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The Thief Who Sang Storms
The Island of Morovia is shaped like a broken heart. The humans live on one side of the island, and the alkonosts - the bird-people - live on the other. But it wasn't always this way...
Linnet wishes she could sing magic, like her father, Nightingale - and bring the two sides of her island together again. For her land has been divided by a terrible tragedy, and Linnet has been banished with her father to the deepest swamps, leaving behind her best friends, Hero and Silver.
So when her father is captured, Linnet must be brave and embark on a treacherous journey. Through alligator pools and sinking sands, she finds new friends. Yet without her singing magic, Linnet discovers something even more powerful. Something that could save her father, and heal the broken heart of her island once more...
With themes of grief, trust, love, and that we have more in common than that which divides us, this is a heartfelt book filled with adventure and stunning storytelling from bestselling Sophie Anderson.
Linnet wishes she could sing magic, like her father, Nightingale - and bring the two sides of her island together again. For her land has been divided by a terrible tragedy, and Linnet has been banished with her father to the deepest swamps, leaving behind her best friends, Hero and Silver.
So when her father is captured, Linnet must be brave and embark on a treacherous journey. Through alligator pools and sinking sands, she finds new friends. Yet without her singing magic, Linnet discovers something even more powerful. Something that could save her father, and heal the broken heart of her island once more...
With themes of grief, trust, love, and that we have more in common than that which divides us, this is a heartfelt book filled with adventure and stunning storytelling from bestselling Sophie Anderson.
416 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2022
60 people are currently reading
2037 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Anderson
8 books951 followersSophie Anderson grew up on the Welsh coast and now lives in the Lake District with her family. Her writing is most often inspired by folk and fairy stories, especially the Slavic tales her Prussian grandmother told her when she was young.
Across her bestselling novels, Sophie has won the Independent Bookshop Book of the Year Award and the Wales Book of the Year Award, and been shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal twice, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Blue Peter Book Award, the British Book Awards’ Children’s Fiction Book of the Year, the Andersen Prize and the Branford Boase Award.
Sophie’s books have been translated into over twenty-five languages, and The House with Chicken Legs has been adapted for stage by Les Enfants Terribles.
Across her bestselling novels, Sophie has won the Independent Bookshop Book of the Year Award and the Wales Book of the Year Award, and been shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal twice, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Blue Peter Book Award, the British Book Awards’ Children’s Fiction Book of the Year, the Andersen Prize and the Branford Boase Award.
Sophie’s books have been translated into over twenty-five languages, and The House with Chicken Legs has been adapted for stage by Les Enfants Terribles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
April 9, 2023
4,25/5
Niesamowicie dobra.
Niesamowicie dobra.
January 2, 2022
I’ve just finished this and honestly, Sophie continues to blow me away with stories of bravery, friendship, community and honesty. Linnet’s story blew me away - a nation divided and a young girl who pledges to unite them. There’s so many incredible messages in this about unity, being kind and believing in your own power. Cried for the last 40 pages I’d say! Just exceptional.
February 20, 2022
Thank you for Usborne for allowing me to read this fantastic book.
Sophie Anderson continues to blow me away with her skills of weaving a story and from the moment I first read house with chicken legs she was an autobuy author and this will continue to be.
This book made me cry it hit my heart with it speaks about grief, it is what needs to be heard and even me as an older person this hit me in the feels. The characters I am always rooting for when it comes to Sophie’s books and I always feel that I care so much. I love how I am thrown into a world and I fall whole heartedly and can I wait for the next one, no but I will and I will love it and I will be raving about this book again to the people I teach yes yes I will because everyone needs to hear about how amazing Sophie Anderson is.
Children will love this book because of all the adventure and adult will love it with what it deals with and how it deals with it and how it shows this to children because we all know we can’t always hide them from things in life.
Sophie Anderson continues to blow me away with her skills of weaving a story and from the moment I first read house with chicken legs she was an autobuy author and this will continue to be.
This book made me cry it hit my heart with it speaks about grief, it is what needs to be heard and even me as an older person this hit me in the feels. The characters I am always rooting for when it comes to Sophie’s books and I always feel that I care so much. I love how I am thrown into a world and I fall whole heartedly and can I wait for the next one, no but I will and I will love it and I will be raving about this book again to the people I teach yes yes I will because everyone needs to hear about how amazing Sophie Anderson is.
Children will love this book because of all the adventure and adult will love it with what it deals with and how it deals with it and how it shows this to children because we all know we can’t always hide them from things in life.
January 6, 2025
"E se o poder de uma canção pudesse mudar o destino?!"
A heroína desta história é a Pintarroxo, uma menina com penas que vive numa ilha dividida entre o medo e o preconceito, a magia e o encanto.
Com uma narrativa que combina simbolismo e poesia, Sophie Anderson oferece-nos uma história que fala de esperança, união e aceitação, num mundo tão dividido quanto o nosso.
Com uma metáfora poderosa para o mundo atual, esta é uma história onde o poder de uma canção pode mudar pensamentos e até o destino.
A luta pela mudança começa aqui, ensinando-nos a escolher o amor em vez do ódio e a bondade em vez da fúria.
