Gullstruck Island

This is probably the best of Hardinge's books; a bleaker world than Musca's, with moments of terror and long weeks of worry, with colonialism and racism and telepathy and genocide and the most horrific beetles in children's' literature, all against the background of a roughly-Pacific island.

Every book Frances Hardinge writes is a marvel of imagination, multiple clever ideas woven into a page-turning story. The Lace, the Lost, the volcanoes, and the Ashes, all interesting in themselves and fascinating when pulled together by rich characters.

He didn't really say much, but didn't want to put it down so that's a good sign!

Oh Frances. Why are you not better known?This book is beautiful, I wish I'd written it. Everyone should read Hardinge's books, and this is a wonderful place to start. Not too out there, but too compelling to put down for a moment.

I enjoyed Frances Hardinge's earlier novels, but she has really hit her stride with this one! A complex plot that never falters, believable villains, a heroine one can really sympathise with, and underlying it all an exploration of how the road to hell is paved with good intentions ... excellent! There is violence, vengeance and death - but ultimately the message is one of hope, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Another amazing Hardinge world - one you never want to leave, but are drawn on with pace and progressive revelation that satisfies. A book more ordinary would succeed or fail on strength of its ending - Frances Hardinge's novels just keep giving.If you have a bright 12 year old, or if you ever were one, enjoy this.

Absolutely fantastic! Best book I've read this year. All her books are really good but this is outstanding.

Brilliant read, sad when finished!