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The trail of the Storm-Opals takes Mouse further than she has ever been before. With her little brother Sparrow and friend Crow alongside her, she stumbles into the world of Sky, where fortresses are hidden amongst the clouds, secret libraries (skybraries) nestle atop gigantic icebergs and the sky swirls with warring tribes and their ferocious flying beasts. Can they solve Da's message before it's too late for their ship, their tribe and the whole of Trianukka?
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2017
9 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Driver
11 books65 followersSarah Driver was born on the Sussex coast and started writing as a small child. She graduated with distinction from the Bath Spa MA in Writing for Young People in 2015, after winning the 2014 United Agents prize for ‘most promising writer’. She is also a nurse and midwife, having trained at the Florence Nightingale School at King's College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Dreamstalkers: The Night Train is releasing on February 1st 2024. It is the first in a new middle grade fantasy-adventure duology, telling the story of Bea Grimspuddle and Pip, an owl who smells like butter and candle smoke. In the world of Hirathorn, Bea lives in the remote wilds of a rugged moorland settlement called Thunderheart Tor. She longs to become a mage, riding off on adventures, with the power to use wild magic. Instead she is taught that all the magic of Hirathorn resides exclusively with the elites in the faraway city of Silvervein. Everything changes when the dreams disappear, strange shadows are glimpsed and nightmares come walking. Then the Night Train steams across the moors, and Bea is swept into an adventure in the world of the Dreamstalkers.
Other novels by Sarah Driver are The Huntress trilogy, which tells the story of Mouse, who grows up aboard a ship captained by her grandmother in a world of moonsprites, terrodyls and merwraiths. Once We Were Witches is a fantasy duology which follows Spel Wrythe and her sister Egg, who grow up in Mistress Mouldheels' School for Wicked Girls believing they are the daughters of criminals. Learning the truth will lead them on an adventure to a strange funeral parlour guarding even more secrets.
Photo credit: Lauren Psyk.
Dreamstalkers: The Night Train is releasing on February 1st 2024. It is the first in a new middle grade fantasy-adventure duology, telling the story of Bea Grimspuddle and Pip, an owl who smells like butter and candle smoke. In the world of Hirathorn, Bea lives in the remote wilds of a rugged moorland settlement called Thunderheart Tor. She longs to become a mage, riding off on adventures, with the power to use wild magic. Instead she is taught that all the magic of Hirathorn resides exclusively with the elites in the faraway city of Silvervein. Everything changes when the dreams disappear, strange shadows are glimpsed and nightmares come walking. Then the Night Train steams across the moors, and Bea is swept into an adventure in the world of the Dreamstalkers.
Other novels by Sarah Driver are The Huntress trilogy, which tells the story of Mouse, who grows up aboard a ship captained by her grandmother in a world of moonsprites, terrodyls and merwraiths. Once We Were Witches is a fantasy duology which follows Spel Wrythe and her sister Egg, who grow up in Mistress Mouldheels' School for Wicked Girls believing they are the daughters of criminals. Learning the truth will lead them on an adventure to a strange funeral parlour guarding even more secrets.
Photo credit: Lauren Psyk.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 44 reviews
December 17, 2019
Hi ForeverBookers,
How are you all? I hope you’re well!
I’ve just finished “Sky,” book 2 in the Huntress trilogy by Sarah Driver and oh my goodness, I loved it SOOOOOOOOO much! It’s a very episodic book. I could literally see everything playing out in my head, which I loved.
5 Stars!!!!!
Spoilers below for “Sea,” book 1...
“Sky” basically sets off from where “Sea,” book 1 finished. Mouse, our main character has lost her grandmother, and Captain of her ship because of an evil person, who’s trying to control the sea and the sky. Mouse needs to find answers and quickly if she’s to get things back the way they were. With her friends and little brother from “Sea,” and a few new alliances in “Sky,” can she change what’s been put in motion before it happens? You’ll need to read to find out...
“Sky” is told from first person perspective. Mouse is the character’s who’s perspective we see from. It was interesting to see her grow from the young girl she was in “Sea” to the young woman she becomes in “Sky.” I LOVE when books follow one person specifically, throughout. I feel I can connect to them and I definitely did that with Mouse! Yes, she’s younger than me, but in “Sky” she goes through so much and has lots of new experiences, some of which I’ve had so it was nice to see those reflected.
“Sky” is marketed as Middle Grade (9+), however there are some scenes that I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting a 9/10/11 year old read. Nothing too bad, just some violence and gun action. It is down to personal preference, though.
The Readathons I read “Sky” for were:
* The Cardcaptor-a-thon on Facebook - I read it for a middle-grade read, which is for the Little Card - Read a Middle Grade book - https://www.facebook.com/cardcaptorat....
Reading Rivalry on Facebook - Book featuring a road trip - There are lots of trips that the characters venture on in “Sky.” They travel on horses, walk and sail on the sea.
* Fiction Feud Society on Facebook - Friendship - 15 points!
* Sims-a-thon - Read something set in another world - I’m not quite sure what the world is called in this series. I don’t think it’s ever said but there are fantasitcal creatures, so it’s not our world.
* Ghibli-a-thon - Kiki’s Delivery Service - A childhood favourite - I’m kind of messing with this a little because I didn’t read when I was a child, also this book wasn’t written when I was a child but it’s middle-grade as I’ve already said, so it counts I think. It’s now definitely a favourite too!
* A book revolving around a puzzle or a game - Mouse is trying to solve the mystery of the Storm Opals that we see her discover in Sea in this sequel, and what they mean. I class a mystery as a puzzle.
Spoilers Below for “Sky”...
“I have to make things right and claim our ship back - there enta beat to lose.”
This is a thought from mouse. She’s very much a pirate. We can tell this from the language “enta beat.” She’s also very stubborn and knows that when something needs doing, it needs doing. After her ship, The Huntress, is taken in “Sea,” she just wants to find it and get it back again. Will she? You’ll need to read to find out.
When Mouse and her companion, Crow venture into Sky they’re at first treated like they don’t belong there because they’re from a different place.
“Grandma would take no nonsense from these leather-wings, so I hold tight onto the heart-strength that she stitched into my bones and shine it out at the girl. For a beat, Lunda’s fierceness is startled away.”
This shows that Mouse wants to be like her Grandma and show that she’s strong to whoever sees her. I admired this about Mouse. She was never willing to let anyone see her crumble. She stayed strong and focused throughout. I wish I had been more like her as a child. I think Mouse is a great role-model for young girls to look to. Lunda is a harsh character at first. Does she start liking Mouse at any point? You’ll have to read to find out. I believe that the people of “Sky” will play a role in “Storm,” book 3 too! Can Mouse learn to forget what she’s been told and embrace new ideas? That’s also what “Sky” is about, accepting that it’s okay to be wrong sometimes, and embracing new ways to live.
While imprisoned on Sky, Mouse meets Kestrel, the Protector’s daughter. The Protector is like the God of the Sky, who doesn’t take kindly to Mouse and Crow. Kestrel on the other hand befriends Mouse almost straight away.
“Travel’s how my tribe live. It’s who we are.”
Kestrel gazes at me with a gentle, eager fierceness. “I think it might be who I am, too.”