Repleta de mensagens sobre amor, família e união, "A Rapariga que Cantava Tempestades" não é apenas uma história para crianças, mas um grito de magia e esperança para todos os que acreditam no poder transformador da música!
A heroína desta história é a Pintarroxo, uma menina com penas que vive numa ilha dividida entre o medo e o preconceito, a magia e o encanto.
Com uma narrativa que combina simbolismo e poesia, Sophie Anderson oferece-nos uma história que fala de esperança, união e aceitação, num mundo tão dividido quanto o nosso.
Com uma metáfora poderosa para o mundo atual, esta é uma história onde o poder de uma canção pode mudar pensamentos e até o destino.
A luta pela mudança começa aqui, ensinando-nos a escolher o amor em vez do ódio e a bondade em vez da fúria.
Repleta de mensagens sobre amor, família e união, "A Rapariga que Cantava Tempestades" não é apenas uma história para crianças, mas um grito de magia e esperança para todos os que acreditam no poder transformador da música!
January 29, 2024
Sofi zablista u svakoj drugoj svojoj knjizi, u ovoj je stvarno njen sav talenat izašao na vidjelo, želeći da podsjeti ljude, kao i mnogo puta do sada (a često se zaboravlja), da jedino dobrota može da spasi svijet i naš i izmaštani, pa i nas same! 5⭐️ ovog puta i ne zaboravite da u sve što radite utkate i malo čarolije!
December 23, 2022
"We carry those we love in our hearts always."
The Thief Who Sang Storms follow Linnet, an alkonost, whose people for centuries have lived peacefully among humans. But when a horrible tragedy happens, all alkonosts are blamed for it and deported to the swamps so not to harm humans. Linnet dreams of the old ways of unity, and she is sure that when she gets her singing magic, she will once more bring peace and harmony to their island.
Normally, I absolutely adore Anderson's books; I find them very charming and atmospheric, and I love all of the Slavic folklore elements in them. But this one just didn't work for me. And that is a shame because I think that Anderson wanted to say a lot of very important and thoughtful things with it as per her author's note. It had some clear messages about unity and fear that I think are some very important lessons and topics that children should read about. So why didn't this work for me?
First of all, I think that the pacing was way off. The entire book was very repetitious, and it took way too long for any sort of plot to get going. I was very bored throughout this entire book. And then we have short flashbacks that totally interrupted the flow of the story without adding much in either understanding of the plot or the characters. Sure, they were nice, but they just felt very misplaced and would have worked much better integrated as a short paragraph instead of their own side stories sprinkled throughout the main story.
I also think that the ending was very rushed to the detriment of Anderson's message of unity. All in all, I think that the story and characters and writing felt very simplistic and didn't really portray the complexity of the topic to the degree that it deserves. Children also understand complex topics, and this story (and especially the ending) felt almost too idealistic to be actually believable. I think that I would have been way more on board with the story if it had been marketed to some of the youngest readers rather than the middle-grade age-range of 8-12 years.
However, to end with a more positive note, I think that Anderson did a good job portraying the varying aspects of grief and how we all deal with it differently; anger, despair, hopelessness, fighting, etc. All the descriptions of dealing with the loss of a loved one were so good, and almost raised my rating to 3 stars.
So all in all, not my favourite Anderson book, but I am still excited to see what she brings out next.
The Thief Who Sang Storms follow Linnet, an alkonost, whose people for centuries have lived peacefully among humans. But when a horrible tragedy happens, all alkonosts are blamed for it and deported to the swamps so not to harm humans. Linnet dreams of the old ways of unity, and she is sure that when she gets her singing magic, she will once more bring peace and harmony to their island.
Normally, I absolutely adore Anderson's books; I find them very charming and atmospheric, and I love all of the Slavic folklore elements in them. But this one just didn't work for me. And that is a shame because I think that Anderson wanted to say a lot of very important and thoughtful things with it as per her author's note. It had some clear messages about unity and fear that I think are some very important lessons and topics that children should read about. So why didn't this work for me?
First of all, I think that the pacing was way off. The entire book was very repetitious, and it took way too long for any sort of plot to get going. I was very bored throughout this entire book. And then we have short flashbacks that totally interrupted the flow of the story without adding much in either understanding of the plot or the characters. Sure, they were nice, but they just felt very misplaced and would have worked much better integrated as a short paragraph instead of their own side stories sprinkled throughout the main story.
I also think that the ending was very rushed to the detriment of Anderson's message of unity. All in all, I think that the story and characters and writing felt very simplistic and didn't really portray the complexity of the topic to the degree that it deserves. Children also understand complex topics, and this story (and especially the ending) felt almost too idealistic to be actually believable. I think that I would have been way more on board with the story if it had been marketed to some of the youngest readers rather than the middle-grade age-range of 8-12 years.
However, to end with a more positive note, I think that Anderson did a good job portraying the varying aspects of grief and how we all deal with it differently; anger, despair, hopelessness, fighting, etc. All the descriptions of dealing with the loss of a loved one were so good, and almost raised my rating to 3 stars.
So all in all, not my favourite Anderson book, but I am still excited to see what she brings out next.
