Often, when the first book in a series is so mindblowingly amazing, I worry that any subsequent books won’t live up to the hype. However, with Shipwreck Island such worries are not necessary. JUST as gripping as Orphans of the Tide, this book is the definition of ‘unputdownable’. With so many unpredictable twists and turns, this book will have you gripped to the very end! Struan Murray is an incredibly talented author, and his ability to get the reader hooked from the very first page is inspirational.

Shipwreck Island caused me quite a quandary as a reader. If you rated the first book in the series 5 stars, and this one is even better, then where does that leave your rating system?!

Ellie and Seth have sailed for months across the endless sea. When they finally reach land, it appears that they may just have found paradise. Yet all is not what it seems and, in this new kingdom, the duo will face trials and troubles that would test even the strongest of friendships.

If you’re a fan of the first book in this series, Orphans of the Tide, then you know Shipwreck Island is going to be good... What you don’t yet realise is just HOW good! It is a breathtaking read, from beginning to end. The tone is similar to that of its prequel - the air of menace and the absolute unpredictably remain. Shipwreck Island doesn’t feel quite as dark as its predecessor though; one of the reasons being the wonderful friendship between Ellie and Seth, as well as some of the light relief brought by the new characters.

Ellie and Seth have both grown and developed as characters within this book. I liked the diary entries interspersed within the narrative and enjoyed learning more about the origins of Seth. I anxiously await the publication of book 3 - I cannot wait to find out what happens next! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I was so looking forward to this - the sequel to the brilliant Orphans of the Tide, and it did not disappoint!
It was great to be with Ellie and Seth again, catching up after the events of book 1. They have now arrived at Shipwreck Island and are trying to make a life for themselves.
I like the way the book is written, with letters interspersed with the chapters, giving some background to Seth's origins.
There were also some great new character additions, including Viola and Molworth.
And, that ending!! I don't want to give anything away but I need book 3 now!
A great book.

Warning: Contains spoilers for Book 1.

Orphans of the Tide was a book which had a huge impact on its audience last year – not just because of that opening, but because of the incredible storyline which followed on from it – one which quite rightly led to it being an extremely popular choice as the March read for Primary School Book Club on Twitter. In that first volume in this series, we were introduced to heroine Ellie Lancaster and the world of The City – an island whose inhabitants were the last left alive after the drowning of the world, and who lived in terror at the thought of the Enemy, the god responsible for the destruction of the other cities; one with the deadly power to take possession of a human body for its own purposes and pleasure.

At the end of the first book, after discovering evidence of the existence of other settlements, Ellie – however – had flown The City together with Seth, who the secret police-like Inquisition believed to be the Enemy. But we the readers discovered the truth: that Seth is in fact a god, with the power to command the sea, and that the parasitic Enemy had been using Ellie as his Vessel – something she had managed to keep secret from those around her as she tried to follow in her dead mother’s footsteps, inventing gadgets and machines to improve the lives of those on the island.

It is by using one of those machines – an underwater boat – that Ellie and Seth have made good their escape, leaving behind Ellie’s best friend Anna, and when we catch up with them three months later they are onboard a raft having had to abandon their original craft. Seth has been dreaming about being in the sea – something that has happened before during their journey – and the pair play a game, taking turns to voice their hopes for the new island they believe they will reach. While Ellie hopes that the islanders will be like her, invent things and think she is special, Seth simply wants to learn how to fish.

Startled by a killer whale rearing up alongside the raft, Ellie slips and falls into the water and spots something deep within the dark sea – a motionless figure which she senses is watching her. Climbing back onto the raft, Ellie shares this with Seth who does his best to calm her. As they continue their game, Seth becomes distracted by something and when Ellie turns to look she becomes aware of an island on the horizon.

Making their way towards it, it soon becomes apparent that the island appears to have something growing out of it – something which is in fact part of a large ship, which Ellie suggests might be an ark: one of the four ships which carried people escaping from the Drowning. Reaching land, the children are amazed by the houses and walkways built there and are taken for residents of Ingarth Island by the people they meet. Trying to fit in as best they can, Ellie tries to find out more about their surroundings from a young girl making requests of a statue of a woman – a woman that the girl reveals to be of the island’s Divine Queen.

Ellie and Seth realise quickly that they need to find a way of earning a living to feed themselves and Seth offers his services as a fisherman to a sceptical man called Janssen and his daughter, Viola. With Seth and Viola out at sea to test his skills, Ellie looks around and is intrigued to see a small group of children playing a game in which one of them plays the Queen and pretends to cut off the head of one of her playmates for treason. As Ellie watches, the children bicker over whether or not the Queen is good or bad, with one saying she is good and kind because she protects them all from the Enemy.

Ellie soon makes it her mission to try to see the Queen to offer her services as an inventor, but Seth does not share her enthusiasm for this plan. Will Ellie’s hopes and schemes lead to them falling out? What are the strange dreams Seth is having trying to tell him, and – more importantly – what will happen if they cannot keep their true identities secret from the residents of Shipwreck Island?

