The Secret of Golden Island by Natasha Farrant ~ Blog Tour

The Secret of Golden Island is the most wonderful empathy-fuelled adventure overflowing with determination and hope. Skylar and Yakov are classmates – each with their own story of heartbreak. Their paths have been incredibly different, hardly noticing each other at school, until they are thrown together with a common goal.

Yakov lives with his aunt and uncle but feels incredibly alone. A refugee from a country torn apart by war, he traveled to the UK on his own, leaving his older sister and mum behind. He measures his life in days – how many days since war began, how many days since they were forced to hide in the cellar, how many days since he had to say good-bye.

Skylar has grown up in Broademouth, near the sea. She learned to skipper the Zephyr with her grandpa and navigate the harbour. It was a mostly happy life until the day she’ll never forget. Her grandpa had a stroke and will never be the same. Skylar can’t forgive herself for not being there that day. She’s angry and horrible comments from a nasty girl at school only make things worse.

All her life, Grandpa has told Skylar stories about Golden Island – its magic, its secrets and its incredible beauty. Yakov also realises it’s a special place. He hears the island calling to him – a song on the wind, a magic he can’t ignore. When a competition to win the island is advertised, the pair can’t resist. They have to try.

Yakov and Skylar come together in an unlikely but powerful friendship. Based on truth and their ability to really listen to each other, they model what it means to look out for another person and truly care. They respect each other’s heartache, not trying to solve the problem but quietly understanding and supporting. Through absolute trust, they are able to challenge each other and do things they could never attempt alone. With heart and determination, they believe they can do better than even the most experienced adults who have money, fame and knowledge on their side.

Golden Island provides a breathtaking setting for a classic adventure. The power of the waves, sheer cliff faces, dark caves and vibrant greenery draw Skylar and Yakov in, inspiring them to press on through puzzles and peril to strive for the ultimate prize.

Thank you to Faber Children’s for this outstanding book. Don’t miss the rest of the stops on the blog tour!

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