The blurb – Vega Jane is fourteen when she is secretly given a map that reveals a mysterious world and dangerous creatures beyond the walls of Wormwood, a place no one has ever left – or wanted to. Until now. The map makes her question everything she has ever been told about the place she calls home. Her friend Delph and her dog, Harry Two, are the only ones Vega trusts. Trapped by secrets and lies, they want freedom and truth.

But she will have to fight for freedom. And the truth may cost Vega her life.

The review – This is a wonderfully crafted story from a masterful story-teller, although it may be a little involved for most primary-aged readers. There are a lot of smaller characters to keep track of, but the main characters do have some depth and interesting stories to tell. We are thrown directly into the heart of the story by experiencing it all from the point of view of 14-year-old Vega Jane. From the opening sentence, the action begins, and it does not stop as the short chapters never let go of you! I found myself staying up much later than I intended one night in order to finish this. As I mentioned at the start, this is probably more suited to the more able and mature readers, as it is a little complicated in places and the fight scenes can be a little gory! You have been warned!

By Mr Mullen