| Title | : | The Quest to the Uncharted Lands (World of Solace, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 352 |
| Publication | : | First published June 13, 2017 |
Stella Glass dreams of exploring worlds beyond her home of Solace, but when her famous parents are sent on a historic mission to the Uncharted Lands, it's simply too dangerous for her to join them. By order of the king, she is left behind.
Missing out on the excitement is one thing, but Stella is devastated at the thought of her parents flying into the unknown. So she takes matters into her own hands. Instead of staying with family as planned, she steals away and — right before takeoff — sneaks aboard the airship.
But Stella isn't the only stowaway. In the cargo bay is a boy who is also desperate to get to the Uncharted Lands. And someone else who's determined to keep the ship from making it there at all...
The Quest to the Uncharted Lands (World of Solace, #3) Reviews
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The third book in the World of Solace series. The Iron War is over and the two countries launch an expedition to cross the mountains into an unexplored land, with a crew culled from the best of each. Stella Glass is a stowaway on the airship “Iron Glory” to be with her parents and finds herself thrown together with a boy named Cyrus, with strange powers and gadgets, of about her own age, who is trying to get back home, after being abandoned during a trip to Solace. After some danger trying to save the ship from a saboteur, they become fast friends. I like this middle school series very much because of her characters (different in each novel), and her steampunk world-building.
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There is nothing better than a fun, fast paced, and well written middle grade fantasy book, and Jaleigh Johnson delivered everything I was hoping for with The Quest to the Uncharted Lands. The world-building was engaging, the characters were fun and unique, and the action never stopped. I loved each of the characters and found myself relating to each of them on some level.
The reader joined the crew on their way to the Uncharted Lands and we found two young and innocent stowaways as well as one that was not so innocent. The story followed Stella and her new friend as they attempted to protect the air ship as well as everyone aboard. I absolutely loved this novel and I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and how a majority of the story was aboard the air ship. So much action took place in such a short period of time in a small setting, but Jaleigh Johnson took full advantage of the setting and really made the ship come alive for the reader!
I am a HUGE fan of Jaleigh Johnson and I highly recommend all three books in The World of Solace Series, but The Quest to the Uncharted Lands was by far my favorite. Readers of all ages will enjoy the action packed pages inside The Quest to the Uncharted Lands, so go out and grab your copy today! And be sure to enter the giveaway hosted by Rockstar Book Tours! -
Stella can't bear to be left behind when her parents join the crew of the first airship sent to explore the Uncharted Lands. So she plans to smuggle away ... only to find that she's not the only stowaway aboard the Iron Glory.
While this story stands alone, as a fan of the World of Solace books, it was fun to spy references to familiar people and places. I do hope there will be more stories! -
Next, please! I hope there’s a next, would be awesome to see all the previous book’s characters hanging out together. 😍
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This book is one of the better books I have read. It has creativity, and a bit of originality. On my ranking of books in this series, this book is only bested by the Secrets of Solace.
I like the recurring element, a kind of insect always plays an important role in the story. This time it was a machine modeled after a beetle that can record messages and deliver them to the user without any specific directions.
In this book, the mystery of the sentient machines is solved. There is a city beyond the uncharted lands to the west, filled with living machines with technology a bit more advanced than our own. Invisibility, sentient ships, all made from the same mysterious material. Maybe we will create a metal like that someday.
Another recurring element, the main characters. Always, it will be a girl who joins with a boy who is more than he seems to be. Now it is an alchemist seeking to get on a ship, and finds a living machine. They join forces to stop another mechanical man who seeks to destroy the airship that contains explorers who seek to gain knowledge about the other side of the mountains.
I like the idea of an alchemist taking an important role in the story. It makes the potential for some deadly chemical concoctions, or a concealing mist to make an escape. There just are not enough alchemists in books anymore.
Altogether, the book was balanced well in action and plot. I would recommend the book to anyone interested in a book with mystery and machines. -
Ahh!
I love every book in the World of Solace series by Jaleigh Johnson, this woman knows how to make you love new characters in each book!
I love piecing together how they're connected, and everything!!
Since I'm attached to the previous characters, I thought I wouldn't like this newest one seeing as it had different characters (though I also thought the same about the book before this one) but I was wrong!!
SO GOOD, but seriously every book in this series is different, unexpected, and makes me fall in love with it just as quickly as the first.