This shows just how similar Mouse and Kestrel are. They may be from different Tribes but that doesn’t mean they can’t be similar too. It’s like in real life, a black person can like the same things as a white person, just as a queer person can like the same things as a straight person. There’s nothing stopping them. I believe that’s the kind of meaning the author was trying to get across here to a middle-grade audience, that everyone should be accepted, no matter who they are.
“He is the Skybrarian and will be treated with due respect.”
The characters, Mouse, Crow and Kestrel go to see one of Kestrel’s friends, Yapok, the Skybrarian’s apprentice. Reading about the Skybrary is one of the parts of “Sky” that I really loved. It’s like a library but on an iceberg. I think ANY fantasy reader will love reading about the Skybrary too. I’d say it’s where the majority of the book is set, although, there are a few settings. All of which were written really well. I knew where Mouse was at every point in the book and I could imagine it well.
I kind of said this above but with evidence this time, Mouse has grown from a girl into a woman during the events of “Sky,” I believe. “I know I can’t do what Crow said. I ent leaving without the wrecker, Opals or no Opals,” is what Mouse thinks when Crow, her friend, companion and potential love interest that we meet in “Sea” gets in trouble and needs to be saved. Mouse is willing to put everything on the line for Crow. Again, I admired this about her. There isn’t any romance in “Sky” between these two but I REALLY hope there’ll be at least something in “Storm.” There is, however LGBTQ recognition in “Sky.” Kestrel is a lesbian. It’s LGBTQ awareness month in June, when I read this too, so it was a pleasant surprise to find this representation. The LGBTQ reference ends where it begins, because this is middle-grade but it was good to at least see LGB themes brought up in middle-grade literature.
“Do you know if there’s a book here about gems like this?”
The gems or Opals, as they’re known throughout the book are what will save the land, sea and sky. Mouse asks this of one of the Owls, the protectors of the Skybrary. She needs to find out all she can about the Opals to be able to find the other two. At this point she’s only found the Sea-Opal. Mouse and her comrades are on a mission to find all three of them. At the same time though, the evil character, who I don’t want to spoil the name of here, is also on the hunt for them. Who will find them first? You’ll have to read to find out. Mouse also finds someone she’s been search for. I won’t spoil who but I think they’ll play a big role in “Storm.”
I really enjoyed reading about Mouse’s adventures in “Sky.” There were definitely some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming too, which was a nice surprise! I highly recommend this if you want a fun, meaningful, fantastical older middle-grade/younger YA adventure. I’ll say again, though that this is book 2. “Sea” is book 1 and should definitely be read first! “Sky” also ends on a cliffhanger or a run-on, I suppose you could say, so if you can’t wait, you’ll want “Storm” too so you can complete the story. All books are released in English now. I don’t know about other countries/languages, sorry.
Stand by for my next review, coming soon...
How are you all? I hope you’re well!
I’ve just finished “Sky,” book 2 in the Huntress trilogy by Sarah Driver and oh my goodness, I loved it SOOOOOOOOO much! It’s a very episodic book. I could literally see everything playing out in my head, which I loved.
5 Stars!!!!!
Spoilers below for “Sea,” book 1...
“Sky” basically sets off from where “Sea,” book 1 finished. Mouse, our main character has lost her grandmother, and Captain of her ship because of an evil person, who’s trying to control the sea and the sky. Mouse needs to find answers and quickly if she’s to get things back the way they were. With her friends and little brother from “Sea,” and a few new alliances in “Sky,” can she change what’s been put in motion before it happens? You’ll need to read to find out...
“Sky” is told from first person perspective. Mouse is the character’s who’s perspective we see from. It was interesting to see her grow from the young girl she was in “Sea” to the young woman she becomes in “Sky.” I LOVE when books follow one person specifically, throughout. I feel I can connect to them and I definitely did that with Mouse! Yes, she’s younger than me, but in “Sky” she goes through so much and has lots of new experiences, some of which I’ve had so it was nice to see those reflected.
“Sky” is marketed as Middle Grade (9+), however there are some scenes that I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting a 9/10/11 year old read. Nothing too bad, just some violence and gun action. It is down to personal preference, though.
The Readathons I read “Sky” for were:
* The Cardcaptor-a-thon on Facebook - I read it for a middle-grade read, which is for the Little Card - Read a Middle Grade book - https://www.facebook.com/cardcaptorat....
Reading Rivalry on Facebook - Book featuring a road trip - There are lots of trips that the characters venture on in “Sky.” They travel on horses, walk and sail on the sea.
* Fiction Feud Society on Facebook - Friendship - 15 points!
* Sims-a-thon - Read something set in another world - I’m not quite sure what the world is called in this series. I don’t think it’s ever said but there are fantasitcal creatures, so it’s not our world.
* Ghibli-a-thon - Kiki’s Delivery Service - A childhood favourite - I’m kind of messing with this a little because I didn’t read when I was a child, also this book wasn’t written when I was a child but it’s middle-grade as I’ve already said, so it counts I think. It’s now definitely a favourite too!
* A book revolving around a puzzle or a game - Mouse is trying to solve the mystery of the Storm Opals that we see her discover in Sea in this sequel, and what they mean. I class a mystery as a puzzle.
Spoilers Below for “Sky”...
“I have to make things right and claim our ship back - there enta beat to lose.”
This is a thought from mouse. She’s very much a pirate. We can tell this from the language “enta beat.” She’s also very stubborn and knows that when something needs doing, it needs doing. After her ship, The Huntress, is taken in “Sea,” she just wants to find it and get it back again. Will she? You’ll need to read to find out.
When Mouse and her companion, Crow venture into Sky they’re at first treated like they don’t belong there because they’re from a different place.
“Grandma would take no nonsense from these leather-wings, so I hold tight onto the heart-strength that she stitched into my bones and shine it out at the girl. For a beat, Lunda’s fierceness is startled away.”
This shows that Mouse wants to be like her Grandma and show that she’s strong to whoever sees her. I admired this about Mouse. She was never willing to let anyone see her crumble. She stayed strong and focused throughout. I wish I had been more like her as a child. I think Mouse is a great role-model for young girls to look to. Lunda is a harsh character at first. Does she start liking Mouse at any point? You’ll have to read to find out. I believe that the people of “Sky” will play a role in “Storm,” book 3 too! Can Mouse learn to forget what she’s been told and embrace new ideas? That’s also what “Sky” is about, accepting that it’s okay to be wrong sometimes, and embracing new ways to live.
While imprisoned on Sky, Mouse meets Kestrel, the Protector’s daughter. The Protector is like the God of the Sky, who doesn’t take kindly to Mouse and Crow. Kestrel on the other hand befriends Mouse almost straight away.
“Travel’s how my tribe live. It’s who we are.”
Kestrel gazes at me with a gentle, eager fierceness. “I think it might be who I am, too.”
This shows just how similar Mouse and Kestrel are. They may be from different Tribes but that doesn’t mean they can’t be similar too. It’s like in real life, a black person can like the same things as a white person, just as a queer person can like the same things as a straight person. There’s nothing stopping them. I believe that’s the kind of meaning the author was trying to get across here to a middle-grade audience, that everyone should be accepted, no matter who they are.
“He is the Skybrarian and will be treated with due respect.”
