I loved this book. I admit to purchasing it because it had John Barrowman's name on the cover, but as soon as I started reading I was entranced by this book. It's a great read. I've read some of the other reviews saying it's the next Harry Potter... but I don't think there will be another Harry Potter. This instead is a great start to a new trilogy, and reminded me more of Under The Mountain by Maurice Gee than HP.
I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down, and now that I've finished it I don't want to let it go, and wish there was more to read.
It's got everything, excitement, magic, fantasy, it's written so that boys and girls will read it. The setting is special, the characters are special.
I can't work out whether this is a totally mutually written book between Carole and John, or whether ideas are from one and writing from the other, but it's a partnership that really works.
This book does what all good books should do - it is a great story which kids should want to read. Best of all, it's a movie begging to be made.
I can't wait for the second book in the trilogy.
I highly recommend this book for children, but also for anyone who loves a good fantasy story.