This was an enjoyable adventure, having the right combination of danger and solace for a short book. Quinn's test at the end I found fascinating and the way she handled it as well as the was Sebastian took a step back and supported her were beautiful parts of the story. All the characters have had a lot of growth and it is nice not to have Tom and Sebastian snarling at each other anymore. Sebastian perhaps has grown the most out of any of them.

I'm not mad on stereotypes such as "hell hath no fury" scorned women who are power-hungry witches. I thought the idea of a man putting his own little daughters into danger and hardship because of the actions of the mother were far more problematic than was acknowledged in the book (though maybe that gets addressed in the next book). I don't mind female bad-guys but why does it always have to revolve on romance on sex? Speaking of romance Sebastian is 12. I do not think that for a 12 year old his biggest temptation would be a great romance. They have crushes, sure (although I suspect more so these days when we make such a big deal of heterosexuality as a society) but I think his main temptation would be glory and his father's approval (both also mentioned, but I just thought the romance thing was unnecessary).

How predictable that someone is of royal blood (no I won't say who),

Nevertheless the warmth and friendship that has grown up between the four, the complexifying of their interactions and the fantastic animals make it a feel-good read. Add to that high levels of danger and a need for courage and resourcefulness (not just magic or might) as well as a richly (though briefly) painted fantasy world and this is more than readable.

No question I am going to read the next one and finish the series!

Soon.