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The Company of Eight Series #1
The Company of Eight
When Ravellous's Circus Ship comes to Minaris, Cass is determined to audition despite her guardian Mrs Potts's disapproval. But when her chance is snatched away from her, Cass refuses to give up. She sets out to follow the Circus Ship and the journey leads her into dangers that challenge even her adventurous spirit. Will she succeed in following her dream, or is her destiny something altogether different?
A beautifully written adventure story for fans of The Girl of Ink and Stars from Harriet Whitehorn, award-winning author of the Violet series.
A beautifully written adventure story for fans of The Girl of Ink and Stars from Harriet Whitehorn, award-winning author of the Violet series.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 12, 2019
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this!! And I can’t wait for the second book, which I’m part of a bookstagram tour for!
Cass is an acrobat who is desperate to join the circus boat. When she misses her audition, she ends up on an adventure that takes her all around the longest world. I loved her adventure - just the right amount of fun, peril, action and friendship!
I really enjoyed Rip and Elsba, too! I’m looking forward to seeing where the next book leads - I will be picking it up imminently :)
I really enjoyed this!! And I can’t wait for the second book, which I’m part of a bookstagram tour for!
Cass is an acrobat who is desperate to join the circus boat. When she misses her audition, she ends up on an adventure that takes her all around the longest world. I loved her adventure - just the right amount of fun, peril, action and friendship!
I really enjoyed Rip and Elsba, too! I’m looking forward to seeing where the next book leads - I will be picking it up imminently :)
May 31, 2018
2.5 stars.
*I recieved a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
To anyone who knows me, it's no secret I'm obsessed with circuses. Just look at that cover? It's one of the best circus-book covers I've seen. Unfortunately, the contents of this book didn't really live up to my expectations or hopes, and that always makes me sad with ARCs.
The story begins with Cass, a teenage acrobat living in a world that seems to be a huge archipelago. She's preparing to audition for the grand Circus Boat, which has been her dream for many years, but when she misses the audition she decides instead to run away to the Island of Women where her mother came from, with the hope of re-auditioning for the circus next year. However, she gets herself into all sorts of trouble along the way.
This is a book that puts a lot more focus on its weak plot than its characters or worldbuilding, though almost everything about this book felt weak and underdeveloped in some way. The world is magical but that's only sparsely explored (Cass is immune to magic, but it's not relevant in the story except that her guardian doesn't see her as useful). However the place names in Minaris give an intriguing glimpse into the magical history that is otherwise non-existent throughout the story, and I wish we learned more about this world. Saving this for further books feels like a cop-out and kept the world feeling shallow and vague. Places are mostly described very briefly and I had also hoped to see more diversity in the characters of such a globe-trotting book.
Plot-wise, a lot happens but it's mostly predictable back-and forthness, with huge issues and personal struggles being glossed over (slavery, trauma, killing, etc). Cass doesn't do a lot herself, as for most of the book things are simply happening to her, and that got boring very fast, especially when she kept being congratulated for her achievements. Cass makes a lot of really dumb mistakes but never really acknowledges them. The other characters weren't engaging or interesting but caricatures of lots of other children's book character tropes, and despite all the apparent adventure, it never felt like much fun to read. And when we finally get to the circus, the performances and training are only glossed over, which saddened me, the circus being my main draw to reading the book in the first place.
Really, this book felt like the skeleton of a story, not fully fleshed out yet. This book had/has plenty of potential, but it definitely needs longer in the editing and rewriting process to really achieve that potential. The writing struggles along, lolling between some lovely descriptions and then becoming too aware of itself, awkward and clunky in other places. I don't think the writing ever got close enough to Cass's POV for me to care much for her or get into her head or emotions. Other characters lacked any real sense of depth or personality outside of their tropes/roles; I've already forgotten most of their names. Despite it also being so short, this book took me three weeks to read because I just wasn't engaged or invested in the story or characters. I do hope this little book finds itself an eager audience, but I fear it'll lose out in the long run. If there was ever a book I hoped would delay the printers, it's this one -- all the potential is right there, it just needs more work and time.
*I recieved a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
To anyone who knows me, it's no secret I'm obsessed with circuses. Just look at that cover? It's one of the best circus-book covers I've seen. Unfortunately, the contents of this book didn't really live up to my expectations or hopes, and that always makes me sad with ARCs.
The story begins with Cass, a teenage acrobat living in a world that seems to be a huge archipelago. She's preparing to audition for the grand Circus Boat, which has been her dream for many years, but when she misses the audition she decides instead to run away to the Island of Women where her mother came from, with the hope of re-auditioning for the circus next year. However, she gets herself into all sorts of trouble along the way.
This is a book that puts a lot more focus on its weak plot than its characters or worldbuilding, though almost everything about this book felt weak and underdeveloped in some way. The world is magical but that's only sparsely explored (Cass is immune to magic, but it's not relevant in the story except that her guardian doesn't see her as useful). However the place names in Minaris give an intriguing glimpse into the magical history that is otherwise non-existent throughout the story, and I wish we learned more about this world. Saving this for further books feels like a cop-out and kept the world feeling shallow and vague. Places are mostly described very briefly and I had also hoped to see more diversity in the characters of such a globe-trotting book.
Plot-wise, a lot happens but it's mostly predictable back-and forthness, with huge issues and personal struggles being glossed over (slavery, trauma, killing, etc). Cass doesn't do a lot herself, as for most of the book things are simply happening to her, and that got boring very fast, especially when she kept being congratulated for her achievements. Cass makes a lot of really dumb mistakes but never really acknowledges them. The other characters weren't engaging or interesting but caricatures of lots of other children's book character tropes, and despite all the apparent adventure, it never felt like much fun to read. And when we finally get to the circus, the performances and training are only glossed over, which saddened me, the circus being my main draw to reading the book in the first place.
Really, this book felt like the skeleton of a story, not fully fleshed out yet. This book had/has plenty of potential, but it definitely needs longer in the editing and rewriting process to really achieve that potential. The writing struggles along, lolling between some lovely descriptions and then becoming too aware of itself, awkward and clunky in other places. I don't think the writing ever got close enough to Cass's POV for me to care much for her or get into her head or emotions. Other characters lacked any real sense of depth or personality outside of their tropes/roles; I've already forgotten most of their names. Despite it also being so short, this book took me three weeks to read because I just wasn't engaged or invested in the story or characters. I do hope this little book finds itself an eager audience, but I fear it'll lose out in the long run. If there was ever a book I hoped would delay the printers, it's this one -- all the potential is right there, it just needs more work and time.
May 25, 2018
A charming MG fantasy adventure that reminded me of Tanith Lee's delicious worldbuilding. It's an exciting story with a determined heroine - perfect for young fantasy fans. (8+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
April 28, 2018
I'm not sure whether the cover or the blurb attracted me more, but I found a treat waiting between the pages.
Ms Whitehorn's world has a map (bonus points) but I never quite got what the world was called. It's mainly made of islands, though, so the ships that ply within them are the main source of entertainment whether they mean to be or not. Ravellous's Circus Ship definitely intends to be. The world is somewhere between feudal and gangster, with pirates that can be crude or sophisticated, and an island full of women. So I'd class this as an adventurous girl's story, and I enjoyed it tremendously.
