Review: Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier

The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier

Trei, driven from his home on the mainland by a tragedy that killed his family, comes to the Floating Islands to stay with his remaining relatives. He is astounded by the islands that are kept afloat in the sky with the magic of sky dragons. Once he settles in with his family, Trei finds that he is able to be happy again. But then he sees the kajuraihi, an elite group of men that are given the ability to fly. Trei knows that he wants to become one of them. His uncle Serfei is able to secure him an audition, and Trei is given the opportunity to join the ranks of the kajuraihi. Araenè, Trei’s cousin, is jealous of him and the freedom he is given simply because he is a boy. However, she is happy for him at the same time. She wishes that she could have the freedom to choose how she lives her life. That freedom may be indeed given to Araenè, in a way that is entirely unexpected. She and Trei will have to help one another in a very difficult time, and both of their fates are uncertain.
The Floating Islands is a wonderful book. It has many of the elements typically found in a fantasy novel, but with a fresh perspective and the occasional twist that keeps things interesting. It is a fairly easy read, and exciting so that I was reluctant to put it down. My only complaint would be that the characters all have very similar and hard to pronounce names, so it was a bit confusing at times. However, once I got straight who was who, it was a very good story.

~ Kristen

(Floating Islands is available through Interlibrary Loan)