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Rainbow Islands
In the Christian Republic, homosexual people are given two choices—a camp to "fix" them, or exile to the distant islands populated by lesbians and gay men.
Sixteen-year-old Jason chooses exile and expects a hardscrabble life but instead finds a thriving, supportive community. While exploring his identity as a transgender boy he also discovers adventure: kraken attacks, naval battles, a flying island built by asexual people, and a daring escape involving glow-in-the-dark paint. He also has a desperate crush on Sky, a spirited buccaneer girl, but fear keeps him from expressing his feelings.
When Jason and his companions discover the Republicans are planning a war of extermination, they rally the people of the Rainbow Islands to fight back.
Shy, bookish Jason will have to find his inner courage or everything and everyone he loves will be lost forever.
Sixteen-year-old Jason chooses exile and expects a hardscrabble life but instead finds a thriving, supportive community. While exploring his identity as a transgender boy he also discovers adventure: kraken attacks, naval battles, a flying island built by asexual people, and a daring escape involving glow-in-the-dark paint. He also has a desperate crush on Sky, a spirited buccaneer girl, but fear keeps him from expressing his feelings.
When Jason and his companions discover the Republicans are planning a war of extermination, they rally the people of the Rainbow Islands to fight back.
Shy, bookish Jason will have to find his inner courage or everything and everyone he loves will be lost forever.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2017
About the author
Devin Harnois
27 books81 followersDevin Harnois has several published novels and he’d have more if he spent less time on Twitter and playing Dragon Age. Most of his books involve magic, monsters, and hope. They're also getting progressively more queer. He collects skull items and only a strong will prevents his apartment from being overrun by them.
In second grade he wrote his first story, a romance about two mice falling in love. He still has the original draft.
Devin lives in Minneapolis.
In second grade he wrote his first story, a romance about two mice falling in love. He still has the original draft.
Devin lives in Minneapolis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 14, 2019
This was adorable! I'd seen the Tumblr post that inspired it, and given how quickly it was written, I pegged it for a quick read, and it hit every last satisfying bone in the reading. This is definitely a comfort read--it doesn't demand much from the reader, it offers a fun romp, it gives a dreamy sigh of a utopia and all the kinds of interactions we wish for from our elders, it has "aw" moments. It's not a high literary read and that is what makes it so sweet.
March 18, 2023
A delightful YA story, perfect for fans of Our Flag Means Death, craving more high seas adventure with an inclusive, welcoming crew. (But really, perfect for anyone craving a great story with wonderful characters!)
March 24, 2019
This is the literary representation of how it feels to see a rainbow after a rainstorm.
January 15, 2018
An LGBTQ youth of the Christian Republic is banished to the gay islands to live a hard-scrabble life in the wilds with others of their "kind." Except it turns out that the feared Rainbow Islands are a utopia of abundance and new technologies, not to mention acceptance, compassion and love.
Light and enjoyable - like a healthy snack that turns out to be delicious, too.
The origin of this novel is perhaps as interesting as the book itself. An internet troll proposed that homosexuality is unnatural because islands of gays and lesbians would die out due to a zero birth rate. The response to this post was a spontaneous public brainstorming session on the obvious problems with this simplistic proposal (bisexuals could breed, and which island would they go on, anyway?), and the benefits of such a society. The respondents - and ultimately this author Devin Harnois - forged a positive and inclusive utopia of islands and airships, full of love and adventure and people living well outside of the closed-minded society that expelled them.
The style and structure of the book are merely competent. But the pace is brisk, the characters are likable, and the outcome is satisfying. I recommend it.
Light and enjoyable - like a healthy snack that turns out to be delicious, too.
The origin of this novel is perhaps as interesting as the book itself. An internet troll proposed that homosexuality is unnatural because islands of gays and lesbians would die out due to a zero birth rate. The response to this post was a spontaneous public brainstorming session on the obvious problems with this simplistic proposal (bisexuals could breed, and which island would they go on, anyway?), and the benefits of such a society. The respondents - and ultimately this author Devin Harnois - forged a positive and inclusive utopia of islands and airships, full of love and adventure and people living well outside of the closed-minded society that expelled them.
The style and structure of the book are merely competent. But the pace is brisk, the characters are likable, and the outcome is satisfying. I recommend it.
