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The Forest of a Thousand Eyes
Costa Award-winning Frances Hardinge's gripping story of a young girl's daring mission through a natural world intent on her destruction.
With stunning two-colour illustrations by superstar illustrator Emily Gravett on every page, this richly atmospheric book is perfect for fans of David Almond and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
The hungry Forest is moving forward like an army, a green and constant threat to the humans living in and on an increasingly crumbling Wall. Feather, accompanied only by her scaled ferret, Sleek, must avoid the Forest's tentacles, and the many dangerous creatures it shelters, to return the community's precious spyglass to its rightful place. Along the way, she develops her resilience, and meets other people living on the Wall, whose stories and experiences open her mind, and those of her community, to new horizons.
A compelling story filled with adventure, emotional intensity and the rawness of nature.
With stunning two-colour illustrations by superstar illustrator Emily Gravett on every page, this richly atmospheric book is perfect for fans of David Almond and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
The hungry Forest is moving forward like an army, a green and constant threat to the humans living in and on an increasingly crumbling Wall. Feather, accompanied only by her scaled ferret, Sleek, must avoid the Forest's tentacles, and the many dangerous creatures it shelters, to return the community's precious spyglass to its rightful place. Along the way, she develops her resilience, and meets other people living on the Wall, whose stories and experiences open her mind, and those of her community, to new horizons.
A compelling story filled with adventure, emotional intensity and the rawness of nature.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2024
About the author
Frances Hardinge
34 books2,657 followersFrances Hardinge spent her childhood in a huge, isolated old house in a small, strange village, and the two things inspired her to write strange, magical stories from an early age. She studied English at Oxford University and now lives in Oxford, England.
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October 4, 2024Been looking forward to this since the announcement! I think this was not quite as tight as Island of Whispers, with some portions a tad more sparse on detail, which is natural given that the scope of this book feels a lot wider. Nevertheless, it hangs together well. Gravett's illustrations are always excellent at building atmosphere; the vines and leaves running over even the primarily-text pages keep the intrusive presence of the Forest visually positioned, which I thought very effective. The energy and motion in the art of Feather and Sleek pair very well with the sense of urgency that fuels Feather's quest, which comes together to build dimension. The spread of Feather sprinting on her own through the Forest is downright beautiful. As always, Gravett's creatures are wonderfully expressive, and I enjoyed seeing that fluidity of body language translated here into fantastic animals. Hardinge's imagination is similarly characteristic in the prose, characters, and elements of plot. The ending felt both evocative and earned, reminding me of why Hardinge is one of my favourite living fantasists today. Heartily enjoyed this, would love to see more books like this from both, whether from the same world or an entirely new one.
July 29, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Two Hoots for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I know she writes for children, but I really enjoy Frances' books. They're fun and full of imagination which is what you want from a children's book, but they've got so much heart and substance to them that they are completely enough for this 31-year-old to fully invest in and enjoy.
It is full of beautiful illustrations. I will always be an advocate for more illustrations in adult books; why do ids get all the beautiful images! But it really helped expand on Frances' story.
It is simultaneously a love letter to nature, but also a warning against it, the power of nature and the respect it deserves. Instead of it being humans encroaching upon and destroying nature, it's nature that is swallowing up humanity and we're forced into hiding.
I find Frances writes such important stories with such important messages, but she doesn't ram them down your throat, she covers them within a beautiful story.
She manages to worm real problems and real people into such whimsical and magical lands, which makes them more relatable in this magical context. And for all the fantasy elements, the characters - such as our main character Feathers - are very real which I think is important in children's books, because it means the young readers can see themselves in them and realise they too can achieve great things.
I find with all her books, for me anyway, that the plot and characters don't really matter to me, it's all about the world she creates and this sense of family and community within this world. She's done it time and time and time again and impresses me every single time.
At less than 200 pages - with a lot of those pages taken up by illustrations - it is a very quick read for any age, but it sure does pack a punch.
I know she writes for children, but I really enjoy Frances' books. They're fun and full of imagination which is what you want from a children's book, but they've got so much heart and substance to them that they are completely enough for this 31-year-old to fully invest in and enjoy.
It is full of beautiful illustrations. I will always be an advocate for more illustrations in adult books; why do ids get all the beautiful images! But it really helped expand on Frances' story.
It is simultaneously a love letter to nature, but also a warning against it, the power of nature and the respect it deserves. Instead of it being humans encroaching upon and destroying nature, it's nature that is swallowing up humanity and we're forced into hiding.
I find Frances writes such important stories with such important messages, but she doesn't ram them down your throat, she covers them within a beautiful story.
She manages to worm real problems and real people into such whimsical and magical lands, which makes them more relatable in this magical context. And for all the fantasy elements, the characters - such as our main character Feathers - are very real which I think is important in children's books, because it means the young readers can see themselves in them and realise they too can achieve great things.
I find with all her books, for me anyway, that the plot and characters don't really matter to me, it's all about the world she creates and this sense of family and community within this world. She's done it time and time and time again and impresses me every single time.
At less than 200 pages - with a lot of those pages taken up by illustrations - it is a very quick read for any age, but it sure does pack a punch.
October 10, 2024
Very cutesie
September 28, 2024
Children's literature can be just as enjoyable as adult's literature. It can be just as complex, just as interesting, and it can take on a similar emotional journey. What it has that adult's literature doesn't is illustrations. For some reason there seems to be an unwritten rule that when you read as an adult, you shouldn't enjoy books with pictures. This is such a shame. And I fear that it means there are some adults who don't discover wonderful pieces of literature, just because they include illustrations so are deemed for the eyes of children rather than older eyes.
Now that I have that little rant over, onto the book.
Frances Hardinge is a great author. Her work can be full of emotion, wonder, humour, a touch of darkness, and humanity. The Forest of a Thousand Eyes is her second book which features illustrations by Emily Gravett (Island of Whispers being the other). For this volume, fittingly, the colour palette is black, white and green. The illustrations are beautiful, as you would expect from Gravett. The story is one of survival. For this book, Hardinge has turned nature upon us:
"The roaring sea was the Forest's enemy, but that didn't mean it was her friend. Feather was a small creature, cowering amid the clash of titans."
Nature can be powerful, that is true. But it is also important to remember where we fit into this. We can make nature more vulnerable. We should show it respect. In Hardinge's world, nature is feared. For younger readers, this story will provide them with a story of a girl who must go on a quest of her own making to try and save those that she loves. From the journey that she takes, she discovers that it is better to try and learn from others, to strengthen your chances in the world, rather than living cut off from other communities, cultures or ideas.
A lovely book; one that I would recommend to children and to adults.
Now that I have that little rant over, onto the book.
Frances Hardinge is a great author. Her work can be full of emotion, wonder, humour, a touch of darkness, and humanity. The Forest of a Thousand Eyes is her second book which features illustrations by Emily Gravett (Island of Whispers being the other). For this volume, fittingly, the colour palette is black, white and green. The illustrations are beautiful, as you would expect from Gravett. The story is one of survival. For this book, Hardinge has turned nature upon us:
"The roaring sea was the Forest's enemy, but that didn't mean it was her friend. Feather was a small creature, cowering amid the clash of titans."
Nature can be powerful, that is true. But it is also important to remember where we fit into this. We can make nature more vulnerable. We should show it respect. In Hardinge's world, nature is feared. For younger readers, this story will provide them with a story of a girl who must go on a quest of her own making to try and save those that she loves. From the journey that she takes, she discovers that it is better to try and learn from others, to strengthen your chances in the world, rather than living cut off from other communities, cultures or ideas.
A lovely book; one that I would recommend to children and to adults.
July 3, 2024
Frances Harding is one of the best contemporary children's writers; she has the magic to weave a spell on readers and transport us to otherworldly locations- last year's Island of Whispers still stays in my mind and The Lie Tree is a classic
The Forest of a Thousand Eyes is another winner; this time we are transported to a land where humans live in communities upon a rapidly dilapidated and declining in structure wall. The land is being taken over by 'green' - plants, trees and a variety of creatures. A reversal of the world where the human impacts upon the natural environment- this time the humans struggle to survive with an ever encroaching forest.
One of the residents -Heather- foolishly trusts a stranger - Merildun- whom she discovers has been hiding in a section of the wall - he attempts to kill her and also steals a very precious object. Heather finds herself in the Forest - her only company is Sleek her pets ferret.
Heather sets out to track down Merildun and retrieve the stolen item but this means encountering many dangers and meeting groups of humans that believe they exist alone in this strange world
Emily Gravatt's illustrations are stunning and further add to the mystery - and beauty- of the story.
