This wonderful, dark island becomes a breathing landmass with Hardinge’s fantastical prose. It’s also a place suffering from the effects of colonialism, a place full of internment camps for hated and distrusted tribes, a place where mass murder of a disliked tribe is acceptable. Gullstruck Island is a place where volcanoes fall in love where certain people can detach their five senses from their bodies in order to witness events on the north of the island with their eyes while hearing a whisper on the south of the island with their ears where individuals love their ancestors so much, they’ll gladly sacrifice arable land to expansive tombs instead. Hey, even ask Shakespeare!īut in The Lost Conspiracy, Hardinge fulfills my age 17 requirements for membership to the successful artist club because the story, characters, and world she creates are familiar but ultimately unlike anything I’ve ever read before. Just ask Nicholas Sparks and every Tom Cruise movie ever.

Of course, it’s not that simple it’s immensely difficult to be original. I said this like it was as simple as tying a shoe or picking a flower. All you have to do is create something entirely new.”Įntirely new. “A luminous example of gifted storytelling at its best.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) Read moreįoolishly, when I was around 17 years old, I mused out loud to my friend, “I don’t know why it’s so difficult to be a successful artist. Ripe, rollicking, and endlessly creative.” - The Guardian One that I dearly hope both kids and adults enjoy in equal measure.” - A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal

“Filled with sentient volcanoes, gem-studded teeth, villains, heroes, revenge, love, and the world’s most frightening dentist, this is a book to rival The Princess Bride in scope, adventure, and excitement. But the question remains: Is Arilou really a Lost? When all the Lost drop dead, except Arilou, she and Hathin are swept into a grand conspiracy that leads them to the most sinister depths-and heights-of the island. If Lost, Arilou can smell bread baking in the governor’s mansion. If Lost, Arilou can hear whispers in the corners of private rooms. If Lost, Arilou can read a message across the island. The Lost are held nearly sacred by those on Gullstruck, for they can send their senses away from their bodies. Hathin’s sister, Arilou, is believed to be a Lost. These stories of the land’s command come in handy for quiet, near-invisible Hathin when she must run for her life. Keep them happy, and you’ll enjoy their protection. On Gullstruck Island, legend has it that the mountain ranges and volcanoes are in charge. From the award-winning author, “a breathtaking journey of revenge and redemption that pits a stubborn, devoted girl against an unknown evil” ( Kirkus Reviews, starred review).

The lost conspiracy frances hardinge