Karen McCombie is a bestselling author of children's and young adult novels, and has had more than 90 books published. She is the author of the much-loved series 'Ally's World' (early 2000s) and her most recent books include the Carnegie-nominated historical adventure 'Little Bird Flies' (2019) and it's newly published partner novel 'Little Bird Lands' (2020, Nosy Crow Books), plus the 'St Grizzle's School' series for younger readers (Stripes). She has several books publishing in 2021. Originally from Scotland, Karen lives in London with her husband, her teenage daughter and beautiful but bitey cat Dizzy.
Likeability is very important in a story. I finished this story not particularly liking any character in it.
Apart from that the story is not terrible. There are elements that are rarely seen in the genre. The premise and some of the set pieces worked well at times while other plot points just dragged. There was some very grating dialogue too.
In a crowded YA genre I wouldn't recommend this as standing out in any particular way.