This is a multi-layered story with so much to enjoy and even talk about- the representation of the forest -its creatures and flora; the alienation between communities and the survival of groups of people.
Very highly recommended and a book that will be great read for 9-12 year olds but also a brilliant upper key stage 2 class book with so many opportunities for class based drama and writing- an absolute winner
The Forest of a Thousand Eyes is another winner; this time we are transported to a land where humans live in communities upon a rapidly dilapidated and declining in structure wall. The land is being taken over by 'green' - plants, trees and a variety of creatures. A reversal of the world where the human impacts upon the natural environment- this time the humans struggle to survive with an ever encroaching forest.
One of the residents -Heather- foolishly trusts a stranger - Merildun- whom she discovers has been hiding in a section of the wall - he attempts to kill her and also steals a very precious object. Heather finds herself in the Forest - her only company is Sleek her pets ferret.
Heather sets out to track down Merildun and retrieve the stolen item but this means encountering many dangers and meeting groups of humans that believe they exist alone in this strange world
Emily Gravatt's illustrations are stunning and further add to the mystery - and beauty- of the story.
This is a multi-layered story with so much to enjoy and even talk about- the representation of the forest -its creatures and flora; the alienation between communities and the survival of groups of people.
Very highly recommended and a book that will be great read for 9-12 year olds but also a brilliant upper key stage 2 class book with so many opportunities for class based drama and writing- an absolute winner
September 30, 2024
Excellent short story from Hardinge, wanted more!
This could have been a full-length novel, but I adored the short format and felt the plot fitted brilliantly inside the slight number of pages.
Hardinge creates here a frightening world where humans have been pushed to the brink of extinction, it seems, by nature. Living in pockets along a wall, holding back the forest that would take their lives if they lose concentration, Feather dwells in one of these communities scraping by on their remaining tools and materials. But Feather has a secret, she's taoken a precious piece of 'glass' to show to a new friend she's made from far away.
And when Feather is betrayed, she knows she can't return to her Wall family without the stolen glass, and ventures out alone along the Wall, with tamed ferret Sleek to retrieve it, finding new colonies along the way, learning how different groups are coping with their resources, and constantly on the watch for attacks from the Forest only ever a touch away.
This was tense, exciting and so, so well written. Gravett is usually seen as a friendly and 'cute' illustrator of children's picture books, here the limited colour palette of black, white and green brings out the darkness of Feather's world and situation.
The lessons here are well-taught, the story not lightened for a young readership, though Hardinge does have an older primary readership. This is not graphic or overly scary but ages 9 and above would be best suited as readers here.
Loved this, great format for the story and to encourage readers into darker fiction gradually.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
This could have been a full-length novel, but I adored the short format and felt the plot fitted brilliantly inside the slight number of pages.
Hardinge creates here a frightening world where humans have been pushed to the brink of extinction, it seems, by nature. Living in pockets along a wall, holding back the forest that would take their lives if they lose concentration, Feather dwells in one of these communities scraping by on their remaining tools and materials. But Feather has a secret, she's taoken a precious piece of 'glass' to show to a new friend she's made from far away.
And when Feather is betrayed, she knows she can't return to her Wall family without the stolen glass, and ventures out alone along the Wall, with tamed ferret Sleek to retrieve it, finding new colonies along the way, learning how different groups are coping with their resources, and constantly on the watch for attacks from the Forest only ever a touch away.
This was tense, exciting and so, so well written. Gravett is usually seen as a friendly and 'cute' illustrator of children's picture books, here the limited colour palette of black, white and green brings out the darkness of Feather's world and situation.
The lessons here are well-taught, the story not lightened for a young readership, though Hardinge does have an older primary readership. This is not graphic or overly scary but ages 9 and above would be best suited as readers here.
