Title: Forsaken Island
Author: Sharon Hinck
Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: #2 The Dancing Realms
Publisher: Enclave Publishing
Release date: 15 September 2020
Pages: 258
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About the Book
On an uncharted world, happiness is effortless and constant … but can true joy exist without sacrifice?
The people of Meriel have long believed their island world floats alone in the vast ocean universe, so they are astonished when another island drifts into view. With resources becoming scarce, Carya and Brantley quickly volunteer to search the new land for supplies.
After navigating a barrier of menacing trees, the pair encounter a culture of perpetually happy people who readily share their talents and their possessions. But all is not what it seems. At the core of the island is a horror that threatens everyone, including Brantley and Carya.
Freeing the villagers of the bondage they’ve chosen may cost Carya and Brantley more than they could have imagined. Even if the two succeed, they’ll have to find a way to return to Meriel quickly … or be cut off from their home forever.
Excerpt
Across a sweep of waves, the new world called to me. Sea breezes tickled my skin, stirring excitement and making my muscles twitch. What surprises might the unexpected island hold? The tangleroot shore of Meriel’s rim rocked beneath my bare feet, daring me to leave its safety.
Beside me, Brantley rolled a cloak and stuffed it into his pack. “We should have left at first light.” Wind brushed fair curls across his eyes, and he tossed his head like an impatient pony shaking his mane. A mottled brown tunic stretched across his broad shoulders, and a longknife rested at his hip.
I folded a sheet of parchment and tucked it into the tiny pouch hanging around my neck. “Saltar Kemp kept adding to the list of supplies she wants us to search for. She’s hoping we can find seeds to bring back so the villages can develop new orchards.”
The possibility of such bounty still felt surreal, the notion of an uncharted land like a child’s fanciful dream. To think, for centuries we had believed our island floated alone on a n endless ocean, and now a mere speck amid the vast expanse of blue had proven our wisest elders wrong.
We were not alone.
And the thought made me shiver.
Review
Forsaken Island, the second book in Sharon Hinck’s Dancing Realms series, takes readers into a lush but mysterious world that invites them to ponder the paradoxical relationship between joy and pain. Does a carefree life translate to ultimate happiness, or is true joy only able to be experienced when one also opens oneself to the possibility of pain? While this story is definitely pitched at a young adult audience, it’s a question that resonates with people of all ages, and I love that this series has broached some deep theological topics (legalism vs grace in Hidden Current, and joy vs pain in Forsaken Island) in a way that is accessible to young and old alike.
For Brantley and Carya, the journey is testing in ways beyond the physical. Are they willing to put their trust in a Maker whose ways they don’t always understand? And to heed His voice above their own reasoning? I found myself unable to anticipate what was coming throughout this story in much the same way as Brantley and Carya, which meant that I really entered into their experiences and emotions as they explored the forsaken island and sought to understand the people and their way of life. Hinck’s lyrical prose and uncomplicated yet immersive worldbuilding make this an enjoyable read for all ages.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
From the Author
Inspiration Behind Forsaken Island
In the first book of The Dancing Realms series, we learn about a floating island world guided by the work of dancers. The assumption of everyone on Meriel is that their island IS the world—the only existing place on a vast empty ocean.
But in this second book, currents have pushed a new island into view. Our intrepid dancer Carya, and her stenella-riding friend Brantley, set off to explore, hoping to find resources for their world of Meriel.
The story was influenced by some of my favorite classics in the adventure/exploration genre. Jack London (particularly The Sea Wolf), or Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. Or anything by Jules Verne or Robert Louis Stevenson. As the characters explore a new world, we experience both wonder and danger with them. I love that sort of story, so I set my two beloved characters of on an adventure to see what they would discover.
But of course, the book is also about the developing relationship between Carya and Brantley, and the conflicts they confront. And once again, an undercurrent (no pun intended) of spiritual themes is at play. The island holds dark secrets, and time is running out for the opportunity to find their way home.
I love the verse from Psalm 94:14. “For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.” Even on a “Forsaken Island” – the Maker of His people finds a way to reach out and bring hope.
About the Author
Award-winning author of the ground-breaking Sword of Lyric series, Sharon Hinck is a wife, mom, and recent grandma, has an M.A. in communication, and has served as the artistic director of a Christian performing arts group, a church youth worker, and a professional choreographer, and an adjunct writing professor.
Connect with Sharon: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Sharon is giving away the grand prize package of a Forsaken Island book bag, a personalized and autographed hard cover copy of Hidden Current, book marks, and some decorative goodies on a plant-life theme!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/10195/forsaken-island-celebration-tour-giveaway
Tour Stops
30 September
Through the Fire Blogs | Fiction Aficionado
1 October
Wothy2Read
2 October
Texas Book-aholic | deb’s Book Review
3 October
Inklings and notions
4 October
For Him and My Family | April Hayman, Author
5 October
Library Lady’s Kid Lit | Daughter of Increase
6 October
For the Love of Literature | Sara Jane Jacobs
7 October
Locks, Hooks and Books
8 October
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess | Blogging With Carol
9 October
Adventures of a Travelers Wife | Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
10 October
Artistic Nobody (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Simple Harvest Reads (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
11 October
Ashley’s Bookshelf
12 October
Little Homeschool on the Prairie | Emily Yager
13 October
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting | Pause for Tales
Sounds good.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’m so glad you were able to go on the adventure with Carya and Brantley! Blessings!
Ahhh! I love Sharon Hinck’s books but haven’t been able to read these yet. They’re high on my wishlist. 🙂
Thanks so much, reviewsbyerin! I hope you LOVE the new series. 🙂
Thanks, Erin! I hope you get a chance to read them soon. 🙂
Sharon is a new-to-mw author/ Thank you for sharing.
Hope you enjoy this series, carylkane! 🙂 Nice to “meet” you on this blog tour.