What do you think?
Rate this book
The Kingdom of the Lost #1
The Red Wind
In this captivating first audiobook, brothers Zluty and Bily live happily in their little house in the desert. Every year Zluty journeys to the great forest while Bily stays to tend their desert home. And every year Zluty returns with exciting tales of his adventures. When a devastating red wind sweeps across the land, brothers Bily and Zluty are forced to fight for their survival and journey into the perilous unknown. A magical new series for younger readers from the awardwinning author of Little Fur. The first audiobook in The Kingdom of the Lost series.
222 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
13 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Isobelle Carmody
104 books1,734 followersIsobelle Carmody began the first novel of her highly acclaimed Obernewtyn Chronicles while she was still in high school. The series has established her at the forefront of fantasy writing in Australia.
In addition to her young-adult novels, such as the Obernewtyn Chronicles and Alyzon Whitestarr, Isobelle's published works include several middle-grade fantasies. Her still-unfinished Gateway Trilogy has been favorably compared to The Wizard of Oz and the Chronicles of Narnia. The Little Fur quartet is an eco-fantasy starring a half-elf, half-troll heroine and is fully illustrated by the author herself.
Isobelle's most recent picture book, Magic Night, is a collaboration with illustrator Declan Lee. Originally published in Australia as The Wrong Thing, the book features an ordinary housecat who stumbles upon something otherworldly. Across all her writing, Isobelle shows a talent for balancing the mundane and the fantastic.
Isobelle was the guest of honor at the 2007 Australian National Science Fiction Convention. She has received numerous honors for her writing, including multiple Aurealis Awards and Children's Book Council of Australia Awards.
She currently divides her time between her home on the Great Ocean Road in Australia and her travels abroad with her partner and daughter.
Librarian's note: Penguin Australia is publishing the Obernewtyn Chronicles in six books, and The Stone Key is book five. In the United States and Canada this series is published by Random House in eight books; this Penguin Australia book is split into two parts and published as Wavesong (Book Five) and The Stone Key (Book Six).
In addition to her young-adult novels, such as the Obernewtyn Chronicles and Alyzon Whitestarr, Isobelle's published works include several middle-grade fantasies. Her still-unfinished Gateway Trilogy has been favorably compared to The Wizard of Oz and the Chronicles of Narnia. The Little Fur quartet is an eco-fantasy starring a half-elf, half-troll heroine and is fully illustrated by the author herself.
Isobelle's most recent picture book, Magic Night, is a collaboration with illustrator Declan Lee. Originally published in Australia as The Wrong Thing, the book features an ordinary housecat who stumbles upon something otherworldly. Across all her writing, Isobelle shows a talent for balancing the mundane and the fantastic.
Isobelle was the guest of honor at the 2007 Australian National Science Fiction Convention. She has received numerous honors for her writing, including multiple Aurealis Awards and Children's Book Council of Australia Awards.
She currently divides her time between her home on the Great Ocean Road in Australia and her travels abroad with her partner and daughter.
Librarian's note: Penguin Australia is publishing the Obernewtyn Chronicles in six books, and The Stone Key is book five. In the United States and Canada this series is published by Random House in eight books; this Penguin Australia book is split into two parts and published as Wavesong (Book Five) and The Stone Key (Book Six).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 27, 2023
Delightful! Unexpectedly moving character growth for a children’s story, eerily beautiful world building, variously solemn and playful, quaint and profound at the same time. More please!
February 16, 2012
This was slow-starting - I've had it on my currently reading shelf for the last 6 months! But I finally finished it today, and at the end I had a lump in my throat. I had no idea it would be so profound. It seemed so mild and a little bland, perhaps because I find it hard to relate to stories about talking animals... I just couldn't connect. But half-way through the connection came, and there are so many beautiful actions that would be wonderful for kids to discover, so I'm adding this to the recommended pile. Now I'll have to read the other three in the series. No wonder it was Children's Book Council short-listed.