July 1, 2018
It felt strange to have this wonderful accepting community and then set out these “the asexuals live here and are all this-and-this, the bisexuals live here and do such-and-such…” divisions. - Leigh
The writing just fell flat for me. I wasn’t as engaged as I wanted to be, even while reading the action scenes. - Maria
Read our full review here
The writing just fell flat for me. I wasn’t as engaged as I wanted to be, even while reading the action scenes. - Maria
Read our full review here
February 4, 2019
3.5 stars
This book was a fun adventure and a story of revolution which is very easy to relate with in the current political climate.
Read the full review on my blog.
This book was a fun adventure and a story of revolution which is very easy to relate with in the current political climate.
Read the full review on my blog.
November 7, 2018
So comforting to read as a LGBTQ+ person
This book perfectly conveys the feeling of found family and the relief that a LGBTQ+ person feels when they finally find an accepting community where they can express themselves. It accurately depicts the experience of many, many trans people and has such nice diversity! There's many different races, all kinds of identities, and even a disabled character. I highly recommend this book for any person wanting a feel-good experience, no matter what their identities.
This book perfectly conveys the feeling of found family and the relief that a LGBTQ+ person feels when they finally find an accepting community where they can express themselves. It accurately depicts the experience of many, many trans people and has such nice diversity! There's many different races, all kinds of identities, and even a disabled character. I highly recommend this book for any person wanting a feel-good experience, no matter what their identities.
April 25, 2018
Great book
Being raised Pentecostal I see the religious side of this book completely. Being hurt for different reasons I have come to see exactly how freeing the rainbow islands would be and cheered for Jason at every moment. I do wish it was real for everyone ridiculed and banished and mistreated for what ever reason. The best books are ones that you can put yourself in and this one you definitely can even if you are not a rainbow person.
Being raised Pentecostal I see the religious side of this book completely. Being hurt for different reasons I have come to see exactly how freeing the rainbow islands would be and cheered for Jason at every moment. I do wish it was real for everyone ridiculed and banished and mistreated for what ever reason. The best books are ones that you can put yourself in and this one you definitely can even if you are not a rainbow person.
March 13, 2019
There were definitely parts that I didn’t like and the beginning was a little rough around the edges but this was awesome.
Shelved as 'featured'
April 1, 2023
February 4, 2024
Someone said this book feels like a rainbow after a storm, and I wholeheartedly agree.
All throughout the book I just dreaded the end, because I simply just didn't want it to end. It felt like such a warm hug, and makes me feel sad that a place like this doesn't actually exist.
I didn't completely like the war part, but I reckon it wasn't illogical. I just wish it would have gone on a bit longer after the actual end of the book. I think an epilogue or something would have make it feel less abrupt, but that's a tiny critique I'm giving on a book I otherwise absolutely loved.
The story was made even better after learning that it's inspired by a Tumblr post. Bloody love that.
All throughout the book I just dreaded the end, because I simply just didn't want it to end. It felt like such a warm hug, and makes me feel sad that a place like this doesn't actually exist.
I didn't completely like the war part, but I reckon it wasn't illogical. I just wish it would have gone on a bit longer after the actual end of the book. I think an epilogue or something would have make it feel less abrupt, but that's a tiny critique I'm giving on a book I otherwise absolutely loved.
The story was made even better after learning that it's inspired by a Tumblr post. Bloody love that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2018
Quite and easy read. I was hooked right from the first page. At first I didn’t think it was going to hold my attention but what he goes through on the island made up for that. I couldn’t pin point what was going to happen next there were things that happened that I didn’t expect. Overall all great book!
October 26, 2019
One of my favorite books. Very Gay.
July 15, 2020
Look, it's the Tumblr post writ large. It's silly, heavy handed and the climax of the story doesn't get nearly enough time, but if you read that post and thought "geez I want more" this is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2022
Rainbow Islands romp
This is a delightful LGBTQIA+ story that developed from a homophobic tumblr post which the Queer folk of Tumblr just ran with!
What would happen if gay people were exiled off to separate islands, away from the straights?