Loved this, great format for the story and to encourage readers into darker fiction gradually.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
October 13, 2024
A quick moral fantasy fable, set in a strange world. There's been some attempt to build a humongous Great Wall of China kind of thing, to keep the Forest away from civilisation. Feather and the people she know live in one crumbling edifice on what is left of the Wall, which long since succumbed to the Forest – a forest full of giant insects, vicious nasties, poison, sentient vines that like to kill us, and so on. When a stranger turns up she is able to keep his presence secret, but he isn't after friendship, and when he gets what he needs he skedaddles – meaning that Feather will be alone in being able to save the day. If she can get the better of the nasty green world below…
I think the very nature of this – highly illustrated, novella-length – shows that this will be a Book With a Point, and the point is clear from very early on. But that doesn't really matter, as this is nicely engaging throughout. It's an alien world, and it's fine to explore, even if we're often left with more questions than answers about where we are and when and how and why. Feather's experiences are pleasantly done, making this quite the rich fantasy – and the Forest itself is a suitable character, too. By the end, minds and horizons are expanded, cooperation is being thought of, but the threat of the outside world is still there – so not much has changed, only become even more dreamlike. It is a dreamy vision that is on offer here, and one that is very pleasant to experience. A strong four stars.
I think the very nature of this – highly illustrated, novella-length – shows that this will be a Book With a Point, and the point is clear from very early on. But that doesn't really matter, as this is nicely engaging throughout. It's an alien world, and it's fine to explore, even if we're often left with more questions than answers about where we are and when and how and why. Feather's experiences are pleasantly done, making this quite the rich fantasy – and the Forest itself is a suitable character, too. By the end, minds and horizons are expanded, cooperation is being thought of, but the threat of the outside world is still there – so not much has changed, only become even more dreamlike. It is a dreamy vision that is on offer here, and one that is very pleasant to experience. A strong four stars.
August 31, 2024
Impactful adventure for kids of all ages
Hardinge brings us another instant classic in a brutal, impactful adventure full of invention and truths. Innocent Feather wants only to serve her isolated, self-sufficient community, keeps of part of the Wall, the only thing safe from the hungry Forest below. But when Feather's trusting nature ends up costing her and her community, she sets off away from the Wall and to parts unknown to save her family and friends, facing dangers on the Wall and in the Forest that might mean that she can never return.
As short as this novel is, it lingers on for me in its intelligently designed world of a ruined world where humanity fights constantly against the encroaching natural world. It's the exact opposite of our own, with our natural world on the ropes and we ourselves part of that natural world, facing the same extinction. Feather's quest brings her into contact with new ideas, with different ways of thinking and living, and with potential for optimism if people can only work together, and surely this should be read by the people in power so that they might understand what it would take to save ourselves and our entire world.
A magnificent four and a half stars.
Hardinge brings us another instant classic in a brutal, impactful adventure full of invention and truths. Innocent Feather wants only to serve her isolated, self-sufficient community, keeps of part of the Wall, the only thing safe from the hungry Forest below. But when Feather's trusting nature ends up costing her and her community, she sets off away from the Wall and to parts unknown to save her family and friends, facing dangers on the Wall and in the Forest that might mean that she can never return.
As short as this novel is, it lingers on for me in its intelligently designed world of a ruined world where humanity fights constantly against the encroaching natural world. It's the exact opposite of our own, with our natural world on the ropes and we ourselves part of that natural world, facing the same extinction. Feather's quest brings her into contact with new ideas, with different ways of thinking and living, and with potential for optimism if people can only work together, and surely this should be read by the people in power so that they might understand what it would take to save ourselves and our entire world.
A magnificent four and a half stars.
September 22, 2024
I received an eARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
THE FOREST OF A THOUSAND EYES is a gorgeous tale about exploring the world without realising it and discovering the wonder of an expanded world.
This is very much a Frances Hardinge book with a world that feels just that bit out of touch of our world and also just that bit out of step with the sorts of folktales you are used to hearing. This is a rich world drawing on things we are used to - Hadrian's wall felt like the obvious jumping off point for the wall, for example - which the author has then very much put their own spin on.
This book is fully illustrated with black, white, and green illustrations by Emily Gravett. It makes this into a delight to read both for the story and the visual treat. I think this is the sort of book you want to read with someone, like parents and children reading together.
I wasn't quite sure what age range this book was. It's entertaining for a wide range.of ages, that timelessness that a lot of Frances Hardinge's books have. The visual component making it feel like a bedtime book to read as a family does push me a bit towards middle grade as a "this is the lower end of who will get a lot from it".
THE FOREST OF A THOUSAND EYES is a gorgeous tale about exploring the world without realising it and discovering the wonder of an expanded world.