May 16, 2017
This really is a unique book and one that I would recommend to readers of all ages, and not just children. The world building is incredible, it's so mysterious and unusual and yet completely believable. And I love the two main characters; they are so very different in personality, and yet each is so amazing and brave in their own way. I honestly don't have the words to do this book justice. Apparently there's a sequel, I hope I can find a copy and discover what happens next to Zluty and Bily.
I listened to the audiobook edition which was wonderfully narrated by the author.
I listened to the audiobook edition which was wonderfully narrated by the author.
July 2, 2013
The restless and adventurous Zluty and his timid and shy brother Bily eke out an uncertain living on barren plains. While Bily stays home and cultivates a garden, makes clay-works and tends to their cottage, Zluty must travel far and wide to gather supplies for their roof-tiles, mattresses, and store up food for Winter. Once a year, Zluty makes a ten-day journey to the dark Northern Forest to gather some of the rarer supplies they need. But this year, a red cloud hangs ominously in the sky as Zluty leaves for the forest, plunging the brothers into a struggle for survival.
I think the loveliest thing about the novel is the careful delineation in the two protagonists - it's not that Bily isn't brave, it's that he greatly dislikes change and wants everything and everyone around him to be safe. Zluty's love of the outdoors and travelling, his urge to explore new territories and unlock the secrets of the world around him speak to the adventurous parts of our souls, while Bily's love of home, hearth, and a healthy family resonate with our instincts for self-preservation.
I love the lush imagery used in this book - it's the first book by Isobelle Carmody that I have read, but I have been wooed by the vivid landscapes and characters in The Red Wind. The comfort of the brothers' cottage, the mysterious allure of the forest and the tantalising possibilities of the desert and mountains create a magical story-world that will appeal to readers young and old alike.
The cute illustrations help to bring the book to life, and I love how detailed the sketches are. I think the book would have a lot less appeal without the drawings to help the imagination along. The brothers don't really know a lot about the world they live in outside of their limited experience, but the images hint that their world is more familiar to us than we may first realise.
My only complaint about The Red Wind is that Zluty and Bily's adventure only seems to be beginning when the book ends. It leaves one desperate for the next book and I was a little disappointed in the lack of resolution. But I have the sequel, The Cloud Road, ready to go, so hopefully I won't remain disappointed for long!
The Red Wind is a gorgeous tale of brothers that will be enjoyed by young readers, with themes that will appeal to readers of all ages. Although it was a quick read for me, I know I will be looking forward to reading the continuing adventures of Bily and Zluty in the books to come.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
I think the loveliest thing about the novel is the careful delineation in the two protagonists - it's not that Bily isn't brave, it's that he greatly dislikes change and wants everything and everyone around him to be safe. Zluty's love of the outdoors and travelling, his urge to explore new territories and unlock the secrets of the world around him speak to the adventurous parts of our souls, while Bily's love of home, hearth, and a healthy family resonate with our instincts for self-preservation.
I love the lush imagery used in this book - it's the first book by Isobelle Carmody that I have read, but I have been wooed by the vivid landscapes and characters in The Red Wind. The comfort of the brothers' cottage, the mysterious allure of the forest and the tantalising possibilities of the desert and mountains create a magical story-world that will appeal to readers young and old alike.
The cute illustrations help to bring the book to life, and I love how detailed the sketches are. I think the book would have a lot less appeal without the drawings to help the imagination along. The brothers don't really know a lot about the world they live in outside of their limited experience, but the images hint that their world is more familiar to us than we may first realise.
My only complaint about The Red Wind is that Zluty and Bily's adventure only seems to be beginning when the book ends. It leaves one desperate for the next book and I was a little disappointed in the lack of resolution. But I have the sequel, The Cloud Road, ready to go, so hopefully I won't remain disappointed for long!