Many readers found themselves blown away by the complexity and realism that the author created in the first book – both with regard to the characters and the setting, and anyone expecting more of that kind of content will not be disappointed. The world of Shipwreck Island is one so beautifully realised that I could see it in perfect detail in my head as I read on. While there are parallels with the City from Book 1, this island has a lighter, far less sinister feel to it so that when things inevitably go wrong for Ellie and Seth, the sharp contrast had me sitting on the edge of my seat.

Nowhere is there a greater contrast than in Ellie and Seth. While each needs the other, there is a growing friction in their relationship here as their behaviour is no longer governed by fear of discovery by the Inquisition. Ellie is hugely driven by the desire to be as good an inventor as her mother, if not a better one, which blinds her to the consequences of her actions, while Seth – who had no memory of who he was, or what had happened to him, when we first met him – is much more measured in the actions he takes in his longing both to fully recall his identity and to be seen as human. Here, with the opportunity for a fresh start, each of them finds a new friend and confidante on the island. As they start to forge relationships with these people, they push one another to the limit; it will be very interesting to see what happens to their relationship in Book 3.

This is such a powerful and gripping story – one which twists and turns all of the way through so that it is far more difficult in this book to see what is going to happen next than in the original, where it was clear that Ellie was the Vessel a long time before it was revealed within the pages of the book. As before, the narrative is broken up by diary entries – this time from a passenger on an ark – which run parallel to the main story, drip-feeding little hints of what has happened and what is to come until the two threads impact on one another in the most breath-taking fashion later in the book.

Although you could read this as a stand-alone story, I would recommend readers go back to Orphans and then read this straight afterwards – believe me, if you don’t have both books in your possession you will want to get hold of the original story and continue from one into the other because the impact of all of the plot twists in that first book needs to be savoured to fully set you up for this read.

Somewhat unusually for a book aimed at upper KS2, the text is again accompanied in the most beautiful fashion by the cover art and internal illustrations of Manuel Šumberac. Even on my Kindle Paperwhite, which does not fully do justice to artwork, the exquisite pictures drew me to them, perfectly complementing the text as they did in Book 1 and many readers will again find themselves savouring them, rather than skipping over them as I’m ashamed to admit is so often the case in some books I read.

Rarely has a book created such a buzz on Twitter as this one did last week, with many of my fellow middle-grade loving peers stating how desperate they were to be approved for an early read of this through the wonders of Net Galley. I am certain that, like me, they have not been disappointed by this – it is absolute perfection and I cannot wait to collect my pre-ordered copy from my lovely local independent bookshop to share with my Year 5 class – I already have one of my bubble who has claimed first read of it when it is published on March 4th.

Until then, enormous thanks – as always – go to Net Galley and Puffin Books for allowing me to read this ahead of publication.

Ellie and Seth, orphans (of the tide), are crossing the ocean in search of an island they can call home. Escaping the mysterious City and putting the troubles of the Enemy behind them, as much as they can, they soon find an exotic island in the middle of the sea. However, it soon seems that there is more to the ruling queen than meets the eye as the inhabitants praise the godlike figure. Quickly, Seth and Ellie’s pasts catch up with them and the tropical paradise is not as it seems.

The sequel to the dark and twisting Orphans of the Tide does not disappoint at all. I thought that it would be almost impossible to top the magnificent first book with all unexpected moments and rich story, but Shipwreck Island is a triumph. Wow. Just wow. There’s so little I can say to sum up how I felt finishing this book. Honestly, it left me reeling and I loved every moment of the wild ride.

The level of description and detail in the highly involved plot throughout Shipwreck Island is just completely compelling and beautiful. I love the double layered histories and the lore of the gods and vessels. The addition of the diary entry (as in the first novel) adds layer upon layer of detail to what is already a complex, but intriguing plot.

Seth and Ellie continue to grow and develop and their loveable family dynamic brings added emotional depth and drives the story forwards. I particularly enjoyed the addition of Molworth, a 12 year old pub landlord (of all things!), who brought a much needed comedic element to what is otherwise a dark and twisting tale – no bad thing! I don’t want to add too many spoilers here, but I enjoyed every new character who were all completely fleshed out and developed.

Shipwreck Island was a much anticipated read for me and many others and I know that this fabulous book will be enjoyed by any who read it. Struan Murray can sure tell a story! All I wish now is that I taught an UKS2 class, so I can read Orphans of the Tide and this sequel to them – one day I hope!

An absolute must read that deserves every one of the 5 out of 5 stars I am giving.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Children’s UK for providing an e-book review copy.

OH MY GOOD GOD! If you thought Orphan's of the Tide was good, then you are in for REAL treat with the next installment! For Year 5/6+ and with similar strengths as the first book, the character exploration and development are excellent here, along with the air of menace permeating everything. There are certainly moments of sweetness, light, and humour, but there are also moments of darkness that were certainly creepy and slightly scary. There are characters to love and to hate and the plot whistles by with twists, turns and reveals aplenty. An outstanding 2nd book in the series and I. CAN. NOT. WAIT. for Book number 3!

Friendship, dark secrets and malevolent forces, Struan Murray has delivered another fast-paced and thrilling adventure that will have you gripped from from cover to cover.