4 stars! -
"You've gotta read this, Mom!" my 8-year-old told me. "It's AWESOME!"
I can see why he loved it. It's got cool flying ships, magic tech, a plucky young heroine who learns to overcome her fears, her new best friend (who has super powers, and a really cool secret), scientist heroes, all kinds of peril and adventure, and of course a cool magic bug. It was hand-crafted for my son. Older readers may not find it quite enthralling, but the target audience I'm sure it will agree: it's AWESOME. -
When the Iron Glory's engines rumbled to life for its journey to the uncharted lands, it marked a new future for the world of Solace.
- First Sentence
This book is a fantastic companion to The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson. It isn't a sequel, it takes place in the same world with different characters.
Stella Glass is the daughter of two scientists who are traveling on the Iron Glory to explore the uncharted lands of Solace. No one has ever explored this far west beyond the mountains. The Dragonfly Territories and Merrow Kingdom have finally reached an uneasy peace. They worked together on this ship and representatives from both countries are onboard.
Stella is not permitted to go, but she has planned for months to stow away because she is terrified her parents won't come back. On the first night, Stella finds out she isn't the only stowaway. No children are allowed on the ship, but she sees a boy outside the engine room with his hands on the wall. His hands begin to glow, and then his eyes. Stella isn't sure who he is or what he is up to, but when he passes out, she drags him to her hiding place in the cargo hold. Someone doesn't want this voyage to succeed, but who and how can they be stopped?
So, in The Mark of the Dragonfly, we met Piper (a girl who connects to machines in an almost magical way), and Gee (a boy who can transform into a dragon). This book continues in the same fantasy steampunk world and the story is in the same heroic adventure vein. Again, I highly recommend it to students in grades 4 -8. It is just as good as the first. -
Favorite quote:
"And finally, this is for my husband, Tim. You know you own my heart. You're my partner—my Gee, my Ozben, my Cyrus. I love you."
Okay I know that was really in the acknowledgments but fight me. That's just so sweet and adorable and can I just say GEE, MY DUDE (((loveyouhabibi))).
This book was too pretty for me; I didn't deserve it. Like, what was up with the Iron Glory being a freaking star? AND SUNSETS. AH.
Anyways, 10/10, loved it. The characters had so much depth and personality and everything really clicked and made sense and it was so beautiful that at times I legitimately wanted to cry.
I feel some serious fanart coming on.
Also, can someone introduce me to the other members of the fandom, or is this one of those series like Jack Blank that has a grand total of like, ten people? SHOW YOURSELVES WE NEED TO FANGIRL ABOUT THIS. -
The war in Solace has ended and its leaders are forging a fragile alliance and partnership, starting with a quest to the mysterious Uncharted Lands. Stella Glass’ healer parents are a part of the mission and will set off on the Iron Glory airship, bound for unknown danger and peril...which is why Stella stows away on the airship, determined to keep her parents safe. Once on board, Stella discovers another stowaway, an unusual boy named Cyrus with even more unusual abilities and secrets. And soon Stella and Cyrus realize that someone aboard is set on making the mission fail and keep everyone far away from the Uncharted Lands. The adventure and wild discoveries Stella has always wanted turn out to be more than she could have ever imagined!
Jaleigh Johnson’s middle-grade World of Solace series is simply superb! Each book in the series- The Mark of the Dragonfly, The Secrets of Solace, and now The Quest to the Uncharted Lands- can be read as standalone novels, but together, the three books make for an immersive, fun, and unforgettable reading experience.
Jaleigh Johnson weaves another pitch-perfect and exciting tale, full of captivating storytelling, wondrous world-building, and engaging characters. A wonderful mix of adventure and mystery fantasy and steampunk, The Quest to the Uncharted Lands is bursting with imagination. Over the course of three books, I’ve come to absolutely love the world of Solace and its fascinating facets to explore, from its formidable mountains, cool airships, meteor showers full of otherworldly objects, and different species and beings. Young readers will fall head first into this mesmerizing and dazzling world and will want to stay a long while! And in The Quest to the Uncharted Lands, readers finally get to explore the world beyond the dangerous mountains, a world that is full of surprises and marvels.
One of the things I love best about this series, are all the likable, well-written young characters, including Stella and Cyrus. Readers will love this resourceful, smart, and quirky pair...I especially loved the genuine and sweet friendship that blossoms between the two.
