Shipwreck Island

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Pub Date 4 Mar 2021 | Archive Date 23 Jun 2021

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Description

The breathtaking adventure continues in the sequel to the much-loved Orphans of the Tide.

Orphans Ellie and Seth have crossed an endless ocean in search of freedom and peace.

Arriving on the shores of a colourful tropical island ruled by a mysterious queen, it seems they might just have found the perfect new home.

But there is trouble brewing in paradise and soon Ellie and Seth find themselves caught up in a dangerous struggle for power - and forced to confront terrible truths from their past . . .


Praise for Orphans of the Tide:

'Unputdownable' - Times

'Enthralling' - Daily Express

'Sumptuously atmospheric . . . tirelessly inventive' - Daily Telegraph

'Singularly brilliant' - Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Girl of Ink and Stars

The breathtaking adventure continues in the sequel to the much-loved Orphans of the Tide.

Orphans Ellie and Seth have crossed an endless ocean in search of freedom and peace.

Arriving on the...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9780241384459
PRICE £7.99 (GBP)
PAGES 320

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)

Average rating from 57 members


Featured Reviews

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.

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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!

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My level of anticipation for this book could not have been higher. The first in the series, Orphans of the Tide (2020) was quickly elevated to 'instant classic' status on a tidal wave of acclaim from teachers; many, myself included, held it up as 'the book of the year'. From the half-way point of Orphans, as Ellie and Seth explored the tunnels below The City, it became clear that there were seeds being planted: not just for a fantastic story, but for the next great series. 

So while I approached Shipwreck Island with a dominant feeling of excitement, there was also an undercurrent of wariness: could Struan follow up a book that had set such a staggeringly high bar? Could he offer fresh ideas while maintaining the elements that had made Orphans so special in the first place? 
I'm delighted to report that the answer to the above questions is an abundant YES. Within three chapters, the notion of the series experiencing a sophomore slump had become quite laughable - I was gripped and would remain that way for the chapters that followed... all of which were devoured over the course of a weekend. 

One of the most compelling things about Orphans of the Tide (at least for me) was the ambition and complexity of the mythology of the society that had been built after the drowning. Shipwreck Island adds new layers to this mythology, exploring life in a new, tropical setting where the inhabitants worship the idea of a god among them, rather than fear it. Like The City in book one, Struan has been able to craft a convincing and complex society on Shipwreck Island, vividly described with details that make it come to life. Ellie and Seth have to find their place in this new society while keeping distance between themselves and the threats (both new and familiar) to their new sense of hope. Much like Orphans, this sinister undertone lurks just beneath the surface of the story, along with the familiar question - who can be trusted? 

Another of the many dimensions that made Orphans such a rich and gripping story was the emotional depth of its characters. In the sequel, Struan has grabbed the opportunity to add to this with both hands, exploring Seth and Ellie's strengths, vulnerabilities and relationships in ways that give the story real 'heart'. Without giving too much away, I'll also add that the new characters in the story are given a depth to their personalities that make them perfect foils for the established characters, while giving them their own conflicts to grapple with.

Much like Orphans, Shipwreck island plants plenty of 'seeds' for how the drama and the lore of the world will develop more in book three. The intrigue builds gradually through the story, reaching a crescendo in a finale that is shocking, cinematic and will leave you hungry for book three.

Shipwreck Island is a hugely impressive feat of imagination, a worthy successor to Orphans of the Tide and an enthralling read.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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