'A fast-moving, incredibly exciting read. And what grips you most is that the story is scarily plausible. Highly recommended.' * Malorie Blackman *

'A real sense of accumulating menace - genuine danger, which is rare. I love how the story is so often catapulted forward by good, rich dialogue, and there were times I was genuinely shuddering in that all-too-plausible world, and aching for characters I really came to care about. What an achievement!' * Andy Mulligan, author of Trash *

'A harrowing survival thriller from the Carnegie Medal winner, set in a near-future bankrupted Britain that feels only too plausible.' * The Bookseller *

"...uncompromising and strong..." * Books For Keeps *

"...a really good novel." * Armadillo Magazine *

"...a thought-provoking and topical novel by an accomplished writer." * The School Librarian *

"Cross, a clear, intelligent writer, demonstrates the quiet power of work and the pleasures of community..." * Literary Review *

"Award-winning author Gillian Cross once again delivers an exciting read in this intriguing twist on the dystopian teen novel...Thought-provoking and gripping, this page turner will hold the attention of young adults and readers alike." * www.welovethisbook.com *

"Cross, who has won both the Carnegie and the Whitbread, is an expert storyteller: her plotting is seamless; her prose is supple and economical; she creates characters you care for, and depicts a world so plausible you can smell it..." * The Guardian (Online-Teen Books) *

A frighteningly believable story, a real page-turner... * Emily Drabble (quote from Little Rebels judge Wendy Cooling), The Guardian *