were mostly warm. The book focused on several plots, one being a satisfying way to learn more about Brine's past, the other adding funny exploration and adventures. As before, I liked the original world building and the events kept me engaged and entertained. However, a minus star because smashing people's head on the ground isn't my cup of tea in a children book, it's far too violent and explicit. Otherwise, bring me the next volume!
This second volume was as pleasant to discover as the first. Most of the ingredients I liked before where here, especially smart kids, people of colors, pirates and adventures! All the cast added something to the story, so the team work was good and the relationships were mostly warm. The book focused on several plots, one being a satisfying way to learn more about Brine's past, the other adding funny exploration and adventures. As before, I liked the original world building and the events kept me engaged and entertained. However, a minus star because smashing people's head on the ground isn't my cup of tea in a children book, it's far too violent and explicit. Otherwise, bring me the next volume!
October 27, 2017
I NEED MORE OF THESE BOOKS IN MY LIFE.
This took me much longer than I care to admit to finish (because *cough* college) but it was SO MUCH FUN. The characters felt really fleshed out for a middle-grade book, the dialogue was 1000% hilarious, and the world was a creative wonderland of adventure. ALL THE YES. The ending felt a little confusing, so I docked off half a star for that. BUT IT'S STILL PURE AMAZINGNESS. Go read this book if you like fun middle-grade novels with magic and dragons. ;)
I was going to write a full review but I'll just leave you with this.
"Blowing up a volcano using dragon eggs and a balloon is actually quite sane by our standards."
4.5 stars!
This took me much longer than I care to admit to finish (because *cough* college) but it was SO MUCH FUN. The characters felt really fleshed out for a middle-grade book, the dialogue was 1000% hilarious, and the world was a creative wonderland of adventure. ALL THE YES. The ending felt a little confusing, so I docked off half a star for that. BUT IT'S STILL PURE AMAZINGNESS. Go read this book if you like fun middle-grade novels with magic and dragons. ;)
I was going to write a full review but I'll just leave you with this.
"Blowing up a volcano using dragon eggs and a balloon is actually quite sane by our standards."
4.5 stars!
dnf-partly-read
December 17, 202338%
Haven't read it for over a month and don't have an interest of picking it up again.
Haven't read it for over a month and don't have an interest of picking it up again.
November 15, 2017
Brine and Peter are feeling perfectly at home on the Onion, a pirate ship with an adventurous crew. Cassie is their fearless leader and together they're on their way to their next destination, Dragon Island. They have a small dragon on board and their goal is to find others of its kind. Brine also hopes to discover more about her parents on this journey. She doesn't remember them, but hopes to unravel the mysteries of her past when she returns to where she's originally from.
When the Onion reaches Dragon Island the crew is in for a surprise. The island isn't a friendly place at all. There are hostile locals, creepy vines, dangerous creatures and secretive magi. Children aren't safe and something sinister is going on. There's also the threat of a volcano that can erupt any moment. On top of that Peter is trying to deal with the ghost of a powerful sorcerer. He hasn't used his magic for quite some time, but Peter needs to get over his reluctance if he wants to have a chance to survive. He and Brine are the only ones who can save their crew and all of the inhabitants of the strange island they're on. Will they succeed or are there too many obstacles standing in their way?
The Journey to Dragon Island is another fantastic story by Claire Fayers about magic, dragons and pirates. I loved reading about Brine, Peter, Cassie and the rest of the crew of the Onion again. It was fun to see how Brine and Peter are now part of it and it feels like they've never been anywhere else. They've learned how to deal with unreliable pirates, they don't let someone trick them easily any longer and they are bravely battling their way out of every dire situation. I loved their friendship and fierceness. It's a great combination for another wonderful enchanting adventure.