May 25, 2023
Wspaniała! Tak jak wszystkie książki Sophie :)
March 28, 2022
3,5 stars
Thank you to Usborne Publishing and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
CW: Grief of a Parent | Grief of a Loved One
I've heard great things about Sophie Anderson's middle grade books so I was quite happy to pick up The Thief Who Sang Storms for review. I didn't love it as I hoped I would but that doesn't change that I can see what appeals others to her writing. And I will still pick up other books by her for sure.
The Thief Who Sang Storms follows 13 year old Linnet who has been living in the swamp for the last 3 years. Ever since the flood and the death of the queens the island has been divided. The alkonosts, the bird people, are being prosecuted for using their singing magic. When Linnet's father gets taken she is determined to free him.
This book has a wonderful setting of three islands that float over the ocean in different directions, sometimes coming close, sometimes moving away from one another. Each island has its own people. Morovia as the Alkonosts, bird people who can use singing magic. They took humans onto their island hundreds of years ago. It is a beautiful setting, whimsical in places. But it felt like not enough was done with it.
I wanted to really settle into this story but I was constantly yanked out by the many chapter memories we got thrown into every few chapters. Some where a good addition but others could have been trimmed down to a paragraph memory in the previous chapter. It felt too much like a formule. Two and three chapters with the ending with a set prelude to the memory. It ruined the flow of the story to me.
It was also very idealistic. The solution, the forgiveness, always seeing the good in others. I know this is middle grade and fantasy but a bit of realism would have been nice. Kids of this age, especially in this era, aren't stupid about repurcussions.
On the other hand I liked how it dealt with some themes. Like grief. How you can't rush grief and how everyone grieves in their own way. Or how important it is to talk with each other about feelings. That parents can sometimes close off from their kids with their grief and feelings but that it is important to talk with your kids about it. But there is also no judgement towards the parent. I loved that. Because there are the themes so many kids these days have to deal with.
So all in all I do think it is a good middle grade to recommend for its messages but a bit less for the execution of the story.
Thank you to Usborne Publishing and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
CW: Grief of a Parent | Grief of a Loved One
I've heard great things about Sophie Anderson's middle grade books so I was quite happy to pick up The Thief Who Sang Storms for review. I didn't love it as I hoped I would but that doesn't change that I can see what appeals others to her writing. And I will still pick up other books by her for sure.
The Thief Who Sang Storms follows 13 year old Linnet who has been living in the swamp for the last 3 years. Ever since the flood and the death of the queens the island has been divided. The alkonosts, the bird people, are being prosecuted for using their singing magic. When Linnet's father gets taken she is determined to free him.
This book has a wonderful setting of three islands that float over the ocean in different directions, sometimes coming close, sometimes moving away from one another. Each island has its own people. Morovia as the Alkonosts, bird people who can use singing magic. They took humans onto their island hundreds of years ago. It is a beautiful setting, whimsical in places. But it felt like not enough was done with it.
I wanted to really settle into this story but I was constantly yanked out by the many chapter memories we got thrown into every few chapters. Some where a good addition but others could have been trimmed down to a paragraph memory in the previous chapter. It felt too much like a formule. Two and three chapters with the ending with a set prelude to the memory. It ruined the flow of the story to me.
It was also very idealistic. The solution, the forgiveness, always seeing the good in others. I know this is middle grade and fantasy but a bit of realism would have been nice. Kids of this age, especially in this era, aren't stupid about repurcussions.
On the other hand I liked how it dealt with some themes. Like grief. How you can't rush grief and how everyone grieves in their own way. Or how important it is to talk with each other about feelings. That parents can sometimes close off from their kids with their grief and feelings but that it is important to talk with your kids about it. But there is also no judgement towards the parent. I loved that. Because there are the themes so many kids these days have to deal with.
So all in all I do think it is a good middle grade to recommend for its messages but a bit less for the execution of the story.
August 7, 2023
La bellezza dei libri di Sophie Anderson è che sono indirizzati ai bambini ma hanno una maturità che li rende fruibili anche a chi ha qualche anno in più. L’isola dal cuore spezzato non è da meno.
Morovia è un’isola abitata dagli alkonont, uomini uccello, e da umani dove l’armonia tra i due popoli è ormai solo un lontano ricordo. Infatti il nuovo capitano delle forze armate reputa pericolosa la magia del canto e ha relegato gli alkonont nelle paludi. Questa divisione però ha creato grosse spaccature sociali e anche emotive.
Con estrema delicatezza e facilità, Anderson riesce a mostrare come alla base del razzismo (e di qualsiasi altra forma di discriminazione) ci siano solo paura e ignoranza. È un libro diretto, che non cerca di mostrare la realtà in maniera attutita (anche per altre argomentazioni legate alla storia ma molto comuni nella vita tra umani) ma che non graffia né urta il piccolo lettore o la piccola lettrice.
Fanno da cornice delle bellissime illustrazioni che arricchiscono l’esperienza di lettura.
Forse andrebbe letto prima La casa che mi porta via (e non dico altro)!
