More than a year ago, I re-read Jackaroo by Cynthia Voigt and discovered that she’d turned it into a series. And I’d mentioned that I’d wanted to read the others. See: I do finally get around to things on my to-do list, even if it takes me a year. Honestly, though, I’d forgotten about my desire of a year ago, and checked this one out because everyone over at Sequestered Nook was raving about it. And not wanting to be left out, I felt I needed to read it.

I really enjoyed this one. I can’t compare it to Jackaroo (it took me most of the book to get the connection between the two); I really don’t remember much about the books after a while. (That’s why I keep the blog!) But, this one was interesting. I enjoyed the adventure. I enjoyed the subtle transformation of Birle from impetuous girl to a calm, assured one. I really enjoyed the ending. (Okay, I’m a sucker for happy endings!) Voigt is such a talented writer: in all her stories, the characters ring true, and the world doesn’t get in the way of the story. And that’s the case here. I loved Birle, Orien and Yul. I even felt sympathy for Joaquin the Philosopher. Her “bad guys” are complex as is her conflict. And it’s just a pleasure to read.