This flowed so well that there a couple nights I didn't stop reading until I saw the sky lightening on a new day. This is dark and edgy. There was never a moment where I said this is a good point to take a rest. Ugh. No. There was no rest while reading this fresh take on YA Fantasy. A word to the wise...you'll want the second book by your side to pick up right away. 😉 ( )

I don't normally read novels aimed at the young adult market, but this is a really interesting premise - well written and keeps the reader on edge throughout. Penny's journey from dissatisfaction to questioning the 'boundary' to full on rebellion is compelling - as is her relationship with her friends. Nicely set up for the sequel, also. A lovely, supernatural Victorian thriller. ( )

YOU WILL GET SO "ANTSY" WHILE READING THIS BOOK, YET YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN FOR LONG!
THIS IS ABOUT SIX YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN RAISED ON A LARGE ESTATE BUT NEVER ALLOWED TO GO OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES. LIFE IS GOOD AND PREDICTABLE UNTIL HE COMES HOME.

MS. BEATRIX IS COOK, NANNY, HOUSEKEEPER, AND EVERYTHING TO THEM. THEY ARE NOW FIFTEEN YEARS OF AGE - DO ANY OF THEM REALLY KNOW WHEN THEIR BIRTHDAY IS?- AND PENNY IS DISCONTENT. SHE WANTS MORE!

WHEN THIS IS DEMANDED OF BEATRIX ALL THEIR LITERATURE DISAPPEARS IN ONE SWISH! THUS BEGINS THE DOUBT AND BETRAYAL OF ALL THE CHILDREN. WHAT FOLLOWS ARE EERIE, DREAMS, VISIONS, CONTENTIONS AND SURVIVAL!

THIS IS A VERY WELL THOUGHT OUT PLOT. THE CHARACTERS ARE MOSTLY ENDEARING , EXCEPT FOR THE VILLAINS AND THEY ARE VERY REAL AS WELL. THE TITLE WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE EFFECTIVE IF SLIGHTLY WORDED DIFFERENTLY. THE BOOK COVER IS GOOD BUT - THEN AGAIN - WOULD BR BETTER IF A LITTLE MORE COLOR WAS ADDED TO MAKE IT MORE APPEALING TO THE "BROWSER".

THE ACTION, SUSPENSE AND INTRIGUE WERE OUTSTANDING AND KEPT ONE IN SUSPENSE UNTIL THE VERY END! WHAT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN A SAND ALONE WAS CLEVERLY LED INTO ANOTHER SEQUEL.

THIS IS LIKE NO OTHER BOOK I HAVE READ BEFORE. IT CROSSES MANY GENRES. IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL BUT NOT FOR YOUNGER THAN TWELVE YEARS OF AGE, DUE TO THE TERRORS

*I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given. ( )