Recently I've been pondering the use of language to induce almost tactile sensations in the reader. Ms Whitehorn does a pretty good job of this, as I recall feeling warmer as the voyage continued without consciously being told the climate was changing. Cass is an excellent character, and meets many other well rounded characters of all genders and levels of power and wealth. I felt the poverty-stricken were rendered ingenious, and some of the powerful rather stupid, but then, that's the problem of inbreeding and lack of incentive. In fact it was a very believable fantasy.
If I have a criticism, then maybe some of the plot elements were predictable, but it was thoroughly enjoyable all the same. It's set up for further adventures in the series (while being a completed book in its own right) so I hope we see more of Cass and her 'friends'.
Ms Whitehorn's world has a map (bonus points) but I never quite got what the world was called. It's mainly made of islands, though, so the ships that ply within them are the main source of entertainment whether they mean to be or not. Ravellous's Circus Ship definitely intends to be. The world is somewhere between feudal and gangster, with pirates that can be crude or sophisticated, and an island full of women. So I'd class this as an adventurous girl's story, and I enjoyed it tremendously.
Recently I've been pondering the use of language to induce almost tactile sensations in the reader. Ms Whitehorn does a pretty good job of this, as I recall feeling warmer as the voyage continued without consciously being told the climate was changing. Cass is an excellent character, and meets many other well rounded characters of all genders and levels of power and wealth. I felt the poverty-stricken were rendered ingenious, and some of the powerful rather stupid, but then, that's the problem of inbreeding and lack of incentive. In fact it was a very believable fantasy.
If I have a criticism, then maybe some of the plot elements were predictable, but it was thoroughly enjoyable all the same. It's set up for further adventures in the series (while being a completed book in its own right) so I hope we see more of Cass and her 'friends'.
March 17, 2018
I was thrilled when I heard that Harriet Whitehorn, the author of my beloved Violet mystery series, had a new book coming out this year, and positively hopped with excitement when NetGalley approved my request for an advance reader's copy. Unlike the Violet books, which are crossovers, i.e. help young children transition from picture books to chapter books, The Company of Eight is a proper chapter book meant for older readers, i.e. middle graders aged 10-12 years.
The story opens in winter, in the great city of Minaris, which is a big, bustling and beautiful city by the sea, with large graceful public squares (with evocative names like the Square of Seas and the Square of Disbelievers), a thriving Magical district and a busy port. People with magical abilities flock to Minaris to practise their trade- be it fortune telling or mind reading or curing illnesses- because it is one of the few safe havens for them in the Longest World. Fifty years have passed since the final Magical War- a war that caused so much destruction and bloodshed that ordinary, non-magical people rose in rebellion against magicians and their battles and outlawed magic or allowed it to be practised only under severe regulations.
The heroine of the story, Cassandra Malvino (Cass for short) lives in the magical district of Minaris with her guardian, old Mrs Potts, who owns and runs the Mansion of Fortune where fortune tellers live and practise their trade. Cass is an orphan, her parents being killed in a massive fire that destroyed their home and all their possessions when she was just seven years old. She is now fourteen and an Obtuse, i.e. non magical and immune to all kinds of magic, much to Mrs Pott's chagrin and disappointment. Cass's mother was a talented fortune teller and her father was a skilled acrobat, and Cass's big dream and sole passion is to be an acrobat in the wondrous Circus Boat, a travelling circus that tours the islands of the Longest World. And now the Circus Boat is moored in the harbour at Minaris, for its annual trip there during which Ravellous the Circus Master takes auditions to recruit new performers.
Needless to say, Cass is excited and eager to audition. She has her routine down pat- cartwheels and tumbles and flips- thanks to her daily practice sessions and hours of studying technique. But Mrs Potts has other plans- she wants to get Cass employed as a rich old lady's companion. She takes Cass to meet the said lady, and wastes so much time there that Cass misses her audition, and the Circus Boat sails away, not to return for a whole year. Hurt and angry and disappointed, Cass runs away from home and buys her passage on a small merchant boat to the Island of Women (a remote island where no woman or child is denied sanctuary), to wait and work and practise acrobatics for a year till she can return to Minaris to audition for the Circus Boat.
All of this happens in the first three chapters (yes!) The actual story begins after Cass runs away, but I wrote all of this because I wanted to set the context and introduce the wondrous, detailed world that Harrier Whitehorn has created. Also, I don't want to give out the story- suffice to say that it is filled with adventures galore including moonlit jewel robberies, turbulent sea voyages, opulent parties, dangerous and cruel pirates, crooked noblemen and an awesome group of eight women fighters who work in secrecy to rid the Longest World of crime, i.e. The Company of Eight. What CAN be better than a group of swashbuckling women vigilantes who excel in hand to hand combat and sword fighting and disguises and espionage?
I loved the world Harriet Whitehorn has created in this book- it is magical, old-timey and exotic. It brings to mind Moscow or Istanbul- a wonderful blend of East and West. There ornate mansions, cobblestone alleys, smoky pubs, tiny bakeries, elegant minarets and the different moods of the sea- stormy, sun-kissed, serene. There is a map at the beginning of the book that shows the geographical location of all the islands and cities described in the story, reminiscent of Tolkien's maps of the Middle Earth. And of course, I love the brave, spirited and loyal Cass who never hesitates to step up and write her own destiny.
My only quibble? After devoting time and pages to lovingly telling the story embellished with rich details, the end comes rather abruptly- within a chapter, puzzles are solved, fights are won and the story is done. I would have liked a more drawn-out and exciting ending, perhaps with a bigger and interesting cliffhanger, particularly because it is clear there will be a sequel.
Highly recommended for everyone above age 10 years (or 9 for advanced readers), particularly those who like fantasy or fables.
The story opens in winter, in the great city of Minaris, which is a big, bustling and beautiful city by the sea, with large graceful public squares (with evocative names like the Square of Seas and the Square of Disbelievers), a thriving Magical district and a busy port. People with magical abilities flock to Minaris to practise their trade- be it fortune telling or mind reading or curing illnesses- because it is one of the few safe havens for them in the Longest World. Fifty years have passed since the final Magical War- a war that caused so much destruction and bloodshed that ordinary, non-magical people rose in rebellion against magicians and their battles and outlawed magic or allowed it to be practised only under severe regulations.
The heroine of the story, Cassandra Malvino (Cass for short) lives in the magical district of Minaris with her guardian, old Mrs Potts, who owns and runs the Mansion of Fortune where fortune tellers live and practise their trade. Cass is an orphan, her parents being killed in a massive fire that destroyed their home and all their possessions when she was just seven years old. She is now fourteen and an Obtuse, i.e. non magical and immune to all kinds of magic, much to Mrs Pott's chagrin and disappointment. Cass's mother was a talented fortune teller and her father was a skilled acrobat, and Cass's big dream and sole passion is to be an acrobat in the wondrous Circus Boat, a travelling circus that tours the islands of the Longest World. And now the Circus Boat is moored in the harbour at Minaris, for its annual trip there during which Ravellous the Circus Master takes auditions to recruit new performers.