Consigliato per grandi e piccini. Anche solo per la stupenda copertina 😂
Puoi trovare questa e altre recensioni sul mio profilo Instagram “I libri di Dede” www.instagram.com/ilibrididede o sul mio blog/sito www.ilibrididede.it 📚
Se non vuoi perderti neanche una recensione c’è anche il canale telegram: https://t.me/ilibrididede
Mi è stata inviata una copia gratuita di questo libro da parte della casa editrice che ringrazio.
Morovia è un’isola abitata dagli alkonont, uomini uccello, e da umani dove l’armonia tra i due popoli è ormai solo un lontano ricordo. Infatti il nuovo capitano delle forze armate reputa pericolosa la magia del canto e ha relegato gli alkonont nelle paludi. Questa divisione però ha creato grosse spaccature sociali e anche emotive.
Con estrema delicatezza e facilità, Anderson riesce a mostrare come alla base del razzismo (e di qualsiasi altra forma di discriminazione) ci siano solo paura e ignoranza. È un libro diretto, che non cerca di mostrare la realtà in maniera attutita (anche per altre argomentazioni legate alla storia ma molto comuni nella vita tra umani) ma che non graffia né urta il piccolo lettore o la piccola lettrice.
Fanno da cornice delle bellissime illustrazioni che arricchiscono l’esperienza di lettura.
Forse andrebbe letto prima La casa che mi porta via (e non dico altro)!
Consigliato per grandi e piccini. Anche solo per la stupenda copertina 😂
Puoi trovare questa e altre recensioni sul mio profilo Instagram “I libri di Dede” www.instagram.com/ilibrididede o sul mio blog/sito www.ilibrididede.it 📚
Se non vuoi perderti neanche una recensione c’è anche il canale telegram: https://t.me/ilibrididede
Mi è stata inviata una copia gratuita di questo libro da parte della casa editrice che ringrazio.
January 4, 2023
I was very disappointed with this book because I have 2 other books by this author and loved them so much especially the house with chicken legs! Quite boring this book and took me a while to finish. I kinda just wanted to get it finished as quick as possible. This book also deserved less than 3 stars so this was a VERY generous rating
March 27, 2022
Thank you to Usborne Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC
Sophie Anderson turns to Slavic folklore again in her latest, wonderful middle grade novel, The Thief Who Sang Storms.
Linnet, a young alkonost girl has her home on Morovia, one of a group of floating islands. For many generations humans and alkonosts, magical bird people, lived in unison, supporting each other.
After a terrible accident, during which Linnet lost her mother, blame is directed at the alkonosts for having caused the tragedy with their singing magic. And now on Morovia, this broken-heart shaped island, the alkonosts are exiled to the deepest swamps and singing magic is considered a crime.
The human leader exploits the humans’ fear and uncertainty to increase the divide and create a hateful atmosphere. Linnet is desperately waiting for her singing magic to come in, hoping that it can help bring the island and its two peoples together again. When her father, Nightingale, is taken prisoner by the human guards, Linnet must be brave and trust in her own abilities. With the help of friends, old and new, she embarks on a dangerous adventure in the hope of freeing Nightingale, and ultimately reaching her dream of a united Morovia.
Scaringly timely, Sophie Anderson’s beautiful and vividly imagined story deals with the danger of rule by the few, and the importance of unity, understanding and tolerance. Themes of humanity, grief, trust, love, and hope are thoughtfully developed throughout the book along with the epic adventure and will delight readers. Finally, a certain chicken-legged character's surprise cameo is sure to delight Sophie Anderson’s many fans. Highly recommended.
Sophie Anderson turns to Slavic folklore again in her latest, wonderful middle grade novel, The Thief Who Sang Storms.
Linnet, a young alkonost girl has her home on Morovia, one of a group of floating islands. For many generations humans and alkonosts, magical bird people, lived in unison, supporting each other.
After a terrible accident, during which Linnet lost her mother, blame is directed at the alkonosts for having caused the tragedy with their singing magic. And now on Morovia, this broken-heart shaped island, the alkonosts are exiled to the deepest swamps and singing magic is considered a crime.
The human leader exploits the humans’ fear and uncertainty to increase the divide and create a hateful atmosphere. Linnet is desperately waiting for her singing magic to come in, hoping that it can help bring the island and its two peoples together again. When her father, Nightingale, is taken prisoner by the human guards, Linnet must be brave and trust in her own abilities. With the help of friends, old and new, she embarks on a dangerous adventure in the hope of freeing Nightingale, and ultimately reaching her dream of a united Morovia.
Scaringly timely, Sophie Anderson’s beautiful and vividly imagined story deals with the danger of rule by the few, and the importance of unity, understanding and tolerance. Themes of humanity, grief, trust, love, and hope are thoughtfully developed throughout the book along with the epic adventure and will delight readers. Finally, a certain chicken-legged character's surprise cameo is sure to delight Sophie Anderson’s many fans. Highly recommended.
March 1, 2025
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
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September 3, 2024
3.7 ⭐️
Najslabija od Sofinih knjiga....ali to ne znači da je loša, samo da je na poslednjem mestu po omiljenosti od svih njenih koje su fantastične.
Prelepa priča o magiji, ljubavi, prijateljstvu. Reči koje dolaze iz duše zaista mogu da promene svet.
