I feel as though this book gives a good look into what our future can hold for us, if we don't work on being better to our environment. There is always a divide between the rich and the poor, however it will only get worse if pollution gets to this extend. It was a very intriguing story and I enjoyed reading it. I feel like it ended opened end enough but also enough that I felt relatively satisfied, with its current ending and not sure where this second book is going to take it next. I think it could be read as a standalone and you would be good with the ending however I will try the next book as I am intrigued how they keep the story going.