I LOVED THIS BOOK.

I know, I know…all my “reviews” say something along those lines, but that’s because I only write about books I really like here on Need To Read. Anyway, this is a fantastic read. As some of you know, I’m not that into fantasy. I do like the occasional fantasy novel as long as it’s more straightforward. What I mean is, I like it to have people, not a whole bunch of creatures that I have to figure out who is who and what is what. I like the world to be somewhat recognizable, but still magical (think Harry Potter). In other words, I don’t like to work at my reading. I know that I’m probably missing some really fantastic stuff, but if I have to spend half my time trying to remember who/what everything is and what their special powers on, I just get lost and give up. This is a more straightforward fantasy.

And, boy is it great! It weighs in at a whopping 400 pages and that’s long even for a YA, but this is MG! It never seemed long though, and the closer I got to the end, the longer I wished it was. I’m thinking there will be a sequel or a series (due to hints in the epilogue) and I will definitely be happy to read more.

It seems to be set way in the future, but it’s kind of ambiguous too. It could be another world, or it could be this one. Either way, it’s familiar, while beautifully described. Sensel has a great sense of rythym and uses language to evoke vivid pictures. The book is exciting, devastating, funny, inspiring, hopeful, and mostly just a great adventure. The main character is a girl, but boys will love this too.

I actually got hold of it from the box of ARCs that my friend gave me a few months ago. I chose to read it now because it was released this month. So, go on, go out and get it! Or request it at your library. Either way, you’ll find it absorbing and a great read.