3.5 stars

I can appreciate a book that has multiple POV but at some point someone has to tell an author that 5 is overkill.
I love being able to see into other people's minds but there has to be a limit and a little bit of mystery. I am also a fan of slow burn romance but when it is done properly and over time. While it may seem that way due to page count it doesn't count when days pass.

Onto the next - I need character growth and history, not just simple descriptors and then whatever is happening in their POV, whenever you could figure out who it was.

This book could have had so much potential to it but ultimately fell flat for me with the writing style and representation.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

It started off slow for me, but boy do I absolutely want more and more immediately! This is such a rich story with a unique fantasy world unlike any that I've ever read. It sucked me into the world and the lore, and then left me absolutely starving for even more information by the end.

I adored these characters and the found family aspect of it. They were each so relatable in such unique ways, and I couldn't get enough of them learning and finding out who they were meant to be. And then BAM everything got turned upside down over and over again, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

It was slow at times, but I loved the world building and the way that this book carried so many different threads and did it so flawlessly. It made so many POVs seem easy, and I couldn't get enough of all the different story lines and character arcs that we got.

I need the rest of this series yesterday, and I know you will too as soon as you open it!

I already knew the author's science fiction works and enjoyed them, so it was interesting to see their take on a fantasy story. This book gets a lot of things right: the premise itself, the magic system, and the characters. It suffers, however, when it comes to pacing, further complicated by a very saggy middle. I also reiterate what other reviewers have noticed—using first person in a multi-pov book was not the wisest choice, and lended itself to a very jarring experience.

This was such a fun read. It is the first time I'm reading a book by solely Amie Kaufman and I love her story telling. The story was fan and fast paced. The characters were interesting and exciting. I loved how the book ended. I thought that it was such a great ending that really sets up for the next book!

This one was a bit slow for me to get into. Although it wasn't my favorite I'm still going to recommend it for my library because this will be a great readalike for many teen series. Our readers could take to this way more than I did and it would be the perfect addition to any library.

“The Isles of the Gods” is a historical fantasy novel by Amie Kaufman, the author of “The Aurora Cycle” and “The Illuminae Files” series. The book tells the story of Telly, a sailor who sneaks aboard a ship to find her father and ends up on a secret mission to the Isles of the Gods. Along with Prince Leander and a group of companions, Telly navigates the high seas and battles gods to save the world from war.

Amie Kaufman’s debut in the epic fantasy series, “The Isles of The Gods,” is a masterfully crafted and enthralling novel.

The narrative introduces us to Selly, Leander, and Keegan—three characters of profound depth and relatability. Kaufman’s adept world-building and intricate character development transport us into a 1920s-style setting infused with magic, providing a canvas to explore social tensions and the motivations that drive the story. The alternating points of view seamlessly intertwine, culminating in exhilarating action sequences that leave a lasting mark.

At the heart of this tale is a young protagonist embarking on a perilous journey to unveil the truth concealed within a hidden island inhabited by formidable deities.

The characters themselves are multi-dimensional, each harbouring their unique desires, flaws, and motivations. The protagonist’s personal odyssey of self-discovery and growth stands out, as they navigate the treacherous waters of divine politics and confront moral quandaries that challenge their integrity.

While the story maintains a generally steady pace, there are moments of slowdown, and some plot elements may appear predictable. Nonetheless, the overall narrative remains gripping and immensely enjoyable.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I can tell that Amie wrote this because it was amazing as always! She really knows how to write a ragtag band of characters trying to save the world. I got pretty attached to the characters for sure. Everyone was awesome though Laskia is the worst yet also super awesome? 😂 I enjoyed all of the different perspectives and gosh that ending was so unfair and cruel and I’m just dying now thanks Amie 😂 I need book 2 asap.

𝙄𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙊𝙛 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙨
by Amie Kaufman
464 pages
@knopfteen
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 very good start to this series

I liked this book, and would like to see what happens in book 2. This was not my favorite YA fantasy, but it was very good. There are many characters, and a ton of politics along with a somewhat complicated mythological system. The story was a little slow, and sometimes I had to go back to see what character was narrating. The conclusion was riveting enough for me to think about its sequel. I think young adults who enjoy Leigh Bardugo, Rick Riordan and the Fable series will find much to enjoy when they begin this series. I will purchase for the HS library. 3.5/5 stars.