The characters, Mouse, Crow and Kestrel go to see one of Kestrel’s friends, Yapok, the Skybrarian’s apprentice. Reading about the Skybrary is one of the parts of “Sky” that I really loved. It’s like a library but on an iceberg. I think ANY fantasy reader will love reading about the Skybrary too. I’d say it’s where the majority of the book is set, although, there are a few settings. All of which were written really well. I knew where Mouse was at every point in the book and I could imagine it well.
I kind of said this above but with evidence this time, Mouse has grown from a girl into a woman during the events of “Sky,” I believe. “I know I can’t do what Crow said. I ent leaving without the wrecker, Opals or no Opals,” is what Mouse thinks when Crow, her friend, companion and potential love interest that we meet in “Sea” gets in trouble and needs to be saved. Mouse is willing to put everything on the line for Crow. Again, I admired this about her. There isn’t any romance in “Sky” between these two but I REALLY hope there’ll be at least something in “Storm.” There is, however LGBTQ recognition in “Sky.” Kestrel is a lesbian. It’s LGBTQ awareness month in June, when I read this too, so it was a pleasant surprise to find this representation. The LGBTQ reference ends where it begins, because this is middle-grade but it was good to at least see LGB themes brought up in middle-grade literature.
“Do you know if there’s a book here about gems like this?”
The gems or Opals, as they’re known throughout the book are what will save the land, sea and sky. Mouse asks this of one of the Owls, the protectors of the Skybrary. She needs to find out all she can about the Opals to be able to find the other two. At this point she’s only found the Sea-Opal. Mouse and her comrades are on a mission to find all three of them. At the same time though, the evil character, who I don’t want to spoil the name of here, is also on the hunt for them. Who will find them first? You’ll have to read to find out. Mouse also finds someone she’s been search for. I won’t spoil who but I think they’ll play a big role in “Storm.”
I really enjoyed reading about Mouse’s adventures in “Sky.” There were definitely some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming too, which was a nice surprise! I highly recommend this if you want a fun, meaningful, fantastical older middle-grade/younger YA adventure. I’ll say again, though that this is book 2. “Sea” is book 1 and should definitely be read first! “Sky” also ends on a cliffhanger or a run-on, I suppose you could say, so if you can’t wait, you’ll want “Storm” too so you can complete the story. All books are released in English now. I don’t know about other countries/languages, sorry.
Stand by for my next review, coming soon...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2018
Really great continuation of the series, can't wait to find out how it ends.
April 12, 2018
As with its predecessor, Sea, I completely fell in love with this book. Everything about it - language, dialogue, description, characterisation and plot - is perfect, and I could hardly bear to tear myself away from it while reading. Mouse is a character nestled in my heart; I love her, and her quest, and her love for her brother, and her courage and strength and determination. The scope of Sarah Driver's imagination leaves me breathless! I can't wait for Storm, the final book in this epic trilogy - though I will be so sad to let them go.
June 29, 2018
As much as I loved “The Sea”, which is the first instalment of this trilogy, I couldn’t connect with this sequel a whole lot.
The start felt slow and rocky to me. We couldn’t settle in one position and re-charge with the characters again. Everyone’s immediately chucked in one dangerous hole after the other. Now, that’s something I usually love about books. I can’t deal with slow-burners at all. But when it comes to a second book, I prefer having a chapter or two reconnecting with the cast and their situation in case I’d read the previous instalment a while back.
And that’s exactly what happened here.
Still a cool kids book. Not as cool as the first one.
The start felt slow and rocky to me. We couldn’t settle in one position and re-charge with the characters again. Everyone’s immediately chucked in one dangerous hole after the other. Now, that’s something I usually love about books. I can’t deal with slow-burners at all. But when it comes to a second book, I prefer having a chapter or two reconnecting with the cast and their situation in case I’d read the previous instalment a while back.
And that’s exactly what happened here.
Still a cool kids book. Not as cool as the first one.
May 2, 2018
World-saving adventure with the characters we loved from the first book and some notable new additions. I liked this more than the first book, partly because I understood more of what was going on and partly because I loved the new locations that the story travelled to and the new characters we met along the way. I would really like to visit the Skybrary!
Looking forward to reading the finale to this trilogy now!
Looking forward to reading the finale to this trilogy now!
Read
July 17, 2018I liked this book as well because it carries on from the first one
November 8, 2017
Wow such a great read. It is a wonderful story and has everything. It's different, fun , interesting and engaging. It's gripping and keeps you on your toes and I can't wait for the next book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
February 2, 2019
I loved The Huntress Sky. It's packed full of action and adventure, and is a very thrilling book.
August 31, 2017
Sky charts Mouse’s continuing quest to find the rest of the Storm-Opals in order to stop her world turning into a permanent winter.
In the Huntress trilogy, Sarah Driver has created a world rich with breath-taking landscapes, brilliant characterisations and relentless action. By seeing and experiencing this world through Mouse’s eyes the story, told in the present tense, really creates a sense of immediacy for the reader, as well as letting them feel the emotional rollercoaster all the characters are put through in their adventures. The use of a dialect only adds a further sense of immersion into this intelligently conceived world of ships creaking as their sails catch the wind and the ultimate adrenaline rush of riding on the back of a leathery terrodyl (a pterodactyl) or a furry draggle (a large type of bat).
Sarah Driver’s writing doesn’t let up on the action, but while this is all going on she builds in fully-formed characters who interact with the story, adding so much more than a way of merely world-building through meeting people. There is no sense of the author wondering who she’s going to add next to make the story more interesting, but more of assembling a hugely complex jigsaw puzzle so the pieces fit perfectly in a whole picture designed to take your breath away.
The new character of Kestrel, a member of a Sky-Tribe, becomes involved with the adventurers she adds another layer to the already complex story. She has Mouse’s passion and ability to keep going no matter what happens. But the magic of Kestrel’s character really kicks in when she talks about the need for the Sky-Tribes to pull together. It is moments like this when the author’s skill in conveying this world really comes to the fore as Mouse describes this as “There’s a pureness to her unite, like she’s struck a small bell.” This way of describing what is going on takes the situation and extends a reader’s perception of not only what is happening, but also the pureness of Kestrel’s character and her vision of the way she would like to shape the future.
This is a book full of the importance of friendship and trying to do the right thing with young people who have all been, one way or another, thrust violently into an adult world where they must first make their own way and rely on their own psychological strength and moral compass for sorting out who they can and can’t rely on.
Mouse has to be very mature to keep her brother safe and the group together while trying to solve her father’s message. She has lost everything. This should have changed her and yet there is still something of the delightful child with a constant wonder of the world around her, who began the trilogy in Sea. This is a quality which Sarah Driver puts over with her wonderfully crafted observations, “Kestrel claps her hands and grins until her cheeks squash her eyes.”
Mouse is very much a child of the sea and bonded to the concept of captaining her own ship one day. Her philosophy of the world comes from this centre which you can see when she wisely advises Kestrel not to give up by saying “Don’t take your sails down yet.” These are the small touches carefully dabbed here and there amidst a rattling adventure story, which should ensure this trilogy’s place as a children’s classic in years to come and Sarah Driver an author noted for children’s writing which stands out in a hectic children’s fantasy market. At the very least The Huntress Trilogy is crying out for a large-scope, cinematic treatment. Roll on the next book.
Sky was courtesy of Egmont Publishing.
