Coverage & Awards
“It’s a really amazing example of great world building. So atmospheric, there’s a real thrill in nearly every chapter.”
— Elaina Ryan (Childrens Books Ireland) on Ireland AM
“Irish author Siobhan McDermott grew up in Hong Kong and mixes Chinese legend with her own fertile imagination. Zhi Ging’s mettle is tested against a backdrop of rising crisis, with grit trumping impostor syndrome.”
— Kitty Empire for The Guardian
“The first in a rip-roaring high-fantasy series from debut Irish-Chinese author McDermott, the highly detailed narrative and extensive worldbuilding is sure to cast a spell on its readers.”
— Ruth Concannon for Irish Examiner
“McDermott’s is a fresh approach to the topic of impossibly dangerous cryptic school challenges, infused with fragments of Chinese legends and her own childhood memories.”
— Pet O’Connell for Irish Examiner