The Quest to the Uncharted Lands takes both Stella and Cyrus, and readers, on a high-flying adventure, full of thrilling peril, startling revelations, and enough excitement to fill an airship! This book, and series, are perfect for reads to squash any summer boredom! -
I liked this a lot! Like the other books set in this world, it was a whole lot of good fun, and in general, everything was good about it. I honestly think this... "series?" (the World of Solace) is super underrated, and should get way more attention than it does. It's middle grade, sure, but it's a lot of fun and there are no real annoying parts about it.
I loved how much more developed the world gets in this installment. The Uncharted Lands are pretty much the one thing we haven't developed yet in this world, mostly because we haven't gone there yet, and we learn plenty about it here. The focus on machinery is super cool, and I like a lot of the new gadgets we see. In general, this entire world is so well developed and intriguing. It's a great steampunk setting, especially in middle grade where it's seen so rarely.
And our main characters... wow, I love them too much. Stella and Cyrus are both great characters, similar yet different in their own ways, but both strong in their own right. Both do things for the story, they have their own motivations, and I just love their relationship. I don't know what it is, but I think they have great chemistry (and ow, I think it's hurting my heart). I just love that they both have their own purposes and they can both contribute. I hate when one main character does way more for the story than our other characters, and it's so great to see how they cover for and help each other.
Stella in particular is cool. I think I wish her claustrophobia got used a little bit more, that part of her character was interesting but got abandoned around the middle. Still, she was great! The growth she goes through in this book is fabulous. And can I just say: the relationship she has with her parents is so wholesome, and I love it so much. I love how much they care about each other, I love that family is so emphasized in this book. The parents of our heroes constantly get neglected in a lot of fiction and I'm so happy that they're finally recognized here.
It's just a good book. It moves pretty quickly, there aren't any real slow parts. Our characters are great, and I love how the book discusses fear, unity, and greed. There are a couple really great parts in this book, especially the world and its technological setting. It's a good read. -
Stella lives with her parents in the Dragonfly Territories, and the Iron War with the country to the north, Merrow, is finally at an end. Now the two have joined together to form an exploration party to try to cross the dangerous Hiterian Mountains, which no one from either country has ever crossed. Stella's medical parents are part of the crew of the Iron Star, the airship designed for the trip, and Stella can't live with the thought that they're leaving her behind--what if something happens to them? Using her alchemical prowess to create a distraction, she stows away in the cargo bay. There she finds not only cargo, but another stowaway in the form of a boy, Cyrus, who seems to have many secrets. After a rocky start, they grudgingly agree to trust each other. Cyrus claims that he's the only one who can help the ship through the permanent storms that block the Uncharted Lands from Merrow and the Dragonfly Territories, and after seeing some of his unusual abilities, Stella reluctantly believes him. They have more trouble, though, because someone else aboard the Iron Star is trying to ensure that it never makes it over the mountains. Can Stella and Cyrus find out who it is in time to save everyone?
I loved the last book in this series, and enjoyed this one a whole lot as well, if not quite as much. I think it has a similar problem as Oppel's 'Starclimber,' because when you're aboard a ship, it kind of limits the field of action. You don't have the whole world to explore, which is kind of what I loved about the other two books in the series--that, and the creativity. There's certainly lots of creativity here, and Cyrus is certainly interesting, but I guess I just liked the mystery of all the fallen objects and the intricate tunnels of the Archivists better. I was also slightly disappointed in the Uncharted Lands, though I won't go into details because I don't want to spoil anything. There's a hint there may be another book (I think), as the characters wonder what--or who--could be causing those permanent storms. Let's explore that! But I did like the characters here--Johnson always has strong, sympathetic characters who are not jerks and who understand the value of friendship. That's worth a lot. -
I am such a ginormous fan of Jaleigh Johnson and the World of Solace. This is one of the best middle-grade fantasy series out there right now and The Quest to the Uncharted Lands is by far my favorite of the three. I don't know how Johnson manages it, but each book just gets better and better. I related a lot of this to the fact that while all three books of the World of Solace series belong to the same world, they can each be read as a stand alone. Together, they bring together three distinctly different viewpoints of the vastly interesting Solace.