Needless to say, Cass is excited and eager to audition. She has her routine down pat- cartwheels and tumbles and flips- thanks to her daily practice sessions and hours of studying technique. But Mrs Potts has other plans- she wants to get Cass employed as a rich old lady's companion. She takes Cass to meet the said lady, and wastes so much time there that Cass misses her audition, and the Circus Boat sails away, not to return for a whole year. Hurt and angry and disappointed, Cass runs away from home and buys her passage on a small merchant boat to the Island of Women (a remote island where no woman or child is denied sanctuary), to wait and work and practise acrobatics for a year till she can return to Minaris to audition for the Circus Boat.
All of this happens in the first three chapters (yes!) The actual story begins after Cass runs away, but I wrote all of this because I wanted to set the context and introduce the wondrous, detailed world that Harrier Whitehorn has created. Also, I don't want to give out the story- suffice to say that it is filled with adventures galore including moonlit jewel robberies, turbulent sea voyages, opulent parties, dangerous and cruel pirates, crooked noblemen and an awesome group of eight women fighters who work in secrecy to rid the Longest World of crime, i.e. The Company of Eight. What CAN be better than a group of swashbuckling women vigilantes who excel in hand to hand combat and sword fighting and disguises and espionage?
I loved the world Harriet Whitehorn has created in this book- it is magical, old-timey and exotic. It brings to mind Moscow or Istanbul- a wonderful blend of East and West. There ornate mansions, cobblestone alleys, smoky pubs, tiny bakeries, elegant minarets and the different moods of the sea- stormy, sun-kissed, serene. There is a map at the beginning of the book that shows the geographical location of all the islands and cities described in the story, reminiscent of Tolkien's maps of the Middle Earth. And of course, I love the brave, spirited and loyal Cass who never hesitates to step up and write her own destiny.
My only quibble? After devoting time and pages to lovingly telling the story embellished with rich details, the end comes rather abruptly- within a chapter, puzzles are solved, fights are won and the story is done. I would have liked a more drawn-out and exciting ending, perhaps with a bigger and interesting cliffhanger, particularly because it is clear there will be a sequel.
Highly recommended for everyone above age 10 years (or 9 for advanced readers), particularly those who like fantasy or fables.
April 24, 2018
Great great book! 4 1/2 stars.
My 9 year old daughter said she could really imagined herself as the heroine and it was great to be part of the magic even if the story is set in the real world.
All characters are really interesting and one can really get behind them and their quest.
Definitely happy to recommend to friends and buy the sequel to find out what happens to Cass
My 9 year old daughter said she could really imagined herself as the heroine and it was great to be part of the magic even if the story is set in the real world.
All characters are really interesting and one can really get behind them and their quest.
Definitely happy to recommend to friends and buy the sequel to find out what happens to Cass
April 6, 2018
I really enjoyed the setting of this book; its other-worldliness, its little details and its magical qualities enthralled me. They combine to make the mysterious Islands a wondrous place. The story doesn't appear to give a timescale - just clues as to the era e.g. pantaloons to wear and silvers to pay for things. The Island of Women sounded particularly intriguing and I imagined a Wonder Woman type setting by the sea!
The idea of a circus (without the animal performances) has always thrilled me as it is such a spectacle filled with unusual characters and oddities so this aspect appealed to me immediately. I think Enid Blyton's Circus series and mentions of the circus in her books has something to do with this appeal!
Cass, the main character of the story, is likeable, gutsy and isn't afraid to take a chance. She has a dream to become an acrobat and wants to audition on the Circus Boat for the leader, Ravellous The boat docks at her island of Minaris once a year. After missing the audition through no fault of her own, she's forced to make another choice and joins another ship headed for the Island of Women. This sets off a series of events for Cass and she meets a host of memorable characters, visits numerous fantastical places and is embroiled in a thrilling adventure where she discovers more about the mysterious Company of Eight.
There are some beautiful descriptions in this book and it really helps to vividly imagine the settings. It is an action-packed adventure with twists and turns and some unexpected events.
I loved the little details with the food and drink - winter wine, starfruit ice cone and flower beer are just a few examples - and the unusual names of places: The Inn of the Black Octopus, The Tower of the Seven Kingdoms etc... They evoke images for me - the way the building looks, the signs etc... which all help to bring the story to life and make it a bit strange, which I liked. There are lots of characters to remember but even the names of some of these as well as their characteristics helped to make them memorable - Rip, Elsba, Lion, Ornella, Varan etc...
To summarise, a brilliantly detailed adventure which swings the reader from action to action - thrilling!
The idea of a circus (without the animal performances) has always thrilled me as it is such a spectacle filled with unusual characters and oddities so this aspect appealed to me immediately. I think Enid Blyton's Circus series and mentions of the circus in her books has something to do with this appeal!
Cass, the main character of the story, is likeable, gutsy and isn't afraid to take a chance. She has a dream to become an acrobat and wants to audition on the Circus Boat for the leader, Ravellous The boat docks at her island of Minaris once a year. After missing the audition through no fault of her own, she's forced to make another choice and joins another ship headed for the Island of Women. This sets off a series of events for Cass and she meets a host of memorable characters, visits numerous fantastical places and is embroiled in a thrilling adventure where she discovers more about the mysterious Company of Eight.
There are some beautiful descriptions in this book and it really helps to vividly imagine the settings. It is an action-packed adventure with twists and turns and some unexpected events.
I loved the little details with the food and drink - winter wine, starfruit ice cone and flower beer are just a few examples - and the unusual names of places: The Inn of the Black Octopus, The Tower of the Seven Kingdoms etc... They evoke images for me - the way the building looks, the signs etc... which all help to bring the story to life and make it a bit strange, which I liked. There are lots of characters to remember but even the names of some of these as well as their characteristics helped to make them memorable - Rip, Elsba, Lion, Ornella, Varan etc...
To summarise, a brilliantly detailed adventure which swings the reader from action to action - thrilling!
April 13, 2018
This was a fun and exciting read. The writing style was a little on the younger side of middle grade but it was still enjoyable. The characters were interesting and I especially loved Rip, I'm hoping to see more of him in the future. The story seemed to wrap up quite quickly and neatly but then I have seen that as a theme in middle grade books. It was enjoyable and I'll read more if the author continues the series. 3.5 out of 5 stars x
August 24, 2018
This is the first time in weeks that I've been able to read a book cover-to-cover & I'm so pleased it happened to be The Company of Eight. This story was totally different from what I was expecting but was full of wonderful surprises, exciting & daring scenes, & made me laugh more than once. Main character Cass is fabulous, but the world-building is even more so. I cannot wait for the sequel!
I was sent a copy of this book by Stripes Publishing in return for an honest review.
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-2yG
I was sent a copy of this book by Stripes Publishing in return for an honest review.
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-2yG
March 10, 2018
Read with my 10 year old daughter.
I love this book, the fantasy world it is set in is wonderful. The story flows beautifully. Cass the main protagonist is believable and likable. I love the old fashioned world of traveling by ship and the brutality of the pirates. This is a non stop adventure and its a shame its only 200 pages, we would love to keep reading about Cass, Rips and the Companies adventures.
