On Midnight Beach

by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

In this beautiful, epic coming-of-age novel, an old tale is rewoven as a stunning YA story by well-known Irish author/illustrator Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick.

I kept clear of Dog Cullen. Till the summer we turned seventeen, the summer the dolphin came to Carrig Cove . . .

Donegal, 1976

When a dolphin takes up residence in Carrig Cove, Emer and her best friend, Fee, feel like they have an instant connection with it. Then Dog Cullen and his sidekick, Kit, turn up, and the four friends begin to sneak out at midnight to go down to the beach, daring each other to swim closer and closer to the creature . . .

But the fame and fortune the dolphin brings to their small village builds resentment amongst their neighbours across the bay, and the summer days get longer and hotter . . . There is something wild and intense in the air. Love feels fierce, old hatreds fester, and suddenly everything feels worth fighting for.

Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Coming Of Age, Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Ireland

288 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2020

About the author

I am an illustrator and a writer. I create picturebooks for kids and write novels – middle grade and YA. I love to travel but, so far, my books have travelled more than me - they've been translated into many languages, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Persian and Finish.

I'm Irish, a Dubliner, born, bred and buttered. I run on coffee and chocolate. My most recent novel, On Midnight Beach, is a YA reimagining of the legend of Cúchulainn, and it has been shortlisted for several awards, including the 2021 Carnegie Medal.

Reviews

[Claire (Silver Linings and Pages) · Rating 3 out of 5]

On Midnight Beach is a vibrant, coming of age YA retelling of the Irish legend Táin Bó Cuailnge. It’s set in an imagined village in Donegal during the hottest ever recorded summer in Ireland in 1976.
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The story evokes long, hot and languid days, when a dolphin has ventured into the bay. A group of young people sneak out at midnight to swim with him, but the enigmatic visitor attracts “dolphin fever” and rivalry from the neighbouring town, until dangerous tensions heat up...
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I enjoyed reading this in one sitting, on a hot day (by NI standards). Some of the themes are quite mature, so parental controls might be needed, but it gives interesting insights to culture and life in Ireland in the 1970s.
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Thank you @faberchildrens for the #gifted review copy.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book was so compelling, as a retelling, as a young adult novel, and as a visual into 1970s Ireland. I loved reading from Emer's point of view.

I took away half a star because there were some things that didn't quite come together for me, but overall I really enjoyed this book and Fitzpatrick's writing style. This definitely awakened a hunger in me to consume more Irish literature.

[aimee :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and it had my sobbing at the end. I think this book has broke me inside! I thought it was going to be a little bit boring and in some respects it wasn’t like ‘gripping’ but it was a nice easy story with romance and then a super sad ending

[isla · Rating 3 out of 5]

all so good until the end

[Anoeska Nossol · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars out of 5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

'On Midnight Beach' is a young adult story about Emer who, together with three other teens, got obsessed over a dolphin in the bay. The four teenagers try to get closer to the dolphin. It's an adventure that brings up lots of other feelings. Love, friendship and growing-up are large themes in this book.

I adored the cover and the description of the book grabbed my attention immediately. When I started reading, the story didn't grab my attention. It wasn't boring, but it didn't feel exciting either. Emer is a fun and bubbly character which made me think that this wasn't her story.
I found the writing style not so pleasant. The story reads smoothly, but it stays that way. I found the writing method very monotonous.
The book did contain nice sub-themes such as friendship. They contain a lot of lessons for the reader. As a reader you notice that the writer wants to tell more than just a story.
The characters and setting were also very well developed. The characters had their own unique character and therefore stood out of the group. Their personalities matched perfectly with the role they played in the story. The setting went with the atmosphere of the story.

I didn't think it was a bad book, but it didn't conquer me either. The story itself did not grab me enough to adore this story.