Obožavam knjige Sofi Anderson i nadam se da nikad neće prestati da piše.
Najslabija od Sofinih knjiga....ali to ne znači da je loša, samo da je na poslednjem mestu po omiljenosti od svih njenih koje su fantastične.
Prelepa priča o magiji, ljubavi, prijateljstvu. Reči koje dolaze iz duše zaista mogu da promene svet.
Obožavam knjige Sofi Anderson i nadam se da nikad neće prestati da piše.
October 8, 2024
Brilliant. I could not put it down.
December 15, 2024
I libri della Anderson sono magici e sempre pieni di buoni sentimenti. Anche in questo l'autrice, prendendo spunto da tradizioni slave, ha dei protagonisti unici e tratta tematiche importanti fra cui l'amicizia e la coesione fra popoli di etnie diverse (umani e alkonost).
A volte ci vuole poco a trovare una soluzione per vivere in pace e la ragazza la trova nei ricordi e nel... canto. Molto bello! Lettura consigliata.
A volte ci vuole poco a trovare una soluzione per vivere in pace e la ragazza la trova nei ricordi e nel... canto. Molto bello! Lettura consigliata.
April 22, 2022
Wonderfully engaging novel!
Bestselling author, Sophie Anderson, is back with a moving, emotional fantasy adventure in The Thief Who Sang Storms.
Shaped like a broken heart, the island of Morovia has changed forever for the Alkonost bird people and their human neighbours. Thirteen year old Linnet is continually on the move through shadows with her father, Nightingale, and her best friends Lumpy the toad and Whiskers the swamp-rat, as they try to avoid capture from Captain Ilya and the bogatyrs.
The first few chapters of the book opens up this new world that Anderson so beautifully creates, before lifting us higher and further over the 400 pages into the themes of loss, friendship, family and grief. Readers are birds on a windy day; trust in your wings and enjoy the flight.
The book’s subject matter is even more poignant when read in current times. However, Anderson weaves the heart breaking moments with love and kindness, steeling readers for realities whilst wrapping us up with hope and joy. I sobbed with equal sadness and happiness; tissues at the ready.
Keep an eye out from visitors from Anderson’s other novels in The Thief Who Sang Storms.
Trigger warning: grief, parental loss.
Bestselling author, Sophie Anderson, is back with a moving, emotional fantasy adventure in The Thief Who Sang Storms.
Shaped like a broken heart, the island of Morovia has changed forever for the Alkonost bird people and their human neighbours. Thirteen year old Linnet is continually on the move through shadows with her father, Nightingale, and her best friends Lumpy the toad and Whiskers the swamp-rat, as they try to avoid capture from Captain Ilya and the bogatyrs.
The first few chapters of the book opens up this new world that Anderson so beautifully creates, before lifting us higher and further over the 400 pages into the themes of loss, friendship, family and grief. Readers are birds on a windy day; trust in your wings and enjoy the flight.
The book’s subject matter is even more poignant when read in current times. However, Anderson weaves the heart breaking moments with love and kindness, steeling readers for realities whilst wrapping us up with hope and joy. I sobbed with equal sadness and happiness; tissues at the ready.
Keep an eye out from visitors from Anderson’s other novels in The Thief Who Sang Storms.
Trigger warning: grief, parental loss.
September 18, 2025
I rly like Sophie’s writing style and that’s the second book of hers that I have read (Girl who speaks bear being the other) and I am yet to read The house with chicken legs. I love how she has included the horse in all books as it links them all in a rly nice way. Defo recommend
February 18, 2023
(8.29 on CAWPILE)
I have loved every book this author has put out and I am certain she could do no wrong for me at this point. I knew it would have a beautiful story, a world filled with wonder and adorable characters. Therefore I went in to this book with very high expectations that were, of course, met.
The story of this book is about unity, about our differences being a strength and an asset, it is about not letting history define us, about healing and understanding. Anderson always has very intense plots with a lot of important questions throughout. They are excellent stories to start difficult conversations with children. It makes our world understandable and explainable in an innocent way. I love reading these books with my children because we can actually talk about the book and real world topics in the same breath, though a lens of wonder and magic.
The characters in this story are so easy to root for. They are real and flawed and show children that being the best version of yourself you can be can change the world. You do not need to be all powerful, you do not need to be perfect, you need to be you. But you need to work on being the best person YOU can be.
The writing is always a beautiful balance of wonder and magic and breathtaking immersion and a raw reality that she needs to ground the characters. The pacing is almost melodic in that it flows along with ease, marked my intense moments throughout but forever flowing, carrying you along.
Anderson's books always have all the elements you would want in regards to the magic and the world for a middle grade. It is beautiful and strange and wondrous. It is fully immersive and wholly transportive. I love reading Anderson's worlds and I cannot wait to visit many more.
Overall another incredible book by this author and I loved it so much.
I have loved every book this author has put out and I am certain she could do no wrong for me at this point. I knew it would have a beautiful story, a world filled with wonder and adorable characters. Therefore I went in to this book with very high expectations that were, of course, met.