This is very much a Frances Hardinge book with a world that feels just that bit out of touch of our world and also just that bit out of step with the sorts of folktales you are used to hearing. This is a rich world drawing on things we are used to - Hadrian's wall felt like the obvious jumping off point for the wall, for example - which the author has then very much put their own spin on.
This book is fully illustrated with black, white, and green illustrations by Emily Gravett. It makes this into a delight to read both for the story and the visual treat. I think this is the sort of book you want to read with someone, like parents and children reading together.
I wasn't quite sure what age range this book was. It's entertaining for a wide range.of ages, that timelessness that a lot of Frances Hardinge's books have. The visual component making it feel like a bedtime book to read as a family does push me a bit towards middle grade as a "this is the lower end of who will get a lot from it".
October 28, 2024
This was just beautiful. I confess that the ARC ebook I received from Netgalley had very poor rendering of the illustrations, so probably this book is best appreciated in hard copy, but even with just the text I was enchanted. In a very short space, Hardinge has constructed a world in which an ever-hungry Forest has overpowered humanity's attempts to keep it back, until all that remains is the wreck of a Wall that was built, and which failed. Possibly the failure reflected internal human divisions, or perhaps its failure was inevitable, but as it is now, all that is left is pockets of humanity, some of whom believe that they are all that remains, and treat travellers as hungry ghosts. Into this world, our heroine, Feather, sets off, in pursuit of a thief who has taken something valuable from her own pocket of survivors, and in the process discovers what remains of the people in this world, and helps construct a way forward.
August 28, 2024
Received a free e-ARC from NetGalley and Pan Macmillan in return for my honest opinion.
This is a story which made me remember why I first fell in love with the fantasy genre as a child. Discovering a world that is different to our own, yet with enough similarities to daydream it could exist and humans just haven't taken the time to notice it. Frances Hardinge has a wonderful imagination and, in combination with the ability to share it with her readers, it makes for a wonderful book. Emily Gravett's illustrations are delightful too, it was a shame I couldn't appreciate them fully in this e-ARC.
I adored losing myself in this short-but-sweet tale of Feather and her journey. I could happily have read a much longer story set in this world but I like that this is short. It makes it more accessible to readers who might struggle with lengthier works.
This is a story which made me remember why I first fell in love with the fantasy genre as a child. Discovering a world that is different to our own, yet with enough similarities to daydream it could exist and humans just haven't taken the time to notice it. Frances Hardinge has a wonderful imagination and, in combination with the ability to share it with her readers, it makes for a wonderful book. Emily Gravett's illustrations are delightful too, it was a shame I couldn't appreciate them fully in this e-ARC.
I adored losing myself in this short-but-sweet tale of Feather and her journey. I could happily have read a much longer story set in this world but I like that this is short. It makes it more accessible to readers who might struggle with lengthier works.
September 5, 2024
I really love Frances Hardinge's work so I was eager to read this one.
I'll start by saying it was included in the Teen and YA section but feels more suited to Middle Grade. So I probably wouldn't have picked it if I'd known that but, having done so, I did really enjoy the book.
The story features a very small cast but the characters are all skillfully portrayed.
Our main protagonist is Feather who lives on The Wall, a literal wall surrounded by a dangerous forest containing many giant and deadly creatures and plants. When a stranger steals a vital piece of equipment, Feather risks everything to track him down and bring it back. The result is a charming tale of adventure with a very satisfying conclusion.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the review contains my own unbiased opinions.
I'll start by saying it was included in the Teen and YA section but feels more suited to Middle Grade. So I probably wouldn't have picked it if I'd known that but, having done so, I did really enjoy the book.
The story features a very small cast but the characters are all skillfully portrayed.
Our main protagonist is Feather who lives on The Wall, a literal wall surrounded by a dangerous forest containing many giant and deadly creatures and plants. When a stranger steals a vital piece of equipment, Feather risks everything to track him down and bring it back. The result is a charming tale of adventure with a very satisfying conclusion.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the review contains my own unbiased opinions.
August 13, 2024
*I received an eARC from Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Books in exchange for my honest review.*
Possibly a little bit controversially I am going to say I think Emily Gravett was not the right choice of illustrator for this book. I really liked what she did with Island of Whispers, and although this is very much along the same lines, I just didn't like the illustrations. The people looked mean and the animals and forest just didn't feel very organic.
