The world is lovely and uncomplicated while avoiding feeling derivative, the twist is twisty enough that I didn't see it coming too early, and the ending open enough to intrigue me into wanting more without annoying me with loose chads. Plus, the race and class discussions are well done--not overshadowing the magic and not being ignored either, just integral to life in the way these things are. In short, this is a wonderful series opener that I can see myself handing to many children.