The story of this book is about unity, about our differences being a strength and an asset, it is about not letting history define us, about healing and understanding. Anderson always has very intense plots with a lot of important questions throughout. They are excellent stories to start difficult conversations with children. It makes our world understandable and explainable in an innocent way. I love reading these books with my children because we can actually talk about the book and real world topics in the same breath, though a lens of wonder and magic.
The characters in this story are so easy to root for. They are real and flawed and show children that being the best version of yourself you can be can change the world. You do not need to be all powerful, you do not need to be perfect, you need to be you. But you need to work on being the best person YOU can be.
The writing is always a beautiful balance of wonder and magic and breathtaking immersion and a raw reality that she needs to ground the characters. The pacing is almost melodic in that it flows along with ease, marked my intense moments throughout but forever flowing, carrying you along.
Anderson's books always have all the elements you would want in regards to the magic and the world for a middle grade. It is beautiful and strange and wondrous. It is fully immersive and wholly transportive. I love reading Anderson's worlds and I cannot wait to visit many more.
Overall another incredible book by this author and I loved it so much.
September 14, 2025
Ever since the terrible disaster when the two queens died in a tsunami, humans and bird-people have lived in suspicion of one another. Eventually, the laws become so restrictive that bird-people are forced to hide away in the swamps, scratching out the slightest sustenance, and some are even considering trying to move away. But Linnet is still sure that if she can just get enough funding, just find enough friends, she can reunite their two peoples. If only her magic song would manifest.
In characteristic Sophie Anderson style, this book unites songs, poems, stories, and narrative all in one tome and creates a beautiful story with the roughest of characters. There's a gentle compassion throughout this tale that's impossible not to enjoy. I admit that some of Linnet's impulsive choices had me cringing, which made it a little harder to finish this book, but I enjoyed everything else and will be eagerly awaiting the next Anderson book.
In characteristic Sophie Anderson style, this book unites songs, poems, stories, and narrative all in one tome and creates a beautiful story with the roughest of characters. There's a gentle compassion throughout this tale that's impossible not to enjoy. I admit that some of Linnet's impulsive choices had me cringing, which made it a little harder to finish this book, but I enjoyed everything else and will be eagerly awaiting the next Anderson book.
October 28, 2023
Really beautiful story about friendship and perseverance, unity and hope.
September 13, 2023
I really wasn't digging this one, thinking its allegories were a little too simplistic and obvious, verging into eyeroll territory, but it won me over at the end with its sweetness and hope.
June 11, 2022
Choose love over hate and kindness.
This is it! This line, for me, sums up this book.
Choose love. Be kind. Don't let fear overwhelm and feed that fear with hate.
Linnet has been banished from her home, not just Linnet but all Alkonosts. Alkonosts have lived with humans on the island of Morovia. Alkonosts have magic and after a tragedy there is a split. Fear. Fear does awful things to people and this story tells us what can happen when fear takes over.
No spoliers but fans of Sophie Anderson will love love love this. The Easter egg is wonderful, such a lovely addition.
This is it! This line, for me, sums up this book.
Choose love. Be kind. Don't let fear overwhelm and feed that fear with hate.
Linnet has been banished from her home, not just Linnet but all Alkonosts. Alkonosts have lived with humans on the island of Morovia. Alkonosts have magic and after a tragedy there is a split. Fear. Fear does awful things to people and this story tells us what can happen when fear takes over.
No spoliers but fans of Sophie Anderson will love love love this. The Easter egg is wonderful, such a lovely addition.
October 30, 2024
کتاب قشنگ و غمانگیزی بود. توش به مفاهیمی مثل از دست دادن والدین، برخورد با افسردگی، خیانت، تبیعیض، دوستی و عشق پرداخته شده بود.
داستانش رو دوست داشتم چون سرزمینی که نویسنده خلق کرده بود تازه بود. فقط روند و ریتم داستان یکم کند بود و نقطهی اوجی نداشت. کمی هم بیش از حد به جزییات پرداخته شده بود.
در کل بهش ۴ ستاره از ۵ ستاره میدم و پیشنها میدم مطالعهش کنین😊
داستانش رو دوست داشتم چون سرزمینی که نویسنده خلق کرده بود تازه بود. فقط روند و ریتم داستان یکم کند بود و نقطهی اوجی نداشت. کمی هم بیش از حد به جزییات پرداخته شده بود.
در کل بهش ۴ ستاره از ۵ ستاره میدم و پیشنها میدم مطالعهش کنین😊
November 9, 2023
Started out great, but I slowly lost interest. The characters are fine, the setting is fine, the plot is fine. It was a little too precious in places, like a couple of the flashback memories were a little too sickly sweet, ya know.
And the ending... I don't know, it wasn't very satisfying how the two 'villains' so quickly changed their minds completely. I never love it when a character really believes something and really goes for it, whatever the consequences, but then suddenly at the end they open and use their eyeballs to really see what they've done and it's instant regret and lamentation. Nope.
Also, last thing, how many times can you write the word 'unity' in your book, before becoming annoying?? I get it.
And the ending... I don't know, it wasn't very satisfying how the two 'villains' so quickly changed their minds completely. I never love it when a character really believes something and really goes for it, whatever the consequences, but then suddenly at the end they open and use their eyeballs to really see what they've done and it's instant regret and lamentation. Nope.