[Belinda Carvalho · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a dreamy and unusual read. 17 year old Emer is growing up in Carrig Cove, a sleepy seaside down wih a down at heel reputation. It is rural Ireland in the mid 1970's and there is not a lot to do. She mainly works in her Dad's shop (he has an old-fashioned patriarchal attitude and acts like he owns her) and she hands around with her best friend Fi and Fi's nerdy brother Rory. Prepared for a boring summer, fate has other plans when a heat wave strikes and a dolphin starts visiting the local beach. Emer connects with Dog Cullen, a local young man with a reputation for being a bit wild and this starts a long chain of events that will change their lives.
This book is very well written and the characters and conversations are well imagined. I thought the characters of Gus, Conor and Maeve were a little contrived but all in all the story works well. It is a re-imagining of the Tain, a famous Irish legend, this brought another cool level to the book.
My criticisms of the book concern how Irish it is, wasn't sure how well it would translate abroad, some scenes are far-fetched the ending and not enough exploration of the relationship between Dog and Emer but over all it's a lovely novel with wide appeal outside the YA target market.

[Sarah Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping YA novel written with so much passion and heart the worlds practically beat on the page. Inspired by the Táin Bó Cuailnge – the Cattle Raid of Cooley - it re-imagines the ancient story from the Táin, recasting legendary warrior, Cú Chulainn as ‘Dog’ Cullen, as a teenager in 1976 who fights to defend his village from another village who are trying to steal ‘their’ dolphin, Rinn. The story is told through several eyes, including those of Emer who works in her family’s shop and falls hard for Dog.
It’s the hottest summer in years and the dolphin is bringing tourists and prosperity to Carrig Cove. But Maeve Grogan, whose father owns the hotel in neighbouring Ross village is not happy. She wants the dolphin in Ross waters and will do all in her considerable power to make it happen. When she unleashes her plan, all hell breaks loose. A cracking read for older teens and adults alike which deserves to become an Irish YA classic. Age 15+.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to get my criticisms out of the way first. I felt the whole deal with the epilogue wasn't particularly well set up, the plot felt a little lacklustre at times and tbh Dog and Emer didn't have loads of chemistry. I loved this book though. If I could give it 4.5/5 I would (although it's not worth 5/5). It had that nostalgic summery feel of famous five and those Helen Moss without feeling childish (or being racist), I finished it in a day which sometimes means it had little substance and although this was partly the case I think it was mainly because the book was just so enthralling. The characters and setting were perfection but also I felt in some places there was some symbolism and foreshadowing that seemed quite deep for a YA romance which I really appreciated. (Also the cover is so pretty!)

[Heidi Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of the best recent books i've read. The way it presents such a heartwarming and casual feel of a children's narative within the context of Ireland in the '70s - a very catholic and oppressive society which is why i've given it 5 starts. It doesn't focus so much on the struggles but instead on the joys. The joys of these children growing up into adolescence while this sexist and patriarichal shodow is cast over them.
Also, the way the book is built around the summer of '76 and how that's woven into the story so seamlessly. Especially with the small details (obviously well researched) like the flocks of ladybirds that swarmed into the area because of the heat.

I think the characters are incredibly well written and in a way quite relateable. Emer is a bright young woman with aspirations of going to college, while her very strict father wishes for her to carry on the family business. While Dog is a wild and ferocious spirit, an outcast - his mum considered the village witch. Two people, who couldn't be more different, are cast together for this whirlwind summer of love and tragedy.

Aside from the contextual ties, the plotline itself was really beautiful and I thought it was quite light most of the time. It was really clever how the dolphin seems like the main character that the plot revolves around, when actually Rinn is more of a figurehead of the book and the story is based around the characters' lives because of him. However, the ending of the book really didn't hit me in the emotional way that I think it was supposed to. I enjoyed the book a lot but I don't think I was very invested in the tragedy near the end.

The ending was surprising but looking back it was also very fitting. It wrapped up the book in a way that a children's plotline wouldn't - by presenting a contexual tie into society at the time. It's just so interesting to see how the character's lives turned out at the end of the book compared to how they started out at the beginning, because it is essentially watching these teenagers grow up, if only just in the space of a summer.

