- Chapter Books
- Ages 8–12
- Fantasy
Artezans: The Whispering World
Book 2 in ArtezansView the full series
The twins and their dads travel to Norway hunting a Master Artezan, only to be shipwrecked on a hidden island where welcoming islanders, unsettling Whispers, and a secretive new friend all hide dangerous truths.
- Best for8–12
- FormatChapter
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The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Literary
- Conversational
Tone
- Adventurous
- Suspenseful
- Exciting
- Whimsical
Themes
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
With their first year at Highland Royal Academy behind them, twins Elodie and Ed, their two dads, and their cat Mr Biscuits set off for Norway, hoping to track down one of the last remaining Master Artezans who can help with their secret mission to restore the world's fading magic. But after an epic clash with the Sandman, the family are shipwrecked on a mysterious storm-wracked island, one that appears on no map and stays hidden from anyone who isn't an Artezan. Ed can still shape dreams, while Elodie's power to hear the thoughts of every living thing leaves her bombarded by chatter, and, far worse, by the sinister Whispers that haunt the island. The islanders seem welcoming, and a troubled new friend named Laurie clearly knows more than they'll say, but as the family settle in among the whispers and half-truths, the danger closes around them before they realise, and they'll have to fight to survive it. The middle book of L.D. Lapinski's trilogy deepens the mystery, tightens the tension and raises the emotional stakes, an atmospheric, twist-laden fantasy for readers gripped by book one.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
A fantasy chapter book for confident 8-12s and read-aloud from around 7, best read after book one as a continuing trilogy. Its eerie island, unsettling Whispers and rising peril suit readers who enjoy atmosphere and tension over the very gentlest stories.
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- Best fit · 8–12
- Read aloud · 7–10
- Independent · 8–12
Prose load
Moderate
Visual support
Low
Reluctant-reader friendly
Workable
Read-aloud quality
Strong
Works well for
- Reading aloud
Preview before sharing if a child is sensitive to: scary imagery.
Bedtime suitability
2 / 5 · Better outside bedtime
Sensitive-child
3 / 5 · Mostly fine
Graphic intensity
2 / 5 · Mild
Best for
- Fantasy lovers
- Magical families
- Atmospheric adventure
- Twins
Avoid if
- Wants light read
- Wants standalone story
Particularly good for children who are…
- Lgbtq parent family
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
A secret island that doesn't appear on any map, creepy Whispers only Elodie can hear, and a mysterious new friend keeping big secrets, it's tense and twisty in the best way. You can feel the danger building even when the islanders seem friendly.
- Magic powers
- Secret world
- Surviving danger
- Going on a quest
Why parents love it
The tension and mystery deepen without losing the warmth of the family at the story's centre. Lapinski's writing is sharp and immersive, the island setting is wonderfully eerie, and it's a rewarding read for a child who wants a fantasy with genuine stakes.
- Great writing
- Conversation starter
In the series
Artezans.
3 books · open the series →
About the author
L.D. Lapinski.
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