Also, last thing, how many times can you write the word 'unity' in your book, before becoming annoying?? I get it.
May 27, 2022
What a wonderful story! I wouldn't have expected any less from the talented Sophie Anderson, she is without doubt one of my favorite authors. She weaves stories to enchant readers, young or old, and when you get to the end of the book, you really want to go back and read it again, just to focus on the tiny details. Loved it!
January 24, 2022
As with Sophie Anderson's other stories, this fantasy is a modern, relatable twist on a traditional Russian folktale - this time based on a poem called Nightingale the Robber about a mysterious man with bird-like features and a powerful, dangerous whistle. In The Thief Who Sang Storms, the magic is centred on a thirteen-year-old girl who attempts to bring together two opposing sides of her island while also trying to save her persecuted father.
Readers of the author's previous books will enjoy spotting a familiar old friend. There's always a myriad of new details too to delight readers in Sophie Anderson's fantasy worlds. It's easy to melt away into this story's world of shipwrecks, floating islands, fortresses, swamp homes and magical bird-people. Underneath the fantasy sit a number of highly relatable themes - divided societies, grief, prejudice and the power of finding hope in dark times. It's a mesmerising story that has many layers to unpack.
We also see a protagonist who is frustrated at not yet having received the 'singing magic' that she feels will empower her to make a difference. For a middle-grade readership on the threshold of puberty, the feeling of waiting to be big enough to make an impact is likely to be a familiar one - but the author has a message of encouragement for her readers through Linnet's story. We may get frustrated when we lack agency to change the world around us, but often it's the power of the smallest decisions and actions that lead to the biggest impact when we follow our hearts, seek to bridge divisions and pursue what is right.
Thank you to the publisher for sending us an early review copy. Our review features on our Spring 2022 Ones to Watch list: https://www.booksfortopics.com/post/o....
Readers of the author's previous books will enjoy spotting a familiar old friend. There's always a myriad of new details too to delight readers in Sophie Anderson's fantasy worlds. It's easy to melt away into this story's world of shipwrecks, floating islands, fortresses, swamp homes and magical bird-people. Underneath the fantasy sit a number of highly relatable themes - divided societies, grief, prejudice and the power of finding hope in dark times. It's a mesmerising story that has many layers to unpack.
We also see a protagonist who is frustrated at not yet having received the 'singing magic' that she feels will empower her to make a difference. For a middle-grade readership on the threshold of puberty, the feeling of waiting to be big enough to make an impact is likely to be a familiar one - but the author has a message of encouragement for her readers through Linnet's story. We may get frustrated when we lack agency to change the world around us, but often it's the power of the smallest decisions and actions that lead to the biggest impact when we follow our hearts, seek to bridge divisions and pursue what is right.
Thank you to the publisher for sending us an early review copy. Our review features on our Spring 2022 Ones to Watch list: https://www.booksfortopics.com/post/o....
April 15, 2022
Absolutely bloody beautiful, Sophie Anderson never ever fails to fill your heart with joy with every single one of her books.
This book was amazing, we follow a main character called Linnet and she has two animal companions lumpy and whiskers; she lives with Nightingale her father. Her best friend was a young girl called Hero would lived in a different area to that of Linnet but they were the closest friends could be.
Linnet is an Alkonist and used to live alongside humans where they lived in unity but then came a great divide.
It is hard to talk about this book, not because I didn’t like it as with a 5 star rating there is lots to say, I just don’t want to give anything away that could spoil the reading experience as the journey in this book is absolutely beautiful.
I loved how this book had a sprinkle of one of her other books and my goodness did this grab the heart strings and give them the biggest pull.
What can I say but BUY THIS BOOK, buy all of Sophie’s books and read in publication order, they are standalone books but if you read in order you will see what I mean. I am one of Sophie Anderson’s biggest fans and will auto buy anything and everything that she releases, always and I can’t say that about many authors.
So far all 4 books for me are 5 star reads, one has an extra star as that one truly captured my heart forever.
Sophie’s writing is beautiful and her books draw you in and with every book there is a new experience to feel and go through. This latest book is just stunning though and I highly highly recommend.
This book was amazing, we follow a main character called Linnet and she has two animal companions lumpy and whiskers; she lives with Nightingale her father. Her best friend was a young girl called Hero would lived in a different area to that of Linnet but they were the closest friends could be.
Linnet is an Alkonist and used to live alongside humans where they lived in unity but then came a great divide.
It is hard to talk about this book, not because I didn’t like it as with a 5 star rating there is lots to say, I just don’t want to give anything away that could spoil the reading experience as the journey in this book is absolutely beautiful.
I loved how this book had a sprinkle of one of her other books and my goodness did this grab the heart strings and give them the biggest pull.
What can I say but BUY THIS BOOK, buy all of Sophie’s books and read in publication order, they are standalone books but if you read in order you will see what I mean. I am one of Sophie Anderson’s biggest fans and will auto buy anything and everything that she releases, always and I can’t say that about many authors.
So far all 4 books for me are 5 star reads, one has an extra star as that one truly captured my heart forever.
