Islands in the Sky

Based on the adventures of "Voyage of the Basset" by James C. Christensen, "Islands in the Sky" by Tanith Lee is the first book in this children's fantasy series created by Mr. Christensen. Other notable fantasy writers have also collaborated, including Terri Windling and Ellen Steiber (#2: "The Raven Queen"), Sherwood Smith (#3: "Journey to Otherwhere"), Will Shetterly (#4: "Thor's Hammer"), and Mary Frances Zambreno (#5: "Fire Bird"). All of these books are worth reading if you enjoy children's fantasy fiction.In "Islands of the Sky", 10-year-old orphaned Hope Glover has grown up a scullery maid in 19th century London, until she's magically taken away by a kite caught in a tree. Unknowingly, her master's spoiled son, Apollo Rivers, also tags along. Hope soon enters the world of the Basset, a flying ship occupied by dwarves and gremlins, and befriends the kind first mate, Sebastian, as well was an inept genie she finds in the sea. In this magical world full of mythical Greek creatures, she aides in the war against the cruel centaurs who intend to enslave all the wingless horses, animals the centaurs believe are far inferior to them since they only have one quality while the centaurs have two (being part human and horse). And while Hope assists Pegasus and his fellow winged and wingless horses, Apollo soon falls to the side of the enemies and is consequently imprisoned by Klatter in Centaur City."Islands in the Sky" is a wonderful story. Older Tanith Lee fans will love it, as will young fantasy/adventure readers. Recommended for children age 9 - 12, but suitable for adults as well.

This isn't the best fantasy book I've read, but it does make for what Jeeves calls "light, attractive reading." Drawing on Greek mythos and legends, this book is a nice diversion -- especially when you have read the hardcover book by James Christenson.In the mid-1800s, orphaned Hope Glover is a dreamer and a fantasy-lover, among a herd of prosaic and often obnoxious people. She works as a maid at the home of the Rivers family, and is often the victim of their bratty son Apollo. But one day a mysterious couple are the guests of the Riverses, and the woman (Cassandra) speaks briefly to Hope. Soon after, she is swept magically to the Basset.Why is she there? And why is Apollo there also? Hope doesn't know until later, when she learns of a war between savage centaurs, and the beautiful winged horses (Pegasus) -- and a terrifying deed the centaurs are planning. Assisting her is the crew of the Basset, the winged horses, and sometimes Apollo....The book is hardly flawless. The out-of-practice genii got old quick, and the idea about being wingED (you'll see if you read it) struck me as a big stretch. However, I was grateful to see a book that portrayed the centaurs as Greek mythos intended them, savage cowardly thiefs. And though the Pegasus did not speak and was not sentient, the winged horses were well-made, as was the roc. I also found Apollo's change in thought similar to that of Edmund in the Narnia Chronicles.I advise you to read the original "Voyage of the Basset" before you read this, as I didn't understand many of the references (Cassandra and her sister, for one). They do explain it sufficiently, so if you have not read VotB you will still be able to understand who these people are and what the Basset is.A cute little fantasy. Credendo vides!

First, I must admit that I am 34 years old and was thrilled to find this newest and/or continued story to James Christensen's original Voyage of the Bassett. The story goes...Darwin when out on the Voyage of the Beagle and found all earthly creatures.... The second voyage, The Voyage of the Bassett was to find all of the mythical and fantasy creatures (ie: fairies, trolls, mermaids, winged horses, etc.) I found this book at a children's book sale and was a bit skeptical since I liked the original so much. But...I was hooked after reading the first chapter. The adventures were wonderful and the imagery was beautiful. I highly recommend this book to kids and adults. Might even be good for a Parent/Child book club. Credendo Vides (By Believing, one sees)!

In this book, Hope Glover is a servent girl for some rich people. One day, she is climbing a tree to get a kite for their snotty son Apollo when it turns into a magic carpet and carries her to the Lands of Legend. She doesn't know that Apollo comes too. She find a genie who gets her aboard a ship called the Basset. The Basset takes her on many adventures, including things having to do with Pandora's box. Apollo on the other hand gets captured by centaurs, chased by a roc from the Arabian Nights, and goes on a mission to save the non-winged horses. This book is really good. I recommend it.

This is the central theme of Islands in the Sky; appropriately fantastical and thought-provoking. I'm quite fond of Tanith Lee's children's books, so despite misgivings about Islands in the Sky (I have not read the original Basset book), I decided to get it. Islands in the Sky is a very entertaining, whimsical, and often wryly witty fantasy. Tanith Lee is never less than competent, and she delivers an exciting twist of the old 'snatched from the mundane world to a fantasy land' theme. For one, Tanith Lee manages to neatly skew many familiar Greek myths. She incorporates the events of the original Basset book without interrupting the flow of the story, creates lively, likable protagonists, and in general, does a fantastic job. Islands in the Sky is recommended to all those who like fantasies from Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth, to Lloyd Alexander's The Arkadians. I'm really looking forward to reading the next ones in the series (The Raven Queen by Terry Windling, and Journey to Otherwhere by Sherwood Smith).