This is the real deal—a beautifully crafted middle-grade fantasy that respects kids' intelligence while delivering genuine adventure and wonder. Rundell has built a world rich enough to get lost in, with illustrations that invite kids to engage beyond just reading the words.

It's not a quick read, but that's a feature, not a bug. This is the kind of book that becomes a favorite, the kind kids will press into their friends' hands and say 'you HAVE to read this.' The combination of imaginative world-building, strong character dynamics, and meaningful themes (without being heavy-handed) is exactly what great middle-grade fiction should be.

If your kid loved Percy Jackson, Nevermoor, or The Girl Who Drank the Moon, this belongs on their shelf.