The Red Wind is a gorgeous tale of brothers that will be enjoyed by young readers, with themes that will appeal to readers of all ages. Although it was a quick read for me, I know I will be looking forward to reading the continuing adventures of Bily and Zluty in the books to come.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
November 16, 2010
Bily and Zluty live a quiet and happy life of routine, they spend the warmer months foraging, collecting and growing, baking, making and bartering all that they will need to sustain them for the cold winter months. While Bily, white furred and timid, completed the important tasks about their cottage, Zluty, yellow furred and adventurous, would setoff on long treks to gather what suppliers they need from the surrounding lands.
When one morning these two brothers woke to discover a redness in the sky nether could say for sure what that redness was. Weather a cloud, a mist or something else the only thing Bily and Zluty knew for curtain was that they had never seen it before and what ever it was it did belong. However with no answers Bily and Zluty did the only thing they could, they ignored the redness and went about with their tasks. However the red wind would not be ignored.
The Red Wind is a sweet and tender story of brotherly love, duty, kindness and courage. In the face of danger, destruction and the threat of death these two brothers demonstrate just how important all life is, whether that of a small bee or a large monster. Bily and Zluty are able to show how helping others in need is important, and that change no matter how scary or devastating is not the end of the world but can be the beginning of a new adventure.
When one morning these two brothers woke to discover a redness in the sky nether could say for sure what that redness was. Weather a cloud, a mist or something else the only thing Bily and Zluty knew for curtain was that they had never seen it before and what ever it was it did belong. However with no answers Bily and Zluty did the only thing they could, they ignored the redness and went about with their tasks. However the red wind would not be ignored.
The Red Wind is a sweet and tender story of brotherly love, duty, kindness and courage. In the face of danger, destruction and the threat of death these two brothers demonstrate just how important all life is, whether that of a small bee or a large monster. Bily and Zluty are able to show how helping others in need is important, and that change no matter how scary or devastating is not the end of the world but can be the beginning of a new adventure.
July 17, 2011
There are some little girls at my school library who are going to love this book. It won't bother them that it's a little bit too long, they're all good readers and they'll love this fantasy that is both an adventure and a kind of coming-of-age for the two characters, Zluty and Bily.
These two little furry creatures live happily in the forest, Bily content to be a sort of house-brother, cooking, weaving and preserving food against the harshness of the winters. Zluty is the one who ventures far afield to get supplies and comes home each time with delightful stories about his adventures.
But one day a fearsome red wind sweeps across the landscape, destroying everything that the brothers hold dear. Zloty faces his peril in the forest but it is timid little Bily who has to confront a monster and the destruction of their home. Many children will relate to the way he has to overcome his fears and will be delighted to see the way compassion and kindness conquers all.
This book is shortlisted for the 2011 CBCA Book of the Year.
These two little furry creatures live happily in the forest, Bily content to be a sort of house-brother, cooking, weaving and preserving food against the harshness of the winters. Zluty is the one who ventures far afield to get supplies and comes home each time with delightful stories about his adventures.
But one day a fearsome red wind sweeps across the landscape, destroying everything that the brothers hold dear. Zloty faces his peril in the forest but it is timid little Bily who has to confront a monster and the destruction of their home. Many children will relate to the way he has to overcome his fears and will be delighted to see the way compassion and kindness conquers all.
This book is shortlisted for the 2011 CBCA Book of the Year.
July 26, 2017
The Red Wind was a heartwarming book about two brothers and their life living in a little cottage on a sparse, dry plain. It is the story of Zluty and Bily and how they have made a set routine for their life and then how they must learn to be brave when change comes their way.
The start was a little slow for me. There was a large chunk of just showing the brother's everyday life before the story starts to pick up, but it was a sweet and enjoyable story. I will say for me that the world was really vivid, and with the help of some cute illustrations, I was able to imagine the world clearly. I also really loved the characters of Zluty and Bily and who they contrast each other but also compliment each other perfectly. I also loved Red Wing and Monster and I hope we get to know more of their characters in the future books.
