A quick, enjoyable read, if a trifle predictable. I very much liked the heroine, however - Alanna is a total Hufflepuff, prepared to work her arse off to get what she wants and that's a trait I really admire so good for her. I'm not so enamoured of the magic side of the plot, and I would have liked to see more of whiny brother Thom, but I expect the latter at least will turn up more in later books.