I bought this book after it was recommended by a friend, who bought it in the UK. Her 14-year old son had read it and loved it, and she had then read it and she also loved it. I was a bit hesitant, as it seemed like a children's book, but I was very pleasantly surprised. It IS a children's book, but it is one that adults will enjoy. There are some things which might go over the head of some younger readers, but those readers would never know that they missed a reference or bit of humour adults will appreciate. Yet the book doesn't patronise or speak down to readers, no matter what their age.

The world created by Alan Skinner is original, funny and yet believable. The characters are great. There are a lot of them to remember, especially at first, but by half-way through the book it falls into place. All of them are well-drawn and you start thinking of them as real characters, despite the fantasy world. And the three different "races" in the world are brilliantly defined.

My only criticism - and it is a small one - it is that the pace in the first half is slower than the pace in the second half. But the second half rocks along at a great pace and something is always happening.

Apparently this book is not yet available in Australia and I have had to order copies from Amazon UK for nieces and nephews. I hope the publishers have plans to have it available here soon.

I'd certainly recommend this for anyone - teen or adult - over 12. It's entertaining from start to finish.