The Quest to the Uncharted Lands brings us smart, resourceful Stella Glass who stows away of the impressive Iron Glory airship, which is bound for the mysterious Uncharted Lands outside of the countries of Dragonfly and Merrow. The quest of the Iron Glory is dangerous, which is why Stella originally find herself stowing away--to protect her parents who have been chosen by the King for the expedition. Though, once on board, Stella finds that she isn't the only person who snuck on board when she meets Cyrus, an unusual boy who glows with a golden light and is definitely hiding something. While the two have their own personal reasons for wanting to stay hidden, they must work together to protect the entire crew from someone aboard that will stop at nothing to make sure their quest is a failure.
Johnson never fails to write a cast of wonderful characters, including Stella and Cyrus, that are likable and make the reader root for them throughout the story. I love that Johnson portrays female characters like Stella as quick witted, unwaveringly generous and sweet. The friendships that grow from her stories make my cheeks hurt from the smiles they bring to my face.
With its wonderful mix of fantasy world building and steampunk machinery elements, the World of Solace is one I will continue to come back to. I have truly fallen in love with this world. -
This awesome midgrade novel follows Stella, a young alchemist and healer, as she stows away in the cargo hold of a blimp. It’s on a mission to explore the Uncharted Lands, a part of the realm that has never been explored before. Stella’s parents are recruited to go on the mission (they’re both world renowned healers), and Stella is scared for their safety, so she sneaks onto the ship. On her first day hiding in the cargo hold she comes across a mysterious boy with golden eyes putting a protective charm over the engine room. The boy, Cyprus, and Stella become fast friends and must eventually join forces to protect the ship from a mysterious threat.
I really liked this book. Midgrade is my favorite genre so getting to read this book was SO exciting. I binge read this book in one sitting (and it was 320 pages). I really loved two main things about this book- the setting and the friendship.
This novel had a super cool steampunk feel to it. The world was either futuristic or in an alternate universe, and the steampunk aesthetic was so fun to read. One of my favorite things about books is how they can transport you to a different world, and this world was one I wanted to live in forever. It also had really interesting races of people, such as human-lizard shapeshifters. The diversity of races and groups in this book was really well done.
However, my absolute favorite part in the book was the friendship between Stella and Cyrus. Despite the futuristic setting, their friendship had a great old-fashioned adventure friends feel to it. The bonding they do down in the hold of the ship made me so happy, and I want a whole other book just of them being friends.
When I got to the end of this book I was so sad, because I just wanted it to start all over again. I HIGHLY suggest that you go out and get this book (in bookstores now) and the other books in the series!
As always, thanks for reading my review. Until next time, happy reading :) -
A decent third entry into Johnson’s excellent Solace series, but this book was never quite as attention-grabbing as its two predecessors.
Johnson is doing a very interesting thing by setting essentially standalone middle grade fantasies all in the same world, but in far corners of it with almost no connection to each other. In this case, it’s an airship exploring uncharted lands, with a few stowaways on board having both good and nefarious ulterior motives.
On the whole, I felt everything was a bit too easy. I get that it’s middle grade, but everyone seems to like the protagonist and believe her with almost no reservations. “Cyrus is in trouble!” “Okay, let me drop everything, write to the queen, and put all my resources at your disposal!” The bad guy makes ultimatums, but then – yoink! – all is resolved without issue.
There’s also some threads that seem to be introduced for no good reason. For instance, Stella thinks Cyrus is cute… and nothing ever comes of it. Why even bring it up? Stuff like this doesn’t make for an unpleasant reading experience, but it’s not something that leaves me feeling wholly satisfied.
Ultimately, it’s an enjoyable, if somewhat forgettable, middle grade fantasy that readers can breeze through. -
Johnson, Jaleigh The Quest to the Uncharted Lands (Dragonfly #3), 336 pages. Delacorte (Random), 2017. $17. Content: G.
The first expedition to the Uncharted Lands is ready to take off. Stella’s parents are in that group and she is determined not to be left behind – even if she has to stowaway. That part of the plan was simple, but nothing after that is. Not only is there another stowaway – a boy, Cyrus, who is from the Uncharted Lands, but another stowaway is determined to sabotage the entire expedition. Stella and Cyrus will have to work together is anyone is going to make it home alive.
Johnson was very clever with this series. While all of the books are set in the same universe and each story builds logically on the others, the time gaps between books leave room for new characters in each book, making the story the focus, not the continuing personalities. Just enough action without being battle heavy.
EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017... -
Of all the Solace books, I think this has been my favorite so far. It had a depth to it that the previous books lacked. Not that they were bad in any way, but this one was the pinnacle.