In the Huntress trilogy, Sarah Driver has created a world rich with breath-taking landscapes, brilliant characterisations and relentless action. By seeing and experiencing this world through Mouse’s eyes the story, told in the present tense, really creates a sense of immediacy for the reader, as well as letting them feel the emotional rollercoaster all the characters are put through in their adventures. The use of a dialect only adds a further sense of immersion into this intelligently conceived world of ships creaking as their sails catch the wind and the ultimate adrenaline rush of riding on the back of a leathery terrodyl (a pterodactyl) or a furry draggle (a large type of bat).
Sarah Driver’s writing doesn’t let up on the action, but while this is all going on she builds in fully-formed characters who interact with the story, adding so much more than a way of merely world-building through meeting people. There is no sense of the author wondering who she’s going to add next to make the story more interesting, but more of assembling a hugely complex jigsaw puzzle so the pieces fit perfectly in a whole picture designed to take your breath away.
The new character of Kestrel, a member of a Sky-Tribe, becomes involved with the adventurers she adds another layer to the already complex story. She has Mouse’s passion and ability to keep going no matter what happens. But the magic of Kestrel’s character really kicks in when she talks about the need for the Sky-Tribes to pull together. It is moments like this when the author’s skill in conveying this world really comes to the fore as Mouse describes this as “There’s a pureness to her unite, like she’s struck a small bell.” This way of describing what is going on takes the situation and extends a reader’s perception of not only what is happening, but also the pureness of Kestrel’s character and her vision of the way she would like to shape the future.
This is a book full of the importance of friendship and trying to do the right thing with young people who have all been, one way or another, thrust violently into an adult world where they must first make their own way and rely on their own psychological strength and moral compass for sorting out who they can and can’t rely on.
Mouse has to be very mature to keep her brother safe and the group together while trying to solve her father’s message. She has lost everything. This should have changed her and yet there is still something of the delightful child with a constant wonder of the world around her, who began the trilogy in Sea. This is a quality which Sarah Driver puts over with her wonderfully crafted observations, “Kestrel claps her hands and grins until her cheeks squash her eyes.”
Mouse is very much a child of the sea and bonded to the concept of captaining her own ship one day. Her philosophy of the world comes from this centre which you can see when she wisely advises Kestrel not to give up by saying “Don’t take your sails down yet.” These are the small touches carefully dabbed here and there amidst a rattling adventure story, which should ensure this trilogy’s place as a children’s classic in years to come and Sarah Driver an author noted for children’s writing which stands out in a hectic children’s fantasy market. At the very least The Huntress Trilogy is crying out for a large-scope, cinematic treatment. Roll on the next book.
Sky was courtesy of Egmont Publishing.
January 21, 2019
Meine Meinung:
Auch im zweiten Band der Trilogie kam ich wieder in den Genuss des einzigartigen und wundervollen Schreibstils von Sarah Driver. Die Autorin schaffte es auch hier wieder mich vollkommen in ihren Bann zu ziehen und mich mit ihrem leicht zu lesenden und verständlichen Stil zu verzaubern. Sarah Driver schreibt einfach so unheimlich fesselnd, spannend und bildgewaltig, dass man von ihren Büchern einfach nicht los kommt. Dies zeigte sie auch deutlich im zweiten Band, der wieder so schön und so toll geschrieben ist, dass ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen konnte.
Maus ist wieder die Protagonistin der ganzen Geschichte und neben ihr haben wir wieder Sperling und Krähe. Neu dazu gekommen sind Falka, Yapok und später Hecht. Aber ich fange mal wieder bei Maus an, denn dieses Mädchen ist definitiv der Star des Buches, denn sie macht eine unglaublich tolle Entwicklung durch und ist einfach trotz ihres Alters ein mutiges, kluges, starkes und durchaus liebenswürdiges Mädchen. Sie muss man einfach mögen, denn ihre authentische und sympathische Art und ihr Charakter verbreiten so ein tolles Gefühl in mir, dass ich dieses Mädchen einfach so sehr ins Herz geschlossen habe. Selbst Sperling und Krähe entwickelten sich einfach unheimlich schön weiter und gaben mir so viel Mut und Energie. Die neuen Charaktere sind einfach traumhaft gut gezeichnet und ich mochte sie alle auf Anhieb sehr gerne, da sie super authentisch und sympathisch waren.
Die Story im zweiten Band der Trilogie ist einfach wieder der reinste Wahnsinn. Kaum habe ich die erste Seite aufgeschlagen, zog mich Sarah Driver in die Story hinein und zeigte mir erneut die wundervolle Welt von Maus. Diese Geschichte und dieses Abenteuer war wieder ein reines Lesevergnügen und ich mochte die Story wieder sehr. Sarah Driver erschuf eine Story, der ich leicht folgen konnte und die mich vollkommen eingenommen hatte. Selbst die Storyline war so einnehemend und so stark ausgeprägt, dass ich einfach verliebt bin in diese. Story und Storyline im Zusammenspiel war definitiv wieder einmal lesenwert und ich freue mich auch schon, wenn der finale Band erscheint und ich wieder in diese wundervolle Welt eintauchen kann.
Die Handlung im zweiten Band dieser Kinderbuchtrilogie ist einfach wieder der Hamer gewesen. Sie war auch hier wieder locker, leicht und einfach verständlich. Von der ersten Seite an war ich in der Handlung gefangen und war wieder vollkommen in dieser gefangen. Das eine Handlung mich so einhüllt in ihre Magie und ihre Welt, dass habe ich selten, deshalb war ich so gespannt auf diese. Auch die Handlungsstränge waren locker und leicht und fügten sich richtig schön in die Handlung ein so, dass es einfach richtig toll war, diese zu verfolgen und ein Teil davon zu sein. Sarah Driver hat die Handlung und die Handlungsstränge einfach wunderbar gezeichnet!
Mein Fazit:
Abschließend ziehe ich das Fazit, dass “Die drei Opale 2. In eisigen Höhen” ein absolut gelungener zweiter Band ist, der definitiv mit Band 1 mithalten kann. Sarah Driver entführte mich wieder aus der Realität und zog mich in ihre magische Welt wo ich Seite an Seite mit den Figuren kämpfte, lachte, litt und auch für sie eingetreten bin. Agefangen beim Schreibstil der einfach so wunderbar locker flockig ist bishin zu einer Handlung die mich gierig in sich aufgezogen hat war einfach ales rundum perfekt für mich und ich freue mich auf Band 3! Definitiv zu empfehlen! Kerstin von Booknerdsbykerstin sagt “Diese Reihe gehört einfach verfilmt” und ich stimme ihr einfach zu, denn diese Reihe hat das Potential dazu!
Auch im zweiten Band der Trilogie kam ich wieder in den Genuss des einzigartigen und wundervollen Schreibstils von Sarah Driver. Die Autorin schaffte es auch hier wieder mich vollkommen in ihren Bann zu ziehen und mich mit ihrem leicht zu lesenden und verständlichen Stil zu verzaubern. Sarah Driver schreibt einfach so unheimlich fesselnd, spannend und bildgewaltig, dass man von ihren Büchern einfach nicht los kommt. Dies zeigte sie auch deutlich im zweiten Band, der wieder so schön und so toll geschrieben ist, dass ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen konnte.
