This book is even better than Doomspell. I missed Dragwena (perversely!), but Heebra is more calculating and even more sinister in some ways. The Scent of Magic is as beautifully written as The Doomspell, but if anything the characterisations are deeper, and the plot more original (the first had slightly too many echoes of The Lion,the Witch and the Wardrobe, I felt), while McNish propels the whole magnificent story along with his characteristic verve, pace and passion. This book has the feel and energy of the best thrillers. If anything the last chapters just go too fast, but that's a minor quibble!