All in all I loved reading this book and I would definately recommend!
On Midnight Beach

[Reuben :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is set in Ireland in 1976 and is centred around events which occur following the arrival of a dolphin who comes to the water by a coastal village. The popularity of the dolphin with the locals ends up starting a rivalry between the young people of Carrig Cove and Ross Bay, two villages which are quite similar but do not like each other at all. The main reason that I found it so interesting and enjoyable was because it was like nothing I had read before. In the book, there were a few references to sex and some language which not all readers might feel comfortable reading. I felt the story was unique and original. I think it would appeal to a range of readers, it has drama, romance, rebel action, and violence, be aware there is also death, but no spoilers! This book got right to my emotions, especially sadness which is something that does not happen extremely often for me. I read On Midnight Beach quite quickly as I could not stop reading it. I would recommend it to readers who are over the recommended age which is 12 due to the sex references, violence and language. It would make a really good film!

[skye:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read to shadow the Carnegie Award 2021 and it truly deserves its nomination!
This book was based on an old Irish story and I found the events very captivating, shocking at times but then the romance element made it comforting and cosy in a way. There were quite a few moments where I felt it was foreshadowing something bad was going to happen but then it ended up okay. Although, the end of the book, was so sudden and utterly sad which I honestly didn't expect. I felt that the author carefully romanticised the life of a seaside town and the midnight swims with Rinn- the dolphin, but then revealed the destruction, corruption and devastation that was caused by jealousy and holding grudges. I believe that, in the end, this is one of those books where no-one really has a happy ending because they all end up in mourning, feeling anger, moving on/away and feeling numb. I'll definitely be rating this book highly and it will be a tough one to beat.

[Manon the Malicious · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I got a physical ARC at Deptcon 5 because Deptcon is the best*

Set in 1976, in the North-Western coast of Ireland, this book is a twist on an old Irish tale.
I actually don't think I can say anything about the plot without ruining this story.
It was so atmospheric, it truly transported me there and then. I could picture it all... The sea, the dolphin, the beach, the cliffs, all of it.
The story itself really grabbed me and I had to read it all, as fast as I could. I can't even pinpoint why or how but I just really felt it all.
You should definitely pick it up if you're in need of escaping our current situation.

[Isobel Ramsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on an ancient Irish myth about the attempted theft of a prize bull, this novel is set in Ireland during the 1970s and substitutes a dolphin for the bull. The dolphin attracts tourists to whichever town it swims nearest to, sparking a rivalry between two neighbouring seaside towns, Carrig Cove and Ross. In its evocation of petty rivalry boiling over into hatred, the novel explores an ancient theme but with subtlety and through a well constructed story with convincing characters. The details of the myth might have changed but this taut, tense YA novel has the same elemental, timeless quality of ancient myths.

[Rhuddem Gwelin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half easily gets 5*. The relationship between the kids, especially Emer, and the dolphin is lovely. When the feud between the macho boys of the two villages takes over it becomes a different story. Since feuds like this happen I can't say it was unrealistic but the characters became trite and West-Side-Storyish without the great dancing. The conclusion seems to be that boys are so stupid, girls either let them be, encourage them to be or manipulate them to be and may the devil take the dolphins. Maybe that was the whole point because it kind of seems to be true but so damned depressing!

