Middle grade readers, particularly girls, are likely to enjoy this first book of a new series. Ella has a loving family, but when she gets to school, other students and faculty can be cruel or untrustworthy, which brought up comparisons to the Harry Potter series.
The story moves slower than I'd have liked. It was difficult to get attached to any of the characters other than Ella. Brigit didn't ring true for me. She was the stereotype of a disaffected preteen. Does every novel for readers in this age group need to have the same group of characters? Jason falls into this, too, with his over-earnestness. Even Ella, naive, kind, smart, and persistent is a trope. The story covers many things that happen to young people, and that is good.
The illustrated map is a good addition, and I also liked the illustration of Ella's tree. The cover illustration of Ella, Brigit, and Jason will attract readers.
The story moves slower than I'd have liked. It was difficult to get attached to any of the characters other than Ella. Brigit didn't ring true for me. She was the stereotype of a disaffected preteen. Does every novel for readers in this age group need to have the same group of characters? Jason falls into this, too, with his over-earnestness. Even Ella, naive, kind, smart, and persistent is a trope. The story covers many things that happen to young people, and that is good.
The illustrated map is a good addition, and I also liked the illustration of Ella's tree. The cover illustration of Ella, Brigit, and Jason will attract readers.