This is a wonderfully told story that comprises excitement, action, suspense and a cruel and heartless villain who must be stopped. The characters are ones that are totally believable and I found myself willing the children to escape and really imagined myself on that journey too. The action is fast-paced and the description is hugely effective in getting the desperation of the situation and of the escape across. The dialogue between the characters is well written and appropriate. Sharp exchanges with characters lead to touching moments when Luke realises what has happened to his family.

The story is set in dystopian London so for those who know the area the landmarks will be familiar. The Olympic Park is abandoned, the Channel Tunnel is closed, East London is flooded and South London is a slum leading to a toxic wasteland.

This is a unique story but one which is so well written. The children in my class will love it!