One of my favourite kids books this year.
I love this book, the fantasy world it is set in is wonderful. The story flows beautifully. Cass the main protagonist is believable and likable. I love the old fashioned world of traveling by ship and the brutality of the pirates. This is a non stop adventure and its a shame its only 200 pages, we would love to keep reading about Cass, Rips and the Companies adventures.
One of my favourite kids books this year.
May 3, 2018
“I am afraid I cannot name them all, but overall they were known as Mele’s Sword Fighters or the Company of Eight.
“The Company still survives today, helping those in need and vanquishing evil, as they did in Mele’s time, but these days, it has become an underground organisation and the identity of its eight members is a closely guarded secret.”
All Cass wants to do is get out of the Magical District and join the Circus Boat. She wants to be an acrobat aboard their ship – where her utterly un-magical nature isn’t seen as being weird.
But when she misses her audition, she is forced to re-evaluate, and decides she wishes to spend the next year on the Island of Women until she can try out again.
And when she manages to impress Lord Bastien, the Protector of the Longest World, she decides to travel with him aboard his Palace Ship.
But she soon realises Bastien and his son have ulterior motives – ones Cass is entirely uncomfortable with! Before long, she has become entangled with thieves and slavers... and the Company of Eight, a legendary set of female sword-fighters who could be her only hope...
When I saw Company of Eight on Stripe’s Instagram page, I commented instantly because it sounded and looked brilliant. And when they offered me an ARC to read? Of course I said yes please! I won’t lie, I’ve been so stuck in my YA fantasies lately that getting into this took a little time, but I was soon totally wrapped up in the story! This is the kind of book I would’ve been absolutely obsessed with ten years ago – and one I thoroughly enjoyed today, aged twenty-one. It was magical and exciting and full of adventure and kick-butt women.
Cass was such an awesome character – brave and clever and loyal. While she made a few decisions I didn’t really agree with, I still loved her character. She was great fun and a real role-model (running away aside!) who was never afraid to stand up for herself and went out of her way to help her friends.
I really loved all the supporting characters too! Especially Rip – he was so sweet and just such a good friend! And Elsba was amazing – such a wonderfully strong female! She was just so very badass and so kind.
However, I was not a fan of the pirates or a certain lord. At all. The pirates were just cruel and that lord was just an absolute jerk! I also want to say that even though a lot of the characters weren’t around long, as Cass is often moving around the Longest World, I felt all of them were well developed and different and just good fun! My favourite minor character just had to be Lion – he was adorable.
Ah, this story! It was the perfect amount of thrills, excitement, humour, magic and suspense and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s honestly the perfect bedtime story read – only be prepared for a lot of ‘just one more chapter’. I literally finished this book in two sittings (it would have been one, but my friends insisting on badgering me with messages in the middle of my binge read). I was constantly excited and engaged in the plot – I loved the twists, turns, pirates and sword fighters! It was just such a fun read.
And, as I pointed out earlier, I’ve been reading too many adult and YA fantasies lately so the writing did take a little getting used to, since it’s far simpler compared to what I was used to. But it’s engaging and exciting and soon had me within its grip! It’s the perfect level for its intended audiences, although the fairly short chapters are a danger – I literally just kept thinking ‘one more chapter... one more chapter’. And then it was 2a.m and I wanted book two, please. Please tell me there’s going to be a book two! I’m not done with Cass and the Eight yet!
Oh and I really enjoyed this world – I’m so happy the finished book comes with a map! I’m a big map fan. Plus this map is gorgeous – and shows me where all my favourite places in the Longest World are!
This is the perfect book for young readers to read alone or as a bedtime story – it’s fun, exciting and magical. Plus it has acrobats, pirates, Lords and a team of awesome female sword fighters! What isn’t to love?
“The Company still survives today, helping those in need and vanquishing evil, as they did in Mele’s time, but these days, it has become an underground organisation and the identity of its eight members is a closely guarded secret.”
All Cass wants to do is get out of the Magical District and join the Circus Boat. She wants to be an acrobat aboard their ship – where her utterly un-magical nature isn’t seen as being weird.
But when she misses her audition, she is forced to re-evaluate, and decides she wishes to spend the next year on the Island of Women until she can try out again.
And when she manages to impress Lord Bastien, the Protector of the Longest World, she decides to travel with him aboard his Palace Ship.
But she soon realises Bastien and his son have ulterior motives – ones Cass is entirely uncomfortable with! Before long, she has become entangled with thieves and slavers... and the Company of Eight, a legendary set of female sword-fighters who could be her only hope...
When I saw Company of Eight on Stripe’s Instagram page, I commented instantly because it sounded and looked brilliant. And when they offered me an ARC to read? Of course I said yes please! I won’t lie, I’ve been so stuck in my YA fantasies lately that getting into this took a little time, but I was soon totally wrapped up in the story! This is the kind of book I would’ve been absolutely obsessed with ten years ago – and one I thoroughly enjoyed today, aged twenty-one. It was magical and exciting and full of adventure and kick-butt women.
Cass was such an awesome character – brave and clever and loyal. While she made a few decisions I didn’t really agree with, I still loved her character. She was great fun and a real role-model (running away aside!) who was never afraid to stand up for herself and went out of her way to help her friends.
I really loved all the supporting characters too! Especially Rip – he was so sweet and just such a good friend! And Elsba was amazing – such a wonderfully strong female! She was just so very badass and so kind.
However, I was not a fan of the pirates or a certain lord. At all. The pirates were just cruel and that lord was just an absolute jerk! I also want to say that even though a lot of the characters weren’t around long, as Cass is often moving around the Longest World, I felt all of them were well developed and different and just good fun! My favourite minor character just had to be Lion – he was adorable.
Ah, this story! It was the perfect amount of thrills, excitement, humour, magic and suspense and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s honestly the perfect bedtime story read – only be prepared for a lot of ‘just one more chapter’. I literally finished this book in two sittings (it would have been one, but my friends insisting on badgering me with messages in the middle of my binge read). I was constantly excited and engaged in the plot – I loved the twists, turns, pirates and sword fighters! It was just such a fun read.
And, as I pointed out earlier, I’ve been reading too many adult and YA fantasies lately so the writing did take a little getting used to, since it’s far simpler compared to what I was used to. But it’s engaging and exciting and soon had me within its grip! It’s the perfect level for its intended audiences, although the fairly short chapters are a danger – I literally just kept thinking ‘one more chapter... one more chapter’. And then it was 2a.m and I wanted book two, please. Please tell me there’s going to be a book two! I’m not done with Cass and the Eight yet!
Oh and I really enjoyed this world – I’m so happy the finished book comes with a map! I’m a big map fan. Plus this map is gorgeous – and shows me where all my favourite places in the Longest World are!
This is the perfect book for young readers to read alone or as a bedtime story – it’s fun, exciting and magical. Plus it has acrobats, pirates, Lords and a team of awesome female sword fighters! What isn’t to love?
