Rating: My bookshelf, but the next book in the series is not for me

Reading Level: Early Elementary, Mid-Elementary

Possible Concerns:

  • Lying. The princess hides a pet from her family. Later she tries to tell them about it but circumstances prevent it. I do like that her older brother finds out quickly and so she isn’t alone very long with it.
  • Suggested Flirting. One of the main boys is described as a flirt. The girl characters giggle around him. You don’t actually see him flirting much except a wink at the little sister for fun, etc.
  • Magic and magical creatures. Wizards, Griffins, time travel…
  • Magic Castle. The mysterious castle has a mind of its own, and is sort of an omniscient ally. I was concerned in book 1 that it might be trying to replace God but by Book 2 we see the castle is not omnipotent and needs help. So it is more like a mysterious friend.
  • The next book in the series is Not for Me. Unfortunately this one ends in a cliffhanger so it feels necessary to read the next one.

Things I liked

  • Creativity, imagination.
  • Good relationships with Parents and Siblings. The family works together. The children have good relationships with loving and capable parents. It is refreshing and hard to find such a functional and loving family in kids’ literature these days.
  • Perseverance, fighting for what you believe in. The girl lovingly cares for her pet and tries to protect it.

Overall I’d allow it on my bookshelf as it is generally age-appropriate with no discernible hidden agenda. However, the book ends in a cliffhanger and the one that follows is not for me.

See also my review of Book 1 in the Castle Glower Series, Tuesdays at the Castle. I’m not a big fan of Book 3, Thursdays with the Crown.