Maus ist wieder die Protagonistin der ganzen Geschichte und neben ihr haben wir wieder Sperling und Krähe. Neu dazu gekommen sind Falka, Yapok und später Hecht. Aber ich fange mal wieder bei Maus an, denn dieses Mädchen ist definitiv der Star des Buches, denn sie macht eine unglaublich tolle Entwicklung durch und ist einfach trotz ihres Alters ein mutiges, kluges, starkes und durchaus liebenswürdiges Mädchen. Sie muss man einfach mögen, denn ihre authentische und sympathische Art und ihr Charakter verbreiten so ein tolles Gefühl in mir, dass ich dieses Mädchen einfach so sehr ins Herz geschlossen habe. Selbst Sperling und Krähe entwickelten sich einfach unheimlich schön weiter und gaben mir so viel Mut und Energie. Die neuen Charaktere sind einfach traumhaft gut gezeichnet und ich mochte sie alle auf Anhieb sehr gerne, da sie super authentisch und sympathisch waren.
Die Story im zweiten Band der Trilogie ist einfach wieder der reinste Wahnsinn. Kaum habe ich die erste Seite aufgeschlagen, zog mich Sarah Driver in die Story hinein und zeigte mir erneut die wundervolle Welt von Maus. Diese Geschichte und dieses Abenteuer war wieder ein reines Lesevergnügen und ich mochte die Story wieder sehr. Sarah Driver erschuf eine Story, der ich leicht folgen konnte und die mich vollkommen eingenommen hatte. Selbst die Storyline war so einnehemend und so stark ausgeprägt, dass ich einfach verliebt bin in diese. Story und Storyline im Zusammenspiel war definitiv wieder einmal lesenwert und ich freue mich auch schon, wenn der finale Band erscheint und ich wieder in diese wundervolle Welt eintauchen kann.
Die Handlung im zweiten Band dieser Kinderbuchtrilogie ist einfach wieder der Hamer gewesen. Sie war auch hier wieder locker, leicht und einfach verständlich. Von der ersten Seite an war ich in der Handlung gefangen und war wieder vollkommen in dieser gefangen. Das eine Handlung mich so einhüllt in ihre Magie und ihre Welt, dass habe ich selten, deshalb war ich so gespannt auf diese. Auch die Handlungsstränge waren locker und leicht und fügten sich richtig schön in die Handlung ein so, dass es einfach richtig toll war, diese zu verfolgen und ein Teil davon zu sein. Sarah Driver hat die Handlung und die Handlungsstränge einfach wunderbar gezeichnet!
Mein Fazit:
Abschließend ziehe ich das Fazit, dass “Die drei Opale 2. In eisigen Höhen” ein absolut gelungener zweiter Band ist, der definitiv mit Band 1 mithalten kann. Sarah Driver entführte mich wieder aus der Realität und zog mich in ihre magische Welt wo ich Seite an Seite mit den Figuren kämpfte, lachte, litt und auch für sie eingetreten bin. Agefangen beim Schreibstil der einfach so wunderbar locker flockig ist bishin zu einer Handlung die mich gierig in sich aufgezogen hat war einfach ales rundum perfekt für mich und ich freue mich auf Band 3! Definitiv zu empfehlen! Kerstin von Booknerdsbykerstin sagt “Diese Reihe gehört einfach verfilmt” und ich stimme ihr einfach zu, denn diese Reihe hat das Potential dazu!
June 12, 2020
Kurzbeschreibung
zu
Die drei Opale 2: In eisigen Höhen
Wenn dein inneres Feuer brennt.
Dann sind wir bei der 13 Jägermonden jungen Maus.
Sie ist auf der Suche nach einem weiteren Opal den sie finden muss.
Gemeinsam mit Sperling und Krähe macht sie sich auf die Suche nach den Himmelsstämmen im Osten, denn laut einer Nachricht findet sie dort was sie sich erhofft.
Doch auch die dunklen Mächte bleiben nicht untätig.
.
Mein erster Eindruck
Eine tolle Fortsetzung, die mich hier wieder begeistern konnte.
Man trifft wieder liebgewonnene Gefährten, welche sich auf einer Reise befinden, bei der sie gegen alle Widerstände bestehen müssen.
.
Meine Meinung
zu
Die drei Opale 2: In eisigen Höhen
Zuallererst, ich liebe die Story.
Hier lernt man eine taffe, junge Dame kennen, die sich trotz aller Widerstände auf einem gefährlichen Weg befindet.
Auf ihren Schultern lastet eine immense Verantwortung, Trianukka und ihre lieben zu retten.
Gemeinsam mit altbekannten Freunden und ihrem Bruder macht sie sich auf die Suche nach dem nächsten Opal und man wird wieder mitgenommen in den bildhaften Schreibstil der Autorin Sarah Driver, die einen hier in luftige Höhen entführt.
Um genauer zu sein zu den Himmelsstämmen.
Wie der Name schon sagt ist hier eine Welt, die im Himmel ihren Ausgangspunkt findet angesiedelt.
Ich liebe das bildhafte Setting und auch wie der zweite Band weitergeht.
Ich kann euch nicht mehr verraten, wir wollen ja nichts vorab spoilern. Außer soviel, dass der zweite Band an Spannung dem ersten in nichts nachsteht und ich mich schon auf den dritten Band freue.
.
zu
Die drei Opale 2: In eisigen Höhen
Wenn dein inneres Feuer brennt.
Dann sind wir bei der 13 Jägermonden jungen Maus.
Sie ist auf der Suche nach einem weiteren Opal den sie finden muss.
Gemeinsam mit Sperling und Krähe macht sie sich auf die Suche nach den Himmelsstämmen im Osten, denn laut einer Nachricht findet sie dort was sie sich erhofft.
Doch auch die dunklen Mächte bleiben nicht untätig.
.
Mein erster Eindruck
Eine tolle Fortsetzung, die mich hier wieder begeistern konnte.
Man trifft wieder liebgewonnene Gefährten, welche sich auf einer Reise befinden, bei der sie gegen alle Widerstände bestehen müssen.
.
Meine Meinung
zu
Die drei Opale 2: In eisigen Höhen
Zuallererst, ich liebe die Story.
Hier lernt man eine taffe, junge Dame kennen, die sich trotz aller Widerstände auf einem gefährlichen Weg befindet.
Auf ihren Schultern lastet eine immense Verantwortung, Trianukka und ihre lieben zu retten.
Gemeinsam mit altbekannten Freunden und ihrem Bruder macht sie sich auf die Suche nach dem nächsten Opal und man wird wieder mitgenommen in den bildhaften Schreibstil der Autorin Sarah Driver, die einen hier in luftige Höhen entführt.
Um genauer zu sein zu den Himmelsstämmen.
Wie der Name schon sagt ist hier eine Welt, die im Himmel ihren Ausgangspunkt findet angesiedelt.
Ich liebe das bildhafte Setting und auch wie der zweite Band weitergeht.
Ich kann euch nicht mehr verraten, wir wollen ja nichts vorab spoilern. Außer soviel, dass der zweite Band an Spannung dem ersten in nichts nachsteht und ich mich schon auf den dritten Band freue.
.
April 5, 2024
Second opus de la série. C'est avec plaisir que je me suis replongé dans l'aventure avec Mouse, Sparrow, Crow. Notre jeune capitaine est toujours à la recherche des deux opales manquantes qui lui permettront avec la couronne de mettre fin à l'hiver catastrophique qui envahit son monde.
