I wish it hadn't been so long between reading this book and the DWJ novel that introduced Cat Chant (was it Charmed Life? I forget). I think I would have enjoyed it even more. Still I am constantly in awe of the originality and the completeness of the Crestomanci world that DWJ has created. There is an earthy, imperfection about the characters and events and even attitudes that make it a totally believable place.

Perhaps the best written book of the series so far, but I still think the sheer delight of discovering this author through reading 'The Nine Lives of Christopher Chant' makes that my favourite.