Synopsis:

Selly has salt water in her veins. So when her father leaves her high and dry in the port of Kirkpool, she has no intention of riding out the winter at home while he sails off to adventure. But any plans to follow him are dashed when a handsome stranger with tell-tale magician's marks on his arm commandeers her ship. He is Prince Leander of Alinor and he needs to cross the Crescent Sea without detection so he can complete a ritual on the sacred Isles of the Gods. Selly has no desire to escort a spoiled prince anywhere, and no time for his entitled demands or his good looks. But what starts as a leisure cruise will lead to acts of treason and sheer terror on the high seas, bringing two countries to the brink of war, two strangers closer than they ever thought possible and stirring two dangerous gods from centuries of slumber...

Anytime I see Amie Kaufman, I’m in. And this one did not disappoint! I always love a sea faring journey and when you can add romance in there too, it’s perfect!

It's interesting because I loved the Illuminae files but the two authors individually just don't seem to click for me like they normally do. I'm not sure how to feel about it but in general it felt slower than a lot of her author books.

I’ve been a huge fan of this author since I read her Illuminae Files series. I love her storytelling and how she writes characters. I’m excited to see where this story goes.

I had incredibly high hopes for The Isles of the Gods. I loved the premise and the characters felt lovable. That being said, it felt like it was forced during moments of the story and some characters weren't fully fleshed out, falling towards the background. The story is told across multiple POVs and it was a little overwhelming to start. I wish the story was a tad more fleshed out and the pacing was a bit different.

𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖: Want to feel the salt spray and the thrill of a high-sea adventure, meet a few slumbering gods, and steal some sweet kisses along the way, then Amie Kaufman’s YA read The Isles of the Gods may be for you.

This is a fast read, one that sweeps you away to high-sea adventures with magic and slumbering gods. There are dangerous encounters, enchanted islands, and a quest to save it all.

Want to visit a magical temple, flee a gangster's den, witness a secret ritual to awaken a slumbering god, then look no further.

Kaufman writes a thrilling adventure, one that I found to be fun and easy to devour. The romance is an added bonus and there are plenty of moments of witty banter and impish dialogue between the two main characters that I really enjoyed. Plus, a favorite trope of mine, forced proximity is included.

There are 5 POV’s, but don’t let that intimidate you. They are all easy to follow. The characters are multilayered and I definitely have my favorites.

The ending is a cliffhanger, so be prepared, but it’s worth it. I definitely need the next installment.

My rating: 4 Stars

I have been a big fan of Amie Kauffman’s co-author books for years. So, of course I jumped at the chance to read her newest book. I went into this book thinking it was going to be a standalone fantasy but ended up being pleasantly surprised that it will be a series. I love the world building of this book and found it to be very unique it both its religion and magic structure. The ending of this book left me anxiously awaiting the next volume!

Whoa, what a stunning and propulsive start to a series. I was hooked from the first few pages and fell hard for these characters early on. I will wait eagerly for the next installment.

I enjoyed this book and I could not put it down. I really enjoyed the characters and the writing was really well done. It made you want to keep reading.

"The Isles of the Gods" by Amie Kaufman is a captivating fantasy adventure that immerses readers in a world of magic, mythology, and the epic quest for power and redemption. This novel is a thrilling blend of action, intrigue, and the complexities of the human spirit.

Kaufman's writing style is vivid and imaginative, creating a richly detailed world filled with fantastical creatures, ancient gods, and high-stakes challenges. The characters in the novel are beautifully developed, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations that contribute to the depth of the story.

At the heart of the narrative is an epic journey that takes readers on a quest through mythical lands, uncovering secrets and facing dangers along the way. The author skillfully weaves together elements of magic and mythology, creating a narrative that sparks the reader's imagination.

"The Isles of the Gods" successfully balances the thrilling action with moments of introspection and emotional depth, resulting in a narrative that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking. The themes of power, destiny, and the sacrifices one must make for the greater good add complexity to the plot.

In conclusion, "The Isles of the Gods" is a beautifully written and enthralling fantasy adventure that captures the essence of magic and heroism. If you're looking for a book that offers an epic journey through a fantastical world, this novel provides a captivating and immersive narrative that will leave you enchanted and eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Amie Kaufman can do no wrong and Isle of the Gods proves it. Great character development and overall arc and her writing is always amazing. I cannot wait for the next installment

I really enjoyed the sea/ship setting that was in a lot of this book, along with the free-spirited protagonist, Selly, whose passion for the sea shined through. I wish there was more detail and use of the magic system and spirits as I didn't understand the use and seemed significant to Selly's character. This book was a fast read, but I felt it sped through to quick and I missed the deeper character relationships. I think a tough part of this read was that a lot was unanswered/incomplete which I can only assume will be expanded on in the sequel that is alluded to in the end.