[Megan McSherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

inspired by an old irish legend - was not expecting the twists near the end but love how the story wrapped up

[Marli Jonck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twenty years ago this book would’ve made my Top Ten. May we never forget how real and encompassing love felt when we were teenagers…

[Karen Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

From our opening, where Emer recounts the story of the killing of a dangerous dog, it is evident that Dog Cullen is an integral character to the story. Yet the story is told from Emer’s view and our image of him is definitely constructed through the views of others.
On Midnight Beach is set in 1970s Ireland, during the summer, and focuses on the discovery of a dolphin off the shores of Emer’s home town, Carrig Cove. She swims with the dolphin and, for her, it heralds a time of possibilities.
The dolphin quickly becomes a source of pride for the town. However, it also generates conflict from neighbours who resent the opportunities this appearance has brought to the residents of Carrig Cove.
What follows is a summer of bubbling resentment and somewhat inevitable tragedy. Alongside these tensions we get a coming of age story that, for me, played on obvious stereotypes and didn’t always feel justified. The ending is abrupt and felt rather at odds with the attempt to portray every detail of a moment in Emer’s life.
While it didn’t leap to life for me, I can see this appealing to many readers.

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such mixed feelings about this book. I'm caught between 2 and 3 stars.

Things I liked:
- Emer's character
- A very clear picture of what life was like in Ireland in the 70s
- Emer's relationship with her mother
- An interesting reimagining of the Tain Bo Cuailnge, and it was fairly easy to read and follow

Things I didn't like so much:
- Ferd's missing from most of the book but plays a huge part in the ending. The character didn't feel very developed
- Some parts felt like they were just slotted in and didn't add to the plot. The ladybird bit was strange.
- Could have done with maybe some more hints or foreshadowing to Emer's ending, as it felt quite sudden and almost tacked onto the end
- A lot of side characters, and again, this means they didn't all feel very fleshed out or authentic. Considering Gus was one of the POV we get, he felt a bit meh and I didn't believe he would actually be as manipulated by Maeve as he was.

But overall, an interesting read that I did enjoy but wouldn't necessarily recommend or reread. I would say it is more 14 years+ than 12+ as advertised on the Carnegie site.

[maeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Raz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complete review available: On Midnight Beach

It's a struggle to review because whilst technically there was little to fault, enjoyment-wise the book fell rather flat. To me, it's as if the story was told from the wrong perspective, because I was much more intrigued by some of the sideplots (e.g. Emer's home life) than any of the main ones. (Honestly, I had no connection to the dolphin at all!) Rather than the ups and downs of energy and excitement you'd normally expect in a book, this all read as a rather flat line until the sudden and fast-paced explosion at the end. The sense of atmosphere Fitzpatrick managed to evoke, though? - that's worth writing home about!

[Jonathan (Jon) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜-𝙤𝙛-𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡, 𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙔𝘼 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙗𝙮 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡-𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙄𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧/𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙚-𝙇𝙤𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙩𝙯𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠.

☘️ Short and quick read! Inspired by an Irish retelling, I quite enjoyed this. I loved this setting and the overall storyline - just wish I could connect with these characters a bit more.

[Esteé Hallatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Green Street Hooligans meets Flipper.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars
Firstly, the narrator of this audiobook is fantastic.

When I started this tiny novel, I didn't realise that it was based off the Irish hero Cu Chulain. Upon reading the description, I rewatched OSP's fantastic summary of Cu Chulain and I'm so glad I did so I could really appreciate the details of the retelling, pinpointing Fitzpatrick's reinterpretation of the classic.

It was upon learning about Cu Chulain that the name Dog Cullen less weird. I loved the way Fitzpatrick retold this classic Irish folktale in the arguably modern age, tying in themes of sexuality and growing up that make this a quintessential young adult novel. Whilst I didn't particularly like Gus and Emer in the beginning, thinking they had 0 personality, as the story progressed, I realised their quiet strength and warmth. Since I knew the ending of the folktale, there was a sort of dramatic irony as I wanted to discover how Fitzpatrick will interpret the tragic conclusion. I didn't have any expectations but her focus on violence and pride and the excessive destruction they caused really hammered home the nuance and complexity that folktales and fairy tales often neglect. Indeed, it was the perspectives of the previously side characters Emer and Gus that reinforced the deconstruction and de-glorification (?) of romanticised heroes and violence. I loved how Emer struggled with the pride and face of Dog and how she never seemed to his priority, reflecting how wives and love interests are sidelined to allow the hero to carve their path to glory when the women played just as an integral role. It was a refreshing take I hadn't seen before and it brought a sense of reality that grounded the novel.