You would get the Rainbow Islands and the fabulous Rainbow Nations. Initially two islands, one for lesbians and one for gays, they soon discovered that some were Ace (so they created the Sky nation) and some were bi/pan so sailed the sea between the islands. The Rainbow Nation thrives and every so often the Christian Republic send them more exiles.
Through Jason, a man assigned as a woman by the Christian Nation, we see how a person can be exiled from the Christian Republic, put aboard a ship and sent to the Rainbow Nation. Jason's sin? Kissing a woman when the world also saw him as a woman. In the Rainbow Nation he learnt about being Transgender and there are some sensitive discussions around body dysmorphia and adjusting to life as a Trans person.
As others have said, the ending is a bit abrupt and I would have enjoyed learning more about each island and possibly following a story from someone on each island. However, the ending does mimic the original tumblr post so it makes sense to have it end there. I just wanted more of this utopia/dystopia world!
This is a delightful LGBTQIA+ story that developed from a homophobic tumblr post which the Queer folk of Tumblr just ran with!
What would happen if gay people were exiled off to separate islands, away from the straights?
You would get the Rainbow Islands and the fabulous Rainbow Nations. Initially two islands, one for lesbians and one for gays, they soon discovered that some were Ace (so they created the Sky nation) and some were bi/pan so sailed the sea between the islands. The Rainbow Nation thrives and every so often the Christian Republic send them more exiles.
Through Jason, a man assigned as a woman by the Christian Nation, we see how a person can be exiled from the Christian Republic, put aboard a ship and sent to the Rainbow Nation. Jason's sin? Kissing a woman when the world also saw him as a woman. In the Rainbow Nation he learnt about being Transgender and there are some sensitive discussions around body dysmorphia and adjusting to life as a Trans person.
As others have said, the ending is a bit abrupt and I would have enjoyed learning more about each island and possibly following a story from someone on each island. However, the ending does mimic the original tumblr post so it makes sense to have it end there. I just wanted more of this utopia/dystopia world!
February 7, 2023
Rainbow Islands is one of those books that I can tell was not written for me, but I can see who it is for – white queer people who had a bad experience with Christianity – and I’m very happy for them. Overall, it’s a heartwarming adventure that manages to be both sincere and cheesy while running the entire spectrum between serious and lighthearted. Harnois clearly did his research about asexuality, too, which I appreciate. There are some aspects of the worldbuilding that I find inherently troubling (Is the whole world a Christian empire now? What happened to the Jews? Is everyone like me dead now?), and others that are just plain weird (fantasy elements are introduced on a whim without anything to ground the reader in what's "normal" for this world - which has the unfortunate side effect of implying that asexual people are just as fantastical as the giant eagles who bond with them or just as science-fictional as the flying island they live on). But I can't deny that it feels good to see just how much this community cares about each other and to think about how empowering this book must be for young trans people.
September 2, 2024
Great Read!
I remember the origins of this story in a message board thread. The original poster had posted a very unkind message that was quickly hijacked and made joyful and playful by the LGBTQIA+ people on the site. It was such a fun and wholesome thread from that point on.
This book carries the story further than the scene set of the thread, while maintaining the theme that we all belong - just as we are. There is a fight against the powers of oppression in the book, but the story doesn't pit the residents of the Rainbow Islands against the average people in the Republic, only against the Republic's government that has already determined to attack the islands.
It was a very enjoyable read, with relatable characters and a great theme. The setting is still just as much fun as in the original thread. And I really enjoyed the blend of dark oppression on one hand with happy-go-lucky buccaneers on the other. I'd still like to see a sequel that shows the establishment of a new, and hopefully more healthy, relationship between the two peoples.
I remember the origins of this story in a message board thread. The original poster had posted a very unkind message that was quickly hijacked and made joyful and playful by the LGBTQIA+ people on the site. It was such a fun and wholesome thread from that point on.
This book carries the story further than the scene set of the thread, while maintaining the theme that we all belong - just as we are. There is a fight against the powers of oppression in the book, but the story doesn't pit the residents of the Rainbow Islands against the average people in the Republic, only against the Republic's government that has already determined to attack the islands.
It was a very enjoyable read, with relatable characters and a great theme. The setting is still just as much fun as in the original thread. And I really enjoyed the blend of dark oppression on one hand with happy-go-lucky buccaneers on the other. I'd still like to see a sequel that shows the establishment of a new, and hopefully more healthy, relationship between the two peoples.
