Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere

Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere

By Author / Illustrator

Ruth Lauren

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

7+

Publisher

Little Tiger Press Group

ISBN

9781788955911

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

02-03-2023

Synopsis

When Tourmaline's mother goes missing on a search for precious artefacts, Tourmaline sets off to find her with her best friend George, her new friend (and former foe) Mai and her limitless determination. On their adventure, they encounter a band of female pirates, a maze of talking trees and a series of challenges that test the children and their friendship. But will it be enough to reunite Tourmaline with her mother?

The first book in a fun, feminist fantasy adventure series, with a protagonist that flies off the page and into readers' imaginations. Perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell, Vashti Hardy and Abi Elphinstone.

Reviews

Sue

When Tourmaline overhears a conversation between two of her professors at Pellavere University, she learns that not only has her mother gone missing whilst on an archaeological expedition, but that no one will be going to search for her. Tourmaline is determined to find her and with the help of her best friend, George, and new acquaintance, Mia, sets off on an incredible adventure.  Having found a clue in her mother's study to set them on their way, the three companions embark on a perilous journey to locate the Island of Elsewhere - a journey filled with twists and turns, unexpected revelations and excitement.


Tourmaline is a fantastic character. Intrepid and impulsive, once her friendship is gained, she is loyal and protective and there is a wonderful warmth of feeling between her, George and Mia. The three make an excellent team, bringing out the best in each other, bouncing back from the bickering and fallings out that real friends so often have and strengthening their bond. I developed a real soft spot for George as the story progressed. His affectionate support of Tourmaline forces him to do and face things which are completely outside his comfort zone and yet he persists, showing real friendship and courage - and understanding of his friends' characters.


The world-building of Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere is wonderful! It is richly imagined, each new location described beautifully and full of detail. And yet, the story offers plenty to think about as it makes the reader pause to consider the rights and wrongs of 'discovery', questioning who rightfully 'owns' the artefacts which are discovered when archaeologists do their work.


I am delighted that this is only the first of Tourmaline's adventures. I can't wait to see what she gets up to next!


368 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Jenny

Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere is an absolute delight - a bold adventure story that takes the reader on a perilous journey across the seas to find a secret island which holds the key to all things magical. Tourmaline herself is a brilliantly lively heroine; an impetuous, feisty and fiercely determined young girl. At their home in Pellevere University, her strong , talented artefact hunter and adventuring mother, Persephone, has mysteriously disappeared and none of her (male) colleagues seem to be overly fired up to find her. Tourmaline's mother is her role model and inspiration and Tourmaline has clearly inherited many of her traits as she decides to take matters into her own intrepid hands and sets out on her own quest to find her mother herself. Alongside her more cautious, nervous but very loyal best friend George and newer acquaintance Mai, Tourmaline sets off on a daring journey that unfolds with clues left in her mother's lab, hastily written warning notes, a crew of spirited female pirates, talking trees and a treacherous maze full of mirrors and trickery.


I fell headfirst into this story - it was enchanting and exhilarating. Imaginative and creative, it is both packed full of classic peril and mystery and also deliciously fresh and funny throughout. When the trio of friends consult the university's secret Living Archives for information, they find out just what (or who) the archives are and the scenes are pure joy to read as the young adventurers receive some very sarcastically given advice. The world within the book is intricately detailed and wonderful; great care is taken to create a whole new world for the reader to visualise (down to the different clothing each character embodies as a unique individual). 


Tourmaline's quest is constantly moving the friends forward into trickier and more dangerous and exciting situations - onboard The Hunter, experiencing pirate life, and then battling against the Island itself to try to reach Persephone. The trust and loyalty of the three friends is absolutely central to the success of their mission and the relationships are wonderfully captured by the author. The bickering, teasing and love between the young characters really shines through the story. Belief in each other and in themselves is where the heart and warmth of the story lies, and this is the source of their strength to keep going to find Tourmaline's mother. The mother / daughter relationship between Tourmaline and Persephone is so well crafted and emotionally done too, and Tourmaline's hunt for her mother is as much about internally finding her again in her heart as it is about physically seeing her again.


This book is such a warmly entertaining read, a fantastic fantasy adventure, and I look forward to Tourmaline's next adventure a great deal.


368 pages / Reviewed by Jenny, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+

 

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