I do wish that the relationship between Emer and Dog was better built up. It was never explained why this summer of 1976 Dog and Emer finally dated when they knew each other all their lives, whether they were attracted beforehand or why they were even attracted to one another (beyond looks). Frankly, I felt very little chemistry between the two and that Dog hardly brought anything to the table compared to the strength, support and level-headedness Emer gave him. If there was greater banter and a deeper connection shown between the two of them instead of told (we get like 1 scene where they speak heart to heart and actually have a meaningful conversation alone but that's it), I think that I'd be more invested in the story and it would've made the beginning more enticing and less slow.

Overall, this modern retelling twists the coming of age, summer romance to convey the dark, fatal effects of ego and revenge.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book I was given as part of the Carnegie award, from the blurb I was quite looking forward to this one - I like Dolphins and books set by the sea so thought I would absorb it and love it.

In a lazy seaside town called Carrig Cove, Emer is forced to work in her dads shop, he's quite strict and doesn't like her going out, but one summer a dolphin arrives in the bay and causes quite a stir with the locals, and soon tourists are arriving too, but Emer seems to have a connection with the dolphin and the four of them sneak out at midnight to swim with the dolphin, and maybe get to know each other better too. Emer and Dog start to get closer and soon a relationship is blooming, but there is rivalry with the other nearest town, soon there are fights and disputes that could endanger the town, the dolphin and the kids.

There are a host of other characters that we meet and follow too, including Gus who used to live in one of the towns but moved to the other and never really fit into either, then theres Maeve who wants to be the center of attention. This was the main part of the book I didn't like, this is a teen book and most of the book reads like it would be aimed at a younger or mid teen, on the Carnegie website it says it is suitable for Year 9 at school and up, but that means students as young as 13 are reading this book, and there is a lot of sex scenes in it. I don't mind the odd sexual reference if it is absolutely necessary and furthers the story and plot line, but this one just seemed to have moments for no reason other than the author felt like it. At one point Maeve comments on the size of his c**k and then they precede to strip each other and go at it. This continues throughout the book, but I couldn't really see a point to any of it. IT just made me feel uncomfortable, especially knowing some of the students who had this book and would be cringing at reading it. I don't think it is necessary or appropriate.

The thing I did find most interesting about the book though was that it is actually based on an old legend, which made me interested in looking up the legend and discovering more about it.

Overall I found the book to be a bit of a washout, i didn't care much about any of the main characters, the dolphin is not really the main focus of the book - it's just a catalyst for events and there was far too much sexual references. Just didn't spark anything in me.

[Egan Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly delightful YA romance/ legend retelling. A pleasure to read. 5/5

Emer is stuck working in her dad's shop. It's the summer of 1976 in Ireland, and the heatwave is in full force. Like any seventeen year old, she wants to be outside, preferably at the beach.

And when she does finally get to the beach, there's a surprise. A dolphin, and Dog Cullen, with his lovely eyes.

It's going to be a summer to remember.

Gus is in the neighbouring town of Ross, missing his brother away at a boxing camp, when he is tempted by Maeve, the most beautiful girl in town. His past lies in the town across the bay, but she wants him to prove that he sees a future in Ross. By assisting in the theft of a certain marine mammal.

Will he betray all he has known?


Okay so - first of all I loved the setting for this book. Donegal, in 1976. There is so much cultural context behind this that is definitely something to read into are you not familiar with Irelands history (I am).

Secondly, I loved Emer. She was the narrator that I needed. She was fun, spunky, but also despairing, and very restricted by her controlling father.

The only thing that felt slow to me was the beginning of Gus's narration, but this quickly sped up.

This book sort of indulges in fantasy without actually being fantasy, which for someone like me (as a rule I find it hard to love fantasy), was perfect.

Also - learning about a new Irish Legend was fantastic.

