The emotional, physical, and intellectual drama is well crafted and relentless...Tension [and] suspense...are palpable throughout, mitigated by occasional moments of welcome humor.
--School Library Journal

Todd's world is a fascinating one, and the psychological and sociological impact of being unable to shut out others' thoughts--or hide your own--is creatively explored ... Todd's colloquial voice is by turns defensive, belligerent, innocent, and desperate; the strength of his point of view and the subtle world-building contained in it make this series opener as promising as it is provocative.
--The Horn Book

Todd and Viola...are realistically portrayed as kids frequently overwhelmed and terrified by their circumstances...The nicely balanced mix of coming-of-age novel, science-fiction adventure, and dystopic thriller will make this an appealing choice for a range of genre readers...still unsolved mysteries, carefully developed by Ness and left at tantalizing moments of resolution, guarantee anticipation for the next two.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Skillfully structured narrative creates an elegant mixture of action, dialogue, and dark, dsytopian pathos.
--VOYA

Gives us a glimpse of the depth of evil in our hearts...the ending of this book is absolutely chilling and leaves the reader begging for more.
--Library Media Connection

This riveting SF thriller is action-packed, with edge-of-your-seat chase scenes, a monstrous villain who just won't die, and moments of both anguish and triumph...Emotionally intense...haunting page-turner.
--KLIATT

Perhaps the most impressive of the recent crop [of dystopian YA]
--New Yorker

A read-alone, stay-up-way-too-late book for older readers looking for the combination of being scared and being stirred to gallop to the end.
--Chicago Tribune

The powerful, gut-clenching cliffhanger will definitely leave you wanting more.
--Orlando Examiner online