Claire Fayers knows how to write a good fantasy story. She skillfully selects the exact right ingredients and then mixes them until a perfect story comes out. Dragon Island is an interesting setting, it has islanders who don't agree with each other, people are fighting for power, there's something strange going on and the mages are in the middle of it all. Finding out more about this fabulous enigmatic place kept me on the egde of my seat. Claire Fayers has written another brilliant spellbinding story, The Journey to Dragon Island is filled with unexpected twists and turns, crazy characters and wonderful intriguing monsters. I highly recommend this terrific story.
When the Onion reaches Dragon Island the crew is in for a surprise. The island isn't a friendly place at all. There are hostile locals, creepy vines, dangerous creatures and secretive magi. Children aren't safe and something sinister is going on. There's also the threat of a volcano that can erupt any moment. On top of that Peter is trying to deal with the ghost of a powerful sorcerer. He hasn't used his magic for quite some time, but Peter needs to get over his reluctance if he wants to have a chance to survive. He and Brine are the only ones who can save their crew and all of the inhabitants of the strange island they're on. Will they succeed or are there too many obstacles standing in their way?
The Journey to Dragon Island is another fantastic story by Claire Fayers about magic, dragons and pirates. I loved reading about Brine, Peter, Cassie and the rest of the crew of the Onion again. It was fun to see how Brine and Peter are now part of it and it feels like they've never been anywhere else. They've learned how to deal with unreliable pirates, they don't let someone trick them easily any longer and they are bravely battling their way out of every dire situation. I loved their friendship and fierceness. It's a great combination for another wonderful enchanting adventure.
Claire Fayers knows how to write a good fantasy story. She skillfully selects the exact right ingredients and then mixes them until a perfect story comes out. Dragon Island is an interesting setting, it has islanders who don't agree with each other, people are fighting for power, there's something strange going on and the mages are in the middle of it all. Finding out more about this fabulous enigmatic place kept me on the egde of my seat. Claire Fayers has written another brilliant spellbinding story, The Journey to Dragon Island is filled with unexpected twists and turns, crazy characters and wonderful intriguing monsters. I highly recommend this terrific story.
May 16, 2017
Been around ten months since I read the first book in this series. I enjoyed it a lot, and wanted a sequel so badly. And now I finally got to read this second book. And oh, it was all kinds of exciting and fun. I was a bit nervous at first, worried I had forgotten too much, that I wouldn't connect. But I had no need at all to worry.
Because it didn't take me too long to be fully in this world again, and back to adoring the characters. I liked this sequel more than I liked the first, and I'm giving this one four stars. Wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed it a whole bunch, and there wasn't anything about it that I disliked. Just crossing all my fingers there is a new book.
As I'm going to need much more about these characters and this world. This story isn't done yet. Still much more that can happen, and I want to read about it so badly. This book do remind me a lot of other middle grade pirate books that I have read, but it's a lot different too, and I enjoyed them all, for different reasons. I'm so glad that I read this sequel. Because there are dragons. And dinosaurs and creatures. And pirates and magicians. There is magic and gorgeous friendships. I enjoyed reading about the pirate ship and all the crew members. Had issues with Cassie at times, but I like reading about her even so. She's a pretty fierce captain. And oh, I just enjoy this world a lot. But yeah, this book was a bit too short, to be honest. I wish it had been longer.
This book tells the story of Brine, Peter and Tom. It's mostly the story of Brine, who's the most awesome twelve year old girl. I adore reading about her so much. She's kind and amazing and I do wish I could get to know her a bit more. Feel like the books are a bit too short to fully get to know all the characters. But I do adore Brine. And I love that she's always trying to make up plans for everything. I love her friendship with Peter and everyone else. I liked that she didn't dislike Stella at all; but they instead became friends.
I also feel like Peter is the biggest part of this book, and I love that so much. He is the most amazing character and I just love reading about him. Peter can do magic. But he hasn't done any for weeks now, after the end of book one, because things did not go well the last time he used magic. Aw. He's feeling a bit broken about things, which I loved too, and yeah. I loved getting to know him more and I need even more of him. And eee, I loved that the dragon adored him the most, hih. It was simply the cutest thing.
