A brilliant historical fantasy that tackles some incredibly heavy topics but in a mature and accessible way for middle grade. The main characters are vivid and likeable, even when in conflict with each other. Lawrence has clearly put so much research and time into this novel. The magic system is also so intriguing - I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

The narrator has an incredible way with narrative voice versus dialogue and truly ties the book together with engaging acting and passion.

I enjoyed this, but it's not what I expected from the title. I expected more of a whodunnit mystery with the characters investigating whereas this was more of a adventure story where they had an adventure and solved the mystery on the way. It's a shame because I would have enjoyed it more if I'd know what I was getting in for, but oh well.

The characters were great but obviously, I was more interested in the elemental characters than the human ones. The fumis were my favourite. I loved the way they were named and the suggestions of their language. I really want to see more of them in the next book.

All in all, I think this was a good start to a series. I definitely want to see more of these books.

Thank you so much for letting me listen to this audiobook. This was a fun adventure with just the right bit of intrigue for middle grade readers.