I like Diana Wynne Jones' sense of humor and her characters. She is endlessly inventive in a very satisfying way. (A lot of her work reminds me of Terry Pratchett, another favorite.)But, this book is intricate, complex and at times exhaustingly complex. That's OK, but be warned that this book demands a high level of patience and application, which may or may not be consistent with your reader's skills and aptitudes. On the other hand, this is certainly a big step up from the usual middle grade read, so it is a great next step for a growing reader.