On reprend là où le premier tome nous avait laissé. Sur le dos du jeune Terrodyl, en train de s'enfuir le plus loin possible de Stag, malheureusement, tout ne va pas comme Mouse l'espérait.
Rien de différent pas rapport au tome précédent, Mouse oscille entre être encore une jeune fille de 13 ans et le besoin de faire ses preuves, de se montrer digne de sa grand-mère et de son peuple. S'ajoutent de nouveaux personnages : Kestrel et Yapok qui viennent compléter le trio de jeunes aventuriers.
Cela dit, pour du jeunesse, j'ai trouvé cet opus-ci un peu plus violent que l'autre. Le danger est présent partout, malgré tout, quelques étincelles positives sortent de tout ceci. Un personnage important fait enfin son apparition pour la joie du frère et de la sœur.
Concernant l'intrigue, elle avance et certains éléments se dévoilent sur la famille de Mouse et Sparrow. Ma lecture a été une fois encore assez rapide et j'espère arriver à me procurer le troisième et dernier tome en vo dans le futur pour connaître la fin de cette aventureuse trilogie.
En conclusion, j'ai passé encore une fois un bon moment de détente et de dépaysement avec cette histoire.
https://la-bibliotheque-du-labyrinthe...
On reprend là où le premier tome nous avait laissé. Sur le dos du jeune Terrodyl, en train de s'enfuir le plus loin possible de Stag, malheureusement, tout ne va pas comme Mouse l'espérait.
Rien de différent pas rapport au tome précédent, Mouse oscille entre être encore une jeune fille de 13 ans et le besoin de faire ses preuves, de se montrer digne de sa grand-mère et de son peuple. S'ajoutent de nouveaux personnages : Kestrel et Yapok qui viennent compléter le trio de jeunes aventuriers.
Cela dit, pour du jeunesse, j'ai trouvé cet opus-ci un peu plus violent que l'autre. Le danger est présent partout, malgré tout, quelques étincelles positives sortent de tout ceci. Un personnage important fait enfin son apparition pour la joie du frère et de la sœur.
Concernant l'intrigue, elle avance et certains éléments se dévoilent sur la famille de Mouse et Sparrow. Ma lecture a été une fois encore assez rapide et j'espère arriver à me procurer le troisième et dernier tome en vo dans le futur pour connaître la fin de cette aventureuse trilogie.
En conclusion, j'ai passé encore une fois un bon moment de détente et de dépaysement avec cette histoire.
https://la-bibliotheque-du-labyrinthe...
August 29, 2017
Mouse and her friends have escaped with the Sea Opal but now realise that she must find the other opals and bring them together. On her way she meets the Sky people who she was sure no longer existed and who she is nothing but suspicious of. Can Mouse put aside her prejudices and work with the others to bring the peoples of her lands together?
Having enjoyed "Sea", I was interested to see how the Huntress Trilogy could continue without "The Huntress". Luckily the change of setting does not bring about a change of pace and Mouse and the others are once again on a breakneck chase where they pick up various new friends along the way.
There were some parts of this novel that appealed to me less than others of course. I am never that interested in descriptions of fighting and battles and am never quite sure why these need to take up so much time in a novel when they never move the story on particularly far. On the other hand, the wonderful "Skybrarian" is definitely a "one of a kind" character and I would love to see more information about the Skybrary in the final book.
Overall, this is a fun and eminently suitable story for YA readers who will definitely enjoy meeting all the new characters in this book. If you haven't read "Sea", you must read that first and if you have, you will really enjoy "Sky".
Having enjoyed "Sea", I was interested to see how the Huntress Trilogy could continue without "The Huntress". Luckily the change of setting does not bring about a change of pace and Mouse and the others are once again on a breakneck chase where they pick up various new friends along the way.
There were some parts of this novel that appealed to me less than others of course. I am never that interested in descriptions of fighting and battles and am never quite sure why these need to take up so much time in a novel when they never move the story on particularly far. On the other hand, the wonderful "Skybrarian" is definitely a "one of a kind" character and I would love to see more information about the Skybrary in the final book.
Overall, this is a fun and eminently suitable story for YA readers who will definitely enjoy meeting all the new characters in this book. If you haven't read "Sea", you must read that first and if you have, you will really enjoy "Sky".
March 14, 2025
I read the first book in this trilogy back in 2017 and loved the strong fantasy setting and story of adventure.
Sky is an excellent sequel which has just as strong of a plot, packed with action but also emotion - it feels like the characters are thrown from one perilous situation from another on their quest. At the same time, the characters are well built with a lovely found family aspect.
As I said, the world building is brilliant. The Skybrary was one of my favourite parts - a library hidden inside a glacier protected by book monsters, amazing! Sarah Driver's imagination knows no bounds!
This is a book aimed at middle grade readers and I think is perfect for them - I can't wait to read it with my just turned 6 year old in a couple of years time, she'll love the adventure and magic.
Plus, look at that cover! I've actually spotted one of this trilogy on the shelves of our library before and it really stood out.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book.
Sky is an excellent sequel which has just as strong of a plot, packed with action but also emotion - it feels like the characters are thrown from one perilous situation from another on their quest. At the same time, the characters are well built with a lovely found family aspect.
As I said, the world building is brilliant. The Skybrary was one of my favourite parts - a library hidden inside a glacier protected by book monsters, amazing! Sarah Driver's imagination knows no bounds!
This is a book aimed at middle grade readers and I think is perfect for them - I can't wait to read it with my just turned 6 year old in a couple of years time, she'll love the adventure and magic.
Plus, look at that cover! I've actually spotted one of this trilogy on the shelves of our library before and it really stood out.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book.
December 15, 2017
The search for the Storm Opals
Mouse, her little brother Sparrow and friend, Crow are still desperately searching for the Storm Opals, which they must find to save Mouse and Sparrow’s Da, but also the world.
This is the second book in the series and having devoured the first book, Sea, I was very much looking forward to reuniting with Mouse as she takes risks crossing paths with all sorts of flying creatures who want nothing more than to stop her quest to find the opals. Unfortunately, I just felt that this was not in the same league as Sea. My commitment to these three extraordinary children just seemed to lose energy – possibly, because of the pace.
Sarah Driver is an exceptionally inventive author and the characters, animals, villains and plots are truly awe-inspiring. I would strongly suggest that you read the first book in the series before embarking on this journey with the children.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Mouse, her little brother Sparrow and friend, Crow are still desperately searching for the Storm Opals, which they must find to save Mouse and Sparrow’s Da, but also the world.
This is the second book in the series and having devoured the first book, Sea, I was very much looking forward to reuniting with Mouse as she takes risks crossing paths with all sorts of flying creatures who want nothing more than to stop her quest to find the opals. Unfortunately, I just felt that this was not in the same league as Sea. My commitment to these three extraordinary children just seemed to lose energy – possibly, because of the pace.
Sarah Driver is an exceptionally inventive author and the characters, animals, villains and plots are truly awe-inspiring. I would strongly suggest that you read the first book in the series before embarking on this journey with the children.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
March 2, 2018
Sky is a truly brilliant sequel: one that goes above and beyond. Mouse's quest takes her on an adventure around the magical world of Trianukka, where she meets many weird and wonderful Tribes. Each community is wonderfully realised and entirely unique - for me, it's this fantastic fantasy worldbuilding that makes Sky such an enjoyable read.