I can't help it; I ship Brine and Peter like crazy. I was worried in book one that it wouldn't happen one day, but in this book, I'm now more sure that it will happen one day. Eee. I just hope there will be more hints in book three, if there is a book three. Because I need this to happen. They are amazing friends, and would be even more amazing as more. Anyway. There is also Tom, whom I also adore. Loved his story in book one, and he's still amazing in this one. He's smart and kind and and awesome friend. I did like him a lot.
There are a bunch of other characters in this book too. Not going to talk about those, just that I enjoyed reading about them all. I love Peter the most, then Brine, but I also cared for all the other people as well. I loved the magic in this book. I love how spells are done, and what can be done with the magic. I love that Peter is the only one of them who can do magic, because that makes him special, and I'm so very happy about that. Though I don't like that they are all always expecting him to fix everything. Sigh. Not very kind.
So much happens in this book. And I'm not going to talk much about it, or write much more about this book, but yeah, I enjoyed the plot a whole bunch. Most of this story takes place on a island. Where there is supposed to be dragons. And oh, it's really exciting to read about. There are bad people, and some kind ones, and a pretty dark plot too. A bit horrible, so much awesome. There are dragons. Eee. And there are other creepy creatures as well. And I so loved reading about all of them. Especially dragons.
If you haven't yet started this series, then you must. Both books are adorable and fun and you really should give them a try. Thank you so much to the publisher for giving me an eARC of this book to read. Though I ended up waiting for my hardcover to arrive, and read that one, ack. But either way, so glad to have been able to read this. The Journey to Dragon Island was such a fantastic book. Full of adventure and magic and the most awesome characters. I'm so glad that I read it, and so glad that I enjoyed it lots.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2017/0...
Because it didn't take me too long to be fully in this world again, and back to adoring the characters. I liked this sequel more than I liked the first, and I'm giving this one four stars. Wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed it a whole bunch, and there wasn't anything about it that I disliked. Just crossing all my fingers there is a new book.
As I'm going to need much more about these characters and this world. This story isn't done yet. Still much more that can happen, and I want to read about it so badly. This book do remind me a lot of other middle grade pirate books that I have read, but it's a lot different too, and I enjoyed them all, for different reasons. I'm so glad that I read this sequel. Because there are dragons. And dinosaurs and creatures. And pirates and magicians. There is magic and gorgeous friendships. I enjoyed reading about the pirate ship and all the crew members. Had issues with Cassie at times, but I like reading about her even so. She's a pretty fierce captain. And oh, I just enjoy this world a lot. But yeah, this book was a bit too short, to be honest. I wish it had been longer.
This book tells the story of Brine, Peter and Tom. It's mostly the story of Brine, who's the most awesome twelve year old girl. I adore reading about her so much. She's kind and amazing and I do wish I could get to know her a bit more. Feel like the books are a bit too short to fully get to know all the characters. But I do adore Brine. And I love that she's always trying to make up plans for everything. I love her friendship with Peter and everyone else. I liked that she didn't dislike Stella at all; but they instead became friends.
I also feel like Peter is the biggest part of this book, and I love that so much. He is the most amazing character and I just love reading about him. Peter can do magic. But he hasn't done any for weeks now, after the end of book one, because things did not go well the last time he used magic. Aw. He's feeling a bit broken about things, which I loved too, and yeah. I loved getting to know him more and I need even more of him. And eee, I loved that the dragon adored him the most, hih. It was simply the cutest thing.
I can't help it; I ship Brine and Peter like crazy. I was worried in book one that it wouldn't happen one day, but in this book, I'm now more sure that it will happen one day. Eee. I just hope there will be more hints in book three, if there is a book three. Because I need this to happen. They are amazing friends, and would be even more amazing as more. Anyway. There is also Tom, whom I also adore. Loved his story in book one, and he's still amazing in this one. He's smart and kind and and awesome friend. I did like him a lot.
