The Thief Who Sang Storms

As with Sophie Anderson's other stories, this fantasy is a modern, relatable twist on a traditional Russian folktale - this time based on a poem called Nightingale the Robber about a mysterious man with bird-like features and a powerful, dangerous whistle. In The Thief Who Sang Storms, the magic is centred on a thirteen-year-old girl who attempts to bring together two opposing sides of her island while also trying to save her persecuted father.

Readers of the author's previous books will enjoy spotting a familiar old friend. There's always a myriad of new details too to delight readers in Sophie Anderson's fantasy worlds. It's easy to melt away into this story's world of shipwrecks, floating islands, fortresses, swamp homes and magical bird-people. Underneath the fantasy sit a number of highly relatable themes - divided societies, grief, prejudice and the power of finding hope in dark times. It's a mesmerising story that has many layers to unpack.

We also see a protagonist who is frustrated at not yet having received the 'singing magic' that she feels will empower her to make a difference. For a middle-grade readership on the threshold of puberty, the feeling of waiting to be big enough to make an impact is likely to be a familiar one - but the author has a message of encouragement for her readers through Linnet's story. We may get frustrated when we lack agency to change the world around us, but often it's the power of the smallest decisions and actions that lead to the biggest impact when we follow our hearts, seek to bridge divisions and pursue what is right.

Thank you to the publisher for sending us an early review copy. Our review features on our Spring 2022 Ones to Watch list: https://www.booksfortopics.com/post/ones-to-watch-new-children-s-fiction-for-spring-2022.

Another beautiful book from Sophie Anderson. Her descriptions flow from the page into your imagination immersing you in the character's lives on Morovia from the start. The conflict and challenges between the alkonosts and humans faced by the lead character, Linnet, are palpable so that you are willing her forward and giving her strength to succeed with her plans. The clever cross over with a previous book by Sophie Anderson adds to Linnet's story and would intrigue you to read that after if you haven't done so already.

Based on an intriguing Russian folk poem, Nightingale the Robber, telling of a mysterious man with bird-like features and a powerful, dangerous whistle, The Thief Who Sang Storms, is a captivating story of grief, finding hope in even the darkest of places, and the importance of unity in diversity. Readers will be completely mesmerised by the emotion of the story and carried on wings of magic.

Thirteen-year-old Linnet is an alkonost – a part of a community of bird people who have feathers instead of hair and sing magical songs that can change the world. At one time, her people lived in harmony with humans on the island of Morovia. Three years earlier, a terrible tidal wave caused a shipwreck, killing the queens of Morovia and Linnet’s mother. The Crown Heir Vasha was too young to rule so Captain Ilya of the royal guards took control and created a land of fear, division and sadness. Linnet and her father, Nightingale, were forced from their home into a life of exile.

Linnet wants nothing more than to restore the island to the wonderful place it used to be. The only trouble is her magic hasn’t arrived yet. She dreams of singing a song that will show everyone the error of their ways and bring her friends and family back together. Her desperation and hope take the reader on a heart-stopping adventure where everything is at risk.

This story is full of meaning. Linnet learns that no matter what happens, we always carry those we love in our hearts – even if we are separated, they are always there.

Thank you to Usborne for this beautiful book!