" There were a lot of things I liked about this book ... the writing didn't talk down to the reader, which I hate, and the world was convincing and drawn in sharp detail. The underground world is compelling enough that I can clearly remember it's details. The three-star review, though, is based mainly on a personal issue: I like my middle-grade books a little lighter, a little less dark and oppressive. This is a book where people eat fungus and cast swarthy, dark glances at each other, where kids are strapped to chairs and tortured, and where drunken brawls end in pools of blood. I know there's a reader out there who will love it, but I personally could have used a little more ... fun. "
— Jon, 2/14/2014