There are a bunch of other characters in this book too. Not going to talk about those, just that I enjoyed reading about them all. I love Peter the most, then Brine, but I also cared for all the other people as well. I loved the magic in this book. I love how spells are done, and what can be done with the magic. I love that Peter is the only one of them who can do magic, because that makes him special, and I'm so very happy about that. Though I don't like that they are all always expecting him to fix everything. Sigh. Not very kind.
So much happens in this book. And I'm not going to talk much about it, or write much more about this book, but yeah, I enjoyed the plot a whole bunch. Most of this story takes place on a island. Where there is supposed to be dragons. And oh, it's really exciting to read about. There are bad people, and some kind ones, and a pretty dark plot too. A bit horrible, so much awesome. There are dragons. Eee. And there are other creepy creatures as well. And I so loved reading about all of them. Especially dragons.
If you haven't yet started this series, then you must. Both books are adorable and fun and you really should give them a try. Thank you so much to the publisher for giving me an eARC of this book to read. Though I ended up waiting for my hardcover to arrive, and read that one, ack. But either way, so glad to have been able to read this. The Journey to Dragon Island was such a fantastic book. Full of adventure and magic and the most awesome characters. I'm so glad that I read it, and so glad that I enjoyed it lots.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2017/0...
June 13, 2017
The second book in the series! This time with more dragon, wizards, mystery, backstory, pirates, an much much more.
Just like with the first book it took me a while to get through this, and at times I had to push myself to continue reading it. Peter is just as terrible, if not worse, in this book. :| Bleh. If we remove Peter the book was just terrific, awesome, and I really enjoyed it.
I will still write a bit more about Peter, but I first have to post this part from my review for the previous book as it is still very relevant.
Why did I hate Peter so? Because of how he acted, his attitude, how he never cared to listen, how he always judged people, but then expected them to accept him. How rude he was to various people. And really, he never cared to listen. If only he had listened a whole of stuff wouldn't have happened. But why listen when you think you are so good at stuff, right? Just go with it, and oh well, it was a great lesson for him.
Sometimes with characters I find them nicer, I like them more, as the story continues. With Peter however I didn't have that at all. Even with what happens near the end I just disliked him too much.
Sadly, one can't just skip the Peter POV chapters because he also told a story, he also showed what happened on board, on various parts. Then again, I am also not one to just skip all the chapters of one character.
Yep, Peter was still the worst character in the whole book. Even the bad wizard (who is now a ghost) was a better character than Peter.
Peter who still thinks people are angry at him, while I don't see anyone being angry at him. They aren't snapping at him. They are treating him as normal. Sure, the pirates are still a bit worried, but then again that is so deeply rooted it isn't just easy to throw that away.
With the ending, I was actually hoping x would happen, but no, of course not. He had to pick the y option.
He treats everyone like terribly, especially Brine. Brine who just wants the best for Peter, who just wants to help him, she never does anything wrong, but yet when we see his thoughts he is quite mean towards her. :|
Phew, now that is done it is time for all the good stuff!
Brine was just wonderful, and I was delighted to see her again. In this book we find out more about her past, about the island she came from, and much much more. I did feel sorry for Brine, because there were some events in this book that weren't fun, or happy. Some did start out happy, but you could just see that it won't end right. It was interesting to see how Brine handled the situations in this book. How she kept trying to be cool, calm, and how she didn't give up. How she tried to make the right decisions. And how she found a new talent (one that I absolutely adored), I can't wait for the next book and see how much that talent will grow and how she will use it.
Tom is definitely a favourite character of mine, and mostly because he just devours books, no matter the place or the time. He is just like me. :P
Cassie was fabulous in this one, and I loved how much butt she is kicking. She never gives up, she is brave, and she will protect those in need of protection. She is a bit stubborn at times (which isn't always the right thing to do). She is so strong. Plus I am just laughing so hard because she just jumps into situations without thinking.
