UPDELATE, I just read another review, and I have to say, I completely agree, and they put it into words far more easily than I did. For clarification, see the review by River. I think they really nailed it with how I was feeling.

I'm not going to Star rate this one at this time. I enjoyed the story, and it kind of reminded me of parts of His Dark Materials, but I feel like not enough happened... I think it's a good start to a story, but I needed more. Like, what was the endless war about topside? and a few other things I can't place my finger on. I loved the "beasts" and bonds, I just hope the next one has a little more storyline and opens up a bit more.