The Enchanted Island

"The Enchanted Island" by Fannie Louise Apjohn is an early 20th-century fantasy adventure that transports readers to a magical cluster of islands in the South Pacific. The story mainly happens on the Island of Sunne, where young Prince Daimur's life changes when he meets an old man who is really a fairy in disguise. The fairy gives him magical items to help him fight a nasty magician who is threatening not only his own kingdom but all the islands. The book starts by describing five unique kingdoms, each on its own island, plus the spooky Island of Despair, said to be haunted. We meet Prince Daimur, who is a kind young man, as he helps the old man, and then learns about the danger caused by the Evil Man of Despair, a magician who brings bad luck to the islands. After giving Daimur special gifts, the old man dies from poison, leaving Daimur with even more problems, like his uncle trying to take over his throne and the even bigger danger of the evil magician from the Island of Despair. The first part of the book sets up an exciting tale full of magic, danger, and the classic battle between good and evil.