The only word for this book is brutal. It is about important subjects; abuse sex trafficking, poverty, homelessness. It was so unrelenting that I read up to about page 200 and then sat down and skimmed the rest slowing down only for the last few chapters. I am glad I read it, was very glad for the information the author provided in the back, and do not think I will ever re-read this one. I do plan to try more by this author. The writing was very good and I would like to try Wolf by Wolf. ( )

If a book's author's note is situated at the end of a book I generally read it after I've finished the book. For some reason, I chose to read this author's note first. In the note Graudin told her readers that she based the book on a real life walled city in Hong Kong called Kowloon. As a result I was expecting a serious and informative book on the horrid conditions the citizens of this slum had to endure in order to survive. Well, turns out I was sorely disappointed. Instead, this book read like and action adventure film that Hollywood would produce; complete with the overly trite and overly predictable happy ending. This book could have and should have been so much more. Instead we got a silly piece of pulp fiction. And one more beef; way too, way too, many bad metaphors. ( )

A book full of nonstop action, set in the seamy, dangerous walled city -- a haven for drugs and prostitution and abandoned feral children who live outside the law. Jin seeks her sister, Dai is desperate for a way out and Mei Yee endures. There are a few sparks of romance in this one, but it's secondary to the mile-a-minute plot. ( )

Gripping. Spectacular. I couldn't stop reading, even though it's way passed my bedtime. Ha! It all felt so real and tangible. ( )

This YA book takes place within the walls of what had been Kowloon City in Hong Kong, no longer in existence. The novel effectively contrasts the haves/have nots and what happens inevitably in the slums. The book is narrated from three POVs: a privileged boy, who has a mission, a young girl masquerading as a boy to survive, and her sister, who has been sold into prostitution. While the story is predictable and the bonds that develop between the three too quickly to be believable, the characters are strong and I liked the writing. Don't forget to look at the photos included by Graudin at the end, which are very interesting. ( )