November 24, 2019
Firstly, I want to say thank you to Dark Room Tours and Stripes Publishing for giving me a copy of this book in preparation for my date on the bookstagram tour for the sequel "The Conspiracy of Magic".
I had never heard of this author or book before being ask to take part in the tour. But after reading the synopsis and seeing the gorgeous cover I decided that this series is definitely something that I want to invest my time in. The Company of Eight did not disappoint.
The Company of Eight has everything that a child or the child within you could wish for. Pirates, Magicians and Circus Acts. There is that many different types of characters that it makes up for a fantastically exciting read. It is such a magical read that it will have you intrigued from start to finish, I promise that you will struggle to put it down. I devoured this in 2 hours because once I started I just needed to know what happened next. I could not put it down. A big contributing factor to this is the authors writing style, it is so atmospheric and really helps engage the author to the point where you are no longer sitting on your sofa reading the book but you are in the world that she has created.
I absolutely loved Cass as a main character. I love how she develops and the relationships that she forms on her journey. Some unexpected, some obvious. I love how she deals with everything that is thrown at her, and how she is the person she is despite what she has been through in her short life. She is such a strong independent female character and more characters like her need to be apparent in middle-grade books. Also, she wants to be a sword fighter. I want to be a sword fighter. Who doesn't want to be a sword fighter? On the subject of characters Rit is an absolute sweetheart, I love him so much. I love Rit and Cass and how they eventually have each others backs. He is such a lovely character and he really warmed my heart during many points in this book.
The different islands had me intrigued, I want to visit each and every one of them please. Right now. I need Cass as my tour guide also, and my best friend? I really loved the Island of Women. No men allowed to live, apart from visit. All independent and living their lives to the best of their ability. Find me a woman that doesn't want to live here. I'll leave my husband now if you like. I also enjoyed the idea and concept behind The Company of Eight. I loved finding out little bits about it as the story progresses and it is something that I cannot wait to read more about as the series continues.
This book can be quite dark when it comes to middle-grade. There are scenes of violence and gore. There is talks about slavery as well as blackmail scenes. Are these inappropriate, I don't think so. Would I let a child read this book? Most definitely. However just for parents to note that there are elements of this. Maybe more recognisable to those adult readers and not the children.
All in all I really enjoyed my time reading this book and I am looking forward to reading the sequel as I have heard that it is even better. I recommend that you pick this book up no matter how old you are or at what stage in life that you are.
I had never heard of this author or book before being ask to take part in the tour. But after reading the synopsis and seeing the gorgeous cover I decided that this series is definitely something that I want to invest my time in. The Company of Eight did not disappoint.
The Company of Eight has everything that a child or the child within you could wish for. Pirates, Magicians and Circus Acts. There is that many different types of characters that it makes up for a fantastically exciting read. It is such a magical read that it will have you intrigued from start to finish, I promise that you will struggle to put it down. I devoured this in 2 hours because once I started I just needed to know what happened next. I could not put it down. A big contributing factor to this is the authors writing style, it is so atmospheric and really helps engage the author to the point where you are no longer sitting on your sofa reading the book but you are in the world that she has created.
I absolutely loved Cass as a main character. I love how she develops and the relationships that she forms on her journey. Some unexpected, some obvious. I love how she deals with everything that is thrown at her, and how she is the person she is despite what she has been through in her short life. She is such a strong independent female character and more characters like her need to be apparent in middle-grade books. Also, she wants to be a sword fighter. I want to be a sword fighter. Who doesn't want to be a sword fighter? On the subject of characters Rit is an absolute sweetheart, I love him so much. I love Rit and Cass and how they eventually have each others backs. He is such a lovely character and he really warmed my heart during many points in this book.
The different islands had me intrigued, I want to visit each and every one of them please. Right now. I need Cass as my tour guide also, and my best friend? I really loved the Island of Women. No men allowed to live, apart from visit. All independent and living their lives to the best of their ability. Find me a woman that doesn't want to live here. I'll leave my husband now if you like. I also enjoyed the idea and concept behind The Company of Eight. I loved finding out little bits about it as the story progresses and it is something that I cannot wait to read more about as the series continues.
This book can be quite dark when it comes to middle-grade. There are scenes of violence and gore. There is talks about slavery as well as blackmail scenes. Are these inappropriate, I don't think so. Would I let a child read this book? Most definitely. However just for parents to note that there are elements of this. Maybe more recognisable to those adult readers and not the children.
All in all I really enjoyed my time reading this book and I am looking forward to reading the sequel as I have heard that it is even better. I recommend that you pick this book up no matter how old you are or at what stage in life that you are.
July 31, 2020
Wow! Just finished this. The cover is beautiful, & by looking at it you’d never know what danger & adventure & PIRATES lay ahead lol Beautiful. Also, before every start of the next chapter there is a beautiful compass like illustration & more, & it says the location & time the chapter takes place. Every chapter page also has beautiful illustrations around the chapter heading!😍😍Goodreads has this as MG, & I would DEFINITELY say upper MG. The main character is 14. What a character she is too! She goes through so much in a short time. She is so strong, smart, brave, & fierce. I loved the world the author created. The string of a bunch of different islands, all different in their own ways. I could see everything in my mind...could almost hear the ocean & smell the saltwater.. or the cold from the ice they skated across, & hear the noise skating on ice makes..loved it. Cass is so determined. She is a little naive when she sets off leaving home, but quickly grows up fast in a short time after all she endures...loses the innocence. The circus BOAT was a creative twist on a circus, but it wasn’t the main part of the story. Cass & her journey help her find who she really is, make peace w/her past, & leads her down a path she was meant to be on-as scary & dangerous as it may be at first lol it was so hard to put this down. The suspense, the danger, & the adventure of it all. I just had to know what was going to happen! I loved Rips character. I loved Lion w/my whole heart, & also Elsba. It wrapped up amazing in the end, & I loved how it ended. But it also ended in a way where there could be more if the author wanted-I want more! Lol (Edit:The author informed me on my IG that there IS a sequel-The Conspiracy of Magic. So excited! Starting tonight!!)I loved this book though. Highly recommend.
Synopsis: Cass has always wanted to audition as an acrobat for the famous Circus Boat that sails the warm seas of the Longest World. But when her chance is snatched away, she comes up with a new plan. Soon she has secured a job on the Palace Boat, following the circus around the islands. Yet Cass has been invited on the boat for a very different reason - and it's not long before she is embroiled with thieves, sword fighters and a mysterious group of women called The Company of Eight...
Synopsis: Cass has always wanted to audition as an acrobat for the famous Circus Boat that sails the warm seas of the Longest World. But when her chance is snatched away, she comes up with a new plan. Soon she has secured a job on the Palace Boat, following the circus around the islands. Yet Cass has been invited on the boat for a very different reason - and it's not long before she is embroiled with thieves, sword fighters and a mysterious group of women called The Company of Eight...
May 4, 2018
Middle grade fiction is not something I read a lot of but sometimes my daughters will insist that I read a book they have particularly enjoyed. Such a book I read earlier this year was The Girl of Ink & Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave which Mini Me adores and has recommended to everyone she knows. When I saw this book on NetGalley, I thought I would give it a read and see if it was something she might enjoy. Plus, who isn’t a sucker for a story set in a circus?