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 18, 2022DNF at 1/3 in. In an alternate early 20th century world, the Christians force queer people to either go to reeducation camp or into exile with the "Rainbow folk" on islands far off the coast.
The opening chapters read like a combination of allegory and didactic explanation of different types of queerness as our story's narrator, a trans masc teen, is introduced to the different types of queer people who inhabit the different realms of Rainbow. That narrator is an empty placeholder, not a character with any sense of interiority or personality; he serves as the unknowledgeable but welcoming audience for basic information about different types of queerness.
And then the story veers off into fantasy, with pirates and krakens and a plot by the Christians to invade the Rainbow islands...
Too bland and not character-focused enough for my tastes.
The opening chapters read like a combination of allegory and didactic explanation of different types of queerness as our story's narrator, a trans masc teen, is introduced to the different types of queer people who inhabit the different realms of Rainbow. That narrator is an empty placeholder, not a character with any sense of interiority or personality; he serves as the unknowledgeable but welcoming audience for basic information about different types of queerness.
And then the story veers off into fantasy, with pirates and krakens and a plot by the Christians to invade the Rainbow islands...
Too bland and not character-focused enough for my tastes.
January 10, 2018
This is very clearly a YA novel. It was a pleasure to read, but very simplistic in it's outlook. The author makes it seem that if a person is LGBTQ, then they're automatically a good person.
I don't doubt that kids who aren't cis and/or het need role models to look up to, and they definitely need to see themselves in stories, but I'm not sure that this level of...naivete...is warranted. However, since I'm not the target audience, I'm probably not the best judge of that.
Aside from this point, I liked the book a lot. It was a well told story with a relatable main character and interesting secondary characters. I wouldn't, in fact, have minded if the book had been longer and included some historical detail. Perhaps a prequel is in order?
I don't doubt that kids who aren't cis and/or het need role models to look up to, and they definitely need to see themselves in stories, but I'm not sure that this level of...naivete...is warranted. However, since I'm not the target audience, I'm probably not the best judge of that.
Aside from this point, I liked the book a lot. It was a well told story with a relatable main character and interesting secondary characters. I wouldn't, in fact, have minded if the book had been longer and included some historical detail. Perhaps a prequel is in order?
April 26, 2018
Wish it was a real place ...
What an excellent read!! The imagery is so bright and vivid it makes you wish there really is a place called Rainbow Islands.
The author's descriptions of the confusion our main protagonist goes through trying to figure out his place in the universe are spot on, emotional, and extremely informative.
I am so much older than the targeted audience, and I found myself learning and asking many of the same questions. I highly recommend Rainbow Islands to everybody.
What an excellent read!! The imagery is so bright and vivid it makes you wish there really is a place called Rainbow Islands.
The author's descriptions of the confusion our main protagonist goes through trying to figure out his place in the universe are spot on, emotional, and extremely informative.
I am so much older than the targeted audience, and I found myself learning and asking many of the same questions. I highly recommend Rainbow Islands to everybody.
August 4, 2020
I AM IN LOVE!
This book was beyond amazing and I absolutely could not put this book down until I finished it. To see trans people, ace people, lesbians, gay men, and all colors of the rainbow presented not as "tragic character" or "token character" was what I needed more than I'd realized. I have been recommending this to all my friends and in groups where people are looking for LGBTQ novels that present the characters in healthy and fulfilling ways, and honestly, I would love to be on those islands.
This book was beyond amazing and I absolutely could not put this book down until I finished it. To see trans people, ace people, lesbians, gay men, and all colors of the rainbow presented not as "tragic character" or "token character" was what I needed more than I'd realized. I have been recommending this to all my friends and in groups where people are looking for LGBTQ novels that present the characters in healthy and fulfilling ways, and honestly, I would love to be on those islands.
March 17, 2022
Harnois writes a very touching fantasy/romance that is also fun, thrilling, and fast-paced. While I loved the story, I wish it had been a little longer. With a book so short that has so much adventure in it, it felt a little too action-packed with very little space to explore the mundane. I would have loved to hear more about the everyday of the islands, the history of the Republic and the exile, etc. There was also very little nuance surrounding the issue of queer vs. not queer, and it was treated as very black and white.
