On the mysterious and volatile Gullstruck Island, where the very land is believed to possess a temper, ancient legends dictate appeasing the sentient mountain ranges and volcanoes to ensure protection. Amidst this superstition lives Hathin, a quiet and almost invisible girl whose life is upended when she must flee for her safety. Her older sister, Arilou, is a 'Lost'—individuals revered for their extraordinary ability to project their senses across vast distances. Arilou is said to be able to taste a meal across the island, hear whispers in secluded rooms, and read messages from miles away, all while remaining in her beachside hut. However, the authenticity of her powers is questioned by many. The island is plunged into chaos when, abruptly and inexplicably, all known Lost individuals perish, leaving Arilou as the sole survivor. This catastrophic event catapults Hathin and Arilou into a dangerous, intricate conspiracy that forces them to confront the most sinister and awe-inspiring secrets hidden within the island's depths and dizzying heights, challenging everything they thought they knew about their world and each other.
Critical Reception
"Frances Hardinge's 'Gullstruck Island' (also known as 'A Face Like Glass') is celebrated for its intricate world-building, lyrical prose, and profound exploration of identity and perception, cementing its place as a standout work in contemporary fantasy literature."