This book does indeed have a lot in common with The Girl of Ink & Stars. A strong teenage female protagonist, exotic, foreign world and tales of derring-do. Plus, this book has the aforementioned circus (one which tours around on a ship, to add to the excitement), pirates, an island full only of strong women, sword-fighting a-plenty and a secret company of female…spies I suppose you might call them.
I really enjoyed this book. The world-building was well done, the story rolled along at a great pace and I really enjoyed the female lead, Cass. In fact, there were a lot of strong female characters in this book which is always something I am looking for, being the mum/step-mum of 5 daughters. I liked the way that the women were in charge of their own destinies, not damsels in distress waiting for the boys to sail to their rescue.
I wish there had been a little more time spent in the circus and more detail about the different acts and characters. The chapter where Cass finally confronts the pirates and the following chapter seemed a little rushed, as if the author could see the end in sight and were galloping to the finish, which made the pacing uneven at the end. However, these are minor niggles in a book that I don’t regret investing the time in.
I would definitely recommend this book for children who enjoy this kind of fantasy novel and I have now bought a paperback copy for my children to read. I’ll come back and give you their feedback once they have read it.
I believe this is the start of a series of books set in this world starring Cass and her friends and I look forward to the next one.
This book does indeed have a lot in common with The Girl of Ink & Stars. A strong teenage female protagonist, exotic, foreign world and tales of derring-do. Plus, this book has the aforementioned circus (one which tours around on a ship, to add to the excitement), pirates, an island full only of strong women, sword-fighting a-plenty and a secret company of female…spies I suppose you might call them.
I really enjoyed this book. The world-building was well done, the story rolled along at a great pace and I really enjoyed the female lead, Cass. In fact, there were a lot of strong female characters in this book which is always something I am looking for, being the mum/step-mum of 5 daughters. I liked the way that the women were in charge of their own destinies, not damsels in distress waiting for the boys to sail to their rescue.
I wish there had been a little more time spent in the circus and more detail about the different acts and characters. The chapter where Cass finally confronts the pirates and the following chapter seemed a little rushed, as if the author could see the end in sight and were galloping to the finish, which made the pacing uneven at the end. However, these are minor niggles in a book that I don’t regret investing the time in.
I would definitely recommend this book for children who enjoy this kind of fantasy novel and I have now bought a paperback copy for my children to read. I’ll come back and give you their feedback once they have read it.
I believe this is the start of a series of books set in this world starring Cass and her friends and I look forward to the next one.
May 4, 2018
Middle grade fiction is not something I read a lot of but sometimes my daughters will insist that I read a book they have particularly enjoyed. Such a book I read earlier this year was The Girl of Ink & Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave which Mini Me adores and has recommended to everyone she knows. When I saw this book on NetGalley, I thought I would give it a read and see if it was something she might enjoy. Plus, who isn’t a sucker for a story set in a circus?
This book does indeed have a lot in common with The Girl of Ink & Stars. A strong teenage female protagonist, exotic, foreign world and tales of derring-do. Plus, this book has the aforementioned circus (one which tours around on a ship, to add to the excitement), pirates, an island full only of strong women, sword-fighting a-plenty and a secret company of female…spies I suppose you might call them.
I really enjoyed this book. The world-building was well done, the story rolled along at a great pace and I really enjoyed the female lead, Cass. In fact, there were a lot of strong female characters in this book which is always something I am looking for, being the mum/step-mum of 5 daughters. I liked the way that the women were in charge of their own destinies, not damsels in distress waiting for the boys to sail to their rescue.
I wish there had been a little more time spent in the circus and more detail about the different acts and characters. The chapter where Cass finally confronts the pirates and the following chapter seemed a little rushed, as if the author could see the end in sight and were galloping to the finish, which made the pacing uneven at the end. However, these are minor niggles in a book that I don’t regret investing the time in.
I would definitely recommend this book for children who enjoy this kind of fantasy novel and I have now bought a paperback copy for my children to read. I’ll come back and give you their feedback once they have read it.
I believe this is the start of a series of books set in this world starring Cass and her friends and I look forward to the next one.
This book does indeed have a lot in common with The Girl of Ink & Stars. A strong teenage female protagonist, exotic, foreign world and tales of derring-do. Plus, this book has the aforementioned circus (one which tours around on a ship, to add to the excitement), pirates, an island full only of strong women, sword-fighting a-plenty and a secret company of female…spies I suppose you might call them.
I really enjoyed this book. The world-building was well done, the story rolled along at a great pace and I really enjoyed the female lead, Cass. In fact, there were a lot of strong female characters in this book which is always something I am looking for, being the mum/step-mum of 5 daughters. I liked the way that the women were in charge of their own destinies, not damsels in distress waiting for the boys to sail to their rescue.
I wish there had been a little more time spent in the circus and more detail about the different acts and characters. The chapter where Cass finally confronts the pirates and the following chapter seemed a little rushed, as if the author could see the end in sight and were galloping to the finish, which made the pacing uneven at the end. However, these are minor niggles in a book that I don’t regret investing the time in.
I would definitely recommend this book for children who enjoy this kind of fantasy novel and I have now bought a paperback copy for my children to read. I’ll come back and give you their feedback once they have read it.
I believe this is the start of a series of books set in this world starring Cass and her friends and I look forward to the next one.
May 3, 2018
Aimed at the older middle grades ,there is much to be enjoyed about this book by a wider audience. Set in an almost Victorian style world, but one where magic exists, this is the story of Cass, a young orphan determined to make her way as an acrobat on a renowned Circus Ship that floats between the Islands that make up the Longest World. When fate conspires to prevent her auditioning, she runs away in hopes of auditioning at a later stage. However fate is not yet done with her, and between encounters with pirates and slavers, and forming an unlikely friendship or two, she eventually finds herself on the Island of Women where her acrobatic training is put to good use.
When given a chance to help stop the slave trade, and assist the mysterious "Company of Eight" , she eagerly assents to go undercover in the circus, though it almost costs her her life.
As I said, this book , while suitable for middle grade readers, is possibly geared to a slightly older audience, given both the level of language used , and some of the darker moments that create a dramatic finale. I liked the character of Cass, and found the world the author created very interesting, but I will admit that I was disappointed that there was not more of a focus on the time spent by Cass at the circus, as this is what initially attracted me to the book. While the book reads well as a standalone, there is plenty of potential to expand into a series, and I would hope that if this happens we get the chance to spend more time with some of the secondary characters we met here, as well as on some of the islands of the Longest World that we have not yet visited.
When given a chance to help stop the slave trade, and assist the mysterious "Company of Eight" , she eagerly assents to go undercover in the circus, though it almost costs her her life.
As I said, this book , while suitable for middle grade readers, is possibly geared to a slightly older audience, given both the level of language used , and some of the darker moments that create a dramatic finale. I liked the character of Cass, and found the world the author created very interesting, but I will admit that I was disappointed that there was not more of a focus on the time spent by Cass at the circus, as this is what initially attracted me to the book. While the book reads well as a standalone, there is plenty of potential to expand into a series, and I would hope that if this happens we get the chance to spend more time with some of the secondary characters we met here, as well as on some of the islands of the Longest World that we have not yet visited.