March 25, 2022
As many others, I've discovered this book because of the tumblr post, but via One Topic's video (on his 2nd channel, Next Topic. I recommend, he's very sweet and funny!)
Is the book perfect? Of course not. But it's a fun, comfort read, settled in an utopia that just makes you wish you could be there. All the characters were awesome and you just want to be part fo that family. And it made teared up bit. So, warm feelings and tears? Yeah, gotta be a 5 stars for me.
And I want a flying eagle!!!
Is the book perfect? Of course not. But it's a fun, comfort read, settled in an utopia that just makes you wish you could be there. All the characters were awesome and you just want to be part fo that family. And it made teared up bit. So, warm feelings and tears? Yeah, gotta be a 5 stars for me.
And I want a flying eagle!!!
January 23, 2020
Incredible. An absolute MUST READ.
When someone told me that someone wrote a book based on a tumblr post, I knew I had to track it down and oh, I'm so glad I did. This beautiful story made my queer little heart so freaking happy. 🏳️🌈🌈🏳️🌈🌈🏳️🌈🌈 Immediately going to go buy more from this author. This. Is. Amazing. I am so thankful this story exists in the world. ♥️
💙💜💗 --- a Bi Buccaneer Book Nerd. 💙💗💜
When someone told me that someone wrote a book based on a tumblr post, I knew I had to track it down and oh, I'm so glad I did. This beautiful story made my queer little heart so freaking happy. 🏳️🌈🌈🏳️🌈🌈🏳️🌈🌈 Immediately going to go buy more from this author. This. Is. Amazing. I am so thankful this story exists in the world. ♥️
💙💜💗 --- a Bi Buccaneer Book Nerd. 💙💗💜
December 6, 2023
What started as a retaliation to a homophobic tumblr post turned into a profound and fun coming of age queer story. We had the privilege of taking to Devin on the Big Gay Energy Podcast about his writing process for Rainbow Islands. It was a project that healed his soul and that love shines through on every page. Read this book if you want a fun queer story with a happy ending, and check out our podcast episode (releasing December 13, 2023) for insight from the author himself!
June 1, 2019
Fantastic and Thrlling.
I wish the world of the rainbow islands was real or would help a lot of things. The hero gets banished and finds the place of banishment is not what was told, finds themselves has adventures and helps the islanders against the schemes of the home world. Apocryphal ?
I wish the world of the rainbow islands was real or would help a lot of things. The hero gets banished and finds the place of banishment is not what was told, finds themselves has adventures and helps the islanders against the schemes of the home world. Apocryphal ?
January 22, 2020
This book is everything I've ever wanted in a book!
The idea came from a homophobic post on Tumblr that morphed into a beautiful story of love and acceptance. Adventures ensue and if you have any questions about LGBTQ read this book, it'll help.
I loved it so much and I want to buy copies to give to all my friends.
The idea came from a homophobic post on Tumblr that morphed into a beautiful story of love and acceptance. Adventures ensue and if you have any questions about LGBTQ read this book, it'll help.
I loved it so much and I want to buy copies to give to all my friends.
January 26, 2023
A steampunk fantasy set in a world full of allegories to our own, reminiscent of the Handmaiden's Tale, though with a more optimistic tone, and a bit of a revenge fantasy vibe. The characters are well drawn and easy to root for. Makes me think of the quote, "the best revenge is living well." Highly recommend for YA fantasy fans looking for a LGBTQ+ adventure.
August 30, 2018
Just so good
This reads like a really good Tumblr chain come to life. So good! Great characters and wonderful, fast paced writing.
Some being-angry-at-hatefilled-Christian, so concern warning for that if you need one.
This reads like a really good Tumblr chain come to life. So good! Great characters and wonderful, fast paced writing.
Some being-angry-at-hatefilled-Christian, so concern warning for that if you need one.
January 27, 2019
A lovely story of discovery
After finding my way to this book via the Web post, I have to say I really enjoyed it. I'm a fantasy reader anyway and I found the book beautiful and enlightening. Will be reading more by this author
After finding my way to this book via the Web post, I have to say I really enjoyed it. I'm a fantasy reader anyway and I found the book beautiful and enlightening. Will be reading more by this author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews