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? {goodreads summary}
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.
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 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.
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