Ness has never been afraid to push boundaries when it comes to genre exploration, but this is a truly magnificent piece of fiction.... The concept is striking, the characters compelling, and the story enthralling. Even for Ness, this is a singular effort." - Booklist (starred review)
"The densely layered, expertly paced plot builds and twists while revealing an alternate universe that cunningly echoes our world and its history." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Ness’s engrossing historical-fantasy adventure is at once accessible and complex, tackling both human issues—racism...war, religion—and grand fantasy action with skill." - Horn Book Magazine
“Exciting, nonstop action and gloriously varied twists in the narrative will keep readers guessing all the way through to the breathless ending.” - School Library Journal (starred review)
"A wild ride of fanaticism, redemption, assasins and dragon-worshippers. Mind-bending in the best possible way." - The Observer (London)
"Ness brings together history, fantasy, and science fiction in one masterful stroke, interweaving the tropes of each genre to create a unique blend that offers readers an unpredictable but impeccably paced mind trip." - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
"This fast-paced narrative has elements of alternate history, fantasy, multiverse, and apocalyptic literature. The many plot twists and multiple perspectives create an intensity that makes this a page-turner...A gripping, powerful novel of courage and resilience."
- Kirkus Reviews
"Ness brilliantly juggles these multi-layered themes and twisting plot lines while creating a world where dragons are as richly imagined as humans and engage our emotions just as forcefully. He is a remarkable talent." - Daily Mail (UK)