Islands in the Sky

Voyage of the Basset

by Tanith Lee

The year is 1867. Twelve-year-old Londoner Hope Glover climbs a tree to rescue a kite, but instead finds the kite pulling her into the sky, over the ocean, and into a storm! She is rescued by a beautiful ship -- the Basset -- and sails into a world where a war rages between centaurs and winged horses. It's up to Hope to find a solution that will include an out-of-practice genie, a new pair of wings, and the legendary Pandora's box!

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction, Magic, Adventure, Middle Grade, Young Adult

Library Binding

First published October 12, 1999

About the author

Tanith Lee was a British writer of science fiction, horror, and fantasy. She was the author of 77 novels, 14 collections, and almost 300 short stories. She also wrote four radio plays broadcast by the BBC and two scripts for the UK, science fiction, cult television series "Blake's 7."
Before becoming a full time writer, Lee worked as a file clerk, an assistant librarian, a shop assistant, and a waitress.

Her first short story, "Eustace," was published in 1968, and her first novel (for children) The Dragon Hoard was published in 1971.

Her career took off in 1975 with the acceptance by Daw Books USA of her adult fantasy epic The Birthgrave for publication as a mass-market paperback, and Lee has since maintained a prolific output in popular genre writing.

Lee twice won the World Fantasy Award: once in 1983 for best short fiction for “The Gorgon” and again in 1984 for best short fiction for “Elle Est Trois (La Mort).” She has been a Guest of Honour at numerous science fiction and fantasy conventions including the Boskone XVIII in Boston, USA in 1981, the 1984 World Fantasy Convention in Ottawa, Canada, and Orbital 2008 the British National Science Fiction convention (Eastercon) held in London, England in March 2008. In 2009 she was awarded the prestigious title of Grand Master of Horror.

Lee was the daughter of two ballroom dancers, Bernard and Hylda Lee. Despite a persistent rumour, she was not the daughter of the actor Bernard Lee who played "M" in the James Bond series of films of the 1960s.

Tanith Lee married author and artist John Kaiine in 1992.

Reviews

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,,25 stars - English Ebook

Review follows later.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope is a maid in a grand London home. She's been scolded, abused and forgotten by her employers and the staff. She's been continually told to get her head out of the clouds and stop dreaming. Hope, however, can't help it. Long ago her mother told her stories and taught her to dream. When a mysterious couple come to the house and cause chaos, a lady named Cassandra tells Hope some strange things about imagination and hope. She believes Hope, the little maid, could be someone important. The next day, Cassandra's sister Miranda comes to apologize for the chaos her family caused and leave a gift for Apollo Rivers, the son of the house. When Apollo's new kite from Cassandra gets stuck in a tree, only Hope can climb high enough to get it. She finds herself lifted up and borne away to a strange land with a floating ship in the sky, dwarves, gremlins, genies, winged horses and other magical creatures. At first she's content to enjoy the amazing world of islands in the sky, but she discovers a problem she is expected to solve. How can a little girl solve a big problem? With a little imagination and help from unexpected quarters, of course.

This is a cute fantasy story for independent readers old enough to read a book without pictures, so probably 10-12 and up. The world building is based on Voyage of the Basset so at first I was a little lost and confused. The story isn't quite long enough to delve into the characters and their backstories but it's not necessary to the overall plot. The message is a little heavy handed but I loved the emphasis on believing -"believing is seeing" is the moral of the story. It teaches kids to hang on to their imagination as long as possible and believe anything is possible.

At first I didn't think Apollo should be punished for the way he was brought up. Then, as his story got going, I found it more interesting than Hope's story up to that point and wanted to know what would happen to him. I like his character transformation but the epilogue is probably not accurate for the Victorian era.

I was enchanted by Cassandra and her husband, who add some much needed humor to the beginning of the story. I wanted to know more about them, but can't get my hands on Voyage of the Basset right now. I felt sad for them that they grew up and only have adventures in their dreams. What kind of message does THAT send to kids? Why can't adults get to fairyland too? That was my only real complaint with the book, that and it lacked pictures.

My nieces will LOVE this book as soon as they're old enough for it. I hope they'll read it in a few years and remember the message.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems silly to give a book I know I will never recommend to anyone or read again 4 stars. It is so odd and obscure, I can't see anyone actually finding it or recognizing it for what it is, which is to say, Tanith Lee being her normal awesome self. I love the way she has of treating all characters as equal - children aren't talked down to, adults don't always have the answer, anything can be magical or funny. I haven't read anything by her in about a year, but I am reminded as to why I scoured the city and bought every single one of her books I could find. Even if it is a silly middle reader novel of a series no one has ever heard of, she makes it worth while.

[Liana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book! The story is very straightforward and simple, a good fantasy read without confusing plot twists. My favorite parts in the story were when Hope gets wings and when Hope was still living at the River's house. So much fun all around! There were many bits of silliness throughout the book too, and every character had a happy and positive attitude. (except for the River family.) My favorite character is the Genie, who wasn't perfect and messed things up ALL THE TIME, he made me laugh out loud! I think he's one of the most memorable characters, and I can see kids getting a good kick out of him!

Islands in the Sky a VERY straightforward read, I wouldn't recommended it to those who look for a deep plot that twists about everywhere. I think this book would be perfect for young families, who would like to read a very simple story without any suspense and have very little scary scenes.~

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad story, bit simplistic but good for the age level. I plan on reading the next book in the series soon but have to read others first! It was fun to see the characters from the original book again.

[Amy Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanith Lee did a really great job of incorporating pieces from the original book,tying in or reminding us of the first story, down to the smallest detail. All of these sequel novels are by different authors and you never know if they'll mess it up,but she did great,very authentic! The returning characters felt completely true. I loved this book,it was great to be on the Basset again and love it's law of attraction message,by believing one sees.

[Karmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember loving this book. I probably haven't read it in over 29 years, but I still remember what the acronym Basset stands for. I also remember the Pandora's box story and remember it speaking to me. I've ordered a used copy of this book (only type I can find) so I can share it with my own kid.

[Sam Niemeyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is very interesting and enchanting. I would recommend it as a read-aloud for children 3-8. The book itself is at the age 7-9 reading level, and would be an enjoyable read for children in second through fourth grade (advanced for second grade and at the expected ability for a fourth grader). Tanith Lee, as always, is a master of fantasy and creates a full and alive world for her readers.

[Jolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitily an intresting book, I loved it, I also read it again to one of my sisters just to read it again and to let them get into it just like I had.

[Susan]

1999

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The daughter loved the original Voyage, so this seemed like a no-brainer. Unfortunately it was very slow to start, and by the time the plot started to move the daughter was bored and asked me to read her something else.