The Republic Of Birds

(Paperback)

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Description

A land of forbidden magic. A book of ancient maps. And a story of courage and sisterly love.

Magic is banned in Stolitsa. Any girl showing signs of being magical is whisked away to Bleak Steppeto a life, so the stories go, of unspeakable horror.

So when strange things begin to happen to Olga, she knows she has a dangerous secret, one she must guard with great care.

But then the birds take the thing most precious to her, and Olga knows she must summon all her courage to go into the Republic of Birds to get it back.

Its an impossible taskunless she can find a way to unlock her hidden magic.

Reviews

I loved this spicy fantasy with its unusual Russian influences and its clever, cartographer heroine. * Isobelle Carmody *
'This book has so many things I love: maps, strange magic, living folklore, talking animals, history books, impossible challenges and a redoubtable heroine who mistakenly regards herself as untalented and unlovely, when she is quite the opposite. I couldnt have enjoyed reading this more, its an absolute joy. Make a note for March next year: read The Republic of Birds. * Leanne Hall *
'Oh my goodness, I would have gobbled this up as a kid. The story is just brilliant...I was completely in love from start to finish. What a feast! The world and its moving magical parts was simply wonderful. I loved everything. EVERYTHING. * Karen Foxlee *
I loved this strange, magical and captivating story. * Carly Nugent *
A truly spellbinding tale...This latest offering from a magnificently talented author is sure to delight any reader who loves getting lost in magical landscapes full of wonder, adventure and enchantment. * CBCA Reading Time *
'This atmospheric middle grade fantasy contains many of my favourite things: folk tales, sentient animals, maps, unmastered magical powers, challenging family members and a slightly surly child heroine. * Leanne Hall *
This middle-grade fantasy ultimately grips readers with its evocative world building, memorable cast of magic-wielders and mysterious creatures, and well-paced episodic adventure. Hints of Labyrinth and Howls Moving Castle, alongside allusions to Russian mythology, give it a familiar feel without masking its original elements. Olgas frustration with herself and the limits of her society, jealousy of her sister, and determination to save her combine to make a relatable heroine, and readers will be pleased to see her discover her confidence. * Bulletin of the Centre for Childrens Books, starred review *
'The Republic of Birds shows the universal loss of beauty and magic when power is mishandled. And she does this through an unassuming heroine who spectacularly charts her own path. * Booklist, starred review *
'Miller crafts a Russian folklore-infused tale, augmented by excerpts from mythical history books...The themeIf you feel you dont fit somewhere, change it until it fits youis movingly portrayed. * Publishers Weekly *
Slavic folklore is woven throughout this inventive and wholly engrossing fantasy, giving it a rich history of magic and lore from which to draw. As Olga learns to embrace her hidden yaga talents, she also grows to celebrate what makes her unique. A story of intense bravery with a stalwart heroine. * The Horn Book Magazine *

Author Bio

Jessica Miller is a childrens writer and PhD student from Brisbane, currently living in Germany. She has written for a variety of publications including Kill Your Darlings and Stilts. Her first novel, Elizabeth and Zenobia, was shortlisted for the Text Prize, the Readings Prize and was a CBCA Notable Book.