I put this book on my to read list after attending a lecture where the author was part of a discussion panel. A friend who also attended recommended it fully and I was eager.

And then... I just happened to find it on the shelf of a charity shop. So clearly, it was meant to be.
And I have to say I loved it!

I'm a big fan of fantasy/Sci-fi etc as it is (as I'm sure is obvious by now), and this book catered to that perfectly, whilst still maintaining a perfect real world balance.

It was engaging, full of suspense, and every single character was tolerable at the very least. The plot unraveled in a sensible yet entertaining way, and the ending was well done.

I felt it moved a little quickly for my taste (basically the only reason it's missing a star), but I think that as a children's book, this is often the case, and I can under why.

It's also done a good job at making me want to read the next instalment, with plenty of characters only just touched on who I'm sure will reappear, and a continued plot line past the ending to unfold... I'm not sure if I will or not yet (really not a fan of series...), but we'll see.