This book is brilliant. I would say it is at the older end of middle grade; there are some big themes covered, such as loss, belonging, orphaned and abandoned children as well as some violence.

In terms of world-building, it doesn't get much better than this. The contrast between the two main settings of the novel are huge and so cleverly written and both have a real depth of history and societal structure. I thought the characters were brilliantly written - I think it says a lot when characters are so distinctive that you can tell who is speaking without needing to name them.

I can see this being popular with fans of the Orphans of the Tide books.

My only slight issue is the use of the word "bollocks" in Chapter 23. For this reason, I wouldn't be able to recommend this book to children in my class (UKS2) which I feel is a shame as I think this would otherwise be a popular book.

3.5 stars
A children’s book which deals with many adult issues to do with identity and religion. It was an interesting read although I found it a little slow. Plenty of adventure for the intended audience and nicely written.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook.