City of Islands

In the City of Islands, twelve-year-old orphan Mara works as a diver searching for magical artifacts beneath the waves. After being adopted by a bone witch who later vanishes, she finds employment with the Lady of the Tides and uses her diving skills to support herself. The story takes place in a diverse seaport where magic flows through bones and song, and ancient secrets lie buried in the depths. When Mara discovers mysterious chimera bones during one of her dives, she becomes entangled in a plot that threatens her entire world. The novel explores themes of survival, power, and the responsibilities adults have toward children in society. Through Mara's experiences, the story examines how young people navigate systems built by adults, while questioning who truly benefits from the established order.

Readers frequently note this middle-grade fantasy's unique ocean setting and intricate world-building. Many highlight Wallace's descriptive writing and the inclusion of music-based magic. Positive comments focus on: - Rich descriptions of life on the islands - Complex main character dealing with ethical choices - Integration of marine elements and diving scenes - Representation of found family relationships Common criticisms include: - Slow pacing in the first third - Some confusion about the magic system rules - Supporting characters need more development - Resolution feels rushed Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (80+ reviews) BookBrowse: 4/5 Notable reader comments: "The underwater scenes make you feel like you're diving alongside Mara" - Goodreads reviewer "Takes too long to get to the main conflict" - Amazon reviewer "Perfect for fans of darker middle grade who don't mind moral ambiguity" - School Library Journal reviewer

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🌊 Ancient mariners often kept bones on their ships as good luck charms, similar to how Mara's world values magical bones – though they preferred albatross bones rather than human remains. 🏛️ Kali Wallace holds a PhD in Geophysics and worked as a research scientist before becoming a full-time writer, bringing scientific precision to her world-building. 🗺️ The architecture and culture of the City of Islands draws inspiration from historical maritime trading hubs like Venice, Constantinople, and the Hanseatic League cities. 🐠 Professional pearl divers in Japan and other cultures have traditionally been women, much like the diving traditions portrayed in the book, with some able to hold their breath for up to two minutes. ⚔️ The bone witch character archetype has roots in various folklores, particularly in Slavic mythology where the Baba Yaga lives in a hut surrounded by a fence made of human bones.