The characters are also beautifully drawn. Mouse has matured since the days of Sea into a heart-strong heroine - though she is not a Mary Sue by any means. Her faults and the lessons she learns make her a far more sympathetic character than she started off, and it's great to see her grow.
After the love-hate relationship I had with Sea, Sky surpassed my expectations on many levels - and now I can't wait to read Storm!
The characters are also beautifully drawn. Mouse has matured since the days of Sea into a heart-strong heroine - though she is not a Mary Sue by any means. Her faults and the lessons she learns make her a far more sympathetic character than she started off, and it's great to see her grow.
After the love-hate relationship I had with Sea, Sky surpassed my expectations on many levels - and now I can't wait to read Storm!
November 14, 2017
Sky picks up immediately where it’s predecessor, Sea, left off and so it’s important to have read the first book to fully appreciate the characters and the story so far.
Once again Mouse takes centre stage as the feisty young heroine searching for the Storm-Opals referred to in a secret message left by her missing father. A number of new characters are introduced in this instalment, the wonderful Skybrarian is my personal favourite, and we’re introduced to new tribes and parts of the world.
There’s a lot going on in this book! One minute we’re flying around on terrodyls and draggles, the next we’re dodging poisonous frogs and fighting members of various tribes. At times I found the pace relentless and it was difficult to know what was happening!
This is a very fast paced action packed story which will appeal to confident younger readers who love fantasy adventures.
Once again Mouse takes centre stage as the feisty young heroine searching for the Storm-Opals referred to in a secret message left by her missing father. A number of new characters are introduced in this instalment, the wonderful Skybrarian is my personal favourite, and we’re introduced to new tribes and parts of the world.
There’s a lot going on in this book! One minute we’re flying around on terrodyls and draggles, the next we’re dodging poisonous frogs and fighting members of various tribes. At times I found the pace relentless and it was difficult to know what was happening!
This is a very fast paced action packed story which will appeal to confident younger readers who love fantasy adventures.
May 5, 2019
Read my other book reviews at booksibled.wordpress.com
Last year I reviewed the first book in this series and it wasn’t much of a secret that I loved every second of it. I can even pinpoint where I was at the exact moment I knew it was going to be something different (sitting at the bar of a rather rough pub in Croydon waiting for 30 seconds with my partner). With this in mind you can imagine the speed with which I got hold of this, the second Huntress book. It has been such a complete pain not being able to read it until I finished the books I had bought first. But now, at last, here I am and I am not in the least bit disappointed.
I don’t want to spend to much time catching up but if you want to hear about the first book then my review is still available here (https://booksibled.wordpress.com/2017...) but here a very short synopsis:
Mouse is a young girl who’s family have sailed on a ship called The Huntress for generations but one day she discovers that her father has gone missing and a mysterious man shows up on board and takes over her ship. Mouse and her brother, Sparrow are separated and she sets off on a quest to find the Storm-opals (mythical magic stones) and reunite with her brother. Along the way she makes friends with a shape changing young boy, Crow, and together they rescue Sparrow and the first opal.
The second installment picks up almost immediately after the first as the three characters soar high above the ground to escape a terrodyl attack only to fall into the hands of a sky tribe who are none too pleased to see them. I loved the introduction of the sky-tribe. The descriptions were beautifully imaginative and really set them apart from Mouse, Sparrow and Crow. I was also a big fan of the new major character introduced near the beginning of the book. Kestrel comes across as shy and yet still quietly feisty, she’s smart and loving and when she joins the quest it honestly feels like she belonged there all along.
One of the things Driver is so good at is keeping the story moving even at times of low action. Mouse and her crew of misfits can be running from the sky tribes, fighting for their lives on land or just sitting having tea in a library and it still felt immersive and well paced. Equally it’s very impressive that she manages not to overwhelm the reader with all that’s going on, because it’s a lot. There are around eight different settings in a book of only 372 pages and each of them has a major part to play at some point in the tale, at the same time we meet at least 10 new characters and yet I still felt like I was with her the whole way (and I am SO bad with names).
Another fantastic thing about The Huntress series is its honesty. When you’re writing for kids and young adults it’s all too easy to slip into censorship. I’m not just talking about death and the serious unfairness of the universe, even the small things are covered. Mouse and her friends have been travelling for days and they haven’t exactly had a portable shower, a case of nice clothing and a packed lunch but rather than ignore these issues and hope no one picks up on it, Driver uses her characters discomfort to make the tensions more real and urgent.
I’m not just going to sit here on my soapbox and tell you how amazing it all is though. Not without looking at the other side of it. I am a firm believer that you can have thoughts that might sound like complaints but still love the subject. The first is just a niggling little thing. Two beings die in this book. That’s fine, death can be a really important part of YA fiction but sometimes I felt a little confused by the deaths. Both times I honestly didn’t know if characters had died or not. It’s hard to kill off a character sometimes and you don’t want to be visceral or unfeeling but we, as a reader, need to be certain unless you are leaving us to wonder. It wasn’t a huge issue I just think that maybe it meant that their deaths and characters reactions didn’t hit me as hard as if I was sure, instead I was anxious. Especially the first one, really Sarah?! How could you, I genuinely cried a bit.
The second issue is only a pet peeve and I’ve come up with a way to explain it away to feel better. I’m an archivist in my paid job, currently working for the Wellcome Collection which is really fun and we have some great library material and exhibits and you should all come, but I digress. Let this be a lesson to you all. If you are handling paper material, (ie. a book) almost without exception you don’t wear those white cotton gloves.
I know, I know, you’ve all see them leaf through old parish records on “Who do you think you are” and stuff but I’m sorry to break it to you guys, it’s all for show. Tell you what, put on a pair of winter gloves and try to turn the pages of a newspaper or even a paperback book. Hard isn’t it? It’s actually more likely to damage the book. So, in the instance that a character asks Mouse to wear gloves while picking out books I’m going to tell you all that it’s for protection against the creatures guarding them and not for conservation’s sake. Got it, treat your books right folks, and listen to the Librarians, they know things.
P.S. A fantastic second installment of a series I love inside and out. From the beautiful artwork throughout to the thrilling adventure described in vivid detail Sky is a book you should be rushing out to buy. Or get it online… I mean, who am I to tell you how to shop. You do you. As long as it includes reading this series.
Last year I reviewed the first book in this series and it wasn’t much of a secret that I loved every second of it. I can even pinpoint where I was at the exact moment I knew it was going to be something different (sitting at the bar of a rather rough pub in Croydon waiting for 30 seconds with my partner). With this in mind you can imagine the speed with which I got hold of this, the second Huntress book. It has been such a complete pain not being able to read it until I finished the books I had bought first. But now, at last, here I am and I am not in the least bit disappointed.
I don’t want to spend to much time catching up but if you want to hear about the first book then my review is still available here (https://booksibled.wordpress.com/2017...) but here a very short synopsis:
Mouse is a young girl who’s family have sailed on a ship called The Huntress for generations but one day she discovers that her father has gone missing and a mysterious man shows up on board and takes over her ship. Mouse and her brother, Sparrow are separated and she sets off on a quest to find the Storm-opals (mythical magic stones) and reunite with her brother. Along the way she makes friends with a shape changing young boy, Crow, and together they rescue Sparrow and the first opal.