The start was a little slow for me. There was a large chunk of just showing the brother's everyday life before the story starts to pick up, but it was a sweet and enjoyable story. I will say for me that the world was really vivid, and with the help of some cute illustrations, I was able to imagine the world clearly. I also really loved the characters of Zluty and Bily and who they contrast each other but also compliment each other perfectly. I also loved Red Wing and Monster and I hope we get to know more of their characters in the future books.
July 16, 2017
Amazing, intriguing world building. Fascinating, loveable little characters who, even though they're small furry beasts, grow and develop through the story. An edge of your seat storyline. How can you not love this series? Beautiful illustrations.
June 21, 2014
Nalini Haynes reviewed this book; for more reviews by Nalini, see Nalini Haynes on Dark Matter Zine.
The Red Wind is the first of the Kingdom of the Lost series for children; I previously reviewed book 2, The Cloud Road.
Bily and Zluty seem to be part squirrel-ish creatures and part human. They are brothers who live contentedly in a house they built for themselves since waking from their egg. They’ve grow up, learnt to hunt, gather and create everything they need.
Then the Red Wind destroys their lives, bringing a ‘rainstorm’ of rocks before flooding fills their basement.
Red Wind is elegant in its simplicity, effectively painting a vivid picture of Bily, Zluty, their lives and relationships. Many facets of the story that puzzled me after reading book two out of sequence are explained and yet a mystery evolves across these two novels.
Isobelle Carmody uses direct language to gradually build a complex world without overwhelming young audiences.
I highly recommend the Kingdom of the Lost series to readers of all ages for enjoyment and to writers learning the craft, regardless of the age of your intended audience.
The Red Wind is the first of the Kingdom of the Lost series for children; I previously reviewed book 2, The Cloud Road.
Bily and Zluty seem to be part squirrel-ish creatures and part human. They are brothers who live contentedly in a house they built for themselves since waking from their egg. They’ve grow up, learnt to hunt, gather and create everything they need.
Then the Red Wind destroys their lives, bringing a ‘rainstorm’ of rocks before flooding fills their basement.
Red Wind is elegant in its simplicity, effectively painting a vivid picture of Bily, Zluty, their lives and relationships. Many facets of the story that puzzled me after reading book two out of sequence are explained and yet a mystery evolves across these two novels.
Isobelle Carmody uses direct language to gradually build a complex world without overwhelming young audiences.
I highly recommend the Kingdom of the Lost series to readers of all ages for enjoyment and to writers learning the craft, regardless of the age of your intended audience.
August 19, 2011
This book is about Bily and Zluty, hatched from the same egg, but quite different from each other. Zluty is the adventurer and wanderer, while timid Bily tends to the house and garden. The appearance of the red wind threatens to change their happy little life. Bily and Zluty are quite lovable characters (looking much like a miniature Max from "Where the Wild Things Are). The pictures are also essential to the storyline, giving the reader a feeling that we knew something the characters didn't. I imagined a bigger story building about their different lifestyles that never really eventuated, maybe that is in the next book. I usually read a series only when it is complete, so that I don't have to wait an entire year to reach a resolution for the characters. This book felt like a big chapter rather than a stand alone book to me, just as their journey begins, the book is done. Then again maybe that's the idea because now I am waiting for the next two books to find out what happens. This was my first time to read an Isobelle Carmody book, and I will definitely be reading another, but this time I will choose one from a series she has already finished.
April 25, 2011
This is a wonderful new series from Isobelle Carmody. Following the little lives of Bily and Zluty (Billy? Bile-y?, Sluty? Zlooty?) twins hatched from a metal egg, the story weaves its way around the tiny part of the world that they inhabit. Bily is timid and conservative, Zluty is adventurous and outgoing, but they are so used to looking out for each other that neither strays far from home.
