I haven't read the Charlie Bones books yet, but this book was suggested by a librarian friend for my son and myself.

It's an interesting enough story about a boy and his sister. How they come 'into' magic and how they seek to escape the dreadful creatures that destroyed their family and kingdom.

The story's tone is very much that of a fairytale. You won't find first person here, or truly much character development in the normal sense. But there is action and things of interest for children who are in the mood for a fairytale.

Written at nearly the 5th Grade reading level, I think this book might work very well as a read-aloud for younger elementary-aged children. There's a few sad developments, but not anything unsuitable. Plus, there is a flying camel!

I give it 4-Stars for Tweens, some middle-gradersm and some younger children, if they are in the mood for a fairytale type adventure.

At best I'd give it 3-Stars for adults. Though well written the plot devices are a bit forced, and since this is a younger person's book, there's not much character development to sweeten the pot.

So when you're in the mood... ( )