As I finish a book, I'll often peek over the reviews, see what other people thought. I LOVE the reviews that indicate a parent AND child read the book, and sometimes showcasing a disparity. For me, reading this as an adult ... eh, I just couldn't quite get into it. It felt very "young" (and of course I realize that is the intended audience), too simplistic, which often is NOT the case. I've loved a lot of the middle-grade books I've read (so many this #middlegradeMay2025).  I followed the story, but I was a little anxious for the book to end so I could move onto something else. The end was interesting (if obvious), setting up the sequel, but I don't feel like I'll be continuing on. I've seen several reviews where younger kids really liked this ... and it IS a full series, I thought it had been made into a movie and graphic novel adaptation and even though it's not new, it looked to be in demand at the libraries.

I had picked up a physical copy (two actually) thrifting for my LFL, and figured I'd give it a read then send the book on its way. That being said ... I did get the audio and kindle copy from the library, and I went primarily with audio. Nothing negative about the audio ... but I'm wondering if I might have preferred this read myself. As I skimmed the text after, it actually seemed my engaging to my eyes (over my ears). Not sure why.  There were some oddities to the audio. It is NOT graphic audio, but there were a few sound effects. A door opening, a voice over an intercom, background noise of a crowd of people or rushing water. But it was very inconsistent. Sound effects here and there, but then not everywhere else. The "Instructions for Egress" torn and missing letters, came across better in print. 

The "Incomprehensible" voice over the intercom was actually a little fun ... I had to look up the text to see how it was represented in print "mayg effn effuff" (someone understands and translates as "making every effort"). 

Doon (which I had spelled "Dune" in my head, listening to the audio) collecting bugs, drawing them, just reminded me of a few other books I'd read ([book:The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science|33413895]  and Amy Tan's Backyard Birds). The whole thing, NOT reminding me of DUNE, but of the Wool/Silo series. 

I was just frustrated with so many of the characters and events ... Grandma and Lina not keeping an eye on the toddler Poppy (how did she survive such lax supervision?), did it ever say what happened to Lina's parents? The mayor, for letting things get to where they were, the people stealing, the "magic words printed on paper" and the misplaced box, Wanted Posters - for spreading vicious rumors  ...

Is this one that age 8-12 will love, but just didn't grab me as an adult?