This is my first Ruby Dixon book and I really loved it. I liked the voice of the main characters. Aspeth was super smart but without real life experience and that read through exactly. She was like a hesitant sunshine. She kept insisting that everything would work out somehow, even with all the evidence to the contrary. When someone, (I think Lark) finally questions her on what does she think will happen if she does manage to get an artifact for her father’s hold Aspeth in just like, “idk okay I haven’t taught that far,” which just fits in with character so much. Like yes of course you have this grand broad strokes plans but you haven’t thought of the particulars. 
Hawk was the ever patient, wet cat MMC. Loved him.
The rest of the 5?! Are they not adorable?! I looked and looked for some Kipp fanart. I tried so hard to imagine him and his little house but I still don’t have a solid image. 
I picked this book up just based on the cover really. I didn’t even notice that it was a Dixon book until I had it at home. Then I hemmed and hawed about reading it for a while because I know that people sweat her and I wanted to be able to give this book my full attention. Once I started it I didn’t want to put it down. Definitely moving Ice Planet Barbarians up on my TBR.