Sophie’s writing is beautiful and her books draw you in and with every book there is a new experience to feel and go through. This latest book is just stunning though and I highly highly recommend.
March 18, 2022
A new Sophie Anderson book is always cause for celebration. I love the Russian folklore settings of all of her books, but the world of 'The Thief Who Sang Storms' is particularly otherworldly and vividly imagined:
"The Island of Morovia is shaped like a broken heart. The humans live on one side of the island, and the alkonosts - the bird-people - live on the other. But it wasn't always this way..."
Linnet is an alkonost and lives in the swamp with her father, Nightingale, and the rest of the alkonosts - banished from their homes by the humans after a terrible tragedy caused a bitter divide in their society. Linnet dreams of one day using her singing magic to heal the broken heart of Morovia and bring the humans and the alkonosts back together, and she especially longs to be reunited with her best friend, Hero. But her magic hasn't arrived yet and Linnet is worried that it never will.
But when Linnet steals a trinket from the humans, her father is arrested for her crime, and Linnet must find a way to rescue him from the fortified human keep before he is sentenced and sent to the quarry - forever out of her reach. Even though she has no magic, Linnet discovers that she is not powerless and there are other kinds of magic in the world.
'The Thief Who Sang Storms' is a timely story of division and reconciliation - another beautifully lyrical and poignant tale from a master storyteller.
"The Island of Morovia is shaped like a broken heart. The humans live on one side of the island, and the alkonosts - the bird-people - live on the other. But it wasn't always this way..."
Linnet is an alkonost and lives in the swamp with her father, Nightingale, and the rest of the alkonosts - banished from their homes by the humans after a terrible tragedy caused a bitter divide in their society. Linnet dreams of one day using her singing magic to heal the broken heart of Morovia and bring the humans and the alkonosts back together, and she especially longs to be reunited with her best friend, Hero. But her magic hasn't arrived yet and Linnet is worried that it never will.
But when Linnet steals a trinket from the humans, her father is arrested for her crime, and Linnet must find a way to rescue him from the fortified human keep before he is sentenced and sent to the quarry - forever out of her reach. Even though she has no magic, Linnet discovers that she is not powerless and there are other kinds of magic in the world.
'The Thief Who Sang Storms' is a timely story of division and reconciliation - another beautifully lyrical and poignant tale from a master storyteller.
July 14, 2023
Oggi vi parlo di una bellissima storia di amicizia.
L'isola di Morovia ha il cuore spezzato, non c'è più armonia perchè il popolo degli uomini uccello è stato confinato nelle paludi, gli umani non possono più avere contatti con loro. E' stato il capitano Ilya insieme ai suoi, vogliono reprimere la magia, il potere, perchè pensano sia pericolosa.
Lin è stata costretta a lasciare la sua casa insieme al padre Usignolo. Ma lei è una ragazza forte, non ha mai perso la speranza, vuole ritornare nella sua città, tornare al tempo in cui regnava la pace e vuole a tutti i costi ritrovare la sua migliore amica Hero.
Sono sempre state insieme ma, prima che fossero allontanate, avevano litigato e questa situazione la fa soffrire tanto.
La vera avventura comincia quando Usignolo viene catturato, Lin deve fare qualcosa. Ad aiutarla ci sono Baffy la nutria e Grumo il rospo. Lin e i suoi amici si imbatteranno in tante situazioni, dovranno affrontare pericoli, ma niente potrà fermarla perchè a spingerla è il pensiero di rivedere il padre, di ritrovare la sua amica e, soprattutto, di riavere la sua isola felice.
Questo romanzo è un vero inno alla libertà e all'amicizia, il diverso non deve far paura. E' un libro che consiglio sicuramente di leggere ed è anche un'ottima lettura da proporre nelle scuole, da sicuramente un ottimo insegnamento.
L'isola di Morovia ha il cuore spezzato, non c'è più armonia perchè il popolo degli uomini uccello è stato confinato nelle paludi, gli umani non possono più avere contatti con loro. E' stato il capitano Ilya insieme ai suoi, vogliono reprimere la magia, il potere, perchè pensano sia pericolosa.
Lin è stata costretta a lasciare la sua casa insieme al padre Usignolo. Ma lei è una ragazza forte, non ha mai perso la speranza, vuole ritornare nella sua città, tornare al tempo in cui regnava la pace e vuole a tutti i costi ritrovare la sua migliore amica Hero.
Sono sempre state insieme ma, prima che fossero allontanate, avevano litigato e questa situazione la fa soffrire tanto.
La vera avventura comincia quando Usignolo viene catturato, Lin deve fare qualcosa. Ad aiutarla ci sono Baffy la nutria e Grumo il rospo. Lin e i suoi amici si imbatteranno in tante situazioni, dovranno affrontare pericoli, ma niente potrà fermarla perchè a spingerla è il pensiero di rivedere il padre, di ritrovare la sua amica e, soprattutto, di riavere la sua isola felice.
Questo romanzo è un vero inno alla libertà e all'amicizia, il diverso non deve far paura. E' un libro che consiglio sicuramente di leggere ed è anche un'ottima lettura da proporre nelle scuole, da sicuramente un ottimo insegnamento.
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