I feel so terrible that I am putting this review up after the release date, but I've also been insanely busy and stressed, so I think I have a reasonable excuse. Also, in all honesty, this isn't going to be a fun review to write because I strongly disliked this book.

Firstly, it's middle grade, which means that it's extraordinarily out of my comfort zone. I think I'm done trying with this genre. I got a few ARCs, such as this one, and thought I might enjoy them, but it appears that this genre is far too immature for my taste. I prefer my books with level-headed characters that I can relate to and plots that do not feel like they are there for humor or fun, but feel as though they have been crafted expertly. I need profound literature, not whatever this was.

Believe me, there is an audience for this book, and it probably would have been me when I was in elementary school. The illustrations were the best part and the only thing that kept this from obtaining one star instead of two. They really made me feel tied into the novel actually, as though I was a part of it, and I imagine they look even better on the final copy. Even if this doesn't sound like your cup of tea, I highly suggest perusing through the pages to see the pictures. 

My main qualm was that I couldn't connect or relate to any of the characters. I felt so distant from everything. Not to mention, it was insanely boring and flat. 

Also, I'm not sure if it's because it was an ARC copy, but the capitalization instead of italics really got on my nerves. Every other sentence had one word that looked as though it were being screamed instead of emphasized. Chill out with the caps there, man, you're not making it any more exciting. 

Anyway, I think this book might be for some people--I'm just not that person.

-Book Hugger

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