Get out the tissues though - prepare to cry. I did.

[Michael Rumney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retelling of a tale from Irish Folklore but setting it in a blazing hot Donegal in 1976. A dolphin which the local teenagers name Rinn turns up causing massive repercussions for two rival villages. For a YA novel there is a fair amount of violence and sex.
By setting the novel in 1976 the author removes mobile phones which if it had been set in the present day, would have been used and have made things a lot easier for several characters.
Told from several view points we get an understanding how various characters are thinking. The ending is very poignant and the author shows the difference between the then attitudes of pregnancy and single motherhood between a rural Ireland and the UK.
My first reaction, before reading this book was because it has a cute dolphin frolicking in the sea it would be a little twee. Yes this occurs at times, but the tone darkens as the book progresses and asks questions to the reader.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start this book had a sense of tragedy to it. It's set in the hottest summer, 1976, and you can feel the tension that the heat will bring rising off each page. I'm not always a fan of switch between protagonists but it really work in this book, there is a seamless switch, I didn't need to make a break from one character as the story switched to another and I truly appreciate that. There was a sense of nostalgia in this book too. Not because it was set 40 years ago but the style is classic and yet it is fresh and relevant to the 21st century. Loved it.

For those for whom this matters the book has some swearing (F-word), under-age sex (fully consensual and not described other than it took place) and character death.

[Nemesia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight is the time for kids to be free, to be themselves finally - far away from the constant annoying vigilance of adults. And in this little town of Ireland in the summer 1976, being free means swimming into the sea with the strangely familiar dolphin who arrived one day.

But rivalries and love can complicate everything. Emer and Dog will have to decide what is the most important for them, what they really want from life and what they are willing to sacrifice to get it.

Told from 2 different points of view, this beautiful young adult novel recreates a world that seems very different from ours, and yet something we can all relate to. The drama is unfolding and no-one can stop it.

Similar authors: David Almond, Meg Rosoff.

[Rupali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing romance book about a girl whose family owns a small shop in a costal village in Ireland. When a dolphin decided to visit she is running to see with her best friend when they bump into two boys including Dog, a boy she hadn’t even thought about since he saved a girl from a viscous dog by accidentally killing him with a base ball many years ago (that was how he got his name). The four decide to meet at the beach everyday at midnight to see their new dolphin friend and I’d say things took a turn for the best…until…

[Egle (readingfreakquotes) · Rating 3 out of 5]

On midnight beach is a young adult story about adventure, friendship, family dynamics, rivalry and love. It’s told from two different POV’s, Emmer who lives in Carrig Cove and Gus who now lives in Ross. These two villages are located on the opposite sides of the bay and there seems to be a bit of a competition and rivalry going between the
villagers.

Emmer is 17 years old, she has to do a lot of work in her father’s owned grocery store in the summer of 1976 when a dolphin Rinn finds his way to the bay. At the beginning only her and three other teenagers from the community interact with the dolphin but while Emmer is stuck to her duties during the day they agree on meeting on the beach at midnight to swim with the dolphin. Slowly all 4 form a strong friendship and Rinn becomes a strong drive not only in their lives but the lives of other Carrig Cove villagers too.

Gus’s family left Carrig Cove and moved to Ross a couple of years ago but he never really found his tribe in Ross and once one of the most popular girls in the village shows him attention he doesn’t realise the reason behind until it’s too late.

The book takes us through the events that happened in 1976 summer in both towns, what
impact it had on the villagers' lives and how things were never the same after.

The story is written beautifully, I never felt bored and things were constantly moving. But unfortunately I didn’t feel the excitement to the story nor I felt emotional pull toward the characters until the very last few pages of the book. It’s only then that I felt the main protagonists struggle and I was moved by what happened to them at that time.

Overall this is a very young adult story, I think it would be suitable for 14-15 years old and over, but there is a part in the book where it felt like I was reading new adult fiction. So just be aware if you’re offering this story to a young reader.