However, the story was delightful and I was sad it wasn't part of something bigger as it felt very much like a novel I would have enjoyed. Who doesn't love a perilous quest into the unknown to save your home?! The world was somewhere I was really intrigued by and Hardinge is just teasing me with this tiny snippet of gloriousness.
Possibly a little bit controversially I am going to say I think Emily Gravett was not the right choice of illustrator for this book. I really liked what she did with Island of Whispers, and although this is very much along the same lines, I just didn't like the illustrations. The people looked mean and the animals and forest just didn't feel very organic.
However, the story was delightful and I was sad it wasn't part of something bigger as it felt very much like a novel I would have enjoyed. Who doesn't love a perilous quest into the unknown to save your home?! The world was somewhere I was really intrigued by and Hardinge is just teasing me with this tiny snippet of gloriousness.
October 2, 2024
Feather, seems born for adventure and when an item that is precious to her community, is stolen from her by a confidence trickster, she has little choice but to head out into the unknown in hot pursuit!
Throw in a forest, which seems to believe the idea that ‘attack is the best defence’ and the quest becomes a little more tricky and perfectly perilous!
I’ve seen this book listed as 12+ but have no doubt that it’s also suitable for younger readers who like a bit of darkness and danger! As well as suitable content, it is also very accessible through its length and the beautiful accompanying illustrations by Emily Gravett, which complement the writing wonderfully.
Throw in a forest, which seems to believe the idea that ‘attack is the best defence’ and the quest becomes a little more tricky and perfectly perilous!
I’ve seen this book listed as 12+ but have no doubt that it’s also suitable for younger readers who like a bit of darkness and danger! As well as suitable content, it is also very accessible through its length and the beautiful accompanying illustrations by Emily Gravett, which complement the writing wonderfully.
September 7, 2024
A story of strength, determination and bravery, this was another great little story from Francis Hardinge. I’m enjoying these novellas as they’re quick to read and come with gorgeous illustrations, but I do find them a bit too short to really get into the story the way I would with a full length novel.
I loved the main character Feather, a lot. Along with her scaled ferret Sleek, she sets out on a journey along the wall to retrieve her father’s spyglass. I liked how resourceful she was as well as her the attributes of determination and bravery that I listed above. Sleek was also really cute. Give me an animal companion and I will love the book a lot.
The illustrations didn’t take my breath away the way the ones in the first book did. But it was still great to see them alongside the text. I really enjoy the fact that these stories are illustrated and by such great artists. It really adds something to the text.
I received this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk
I loved the main character Feather, a lot. Along with her scaled ferret Sleek, she sets out on a journey along the wall to retrieve her father’s spyglass. I liked how resourceful she was as well as her the attributes of determination and bravery that I listed above. Sleek was also really cute. Give me an animal companion and I will love the book a lot.
The illustrations didn’t take my breath away the way the ones in the first book did. But it was still great to see them alongside the text. I really enjoy the fact that these stories are illustrated and by such great artists. It really adds something to the text.
I received this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk
October 30, 2024
Exactly what you’d expect from this Award-Winning author – perfection. Just the right amount of questing and adventure with some peril and darkness too so I’d probably pitch it at age 10 and upwards readership. I must mention the stunning illustrations too. The only downside is I wanted to learn more about the world built around Feather and Sleek.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.
October 15, 2024
Another gorgeous Hardinge/Gravett collaboration, with illustrations that are as wild and strange as the Forest world while soothing the eye. The story felt perhaps a tad bit short but maybe that's just because this is such a fascinating and dangerous world and I would have loved to spend more time in it.
October 18, 2024
As always, I really enjoyed this one. The illustrations are the highlight this time, so beautiful. The story is good, the characters are good, the world is interesting. Though Hardinge is usually very good at punishing characters that need punishing, I did think Merildun got off light for all the things he did... minor complaint.
October 11, 2024
I may read this again tomorrow just to enjoy the beautiful ideas and beautiful illustrations. I love all the little communities Feather encounters, and her relationship with her ferret companion Sleek. And the eagles.
November 15, 2024
“Haven’t you learned that yet? When the worst happens, it’s always somebody else’s fault.”
beautiful. I’m really enjoying these short frances hardinge + emily gravett books! hope to see more being published in the coming years.
beautiful. I’m really enjoying these short frances hardinge + emily gravett books! hope to see more being published in the coming years.