Stella and Cyrus were both excellent characters. She was resourceful, curious, and interesting. I liked her various talents and how willing she was to admit she was wrong. Cyrus was a also interesting, with his powers and abilities. I liked his selfless attitude. The two of them were great friends, with possible romance in the future.
I was drawn into the plot from page one. Even though it was a little different than I expected, it was good. The author put good thought into creating the olarans, especially with their bodies. Their culture was different than the people in Solace, which was great.
But I think my favorite part were all the little themes and thoughts worked in. Like striving towards peace, even though it's hard, or being willing to trust others even if they're not like you. It gave the book a great feel.
A great steampunk/fantasy mix. Four stars from me. -
In this third book taking place in the world of Solace, the Iron War between the Dragonfly Territories and the Kingdom of Merrow is finally over. The people are now working together on the first air ship that will take them to the Uncharted Lands. Stella's parents are both healers who are asked to accompany the party on their mission. Fearing that she may never see them again, Stella (an accomplished alchemist in her right) stows away on board. She is surprised to find Cyrus, another stowaway, with special powers of his own. They form an uneasy friendship until they discover that someone is sabotaging the ship. Their friendship grows stronger as the danger grows greater. Can they find the saboteur before he ends the mission? The lives of everyone on board are in their hands. An exciting adventure! It is not necessary to have read the other two, but it helps. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
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Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
This series is near and dear to my heart. I look forward to every addition due to Johnson's amazing cast of characters, wondrous lands and heartwarming storylines. These books contain my guiltiest of pleasures--fantasy/scifi with a touch of romance (it's not much since these are meant for younger folk (and are about younger folk), but it's enough of a lead to hope for).
Yet it's more than that, there is something about these stories that make them sparkle.
A proper review to come.
I just needed to make a brief comment. It's been a rough half...year...and I have not had time to read these last couple of months, so this was really really nice. I thoroughly enjoy escaping into Johnson's world of Solace, and this has helped me so much. Thank you for another great story! -
It started a tad slow, not sure where the character was in relation to the world, but once the story started rolling it is a fun adventure. It was nice that the main character was intelligent. It didn't take her half the book to figure out there was a saboteur on board- no. She started to suspect when trouble occurred and it she knew an experienced and well taught crew wouldn't have made such a stupid and obvious mistake. It's got a nice mix of action, mystery and adventure. The characters are fun and move forward thought the book and the pacing is just right, keeping the reader engaged but giving enough info that the readers aren't lost. Once past the first chapter or so the description of the world becomes richer and more visual. The character's friendship is believable and their actions not far fetched.
Overall an engaging read. -
Reviewed by Miriam Wagner for San Diego Book Review
Stella Glass is a stowaway on the airship the “Iron Glory” on its trip to the uncharted lands of Solace. Her parents are on the ship, so Stella came along so she would know what happens to them. The mountains they have to cross are very dangerous and could literally destroy the ship, and Stella doesn't want to be left parentless.
You can read this entire
review and others like it at
San Diego Book Review. -
The Quest to the Uncharted Lands is Book 3 in the World of Solace series. Even those who have not read the previous two books will not have a problem following the story. Stella chooses to stowaway on the Iron Glory airship because she does not wish to be away from her parents for their long expedition. Cyrus’s reason for stowing away upon the ship is to return home to the uncharted lands. The two must work together to save the ship from the Faceless man. He is determined to see the Iron Glory crash before it reaches its destination. This book is highly recommended for children in grades 5-6. (Reviewed by Terra McLain)
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No one from the Dragonfly Territories has ever managed to cross the mountains to see what's on the other side, or lived to tell, at least. When Stella stows away aboard the huge airship setting off across those mountains, she mostly plans to keep an eye on her parents, and have a few adventures. Instead, dangerous adventures begin when they're barely out of port, and Stella learns more about the uncharted lands than the rest of the crew before they even arrive. The world of Solace is an intriguing one, and this opens up a new and stranger side of it. But the best parts of all three books are the friendships that are made, and Stella's friend Cyrus is a treasure.
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I really liked Stella and Cyrus. I marveled at their determination and bravery. That family and friendship matter more than discovery and power was a hopeful view of how life and society can be.
I also can't wait to read the trilogy again so I can discover forgotten details and put the stories together.
On my never ending quest to find ways to promote kindness and sharing over fear and greed, these books could provide a way to examine difference and the need to accept and understand, rather than judge and assume.
