Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Carrie P

This looked primarily like a boys' title, but I bought it for my 11-year-old girl at a friend's suggestion. I began reading a chapter or two with her at night, and I soon found myself reading ahead after she had gone to bed.

The story is familiar - a thief steals a family relic from the castle of a young prince, and that young prince goes on a quest to find it accompanied by two knights.

What came as a surprise - and what made the book stand out - are the characters of Nora, Dora, and Jasmine. They follow Aaron, as his quest may lead them to their missing mother. The girls are hilarious - but rather than being comic relief, they actually move the story forward as much or more as Aaron and the knights.

All the characters are charming. The story is never preachy, but the lessons of trust and leadership are embedded throughout. The adventures - including acts of nature and a kidnapping - are all exciting, but it's the good-natured humor that really captured me. As noted on the cover, there is no magic or sorcery often found in stories with castles and the like, but the setting is somehow otherworldly.

Moves fast and lots of fun - highly recommended.