The rhythm of their lives revolves around the seasons, and when, on the morning before Zluty sets out for the Autumn trip to the Northern Forest, the sky is covered with red, the brothers are full of foreboding but are aware that they must gather supplies from the forest or starve over the Winter.
So, Zluty packs his supplies carefully, and sets off to the Forest determined to return as quickly as possible with everything that they need. But while he is travelling The Red Wind arrives, bringing with it conditions that test the brothers' to their limits.
I am looking forward to the continuing story of Bily and Zluty.
The rhythm of their lives revolves around the seasons, and when, on the morning before Zluty sets out for the Autumn trip to the Northern Forest, the sky is covered with red, the brothers are full of foreboding but are aware that they must gather supplies from the forest or starve over the Winter.
So, Zluty packs his supplies carefully, and sets off to the Forest determined to return as quickly as possible with everything that they need. But while he is travelling The Red Wind arrives, bringing with it conditions that test the brothers' to their limits.
I am looking forward to the continuing story of Bily and Zluty.
August 9, 2010
This is a gorgeous book for younger readers from the brilliant Australian fantasy writer, Isobelle Carmody. She has put her newly discovered talent for illustration to work in this latest book. The pictures of the little creatures, Bily and Zluty, strongly complement and aid the narration. Themes such as those of prejudice, friendship, courage in the face of the unknown and compassion are dealt with by Isobelle in her simple but profound manner of storytelling. This is a lovely read for younger and older readers alike.
June 27, 2017
Brilliant little kids' story about two little creatures going through a terrible storm. Beautiful world-building and suspense. Will definitely be looking for the next book
June 20, 2022
Actual rating: 3.5 / 5
Listened to the audiobook, via Borrowbox.
The Details:
Narrated by Isobelle Carmody
Unabridged.
The Narrator
I love when the book is narrated by the author because I feel they are the best person to know the way in which they intended the work to be read... The emphasis and inflections of words and they lyrical way of the story telling. Carmody did just this.
The Story
This was a random borrow today, and I listened to it on and off throughout the day. It hooked me more than I was expecting because it was unexpectedly so emotional and distressing! It carried far more depth than I anticipated and I was pleasantly surprised at the content of the story.
It's a beautiful story of brotherhood and finding inner confidence, alongside a catastrophic natural disaster.
It was so richly described, the little creatures were so sweet and the landscapes showed up quite well in my mind!
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
Listened to the audiobook, via Borrowbox.
The Details:
Narrated by Isobelle Carmody
Unabridged.
The Narrator
I love when the book is narrated by the author because I feel they are the best person to know the way in which they intended the work to be read... The emphasis and inflections of words and they lyrical way of the story telling. Carmody did just this.
The Story
This was a random borrow today, and I listened to it on and off throughout the day. It hooked me more than I was expecting because it was unexpectedly so emotional and distressing! It carried far more depth than I anticipated and I was pleasantly surprised at the content of the story.
It's a beautiful story of brotherhood and finding inner confidence, alongside a catastrophic natural disaster.
It was so richly described, the little creatures were so sweet and the landscapes showed up quite well in my mind!
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
December 23, 2018
A tale about two brothers who look as if they're wearing suits like the boy from Where The Wild Things Are. The story and plot were interesting enough to keep me going and the imagination of Isobelle Carmody was very intriguing and strange and I actually wish I could write like her.
I like how Bily looks up at the sky as it turns into a red and he wonders if the sky is bleeding. It sounds really poetic the way she writes. I like how they are portrayed as animal-like even though they live in a cottage. It's really cute.
The ending of the story was really satisfying and I love how Bily looks after 'the monster' and the two boys travel someplace else. The ending promises a good sequel.
I like how Bily looks up at the sky as it turns into a red and he wonders if the sky is bleeding. It sounds really poetic the way she writes. I like how they are portrayed as animal-like even though they live in a cottage. It's really cute.
The ending of the story was really satisfying and I love how Bily looks after 'the monster' and the two boys travel someplace else. The ending promises a good sequel.