January 6, 2019
I liked the sound of this as soon as I heard about it, and it lived up to my expectations. It focuses on Cass, who is desperate to become an acrobat on the Circus Boat, as she attempts to achieve this with disastrous results. Along the way, she encounters a different glamorous ship, some dangerous enemies and a mysterious group of sword-fighting women called the Company of Eight. I thought Cass was a fabulous heroine who I was totally rooting for, and I also had a huge soft spot for side characters Lion and Rip. Of course, the Company of Eight were incredibly cool, and I loved them. Other characters defied my expectations of them completely, making it very tricky to know who to trust, and there was more than one I loved to hate. The twists came thick and fast on other fronts too, so coupled with the short length it made this a very fast-paced, thrilling read. Finally, I thought the worldbuilding of the Longest World was superb. It not only showed both the luxury and opulent areas as well as darker, more dangerous aspects, but was also layered with fascinating history. I’m already looking forward to book two! 4.5/5
February 18, 2025
4.5!!!
Ceritanya enak buat diikutin, seru, gak bikin bosen sama sekali!! Bahasa inggrisnya juga masih oke (intermediate lah). Ikut ngos ngosan bacanya wkwkkw. SUKA BGT SAMA RIP DI SINI 😭💗 Pengen baca sequelnya deh...
Ceritanya enak buat diikutin, seru, gak bikin bosen sama sekali!! Bahasa inggrisnya juga masih oke (intermediate lah). Ikut ngos ngosan bacanya wkwkkw. SUKA BGT SAMA RIP DI SINI 😭💗 Pengen baca sequelnya deh...
April 27, 2018
What a wonderful little book. Full of twists and turns and of course, a happy ending - which is awesome! A magical book for younger readers.
April 12, 2018
I loved this story's setting - but then, what's not to like? A world of islands and ships, pirates and merchants, adventurers and acrobats and ne'er-do-wells, it's memorable, evocative and wondrous. The Circus Ship which travels from island to island, auditioning but once a year for its new crop of acrobats, grabbed my imagination; I loved Cass's (the central character) quest to get on board this ship, and her determination to earn a place no matter what. I was taken by the Island of Women, and the concept of the Company of Eight itself is wonderful (and one I hope will be revisited in further books!) The descriptive language is stunning, and I particularly loved the names - islands, cities, places and people alike are all named with care and skill, and it really brought me into the story and the world. I will admit to feeling a little removed from the action, and I would have liked more immediacy - but in terms of story, setting and characters, this is a gem. I'm looking forward to more books in this world.
April 16, 2018
An easy read, reminiscent of Enid Blytons books in the way its written, sits firmly in the younger end of Young Adult books.
April 12, 2018
Full review to come!
April 9, 2018
Book review to be published on www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com
March 31, 2021
I was accepted for an early copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley but that in no way taints my opinion of this book. When I read the premise of 'The Company Of Eight' I found myself very intrigued however the book didn't live up to my expectations and for the majority of this book I really wasn't enjoying it. However there were some points that I entirely enjoyed which I will go into detail about now.
The main thing that kept me going throughout this novel was wanting to see how everything played out for the main character Cass, it kept me engaged all the way through and I have to say that the ending is what really saved this book for me. Another point of the book that I really enjoyed was the feminism. With this book being a middle grade I think it is amazing that Harriet Whitehorn has included so much female empowerment within this novel as it really opens the eyes of younger readers to women's strength and power.
(I also adored the character Rip with my whole heart and he was easily my favourite character.)
However, for the majority of this book I was really disengaged and found myself not enjoying my time reading this book. I will not go into too much detail about the pointers that I didn't like as I don't like to spread negativity but I will just say what I didn't enjoy.
I found that the writing style was very young but it also mixed it in with Victorian style words that made it seem like the author was trying to hard to make the writing older. I understand that it is a middle grade so the writing style can't be too difficult to understand but it just seemed too young for it's intended audience and the Victorian prose was dropped a lot throughout the book and then just brought back randomly. I also found that there was so many different plot points and none of them were ever explained or resolved. This means that we as readers were constantly jumping from scene to scene without any context which lead to the world and the characters not being fleshed out.
Overall, there was some good points in this book and if you are interested in it then you should pick it up and I hope that you enjoy it more than I did.
The main thing that kept me going throughout this novel was wanting to see how everything played out for the main character Cass, it kept me engaged all the way through and I have to say that the ending is what really saved this book for me. Another point of the book that I really enjoyed was the feminism. With this book being a middle grade I think it is amazing that Harriet Whitehorn has included so much female empowerment within this novel as it really opens the eyes of younger readers to women's strength and power.
(I also adored the character Rip with my whole heart and he was easily my favourite character.)
However, for the majority of this book I was really disengaged and found myself not enjoying my time reading this book. I will not go into too much detail about the pointers that I didn't like as I don't like to spread negativity but I will just say what I didn't enjoy.
I found that the writing style was very young but it also mixed it in with Victorian style words that made it seem like the author was trying to hard to make the writing older. I understand that it is a middle grade so the writing style can't be too difficult to understand but it just seemed too young for it's intended audience and the Victorian prose was dropped a lot throughout the book and then just brought back randomly. I also found that there was so many different plot points and none of them were ever explained or resolved. This means that we as readers were constantly jumping from scene to scene without any context which lead to the world and the characters not being fleshed out.
Overall, there was some good points in this book and if you are interested in it then you should pick it up and I hope that you enjoy it more than I did.
March 30, 2018
Wonderfully rich, a gorgeous main character, danger and peril in swathes. A completely satisfying ending to go with it. I’d love to be in the company.
July 23, 2018
I received a free ebook from Netgalley. This does not affect my review.
This book has an absolutely tremendous setting - a string of islands, a circus boat, streets you skate through, a floating palace and an entire island of women! It's really splendid. The plot is a well-woven, epic adventure filled with pirates, secret swordswomen, lords and ladies, thieves and scholars. For me it didn't quite hit the spot as I think the viewpoint is set just a little bit too far back for me to really connect with Cass, the main character - it felt a little bit detached. However, I can see it will be very popular with the right age group as it's such a wonderful setting!
This book has an absolutely tremendous setting - a string of islands, a circus boat, streets you skate through, a floating palace and an entire island of women! It's really splendid. The plot is a well-woven, epic adventure filled with pirates, secret swordswomen, lords and ladies, thieves and scholars. For me it didn't quite hit the spot as I think the viewpoint is set just a little bit too far back for me to really connect with Cass, the main character - it felt a little bit detached. However, I can see it will be very popular with the right age group as it's such a wonderful setting!
April 25, 2018
I am borrowing an advanced copy from the library at my high school. In return I have to write a review for the librarian.
October 26, 2019
A brilliant fantasy story for age 9 and up!
I was so excited when The Company of Eight arrived (thank you Stripes for sending me a copy to review) - the cover is stunning and I knew from the blurb that this was a story I would love.
