Changes

The story is dramatic and the perils are both real and colourfully described. There is joy, excitement and comfort as well as terror and regret, and the ending perfectly concludes the adventure while leaving the way open for a sequel or two. It's a big story, in every sense of the term, and for readers prepared to give it the time and attention it will prove a very satisfying experience.

Another lengthy but very enjoyable book which portrays magic as a serious, sometimes even dangerous power rather than a glorified parlour trick is [[Fire Spell by Laura Amy Schlitz]], in which two young people are pawns in a battle between magicians who are both strong and ruthless.