The Dragon Island? It was a bit of a disappointment, but then we meet dinosaurs and I was just delighted. Later on the island became even better (no, I won't tell you why). It was quite fun to see the reactions of the people in the village. Everyone there was the same colour as Brine, and they had never seen anyone as pale as the rest of the crew. I laughed when Stella asked if the crew was sick. :P
The only person I didn't like from the island was Marapi (Maraupi?), she was just terrible and power-hungry. Yes, I even liked Kaya more, even with all that happened (I have some reasons, but I can't tell them, due to spoilers).
The journey to the island was just fun, monsters, spiders, the edge of world, mirages, and more!
The story was fast-paced, the parts that weren't from the POV of Peter were the parts I just flew through. I just couldn't stop reading and I had to know if there were more dragons, what happened to Brine, why the castle is floating, what is up with the evil wizard ghost, if Ewan and Cassie would get together (yes, I am shipping them like crazy), if Serro would be the boss of the village again, if the kids would be safe, and if the island wouldn't go under in flames.
Yep, it was a fantastic book, with a great ending (OK, with the exception of the Peter thing). I can't wait for the next book and to see what adventures they will have then.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Just like with the first book it took me a while to get through this, and at times I had to push myself to continue reading it. Peter is just as terrible, if not worse, in this book. :| Bleh. If we remove Peter the book was just terrific, awesome, and I really enjoyed it.
I will still write a bit more about Peter, but I first have to post this part from my review for the previous book as it is still very relevant.
Why did I hate Peter so? Because of how he acted, his attitude, how he never cared to listen, how he always judged people, but then expected them to accept him. How rude he was to various people. And really, he never cared to listen. If only he had listened a whole of stuff wouldn't have happened. But why listen when you think you are so good at stuff, right? Just go with it, and oh well, it was a great lesson for him.
Sometimes with characters I find them nicer, I like them more, as the story continues. With Peter however I didn't have that at all. Even with what happens near the end I just disliked him too much.
Sadly, one can't just skip the Peter POV chapters because he also told a story, he also showed what happened on board, on various parts. Then again, I am also not one to just skip all the chapters of one character.
Yep, Peter was still the worst character in the whole book. Even the bad wizard (who is now a ghost) was a better character than Peter.
Peter who still thinks people are angry at him, while I don't see anyone being angry at him. They aren't snapping at him. They are treating him as normal. Sure, the pirates are still a bit worried, but then again that is so deeply rooted it isn't just easy to throw that away.
With the ending, I was actually hoping x would happen, but no, of course not. He had to pick the y option.
He treats everyone like terribly, especially Brine. Brine who just wants the best for Peter, who just wants to help him, she never does anything wrong, but yet when we see his thoughts he is quite mean towards her. :|
Phew, now that is done it is time for all the good stuff!
Brine was just wonderful, and I was delighted to see her again. In this book we find out more about her past, about the island she came from, and much much more. I did feel sorry for Brine, because there were some events in this book that weren't fun, or happy. Some did start out happy, but you could just see that it won't end right. It was interesting to see how Brine handled the situations in this book. How she kept trying to be cool, calm, and how she didn't give up. How she tried to make the right decisions. And how she found a new talent (one that I absolutely adored), I can't wait for the next book and see how much that talent will grow and how she will use it.
Tom is definitely a favourite character of mine, and mostly because he just devours books, no matter the place or the time. He is just like me. :P
Cassie was fabulous in this one, and I loved how much butt she is kicking. She never gives up, she is brave, and she will protect those in need of protection. She is a bit stubborn at times (which isn't always the right thing to do). She is so strong. Plus I am just laughing so hard because she just jumps into situations without thinking.
