This entire trilogy is mesmerizing and magical and terrifying and a complete delight! The rich writing, the unique characters, the adventure and suspense, and just the... wildness of it all! I can't even describe the brilliance of this book; just take my word for it! Amazingness is overflowing from each page!

Prue and Esben are priceless! I love their weird friendship at the beginning of the book.

And the backstory of the Governess Alexandra and her son Nicolai... Seldom have I read such a touching death scene. Just beautiful! (This is not a spoiler since it is common knowledge before the first book.)

I never cared much about Rachel and Elsie's storyline, but I was very happy with their developing plot in this book.
Through half the book I was asking, "Where is Curtis? I need me some more Curtis and Septimus." But he finally made his way onto center stage, and I was very proud of him and delighted with his story.

I was about to scream and be so angry at the ending, but then the last two paragraphs saved it. Way to keep me in suspense till the extreme end! Genius!

Fave quote: "Our numbers may be small, but our courage needs must be the size of mountains." - Brendan, the Bandit King