Magic is feared in Talhaven because a magical war in Vora causes adult wizards to send their children to Talhaven, and a cataclysm occurs. These children have no memories, but varying magical abilities, and are being hunted by vigilantes and the authorities. Protagonist Rook opens gateways to any place in the world using a piece of chalk, but not to the one place she desires ... her home in Vora. Mysteriously, a doorway keeps opening to a dark, wintry woodland, when suddenly a giant magical Fox comes through, to join Rook and her BFF, Drift, who can use magic to fly by manipulating wind currents and air. Their meager survival is threatened by Fox and the appearance of a wizard (and her captors) claiming to need their help to avert disaster to Talhaven. Rook, Drift and Fox embark on this adventure, finding some unexpected allies and enemies. Well-written and fun, with traditional middle age reader themes of friendship, family, and overcoming hardships. ( )

For me, this book was slow. There wasn't enough rising action to keep my interest. I did like the forms of magic given to characters. Rook reminded me of "Harold and the Purple Crayon" but with less control. ( )