A unique plot with interesting characters and setting. I would recommend it for other readers, young and old.

This novel is an interesting take on what it would be like if the classic tale of the Little Mermaid received a very creative and modern retelling. Cairns’ novel follows a computer program that is sent to the human world to learn how to operate technology the right way instead of screwing up all of the time.

I found the novel very captivating as Sketch (the adapting computer program) spends more time within the human world she discovers for herself the many different ways that individuals can be connected as well as the different types of love and companionship that we as humans can develop for the people around us.

Cairns’ makes sure to provide both positive and negative examples of what we face with giving so much importance on the technology in our daily lives; whether the individuals are willing to admit it or not. There is also a heavy focus on why libraries are so important within today’s society.

It seems as though many people (too many people… this blogger has had multiple family members and acquaintances doubt the true power of libraries) are forgetting just how much of a public service that libraries are able and willing to provide for everyone free of charge (excluding late fees 😏) no questions asked. Libraries are at their core are banks of information- a happier more comfortable physical version of the internet. When I was a small child two movies that I always enjoyed were Matilda and The Page-Master. Both reinforced my love of reading and showed me that libraries were safe comfortable places ripe with discovery and self-growth.

I would gladly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a fun adventure around the city of London. Tropes were kept to a minimum; to the point that I never got too overly annoyed at any single character within the narrative. I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of the novel from NetGalley; and I hope that Anj Cairns continues with writing because I really enjoyed the use of diversity that was maintained through-out the narrative, for example Cairns’ doesn’t shy away from the use of accents-something that you don’t get to experience often in books lately. There is also a huge variety of characters age-wise as well.

I would say that this novel is appropriate for pre-teens and up though there are scenes where drinking is a factor (just a warning).