Just like Coraline and The Neverending Story, another childrens book that got extremely dark near the end. This book has a young 12-year old protagonist who has to save himself and all the other children kidnapped and trapped in a big power plant - and he does this in a semi ghost form. Despite its dark themes (several children die or get horrible wounds) the book still has quite a whimsical feel, and you almost drift along on the rainy and foggy winds of London.

i really wanted to enjoy this book, but it did not work for me personally. i should have known better, but you live and learn. so thanks so much, netgalley for the chance to read this early!!

A futuristic London, kidnapped children forced to work in factories, and a ghost girl all come together in this story about a young boy and his friends who hope to escape the factory they’ve been kidnapped and forced to work in. Luke is a 12 year old boy who has been kidnapped and forced to work shoveling underground in order to fuel London. He hopes that by working hard he can hopefully earn his freedom from Tabitha Margate, the person in charge of the station he is trapped in. He has a secret though, Luke can see things other people can’t. specifically, he can see ghostly things. Luke meets Alma, a ghostly firl who can bend the shape of clouds to her will. With her help Luke will discover his own powers and why Tabitha has been kidnapping children and forcing them to shovel coal. Luke and his friends will team up in order to find a way to escape. While this was an interesting premise, the story felt a bit long and dragged on and the characters felt a bit flat to me. I just couldn’t get into this as much as I would have liked. Overall, it’s an interesting story but it just didn’t work for me, definitely give it a go though if you like stories about friendship and adventure.

*Thanks netgalley and Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink, Peachtree for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

An interesting premise and loved that a little map was included. Whilst, you could tell that it was a debut, the characters were well realised and the plot was entertaining enough though dragged in some places. Overall, a sold 3 star read but I’m intrigued to see what other books the author writes in the future.

This was a great debut novel and a great young adult novel, it had what I was looking for from the description. I enjoyed the way Michael Mann wrote. He had a great way of tell a interesting story and great characters. The cover was beautifully done and is very eye catching. The use of powers were unique and the powers fit the characters. I can't wait to read more from Mr. Mann.

"Terence held out a vial of red liquid. “A few vials of this and the place is halfway dry already. You see that?” Terence pointed to a charred pile. “There was a black pool there. One drop of this was all it took. Too much, and you’ll probably blow off your hand.” Luke looked at the tube. The liquid in it glowed crimson and danced in the
light. A pipette was built in to measure out drops, it reminded him of the black liquid that had made the boy cough smoke."