Brilliant, i was kept enthralled from start to finish, a captivating story of a community that functions using oppression, fear and superstition. Ness, an orphan, lives with her brother and their cousin's family on Dunnett Island. The island people live a life close to the land: they are ruled by the seasons, but live in constant fear of all things that come from the sea. In the past they lost many of their folk to the ocean's toxins, and to illness brought by the occasional refugee who managed to land on their shores, seeking help. The adults in this community have been hardened by fear, loss and superstition: as a result Ness and the other young people live a restricted, hard-working life. However, the three teenage cousins - Ness, Ty and Sophie - defy the adults' orders about keeping away from the sea and whenever they can escape unnoticed, they explore and forage in a concealed cove. It's there, in the cove, where they discover a body washed ashore; a man who has been shipwrecked. His name is Dev, he is delirious and injured, he is barely alive. The three are uncertain: terrified of what might happen to the man, and to them, if he is discovered by their elders. Ness, undertakes a foolhardy, courageous gamble when she decides to keep the stranger concealed and alive. All too soon she risks everything, including her own life, to help him escape when her close-minded, 'witchhunting' community discovers her secret. Ness is an imaginative, independent young woman who questions and seeks meaning in a world her elders would drain of all variety and joy. Being hunted by her elders, Ness and Dev make their escape out to sea in a boat that they found hidden. Read the NEXT chapter in the book EBONY HILL. ( )

Anna Mackenzie has written a fabulous series about Ness a young girl who lives on an island with what is left of her family. One day she and Ty her brother and Sophie her cousin find a stranger on the beach below their house. They look after him despite the risks of someone finding out. A risk because strangers are not welcome on the island in case they bring disease. The consequences of the choice Ness makes will change her life and those of her family forever. An exciting series that I hated putting down, with great action and character development. Suitable for teen guys and gals. ( )

A great book for teenagers - good storyline with characters who develop and show unexpected characteristics
Summary
Ness, Ty and their cousin Sophie live in a post-apocalyptic island community that has turned its back on the sea, and its own past. When the arrival of a stranger forces all three to question the world they know, a world dominated by superstition, fear and loss, they each have a choice to make. Rebelling against the harsh austerity of her life, Ness chooses to follow the sea currents running in her blood. It proves a choice that risks everything, including her own life. ( )