It is impressive that this is author Ash Bond's debut novel, as she gets all the elements right for an engaging book that will engage not only children but adults too. Bond's prose is engaging from the start, and with the fantasy elements, as well as literary hints (the trainee librarian, Rowan Strong, who gets embroiled in a dangerous mission!) it hints as reality and fantasy and seamlessly combining in elements of the unknown and the everyday. Both the title of the book and the engaging cover image will draw the reader in, and the style of writing will keep the reader engaged. A strong female character that will appeal to girls who are interested in the genre of fantasy, there are also enough elements to engage boys too. The characters could go on many more adventures, and the preface is that this will be the first of a series which will be good news for those who loved this first instalment.