Orphans of the Tide was without a doubt, one of my standout favourite books of 2020 and this phenomenal sequel did not disappoint - I'd even go as far as to say I enjoyed it more than the first book! Shipwreck Island had me entranced and enthralled from the very first page -it was absolutely unputdownable!

Not a second is wasted - we are transported straight back into the action and reunited with Ellie and Seth, floating on a make-shift raft in the middle of the ocean. They have escaped the City and after months at sea, wash up on Shipwreck Island.

From the moment we arrive on the island we are absolutely immersed in Murray's stunning world building and vivid setting descriptions. The tropical land is awash with colour, with an almost carnival atmosphere in places - a stark contrast to that of the City. The island is ruled by a beloved Queen, also a Vessel, revered by her loyal subjects. Ellie is determined to get close to the queen when she learns that the Enemy fears the god that lives inside her.

Ellie and Seth take up lodgings at the Vile Oak Public House and it's here in the rowdy bar and the nearby docks that we are introduced to a cast of new characters. Viola, the daughter of a fisherman is a feisty, fearless character and extremely handy with a sword. 12 year old Molworth, the grumpy and brutally honest landlord of the pub is an ingenious and often hilarious addition to the story and I'm sure will be a firm favourite for many readers.

New friends nonetheless, Ellie and Seth can't allow themselves to feel too at home as there are dark forces at work. A treacherous villain is out to take the queen's powers and claim the island and Ellie is sure she keeps catching glimpses of a dark figure - is it possible that she and Seth were followed when they left the city? The Enemy it seems is everywhere and Ellie wrestles with her own inner darkness - has she got the strength of mind to defeat it?

Once again, diary chapters bind the past and the present and weave in characters from long ago, from a time when the drowning happened, offering greater insight into Seth's past.

With twists, treachery and moral tests at every turn of the page, and a final few chapters to set hearts racing, Shipwreck Island is unmissable - it's going to be an agonising wait for book 3!

With thanks to NetGalley and Puffin books - I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication.

In March 2020, I read Orphans of the Tide and was blown away by the intensity of the story and power of the symbolism.

Shipwreck Island is the brilliant sequel to Orphans of the Tide – the second in the trilogy. Readers are reunited with Ellie and Seth as they travel on a raft across the sea. Finally, they spot an island and hope for a better future.

On the island, they must come to grips with power, politics, religion and truth. The islanders worship their Queen who holds incredible power and the ability to rejuvenate the land. Ellie longs to meet the Queen and discover the secrets hidden within the palace walls. Questions of good and evil line the pages. Those in power have so much responsibility.

As with Orphans of the Tide, there is a fascinating dual point of view: the story of Ellie and Seth alongside Leila’s Diary. Leila lived hundreds of years ago during the Drowning. The links between Seth and Leila’s experiences pull the reader in and take the story to new depths.

Shipwreck Island is full of wonderful characters and a real comradery. Viola brings spark, strength and wit – she is so refreshing and challenges the other characters. Molworth is an honest, funny, somewhat grumpy boy who speaks the truth. They act as mirrors for the main characters and provide the insight they need to survive on the island.

As with the first book, this story is full of symbolism. The significance of the religious imagery builds a world of belief, scepticism and power. The image of the Enemy is reminiscent of issues of depression, loneliness and need. It also causes the reader to think about the things we do to give the “enemy” power in our lives. Themes of guilt, acceptance and forgiveness are strong and make this story so meaningful.

In the end, readers are left wanting more. Hopefully, the third instalment isn’t too far away!

Thank you to Puffin Books for this fantastic story!

It feels like my heart is in my mouth after that ending! Don’t worry - there’ll be no spoilers from me but safe to say, this book ends in such a way that you’ll certainly be left craving book 3!

After the dramatic events of the first Orphans of the Tide, Ellie and Seth find themselves on the mysterious Shipwreck Island. At first glance, it appears the location is the perfect place for the pair to hide from the Inquisitors as they plan what to do next; as you’ve probably guessed, mysteries, deceptions and the Enemy continue to stalk them.

The first book was one of my favourite reads of 2020 but I finished this one within a day - it is absolutely gripping. I thought this was even better. This may be because I already knew the characters and the mythology of this world but I loved how book 2 expands on this. Struan is a fantastic author who completely absorbs you in his world and I just want more. I can’t wait for my pre-order copy to arrive next month as I’ll be reading it again.

Overall, an exceptional book which leaves the reader craving more. There’s some fascinating new characters in this book but I loved Molworth. He provided much needed humour to the more dramatic parts.

Meeting the exceedingly high expectations created with the first in the series, Orphans of the Tide, must have been quite the task, but the genius that is Struan Murray has done just that with Shipwreck Island.

Ellie and Seth have escaped the City and find themselves on Shipwreck Island, ruled over by a beloved Queen, a Vessel herself. With a new cast of quirky characters, including Molworth the 12-year-old innkeeper and Viola, a fisherman's daughter, Ellie and Seth must help Kate feed the hungry people of the island.

Twists and turns abound in this glorious sequel, full of heart and emotion as well as some of Ellie's marvelous inventions. Struan Murray has done it again, and fans of the first will not be disappointed.