Orphan Cass dreams of following in her father's footsteps and becoming a famous acrobat, but when she misses her audition, she fears her dream is slipping through her fingers. In search of a new adventure, Cass set out for the mysterious Island of Women, but her journey there is anything but smooth. Along the way, Cass encounters charismatic lords, fearsome pirates, and expert swordswomen - as well as a few invaluable friends. She also learns about the Company of Eight - a group of women tasked with keeping the Longest World safe.
The Company of Eight was a joy to read, and here are three reasons I loved it:
1) The Company of Eight has a bit of everything: magicians, pirates, slavers, circus acts. There's so much going on, and it makes for an exciting story where each chapter brings something new to discover.
2) The world building is clever and detailed, and I especially loved the maps, both at the start of the book and at the beginning of each chapter. They helped to centre you in the world and emphasised that this is an adventure story, with Cass going to far off places in the Longest World. I also really loved the place names, especially in Minaris (the Square of Disbelievers, the Quay of Thieves, the Mansion of Fortune). They're intriguing, but also easy to picture and understand, which will appeal younger readers.
3) The relationships Cass forms on her journey are important and often unexpected. Old characters reappear in interesting new places, and characters who at first appear to be friends can prove the complete opposite.
I loved reading the Company of Eight and it feels as if there is so much of the Longest World, and Cass's role in it, still to explore, so I'm really looking forward to its sequel, A Conspiracy of Magic.
I was so excited when The Company of Eight arrived (thank you Stripes for sending me a copy to review) - the cover is stunning and I knew from the blurb that this was a story I would love.
Orphan Cass dreams of following in her father's footsteps and becoming a famous acrobat, but when she misses her audition, she fears her dream is slipping through her fingers. In search of a new adventure, Cass set out for the mysterious Island of Women, but her journey there is anything but smooth. Along the way, Cass encounters charismatic lords, fearsome pirates, and expert swordswomen - as well as a few invaluable friends. She also learns about the Company of Eight - a group of women tasked with keeping the Longest World safe.
The Company of Eight was a joy to read, and here are three reasons I loved it:
1) The Company of Eight has a bit of everything: magicians, pirates, slavers, circus acts. There's so much going on, and it makes for an exciting story where each chapter brings something new to discover.
2) The world building is clever and detailed, and I especially loved the maps, both at the start of the book and at the beginning of each chapter. They helped to centre you in the world and emphasised that this is an adventure story, with Cass going to far off places in the Longest World. I also really loved the place names, especially in Minaris (the Square of Disbelievers, the Quay of Thieves, the Mansion of Fortune). They're intriguing, but also easy to picture and understand, which will appeal younger readers.
3) The relationships Cass forms on her journey are important and often unexpected. Old characters reappear in interesting new places, and characters who at first appear to be friends can prove the complete opposite.
I loved reading the Company of Eight and it feels as if there is so much of the Longest World, and Cass's role in it, still to explore, so I'm really looking forward to its sequel, A Conspiracy of Magic.
September 24, 2019
This book has some amazing artwork in it! The cover is beautiful and each new chapter is adorned with a map so you can see where Cass has sailed to next.
This book is definitely a younger read. I could say that the world lacked depth; that the plot threw out a lot but didn't explain any of it (magic, obtuse, all the islands), I could say that certain actions in the book were highly glossed over like slavery, murder etc. and I could argue that every character was stereotypical. However, this is a book for young readers! They don't want to be bogged down by all of that. So from an adults perspective, this thing was riddled with holes and would have sunk at sea BUT I would say for a younger reader this is an epic adventure story.
Cass wants to get away from her boring life and join the circus-like her father. But she manages to get involved with the royal boats thievery scheme and ends up robbing the wrong pirate. Whilst escaping she ends up on a slaver's ship and finally arrives safely at the Island of Women but her journey is far from over! From the synopsis of just the first half of the book, you can see there is a lot of adventure. Cass is never sat idle for long. She sets sail on many ships and we are slowly taken around the world. Through subtle hints, we can see that this world has a rich history which no doubt Whitehorn will explore in her sequel.
Cass is fierce but acts within her confines which is nice. I think it is a lovely little adventure story and reminded me of Brightstorm and the girl, the cat and the navigator. It's easy to read with hints of darkness scattered throughout. I would say if you are above 12 that is when you might see the cracks within certain plot points and world-building mechanics but otherwise its fun!
A great read for ages 6-12.
This book is definitely a younger read. I could say that the world lacked depth; that the plot threw out a lot but didn't explain any of it (magic, obtuse, all the islands), I could say that certain actions in the book were highly glossed over like slavery, murder etc. and I could argue that every character was stereotypical. However, this is a book for young readers! They don't want to be bogged down by all of that. So from an adults perspective, this thing was riddled with holes and would have sunk at sea BUT I would say for a younger reader this is an epic adventure story.
Cass wants to get away from her boring life and join the circus-like her father. But she manages to get involved with the royal boats thievery scheme and ends up robbing the wrong pirate. Whilst escaping she ends up on a slaver's ship and finally arrives safely at the Island of Women but her journey is far from over! From the synopsis of just the first half of the book, you can see there is a lot of adventure. Cass is never sat idle for long. She sets sail on many ships and we are slowly taken around the world. Through subtle hints, we can see that this world has a rich history which no doubt Whitehorn will explore in her sequel.
Cass is fierce but acts within her confines which is nice. I think it is a lovely little adventure story and reminded me of Brightstorm and the girl, the cat and the navigator. It's easy to read with hints of darkness scattered throughout. I would say if you are above 12 that is when you might see the cracks within certain plot points and world-building mechanics but otherwise its fun!
A great read for ages 6-12.
October 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this magical, island hopping adventure!
Harriet Whitehorn has created a really interesting world here, with strings of islands spread out across a sea. I loved the frozen landscape of the main island, with everyone zipping around on ice skates, and the names of the different places throughout the book are just brilliant.
It felt like a fully-thought out, functioning world too. I really liked the idea of the governor of the islands living and working on a ship that travels from place to place, it made so much sense and yet was such an interesting and different idea. The circus ship too, feels like just how a travelling circus would operate in a world like this one.
I really liked Cass's journey as a character, and the way she finds out more about herself, her past and what she's capable of as she travels the seas.
I'm always a big fan of circuses in books, and the circus ship is a nice addition to this. I was expecting it to feature more heavily, purely judging by the book's cover, but while it played a key role the story is more one of spies and adventure and intrigue.
Harriet Whitehorn has created a really interesting world here, with strings of islands spread out across a sea. I loved the frozen landscape of the main island, with everyone zipping around on ice skates, and the names of the different places throughout the book are just brilliant.
It felt like a fully-thought out, functioning world too. I really liked the idea of the governor of the islands living and working on a ship that travels from place to place, it made so much sense and yet was such an interesting and different idea. The circus ship too, feels like just how a travelling circus would operate in a world like this one.
I really liked Cass's journey as a character, and the way she finds out more about herself, her past and what she's capable of as she travels the seas.
I'm always a big fan of circuses in books, and the circus ship is a nice addition to this. I was expecting it to feature more heavily, purely judging by the book's cover, but while it played a key role the story is more one of spies and adventure and intrigue.
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