The Hidden Island

Tales from Mysterion #1

by Richard Garcia Morgan

He went searching for his father. He discovered another world.

When Jonah’s father Francis goes missing, Jonah refuses to believe he’s dead. With the help of a wise elder, he learns that Francis is a prisoner of the evil Djinn in Mysterion, a world long hidden from human eyes.

Using the power of a magic lamp, Jonah finds his way into Mysterion, where he meets Azrel, the many-winged, sharp-tongued Angelus. With Azrel’s help, Jonah must get past a man-eating giant, and find the Hidden Island where his father is being held. Can he finally defeat the Djinn and save his father from slavery?

This is the first book in Richard Garcia Morgan’s Young Adult Fantasy series, Tales from Mysterion. If you liked The Neverending Story and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, you’ll love this world of mythical talking creatures, magic, and adventure in a new world.

Genres: Fantasy, Africa

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2007

About the author

Born in the Seychelles Islands, Richard Garcia Morgan grew up in Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania, immersed a rich variety of cultures and peoples. Now he lives in Canada, surrounded by the majestic snow-capped mountains of British Columbia’s Fraser Valley.

Richard loves beauty, vibrancy, and the richness of life in all of its many dimensions. In the magic and fantasy of Mysterion, he strives to capture this fullness—both the four dimensions of the visible world and the hidden realms of the Spirit.

Richard Garcia Morgan's books include The Hidden Island, The Edge of Mysterion, and The Battle for Elder's Island.

Reviews

[Bill Tillman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea.

[Zoe Kaylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hidden Island is a fun quick read that reminded me of elements from Narnia, the Odyssey, The Screwtape Letters, and the Matrix among others. Supposedly it’s reminiscent of the Never Ending Story as well, but I’ve never read it. I loved its themes of family, love, sacrifice, and quest. I had a hard time buying into the “real” world in the novel because I had a hard time feeling fixed in a particular time and place, despite all the descriptions of sailing and sand. Once Jonah got to Mysterion however, I got more into it. I think this is a perfect story for young adult readers and they will love it. I look forward to going back to Mysterion in the following books!

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Grace Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful story, and incredibly rich imagery. I'm a tough grader, and so I'm only giving four stars. But I have to say that this portrayal of good and evil has really stuck with me.

Pros: Relatable characters; lots of action; big themes made approachable

Cons: I found the pacing a little frenetic -- there is so much jumping around with so little warning that you begin to lose track of what's going on. And the descriptive prose, while evocative, felt a bit overdone. The protagonist seemed always at the extremes of wrenching misery, brutal pain, sublime happiness, etc. etc. ... I'd love to see a lighter touch.

All the same, a worthwhile read for those interested in fantasy, spirituality and the nexus of them both.

[Liesbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a beautiful magical story full of adventure, but the most important story that is being told that love conquers all. Also the description of Mysterion is a mix taken from fairy tales. I really enjoyed the journey.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do?

Francis Comfait disappears and his son, Jonah, goes to great lengths to find him. Jonah meets some very strange and unlikely beings in his search.

[Katherine Steimle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the book that put me into a reading slump. The end was decent enough. However , the book began predictable and the world imagined was rather basic and overdone. To say I’m thrilled this one is done is an understatement. I will not (and have no desire to) continue this series.

Read Across Africa
Prompt completed
13/54
Seychelles 🇸🇨

[Naomi Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this book. It kept me wanting to keep reading to find out what happens next. The author description really pulled you right in as if you were in the story yourself. Definitely would recommend people to read this.
I volunteered for an ARC copy for this review

[Amy Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the concepts and story arch of this book, but the actual story telling left something to be desired. Another pass at the dialogue and transitions would have made this book much better.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! I loved that the story was original and different. The characters were well developed and you either liked them or you didn’t. I highly recommend this book!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story.

[Chloe Hey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's rather slow. But it has an excellent message and quite adorable creatures and characters.

[Jane G Meyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had a bit of a tough time getting through this book. Maybe it was not the right time for me to venture into this story, but I struggled...

[Lindberg]

This was a very enjoyable book. I found the characters quite real and human. The plot was one that kept me stuck to the story right to the end. Highly recommend this to any fantasy readers.