November 19, 2020
This audiobook was just amazing to listen to. It is read by the author, and I could not but had to gobble the start of this story of Zluty and Bili up.
It is a slowly moving story and we meet these two brothers living their daily lives on the plains with its scarcity and the need to not be wasteful with any of the available resources.
There are also the emotions that link these two brothers together. They are based in an unwavering consideration and love for each other despite all the difference in personality they have.
Australian children's literature is just the best.
It is a slowly moving story and we meet these two brothers living their daily lives on the plains with its scarcity and the need to not be wasteful with any of the available resources.
There are also the emotions that link these two brothers together. They are based in an unwavering consideration and love for each other despite all the difference in personality they have.
Australian children's literature is just the best.
November 5, 2019
This book was my favourite for a while.
Then I reread it... and it didn’t really stand up to what my memory was making out that it was.
Don’t you hate when that happens?
I still like it though. I like it a lot. Just a bit underwhelmed.
A fox called sorrow is better by far.
7/10
Would (albeit tentatively) recommend
Then I reread it... and it didn’t really stand up to what my memory was making out that it was.
Don’t you hate when that happens?
I still like it though. I like it a lot. Just a bit underwhelmed.
A fox called sorrow is better by far.
7/10
Would (albeit tentatively) recommend
June 18, 2023
4.5 stars
What starts as a sweet and calming story about Bily and Zluty, loving brothers living a gentle life together, soon takes a more sinister turn as the red wind comes and destroys much in its path and changes the brothers' lives.
There are some intriguing, as yet unexplained, parts to the story that I look forward to discovering more about in the next books in the series.
What starts as a sweet and calming story about Bily and Zluty, loving brothers living a gentle life together, soon takes a more sinister turn as the red wind comes and destroys much in its path and changes the brothers' lives.
There are some intriguing, as yet unexplained, parts to the story that I look forward to discovering more about in the next books in the series.
December 10, 2025
We listened to the audio book of this read by the author and the names of the Mai. characters Bily and Zluty are very annoying. nothing is ever explained only loosely describe. what on earth even are these creatures?! but for some reason the boys(14-11yo) want to keep on listening my 7yo G does not.
July 2, 2019
I loved this story of two very different brothers; one a real homebody and one who loves adventure. But when a strange red wind comes it will force all sorts of changes. A great, fantastical adventure.
November 18, 2020
Well when i first started reading it it was rally started to get boring but when at like the 4th chapter it started to get interesting but then when i started to rea read it it got better and now i. Am on to the 2 book and that is a good book better then the first book so yeah I wood rate the 1 book like a 4 out of 5
February 5, 2018
this book is good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2018
i thought it was good but Bily was not independent enough and relied on Zulty
July 8, 2018
A sweet book. I would recommend it for children.
January 27, 2022
I wish I could live the way they lived, with there own cottage and peaceful, have to travel and can talk to the animals. It was very moving.
February 3, 2024
Somewhat interesting and engaging tale, the first in a series of course, we'll see how the rest of it goes.
April 10, 2024
Interesting
September 16, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
I feel bad rating it like this because if course it is a children’s book. It’s so cute tho and amazing memories
I feel bad rating it like this because if course it is a children’s book. It’s so cute tho and amazing memories
December 28, 2024
One for young kids (although some scary parts). Wholesome and interesting read. I love kid lit when it's written with this much care. Mildly dystopian (but not devoid of hope)
August 21, 2011
I read this book for two purposes. As a teacher I need to be up with children's literature, especially those that have been shortlisted. Secondly, I have read what is available of the legendsong and obernewtyn series.
I enjoyed the contrasting characters and found the events interesting, but as others have said before me it felt like more of a chapter than a stand-alone. I do look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I enjoyed the contrasting characters and found the events interesting, but as others have said before me it felt like more of a chapter than a stand-alone. I do look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews