2022 - I can see why 13 year old me rated this book 4. It is full of promise with an interesting premise, plot, and a world full of potential. But at the end of the day the plot was basic, the character development didn't exist, and nothing on the page felt like it breathed. Okay book with a lot of potential. But just not the kind of top tier writing and fun I expect from Funke given her work in the Inkheart trilogy and the breathtaking Thief Lord. A solid 3.

2011 - rated 4 stars