A review by larkiereads
Gullstruck Island by Frances Hardinge

adventurous emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I first read The Lost Conspiracy back around middle school, I can't remember exactly when, but I remember it making a huge impression on me. For a long time I listed Francis Hardinge as one of my favorite authors, even though the library didn't have any of her other books. But it's been a long time, the details of the plot and the world have faded from my memory, so I decided to try it again.

I still love this book. I love the multicultural world, with lots of details on some cultures and implied depth in others. I love the way that the landscape itself shapes the story, with the volcanoes being characters in their own right. I love the Lost, and the implications for how a society would shape itself around people with the ability to send their senses outside of themselves.

But I also love Hathin. I love her determination and her dedication, I love how she had to grow up too fast as a way to fulfill her role, and I love how she grows from the smallest sister tasked with keeping the biggest secret to someone who can stand up and shape the world around her. I love how she loves Arilou as much as she's frustrated by her, and I love that she gets to save everyone. 

Anyway. 10/10 book from my childhood that still holds up.