This book just wasn't for me. It was nowhere near my wheelhouse. There were too many things that rubbed me the wrong way -- from the language style to some of the tropes used. The writing is not empirically bad and the story definitely has some good adventurous points to it, but it simply wasn't my style. I don't think even middle grade me would have enjoyed it, it just isn't the type of story I'm drawn to. That was somewhat disappointing as I typically enjoy magically infused middle grade. There are some redeeming qualities that make me think there are others who will find great enjoyment with it, but I don't have any middle grade readers for whom I would find it to be a particularly successful recommendation.