I don't normally read books with a 'fantasy touch' or even a 'techno touch', being more of a mystery/thriller gal, but I was drawn into this by the use of clues to 'solve' a mystery. It was hard to put down, as I was mesmerized by the story and characters and felt quite intelligent in the moments when I actually thought I had 'got it'! The use of place really was integral to the story. I really started to care about the young boy and so wanted to see where their search would take them. There were moments, when the action seemed to happen a bit too quickly--first time author rush, but at the end, I was frustrated by wanting more. Sequel please. The words from the author to us, the readers, at the end of the book were almost as thought provoking to me as the book.