I really enjoyed this book, a sort of wish-fulfillment fantasy that has its heart in the right place. The book seems inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with a little bit of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire mixed in.
Truly this is a great example of a book written with structure and balance – there is no extra fat to cut and it accomplishes its purpose with minimal digressions. The characters are likable and safe – no big shocks when somebody is different than what you expected (I’m looking at you, Gene Wilder!)
You would think that a book like this would be cozy and warm, but there is plenty of background that comes up during the story that is plenty sad enough to counterbalance all the happiness and sunshine. Thanks to this sort of light/dark balance the book feels less saccharine and more wholesome. It was a pleasure to read.
Next I am reading The Dice Man by Luke Rhinehart.