The Dragon Island? It was a bit of a disappointment, but then we meet dinosaurs and I was just delighted. Later on the island became even better (no, I won't tell you why). It was quite fun to see the reactions of the people in the village. Everyone there was the same colour as Brine, and they had never seen anyone as pale as the rest of the crew. I laughed when Stella asked if the crew was sick. :P
The only person I didn't like from the island was Marapi (Maraupi?), she was just terrible and power-hungry. Yes, I even liked Kaya more, even with all that happened (I have some reasons, but I can't tell them, due to spoilers).
The journey to the island was just fun, monsters, spiders, the edge of world, mirages, and more!
The story was fast-paced, the parts that weren't from the POV of Peter were the parts I just flew through. I just couldn't stop reading and I had to know if there were more dragons, what happened to Brine, why the castle is floating, what is up with the evil wizard ghost, if Ewan and Cassie would get together (yes, I am shipping them like crazy), if Serro would be the boss of the village again, if the kids would be safe, and if the island wouldn't go under in flames.
Yep, it was a fantastic book, with a great ending (OK, with the exception of the Peter thing). I can't wait for the next book and to see what adventures they will have then.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 12, 2017
Brine and the pirate crew of the Onion are back for another adventure! This time they are sailing towards the edge of the world to find Dragon Island. There they might find dragons, but they also might find Brine's family. Baby dragon Boswell is growing up and learning to fly. Peter is still struggling with magic and the fact that Marfak's ghost is haunting the Onion and only Peter can see him. Tom is devouring every little scrap he can in order to learn all the things. When they get passed all the monsters and the edge of the world to Dragon Island things are not what they expected. Unless they expected a floating castle and dinosaurs. Things are not ok on the island, even with the dinosaurs, and the Onion crew has to figure out how to fix things without blowing up the island and killing everyone.
I forgot how much I loved these characters from the first book. This is such a fun adventure series and I hope there are more books to come. I really enjoy the trio of Brine, Tom and Peter and how well they work together despite the fact that they are all completely different. Really who wouldn't love a book with both dinosaurs and dragons? Then you throw in pirates and magic eating water spiders and sandvines that will eat you. Perfection! Can't wait for more adventures aboard the Onion.
I forgot how much I loved these characters from the first book. This is such a fun adventure series and I hope there are more books to come. I really enjoy the trio of Brine, Tom and Peter and how well they work together despite the fact that they are all completely different. Really who wouldn't love a book with both dinosaurs and dragons? Then you throw in pirates and magic eating water spiders and sandvines that will eat you. Perfection! Can't wait for more adventures aboard the Onion.
March 15, 2017
Dragons, dinosaurs, magic, and a search for missing parents blend together to create a dynamic addicting-ly readable follow up to The Voyage of the Magical North. This fantasy pirate adventure will grab reader’s attention from the first page, with descriptions of magicians, flying dinosaurs, and a seemingly endless climb. This second installment in the Accidental Pirates series brings back Brine, Peter, and Tom as they search for the island of dragons and try to solve some rather big mysteries along the way. Fans of the The Voyage of the Magical North will be thrilled with the continuing story, including the ghost of Marfak West the big bad from their previous adventure who haunts poor Peter. This title’s continued delve into magic, swashbuckling, and crazy circumstances will continue to hold old readers and new; those who may jump in by accident will still thrill with the action and development. VERDICT A solid addition to middle grade collections, be sure to hand this to fantasy and pirate fans alike.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2017
Brine, Tom, and young magician Peter are on another adventure with the ever-daring pirate captain, Cassie O’Pia and her amusing crew on the Onion. I felt even more invested in this sequel to THE VOYAGE TO MAGICAL NORTH, since I’d already befriended the main characters and was eager to continue on their journey. Brine is searching for her home and parents. Tom is always exploring through his reading. And a bit more mellow Peter is gaining new insights into magic and his place in the world. The story is fast-paced. The dangers continue to threaten and to challenge the quick-thinking team. I like how they strive to work as a team. I love the varied chapter openings from news briefs to ballads to recipes. Seasoned with humor and goodwill, this clever story is sure to entertain middle grade readers who are ready for magical dragon adventures!
