This is a great book. It shows many problems: child abuse, friendship, bullying, and siblings. Child abuse may be the main problem, but underneath that there are many short-term and even long-term problems that Carly has to deal with, making this seem incredibly like real life. Carly lived in Las Vegas, with her mom. Her mom married, the man she married being very abusive to the both of them. One day, Carly taunts her mom's husband, expecting that if he hits her, her mom would come to the rescue. She encounters a surprise: her mom holds her down to allow him to hit her. This betrayal leaves Carly confused. After going to the hospital for her wounds, she is put into Foster care- with the Murphys. Most of them are welcoming, but Daniel is not. One of the first things he says to her is "Just because your mom doesn't want you doesn't mean that you can take mine". Carly begins to fall in love with the Murphys, and even becomes friends with Daniel. But, then something comes that disturbs what had become Carly's perfect life-- her mom gets better. This causes Carly to fall into a cascade of horrible choices to make. The Murphys or her mom is one of her major choices. In the end, she does choose her mom. That part, the ending, might be the one thing that I kind of don't like about this book-- I think that the author could have listed the reasons why she chose her mom, as I never really got that.
There are many plots twists and fluxations, as Carly tries to navigate a world completely different from her own.

I would suggest this to kids and teens, no matter what their background is. A reasonable read for an adult, too, as it can give a doorway into a kids mind, as well as just be entertaining.

It's worthy of it 4.5, but I can only give it a 4!

A great fiction novel. It starts out a bit slow, with a bit of a lengthy intro, but kicks into high gear mid- and end-book to make up for that. A great read for any kid, and for many adults. Could quickly turn into a very political discussion, as has a basis on a controlling government. Would like to know a bit more about the world before the Great Destruction-- is this like something that could happen in our world, or an alternate world with no connection to ours? But really, this is quite a good book, though you'll probably stop at around read 4. ;) An enthralling plot at mid- and end-book will keep you up all night reading-- I know it.
*I've only read the advanced copy. Changes may have happened*

A great fantasy novel. Younger (mature-ish) kids COULD read it, but that would be completely up to the parent. I certainly think that it fits into YA.
The plot in this book really is great, starting off very nicely and ending with flourish. Surprises round every corner and turn. It's a great book, one that I'll read over and over and over again. I recommend you read this, even if you don't usually like fiction.
Rosalind, the main character, is cursed with a talon as a finger. And that's not all Rosalind has to deal with. Read (NOW) to know more-- I'm (almost) 100% sure that you'll love it-- I sure have!

This was a great book! I didn't like the fact that she had ended up sleeping with so many men:

Jon, George, the Dragon.... She was almost a player, though she never loved 2 men at the same time.

I think that the author kind of blew over Jonathon dating the princess to spite Alanna. In fact, the whole conflict was over relatively quickly, and when I started the book, I had to keep checking the # because the conflict was so brushed over. I thought that there might have been a whole book in between! The quest for the jewel was a little steotypical; anything of that nature would be.