I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, so much so that "devoured" is a more appropriate description. It's a tasty blend of a little Ender's Game (though less brutal) mixed with magic, some Hunger Games (though less dark), there is a recalling of love, but a lot more of loss, deep personal healing for some characters, a dash of a certain flavour of theology, and at the end of a long tunnel, what looks like a tiny glimpse of redemption. 

I love a book where you can’t even guess what’s going to happen next! This exciting 1st installment in JB Simmons new YA/Dystopian 5 part series is just what I needed. I wanted to devour, to turn to a book any chance I got (I’d had a few slow previous ones). 

I read this in only 4 days, which for someone with a job & kids is extremely quick. 

I loved the mystery, the adventure, the promise of what might be coming, the bravery of the lead, I cannot wait for the next book.