I think this was a case of "this wasn't for me" rather than "wasn't good". I thought having such an inquisitive, intelligent female protagonist with a keen interest in science and having such a fun adventure is great. I can just imagine young girls reading this and feeling inspired!

This is an enjoyable story and the writing was good. I really wanted to find out more about Nico's dreams (trying to avoid spoilers here!) and I love the science incorporated into the story. My only issue is that everything happens a bit too easily, all obstacles are overcome almost effortlessly.
(Would have given 3.5 stars if allowed)

Nico Cloud feels unloved and unappreciated in her staid Victorian household: her interest in nature and science is frowned upon and she is expected to wait on her two younger brothers. Running away after a particularly fractious dispute, she runs after a kitten and follows it onto a ship despite knowing that it is illegal for a woman to be on board. She becomes an accidental stowaway, and when discovered, is supposed to stay only until she can be offloaded at the next port. The scientist on the ship however, is her aunt, in disguise as a man so she can follow her own scientific enquiries which would otherwise be impossible, and after proving herself useful, Nico is allowed to stay when the ship sets off to Sicily in search of an important, legendary tree.
A tale of injustice, adventure and enlightenment through science, this is an entertaining novel that celebrates friendship, teamwork and tolerance. It presents a vivid picture of how female aspirations were thwarted in past times and the courage and resilience of those who dared to follow their own path.

The Ship of Cloud and Stars is an intriguing and unpredictable adventure story, filled with action and excitement.

When Nico accidentally stows away on board a ship, she finds herself caught up in a world of science, legends and misogyny.
She is a wonderful protagonist and an inspiration to young female readers: this girl fights for what is right and proves her doubters wrong!

A great book for readers aged 9 upwards.

The Ship of Cloud and Stars is an inspiring adventure with a nod to the female scientists of old. With an ambitious and inquisitive female protagonist, a brilliant scientist aunt who disguises herself as a man to have a presence in the scientific world and an adventure on the high seas in search of fossils, this is a great STEM read that touches on the reality of women's history in the sciences.
Brave and determined Nico Cloud accidentally finds herself on an adventure she'd always dreamed of and makes some firm friends along the way. It's a pleasant read and there's lots to inspire, although I didn't find it quite as satisfying as other MG stories - perhaps one for lower middle grade, or a nice easy read for older MG.

This is a good children's adventure book. There is a strong female lead ,which is always good for the girls in our family, who like to think of themselves as scientific adventurers. Would have bought it has it not been given as an advance readers book.

Beautiful. I was totally captivated and enchanted by this tale. What a great plot 🥰 Cannot wait to read more by this author. Will definitely be recommending to teachers (and children obviously!!! ) and everyone. Well done - amazing!

The cover of this book is eerily similar to The Ship of Shadows, which I loved so I was hoping to get similar vibes. That's on me, since this book isn't really about pirates, sad times. It just didn't draw me into the story.

I did like the characters and their little found family on board the ship and especially the focus on strong female characters in a male dominated society. Nico's aunt has to dress as a man in order to even board a ship, let along carry out her important research. Her brother - Nico's dad - is very angry at her apparent gallivanting around instead of staying home with her husband and creating a family. It is very interesting looking at Nico's dad versus the crew on board the ship's reactions to Nico, obviously a girl, being on board the ship.

To be honest, it was a nice read but I didn't love it. That being said, it would be perfect for a kid (or adult) who loves science and discoveries and how historical fossils and other preserved matter can affect or help us in modern times.

The Ship of Cloud and Stars by Amy Raphael is the first book I have read by this author, and the first children's book I have requested through NetGalley.
This book was an amazing, enjoyable read! A fast-paced high sea adventure that had me hooked right from the start.
Thank you to Hachette Children's Books and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

This is the second book by Amy Raphael that I have read. I requested it after I absolutely loved The Forest of Moon and Sword and I was not disappointed! Nico Cloud ends up on an accidental adventure across the seas in story that is well-paced and holds a mix of serious matter and comedic moments. I liked how Ruth Hamilton pretending to be a male scientist was portrayed too.

It’s April 1832 and Nico has had enough of being told she can’t do anything because she’s a girl. Her love of science and reading aren’t appreciated by her parents who think she just doesn’t understand her place in the world and has no right to an opinion.

Nico’s parents also think it’s ridiculous that her Aunt Ruth pretends to be a man and travels the world as a scientist. Is Aunt Ruth a terrible influence on Nico or actually an incredible role model?

When Nico sneaks on board a ship and becomes an accidental stow-away, she is thrown into the adventure of a lifetime. There is no doubt that girls are just as clever as boys, that girls are valuable and that girls are strong. Suddenly, Nico’s knowledge of seeds and science are appreciated and necessary if the crew are going to stop some pirates and make a real difference to the world.

I can’t wait to share this empowering story with my daughter. She is a firm believer in the power of girls and is sure to be inspired by Nico and her determination to follow her dreams.

Thank you to Hachette Children’s for this fantastic book!

The 'Ship of Cloud and Stars' follows an unhappy young woman as she seeks to escape a home life of restriction in favour of one of exploration. Nico - the main character - is kept at home, to teach her younger brothers, prevented from enjoying a full education and from pursuing her interests. When she tries to explore them further, she is shut down and has her prized possessions taken away. So, she decides to run away. Her aunt - a famous scientist (forced to work disguised as a man) - is in town while her ship is moored in the harbour. In her escape, Nico hopes to see her aunt briefly before returning home, only to fall asleep on the ship and awake miles out to sea. From there, Nico is enveloped in a quest to find fossils and caught up in a chase by a pair of mercenaries.

While I found the story engaging and it was an enjoyable read, I thought that the story line attached to the mercenaries (the King's) could have been developed a lot further. At points, it felt a little rushed and as though it had been wrapped up a little quickly. I think the idea behind the book is very interesting and the focus on the female scientists forced to act under pseudonyms/their husband's identities is one that could be explored further. I was just a little disappointed by how quickly it felt the story ended.

I requested this as I love a good pirate book and this gave me pirate-y vibes. And I was not disappointed. This book is about a girl called Nico who wants to go on adventures. But adventures are not for girls, according to her parents. But one day she finds herself in the midst of a real life adventure by accident. She ends up stowed away on a boat looking for amazing scientific discoveries. On their way they meet lots of unsavoury-types, including pirates, and it becomes quite the adventure for Nico.
I liked Nico as a character and thought she was rather feisty and well portrayed. My class loved Ship of Shadows and I think they will enjoy this one just as much too as it has similar vibes.
Thank you for the eArc, netgalley.