October 11, 2024
Such a beautiful book to be enjoyed at pretty much any age. The illustrations are gorgeous.
October 17, 2024
Lovely story - France Hardinge has never written a bad book!
October 20, 2024
As charming, enjoyable, and creative as all of Hardinge's books. This one is aimed at readers a bit younger than her usual audience. The illustrations by Emily Gravett are lovely.
November 8, 2024
4.5 stars
This was great!! The author creates such imaginative worlds. I wish it were longer.
It reminds me of Nausicaa and Uprooted because of the malicious spreading forest.
This was great!! The author creates such imaginative worlds. I wish it were longer.
It reminds me of Nausicaa and Uprooted because of the malicious spreading forest.
November 8, 2024
Hardinge's books never miss, my gosh.
August 19, 2024
Feather is a young girl who lives on The Wall, a small, but isolated, community that lives under constant threat from the forest that surrounds it. Tricked into removing, and then losing, her people's treasured spyglass by a stranger she sets out on a journey of discovery. One that will show her that her world is much bigger than she ever thought with other outposts and people nearby that possess different skills, abilities and needs.
With The Forest of a Thousand Eyes Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravett have once again combined to produce a tale that's as engaging as their previous collaboration Island of Whispers. One that will enchant pre-teens and more than a few older siblings and parents as well.
Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Two Hoot's and the author & illustrator for an advance copy.
With The Forest of a Thousand Eyes Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravett have once again combined to produce a tale that's as engaging as their previous collaboration Island of Whispers. One that will enchant pre-teens and more than a few older siblings and parents as well.
Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Two Hoot's and the author & illustrator for an advance copy.
October 25, 2024
This middle-grade book is about a girl's journey beyond The Wall chasing the stranger who stole from her.
Feather's community live within the safe confines of The Wall, where there are no animals, poisonous pollen nor giant eagles in the sky. The Wall kept out the Forest. Her people went out there to forage, and it was here one day when she met a Stranger. He had understood her desire to see the world beyond, and convinced her to show him the community's precious spyglass. She smuggled it out, and discovered too late that she'd been tricked. Faced with the shame of being accused a thief, Feather embarks on a journey to go after this Stranger. After all, there was only one path along The Wall, she'd catch up with him in no time.
It was very easy to get behind Feather. She is a girl with a vision but she was betrayed. I imagined her adventures like walking along Hadrian's wall. I liked the subtle message the story sends us: we are not alone, and each community has skills and knowledge we can share to make our life less of a struggle.
I also like the author's lyrical style. Here's a sentence that is so subtle, and yet, so understandable. 'Feather knew that the year had once been a vast, simple cycle of blossoming, then warmth and growth, then fruitfulness, followed by withering and a long, cold barrenness. It was hard to imagine.'
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Opening Lines:
'Your problem,' Old Ember muttered as he shaved Feather's head, 'is that you get ideas.'
Feather kept her ears folded down with her fingertips to keep them out of the way of Ember's hurried, businesslike rakes across her scalp. She was used to both the razor and the old man's lectures.
Feather's community live within the safe confines of The Wall, where there are no animals, poisonous pollen nor giant eagles in the sky. The Wall kept out the Forest. Her people went out there to forage, and it was here one day when she met a Stranger. He had understood her desire to see the world beyond, and convinced her to show him the community's precious spyglass. She smuggled it out, and discovered too late that she'd been tricked. Faced with the shame of being accused a thief, Feather embarks on a journey to go after this Stranger. After all, there was only one path along The Wall, she'd catch up with him in no time.
It was very easy to get behind Feather. She is a girl with a vision but she was betrayed. I imagined her adventures like walking along Hadrian's wall. I liked the subtle message the story sends us: we are not alone, and each community has skills and knowledge we can share to make our life less of a struggle.
I also like the author's lyrical style. Here's a sentence that is so subtle, and yet, so understandable. 'Feather knew that the year had once been a vast, simple cycle of blossoming, then warmth and growth, then fruitfulness, followed by withering and a long, cold barrenness. It was hard to imagine.'
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Opening Lines:
'Your problem,' Old Ember muttered as he shaved Feather's head, 'is that you get ideas.'
Feather kept her ears folded down with her fingertips to keep them out of the way of Ember's hurried, businesslike rakes across her scalp. She was used to both the razor and the old man's lectures.
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