I have reread this book many times. Would have been around 2004/2005 after when it was set. Very conservationist and the main character being female was something I clung to growing up!! I dreamed of growing up and working in marine biology. Having this science part but mixing in the islands and the fantasy was just everything I adored and still love. Even though Ive outgrown that age I treasure this book so much. ( )

Science fiction for ages 10 up. A little, erm, tame at the beginning, kinda predictable. But gradually I fell under the spell and by the end I was almost ready to give it four stars. I'm glad the environmental message was leavened with some optimism. I wonder what Park thinks of the progress we've made since the mid-80s.

I wanted to get to know Pig better, and the other Islanders, and Travis. I'm guessing Park cut a lot of what she wanted to say to keep a focus. But she did have some depth of character.

For example Riko (Sif's *younger* sister) is finally informed that her 'stickybeak' is annoying. How could I> be considered bossy? Always... fixing things for other people. But that was because I saw the right thing to do.... Was I to do nothing, say nothing, and allow a person I loved (Sif) to make a dreadful mistake?"" ( )