So, you understand how it is. {You're supposed to write notes on a book but I'm writing them now. YOLO.}
* It was an enjoyable read most of the time.
* This was realistic in some parts but others this element was lacking in & I felt like it could've been kept up better (then I would've empathized with the MC & his family a lot more!)
* So, having said that, it's not the characters who aren't plausible, it's not even, exactly, what happens to them. It's how little background information we get. I know it's something to do with banks but really, are they going to fall? Banks are one of the most well-off institutions. Governments are in debt to them. Yes, them collapsing would be awful but can YAs relate with this? Will children find it realistic? If so, how realistic should it be?
* The biggest strength is characters, at the end of the day... If you're someone that loves that & how a character may be placed in a situation totally unexpected in our modern world then, this is the book for you.
Who would think it'd be british kids becoming refugees, fleeing a dangerous, futuristic, Britain?
* The topic is one that depends on opinion, what might be your opinion on asylum seekers, the state of our world, police forces, development (or something less big than that!) gap. So, this won't appeal to everyone... I do think the characters will, though.
* There's such a huge cast & you will feel sorry for at least some of them in some element of their hardship. It may be strange to think how many awful things are happening to them but that makes it intense & as, otherwise it's not, I'm glad the characters were good. Likeable,
unique & obviously, british.
* This wasn't a major adventure. Believe me. If anyone finds it action-packed, then... Did I miss something? I saw someone describe it as a "day-to-day existence". That doesn't really give you anything. That doesn't even sound very plotted. They were lead through it well & you did find out a lot about the characters as they developed but it wasn't the most gripping, exciting novel that I've read! I loved the change in Taco's, Matt's & Paige's relationship. I like how our perception on Bob changes, also on Raider's, Matt's family & much more.
* I'm surprised that I was mainly indifferent to this one. I've had good experience with Gillian Cross' novels & was excited about this one. How plain it was, how little I actually enjoyed it, came as an unwelcome shock. I really hope people, other people who may give this a chance (seriously! You might try it & see how you get on with it! It's not bad, just not that good imho), enjoy it more. It just wasn't my cup of tea...
* I should mention dystopias (for me) are a hit & miss. If you don't believe it all & aren't invested in the characters (straight away- you end up being!), what is there?