June 18, 2017
An incredible sequel. The first book is wonderful, but this goes even farther. Brine, who develops beautifully as a character, is seeking her parents on Dragon Island, Peter the young magician seeking dragons and trying to reconcile himself with the powerful magic he's used (and what it's done to people), and Tom the librarian's son is keeping notes: a marvelous sidekick to each of them, serious, usually calm, and very brave. Throw in the reckless female pirate captain Cassie O'Pia, the ghost of the evil magician Marfak West, a floating castle, and a volcano about to burst and you have additional tension in this fast-paced novel where the action never stops. Highly recommended.
November 27, 2017
My favorite genre is fiction and this is a great fiction book because it is unlike most other fiction books. I think the author does a good job creating a book that seems like something one might dream. From the beginning, it's obvious that the book is not realistic, but the plot is easy to follow and there are cliffhangers.
Warning for Christian Parents: Magic is used throughout the book. Magic isn't a bad thing in this book, but it does things that are impossible. It is obvious that magic isn't real because there are insane animals like magical sea spiders. Magic is used more commonly for good than for bad in this book compared to the previous book.
Warning for Christian Parents: Magic is used throughout the book. Magic isn't a bad thing in this book, but it does things that are impossible. It is obvious that magic isn't real because there are insane animals like magical sea spiders. Magic is used more commonly for good than for bad in this book compared to the previous book.
April 10, 2018
4.5? Sort of depends on whether or not this gets a sequel (there's no sign of one for now that I can find) because with the way this book was set up, it could've been an incredibly satisfying finale to a duology but some sequel hooks were thrown in in the last few pages that feel sort of unnecessary, but if I ever get to read that third book, I'll be happy to be proven wrong.
This was a great return to the world of Brine and Peter, Cassie O'Pia and the Onion and all the other new and old characters that bring it to life. Ah, stories about stories. <3
This was a great return to the world of Brine and Peter, Cassie O'Pia and the Onion and all the other new and old characters that bring it to life. Ah, stories about stories. <3
March 23, 2021
I think this one was even more fun than the first. I loved the inclusion of dragons and dinosaurs and the discussion on found family over birth family. Overall just a fun little series. I’m really surprised this doesn’t have a third book though, as there is clearly still so much story to tell. I know it’s been four years but I do hope Fayers gets to continue to tell Brine, Peter, and Tom’s story.
August 13, 2022
I'm torn. I love these characters and this world, but this one didn't hold my interest like the first where I was bookmarking quotes constantly and thoroughly enjoying the development of the characters and their relationships. I felt like none of them changed or grew much in this one except Peter, but nevertheless I still enjoyed traveling on their further adventures. I'd definitely pick up another book in this series, if one comes out, but I was hoping for something more.
May 30, 2017
One of the best fantasy stories I've read in a while. I love the worldbuilding and the magic system, but none of that gets in the way of telling a good story, with characters you care about and plenty of nuance and subtlety. A few of the characters had to wrestle with some difficult decisions, and I never thought their choices were foregone conclusions — it really could go either way!
July 31, 2017
The dinosaurs detracted from the story. It would have been better if some other kind of predators and giant creatures had been created. To me dragons and dinosaurs together are difficult to wrap my brain around. However, I am still enjoying Cassie and all the other pirates and look forward to future adventures.
February 25, 2018
A great sequel to The Voyage to Magical North. I enjoy the adventures and complexity of some of the characters, and not always knowing who’s truly a villain or ally.
May 11, 2021
I had so much fun reading this one as much as I did the second one.
The world building is so neat and easy to grasp. The colorful characters are so much fun to read about. The pacing of the story is not too slow and it's fast enough to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, I'm really looking forward for more stories of their adventures.
