“A rare jewel. A new classic in the fantasy genre.” - Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series
“Neff offers a meaty, nearly 600-page series opener, an indulgence for readers thirsting for a futuristic cloak-and-daggers plot with magical creatures...An adolescent version of a Game of Thrones-like plot that unfurls with players on both sides vying for their rightful places.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Grade: A. Neff expertly crafts a world that is both stunning in its detail, and impressive in scope...the novel is packed with both story and high stakes as both Hazel and Hob are forced to deal with not just peer rivalry and academic difficulties, but also class disparity, civil unrest, and societal expectations. In this way Neff has created not just a world that not only exists on its own, but one readers will be eager to return to. - Entertainment Weekly
“It’s quite a feat that Neff manages to resolve all of the major plot points in this first volume of a projected series while still leaving plenty to keep readers wondering about while they eagerly wait for the next entry.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Neff adroitly mixes magic, adolescence, and mystery, all while meticulously building a believable world whose characters slowly realize that history has many holes worth examining... Neff has created a fantasy world that will not only satisfy dedicated fans of the genre but also attract budding social activists searching for a fictional reflection of their real concerns.” - School Library Journal
“Neff offers a meaty, nearly 600-page series opener, an indulgence for readers thirsting for a futuristic cloak-and-daggers plot with magical creatures, including an elusive dragon that fraternizes only with the royalty of this post-Cataclysmic Earth. The heady politics of the story mimics the classic rulers-versus-the-impoverished narrative, with an adolescent version of a Game of Thrones-like plot that unfurls with players on both sides vying for their rightful places. [T]his is a nicely paced adventure that attaches readers to the bookworm Hazel and the heroic Hob. ” - Kirkus Reviews
“Neff’s novel is wonderfully detailed, building a rich and fascinating picture of a complex society. The book’s real joys come from watching Hazel find herself, coming stunningly “alive, more vividly and deliciously than she could remember.” Readers will share her excitement and eagerly await the next book. ” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“The world of Impyrium is fully formed, down to the last detail, which allows Neff to expertly touch upon themes of social unrest and class disparity, while still telling a heart pounding, adventure-packed story. ” An Entertainment Weekly Best Middle Grade Book of 2016 - Entertainment Weekly