The Islands of Chaldea

Starred review from February 17, 2014
Set in a luminous and beguiling magical land, this standalone novel was begun by acclaimed fantasist Wynne Jones before her death in 2011 and has been seamlessly completed by her sister Ursula, an actress and writer. Just a day after Eileen seems to fail her initiation into her family’s magical tradition, she and her Aunt Beck—a fully-fledged Wise Woman—are sent on a quest to breach the mysterious barrier that separates the islands of Skarr, Bernica, and Gallis from the enemy land of Logra. Accompanying Eileen and Beck are Ivar—the haughty prince whom Aileen plans to marry (“Until then I feel free to admire him greatly in secret”)—and Ogo, an awkward Logran boy. More companions join the travelers, including a sometimes-invisible giant cat that Aileen nicknames Plug-Ugly. As Aileen grows into her own powers, she reunites with long-lost family and reassesses her romantic plans. Though the plot twists are slightly less fiendish than in previous works, Wynne Jones’s humor, compassion, and invention continue to delight throughout this exhilarating tale. A story to cherish. Ages 8–12.

April 1, 2014

Gr 5 Up-When Aileen turns 12, she is required to go to The Place for her initiation into a long family line of Wise Women. Disappointed that her magic has not been revealed during the ceremony, she is assured by her Aunt Beck that it will come. Aileen lives on Skarr, one of the four magical islands of Chaldea. The largest and most magical of the islands, Logra, has been isolated from the others by a huge barrier that prevents anyone from leaving or entering. As a result, it is draining the magic from the other three islands. Aunt Beck, Aileen, and a representative from each of the three islands have been sent to use magic to break the Logra barrier. It is during the ensuing adventures that the gifts bestowed upon Aileen come to fruition. On their journey, Aunt Beck is rendered powerless by a drunken queen who takes offense at her outspoken manner. Aileen is forced to take charge, and with each encounter her power grows. The author passed away before finishing the book, and her sister has kept it alive. Continuing the medieval magic of wizards, witches, and supernatural animals, she gives the ending a sweeping flourish of action, romance, and humor. Although there are some inconsistencies in the characterization, diehard fantasy fans will not be deterred. Recommend this novel to the Jones's many fans and other avid fantasy readers.-D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

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