The world building is so neat and easy to grasp. The colorful characters are so much fun to read about. The pacing of the story is not too slow and it's fast enough to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, I'm really looking forward for more stories of their adventures.
May 19, 2017
It's the continuing saga of the pirates of the the Onion venturing through unknown lands dealing with dragons, ghosts, mis-used magics, and....crazy tribal villagers!!! Yep an other swash buckling hilarious adventure like the first book.
August 17, 2017
A fabulous madcap and magical adventure! It’s got pirates, dragons, dinosaurs and sea monsters! The adventure moves along at a cracking pace with a cast of engaging characters and is packed full of charm and humour. Enjoyed hugely. More please?
May 14, 2017
This is fast becoming one of my favourite series - beautiful intelligent writing with fantastic characters and amazing adventures. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment....
August 7, 2017
I didn't like the first but I did like this one. The characters were very cunning and I really liked Tom.
November 24, 2017
The second installment of this series was just as adorable and creative as the first. Really delightful and engaging children's book.
December 21, 2017
Loved it almost as much as the first! Now when does book three come out? 🤔
December 7, 2018
I *still* really enjoy Marfak West. >>
March 13, 2021
3.5 stars. This is so close to being right and I judge it more harshly because of it. If it was not great I wouldn't care so much. But it really is very nearly great.
September 19, 2021
Not as good as the first
March 16, 2017
I absolutely loved Voyage to Magical North, I thought it was brilliant. Pirates, magic, snarky villains, terrible puns: everything a good book needs. So I was understandably thrilled to receive an ARC of Journey to Dragon Island, the second on the series, and it did not disappoint!
Brine, Tom, Peter and the crew of the Onion are back and they're heading to the mythical Western Isle or Dragon Island to find Brines' parents and hopefully some dragons too.
Just as witty and full of references for adults as the first (I'm sure I spotted a Yoda quote in there), but also driven by character development and a story that has more twists and sideswipes than game of dragon tennis, this instalment takes everything that was good about Voyage to Magical North and runs with it. A must read for fans of magic, pirates and (spoiler) dinosaurs!
Brine, Tom, Peter and the crew of the Onion are back and they're heading to the mythical Western Isle or Dragon Island to find Brines' parents and hopefully some dragons too.
Just as witty and full of references for adults as the first (I'm sure I spotted a Yoda quote in there), but also driven by character development and a story that has more twists and sideswipes than game of dragon tennis, this instalment takes everything that was good about Voyage to Magical North and runs with it. A must read for fans of magic, pirates and (spoiler) dinosaurs!
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April 19, 2018Having trouble with this one. I think I need to read the first in the series first...Yes, so this one I gave up on too, but only to go get the #1. I think that'll help! Stay tuned.
March 4, 2017
This is a great mystery-fantasy book for middle school. I enjoyed it enough I want to read the first book, to see how the crew of the Onion came together .
Oh..this book, made me laugh, oh my. :) It could have been my quirky sense of humour though.
It was a great story. A group of pirates in a world of magic.
A rescue to undertake, a meaning of home to understand.
Brine, Peter, Tom, Cassie and the whole gang.. would they solve the mystery? Would the figure out where the dragons went?
It's a great read that I am eager to see if my son likes it as much as I did. :)
Written for ages 8-12 and published by Henry Holt and Co, it is the second in a series by Claire Fayers. 304 pages in length each chapter is predicated by a short verse.
Oh..this book, made me laugh, oh my. :) It could have been my quirky sense of humour though.
It was a great story. A group of pirates in a world of magic.
A rescue to undertake, a meaning of home to understand.
Brine, Peter, Tom, Cassie and the whole gang.. would they solve the mystery? Would the figure out where the dragons went?
It's a great read that I am eager to see if my son likes it as much as I did. :)
Written for ages 8-12 and published by Henry Holt and Co, it is the second in a series by Claire Fayers. 304 pages in length each chapter is predicated by a short verse.
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