Totally fine, nothing remarkable. I would have enjoyed it in elementary school, likely. I have no complaints about the writing; it was lush and easily consumable. But Durbin tells a familiar story in a predictable way, adding nothing new to the tropes or in the telling - which is why I find the Gaiman comparisons baffling. At the most basic level... perhaps? But what Gaiman does best is tilt familiar stories on their head, and this book didn't even attempt that. I would compare it to Pan's Labyrinth (but cozy), or Narnia (but less sweepingly mythical), before I would Gaiman. Regardless, it's not the sort of thing that speaks to me presently, though I can understand the appeal to those looking for an unchallenging, atmospheric, and cozy read.