Stephen Messer

A very nice read, well written and imaginative, with frequent dashes of humour and a nicely determinded protagonist. I liked the blend of different genres (or maybe disregard for genre limitations), as the book mixes fantasy, a bit of sci-fi and pure adventure. And although things like ecological responsibility, growing up, finding your talents and finding your place in the world are themes of the novel, it doesn't try to beat you around the head with a MESSAGE, for which I am very grateful.

Sometimes Oliver seemed a little slow with catching up on what's happening, but younger readers or newcomers to the main idea behind the book probably won't have the same impression.

I felt the ending was wrapped up a tad too quickly as I wanted to know more about some things that happened (or were revealed to have happened), but it wasn't rushed or unsatisfying - on the contrary, it ended in a satisfying way with plenty of room for imagination and future possibilities for the characters. Nice! The more I think about it, the more I like the book. Recommended!

Edit: Oh, and as a PS for Dianna Wynne Jones fans: no, it's not quite like DWJ's books (someone should have called Chrestomanci!), it's less intricate and quirky and doesn't quite have her twinkly wit and that graceful nonchalance of weaving a story. Maybe not yet! It's really charming in its own way, though.… (meer)