'Squid Game' meets 'Saw' with children, that's the essence of this book. It was absolutely fine and serviceable but I just never really clicked with it on any engaging or meaningful level, whether that's my fault or the author's, I'm not sure. There is a scene early in this book (if you've read it, you know what I'm talking about) and it's one of, if not the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. The author's train of thought couldn't have been anything other than what's the most scandalous, extreme thing I can think of to shock people. It annoyed me so much that I nearly DNF'd and that's something that I never do. What makes it even more jarring is that upon finishing the book it sticks out like a sore thumb, it doesn't connect to the rest of the story in any way, making it even more pointless and unnecessary.