The second installment picks up almost immediately after the first as the three characters soar high above the ground to escape a terrodyl attack only to fall into the hands of a sky tribe who are none too pleased to see them. I loved the introduction of the sky-tribe. The descriptions were beautifully imaginative and really set them apart from Mouse, Sparrow and Crow. I was also a big fan of the new major character introduced near the beginning of the book. Kestrel comes across as shy and yet still quietly feisty, she’s smart and loving and when she joins the quest it honestly feels like she belonged there all along.
One of the things Driver is so good at is keeping the story moving even at times of low action. Mouse and her crew of misfits can be running from the sky tribes, fighting for their lives on land or just sitting having tea in a library and it still felt immersive and well paced. Equally it’s very impressive that she manages not to overwhelm the reader with all that’s going on, because it’s a lot. There are around eight different settings in a book of only 372 pages and each of them has a major part to play at some point in the tale, at the same time we meet at least 10 new characters and yet I still felt like I was with her the whole way (and I am SO bad with names).
Another fantastic thing about The Huntress series is its honesty. When you’re writing for kids and young adults it’s all too easy to slip into censorship. I’m not just talking about death and the serious unfairness of the universe, even the small things are covered. Mouse and her friends have been travelling for days and they haven’t exactly had a portable shower, a case of nice clothing and a packed lunch but rather than ignore these issues and hope no one picks up on it, Driver uses her characters discomfort to make the tensions more real and urgent.
I’m not just going to sit here on my soapbox and tell you how amazing it all is though. Not without looking at the other side of it. I am a firm believer that you can have thoughts that might sound like complaints but still love the subject. The first is just a niggling little thing. Two beings die in this book. That’s fine, death can be a really important part of YA fiction but sometimes I felt a little confused by the deaths. Both times I honestly didn’t know if characters had died or not. It’s hard to kill off a character sometimes and you don’t want to be visceral or unfeeling but we, as a reader, need to be certain unless you are leaving us to wonder. It wasn’t a huge issue I just think that maybe it meant that their deaths and characters reactions didn’t hit me as hard as if I was sure, instead I was anxious. Especially the first one, really Sarah?! How could you, I genuinely cried a bit.
The second issue is only a pet peeve and I’ve come up with a way to explain it away to feel better. I’m an archivist in my paid job, currently working for the Wellcome Collection which is really fun and we have some great library material and exhibits and you should all come, but I digress. Let this be a lesson to you all. If you are handling paper material, (ie. a book) almost without exception you don’t wear those white cotton gloves.
I know, I know, you’ve all see them leaf through old parish records on “Who do you think you are” and stuff but I’m sorry to break it to you guys, it’s all for show. Tell you what, put on a pair of winter gloves and try to turn the pages of a newspaper or even a paperback book. Hard isn’t it? It’s actually more likely to damage the book. So, in the instance that a character asks Mouse to wear gloves while picking out books I’m going to tell you all that it’s for protection against the creatures guarding them and not for conservation’s sake. Got it, treat your books right folks, and listen to the Librarians, they know things.
P.S. A fantastic second installment of a series I love inside and out. From the beautiful artwork throughout to the thrilling adventure described in vivid detail Sky is a book you should be rushing out to buy. Or get it online… I mean, who am I to tell you how to shop. You do you. As long as it includes reading this series.
December 21, 2017
Well, that was just brilliant - no "second book of the trilogy lacking in pace" here! So many good plot points that I'm almost worried there's nothing left for book three. Super development, can't wait for Storm. More to the point, my daughter is thrilled with this series - I'd better pre-order the finale or I'll be in trouble!
In terms of readership I'd continue with the "upper KS2-3" bracket - confident Y5s, Y6-8 should all enjoy this series.
In terms of readership I'd continue with the "upper KS2-3" bracket - confident Y5s, Y6-8 should all enjoy this series.
October 17, 2019
I picked up Sky, the second in this series, from the library. It was just as beautiful as the first and stylistically the same but personally I struggled to stay invested in the story. It took me a long time to read which is always a sign that it's not really for me. Maybe it's because the setting wasn't so ocean-based and I'm a sucker for a sea story? Nonetheless, a visually stunning and action packed kids' book.
November 12, 2017
An exciting adventure in a fantasy world. This is an imaginative tale which goes at a fast pace, with lots and lots of action. Book One is called "Huntress: Sea". If you haven't yet read it, I recommend it for KS3.
This is book 2 in the series and now I can't wait for the last book in the Trilogy: Huntress: Storm.
This is book 2 in the series and now I can't wait for the last book in the Trilogy: Huntress: Storm.
April 22, 2023
The second book of this quite brilliant YA fantasy series.
This series would make the most wonderful TV adaptation.
The characters are robust, resourceful and believable - trying to save their world from the evil Stag and the dreadful Mystics.
Thoroughly enjoyed as a mere landlubber. Brilliant that there is a third in the series - Storm
This series would make the most wonderful TV adaptation.
The characters are robust, resourceful and believable - trying to save their world from the evil Stag and the dreadful Mystics.
Thoroughly enjoyed as a mere landlubber. Brilliant that there is a third in the series - Storm
October 31, 2023
I enjoyed the fantasy world and characters.
Mouse finds herself robbed of her boat, her grandmother killed and her father has vanished. Charged with looking after her brother she decides the only way to be safe is to find the gemstone and her father. That decision triggers a worldwide search and a range of life-threatening adventures.
Recommended for readers ten years and older.
Mouse finds herself robbed of her boat, her grandmother killed and her father has vanished. Charged with looking after her brother she decides the only way to be safe is to find the gemstone and her father. That decision triggers a worldwide search and a range of life-threatening adventures.
Recommended for readers ten years and older.
December 22, 2017
This was a great sequel to Sea, I loved learning more about the world and the new characters introduced. There was a brilliant twist that I feel so silly not to have seen coming! Can’t wait for the final instalment!
February 27, 2019
Enjoyed SEA, but SKY is even better. Love the characters, and the mythology of the various tribes. Even the bad characters in the book are brilliantly bad guys, definitely worth reading, a while new world to explore.
July 17, 2019
Pretty good
I’m not a huge fan of series, but I’m used to reading them by now. This series is good so far. This book allowed the maturing of characters and relationships which I enjoyed. Some miracles. Lots of sadness.
I’m not a huge fan of series, but I’m used to reading them by now. This series is good so far. This book allowed the maturing of characters and relationships which I enjoyed. Some miracles. Lots of sadness.
August 30, 2020
I'm stuck between a 3 or 2.5. Driver has created a very imaginative world. I really liked the pirate theme, and the abilities of some of the main characters. The storyline is good for young readers, but not engaging enough to snag the interest more mature readers.
July 18, 2017
ARC from Publisher via Netgalley and how thankful am I! I loved Sea so to be offered the sequel was amazing! The unique language is less evident here but the plot is much pacier, complex and tumultuous. We meet some new allies and enemies and learn more about the merwraiths although no Captain Rattlebones this time. I absolutely can't wait for Storm! I'm 47 and these books are amazing but equally I'll be buying hard copies for my son (especially due to the beautiful illustrations throughout). Heart thanks for the gift of the ARC...
September 12, 2017
Sky is the second book in The Huntress trilogy by Sarah Driver and was just as good as Sea.
Read more of my review here: http://www.bookerworm.com/reviews/165...
Read more of my review here: http://www.bookerworm.com/reviews/165...
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