The Republic of Birds

‘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 *

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.

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