I bought this book on the strength of fantastic reviews and was sorely disappointed. Although the story was interesting enough to have gotten a 3 stars from me, I am giving it a 1 star because I feel that putting unnecessary sexual innuendos (however slight) in a book for young readers is inappropriate. I would not mind if these comments added to the story, but they were all completely superfluous. I am glad I read this first before giving it to my 12 year old daughter,but I am upset that I wasted my money on a book that I can't have my daughter read. This is too dark a tale for young readers, but is too simple a tale for adults.