A bit too childish for me. The author says she thinks it's a children's book, even though her publisher didn't agree. I think she's right, despite some of the gruesome aspects of the book. ( )

Wonderful. Every single T. Kingfisher book I've read so far is perfect for a rainy day or for an evening with a snowstorm raging outside. This one is no exception - exciting, funny, terrifying, poignant and hopeful. I'd love to invite the main characters into my house and give them lots of tea and cake.

P.S. Yes, I do want an armadillo familiar of my own. ( )

An excellent tale of magic and adventure! ( )

Another weird little story with an Armadillo familiar and a quest for rain, like you do. Loved it, but then I love T. Kingfisher's particular brand of weird. Great message about using what you've got, even if it doesn't seem like much. ( )

Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I borrowed this on ebook from my library.

Thoughts: I have read a number of Kingfisher's books at this point. I liked this book a lot more than her other middle grade book "A Wizard's Defensive Guide to Baking". I just enjoyed the characters and adventuring theme to this book more.

Oliver is a very minor mage in a very small town. He is only twelve and he has an armadillo for a familiar. However, when the town starts suffering from drought he's all they got. He gets driven out of town by a mob to find a cure to their problems. He's not bitter, but he is only twelve even if he is a mage. Thus starts his journey facing ghouls, other mages, and a very strange forest.

I love adventure fantasy and this was a very well done one. The characters are humorous and easy to engage with. The adventure is fun and exciting. I loved some of the creative magical things in here as well. You really never knew what crazy magical thing you were going to run into next. The story clips along at a good pace and I found it fun and easy to read.

My Summary (5/5): Overall I really enjoyed this fantasy adventure story a ton. I loved the fun characters, intriguing magic, and the exciting adventure that we get to go on. I would recommend it if you are looking for a fun, quick, well done fantasy read. I also adored "Nine Goblins" and would recommend that fantasy book by Kingfisher as well if you are looking for a quick and fun fantasy read. ( )