From young rising star Jessica Miller comes this richly imagined fantasy adventure, an unmissable addition to the genre for readers of Jessica Townsend, Karen Foxlee and Philip Pullman.
Jessica Miller is a children’s 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.
‘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 couldn’t have
enjoyed reading this more, it’s 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 Howl’s Moving Castle, alongside allusions to Russian
mythology, give it a familiar feel without masking its original
elements. Olga’s 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 Children’s 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 theme—“If you feel you
don’t fit somewhere, change it until it fits you”—is 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*
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