I found this a bit slow starter for the first 10% because of the dense worldbuilding to absorb, but after that I pretty much tore through it, because the story, and the world, are that compelling. It's YA/young readers-y, and it has that feeling in parts. Like, catering to every kid who loves animals and wants to imagine they’re the BEST ONE at connecting with them. But my favorite character was one of the adults - the beekeeper who takes Elin in near the beginning.
There's another book later with this character, but this was written as a standalone and works well that way, which I appreciate.