I received the ARC for what I believe is the American publication since this book has been out in the UK for a year.

This book has it all for any young reader who enjoys a quick-paced, exciting, if somewhat dark, fantasy.

Ellie lives in The City, a mysterious and largely sunken island full of old cathedrals, tall, spired buildings, and statues worn with age from the sea. She is smart and independent, yet she is deeply troubled by her past. From the very beginning of the story, she finds her own life entwined with the life of a boy who washes ashore in the belly of a whale. There is something different and strange about this boy, but Ellie is unable to keep her distance from him, especially when her village comes to believe he is host to an evil entity known only as The Enemy.

Overall, I found this book to be wildly engaging and thrilling. It certainly left me wanting more! I look forward to reading the sequel "Shipwreck Island".

This book craps the readers attention from the first page and keeps up the pace through out the book. Even though it was over 5oo pages it didn't seem that long