Kirkus Reviews
"Posthumous messages and tantalizing clues send a teenager from Canada to Barcelona in search of a hidden chapter from his beloved grandfather's past. Steve slowly gains insight into how it felt to believe passionately in a cause—even, in this case, a doomed one—and then to lose that innocent certainty in the blood and shock of war."
YALSA YA Galley Teen Review
"I had to force myself to take a break for food or sleep once in a while. I just wanted to keep reading. This was an excellent book and I'm happy I picked it up to read."
CM Magazine
"The descriptions of the war—and the emotional reactions of Steve and his grandfather at two different points in history—are rich and poignant...Steve is a relatable teenager, with an honest voice and realistic reactions to his situation...Some of the most compelling parts are the grandfather's journal entries which give amazing insights into the strategy and struggle of war. These, paired with the stories of the current day Spanish people, paint a complete picture of the war and its enduring effects...Highly Recommended."
Resource Links
"The dialogue is witty and sharp...The Spanish setting oozes charm, beauty and history. Readers will feel as if they are scootering with Steve and Laia along narrow roads and through timeless tiny villages steeped in the memory of a bloody civil war."
NJ Youth Services
"[The] adventures are exciting and readers will be anxious to pick up the next book in the series. Great for middle grade boys who want realistic fiction with action and suspense."
TriState YA Book Review Committee
"A story of great adventure and action that will introduce readers to a portion of history that is not familiar to most students. There is a good mix of action and romance. Sure to appeal to upper midle school and younger high school students. An excellent purchase."