I found this story fun and delightful, a nice read for young adults and middle grade ages. It took a few beginning chapters to stimulate a real interest in Ben Alderman's adventure; the writing could be improved with editing. But as soon as the curious main character stepped through a Merlin tree hidden on his grandparents' farm, depositing him in the world of Camelot, my interest was irreversibly perked. The story became enticing, and I found myself pondering throughout the day W.D. Newman's enjoyable magical characters--fairies, dwarfs, elves, snakers, wizards and witches. The book has many appealing personalities--especially the elves in my opinion--whom you would seek out as friends. I recommend this book to young readers and to the young at heart. ( )

didn't work for me ( )

'trite, poorly edited, storylines from every popular children's fantasy ever written--I was thoroughly annoyed by this book, which, incidentally, was a Nook Free Friday offering. ( )

If you liked C. S. Lewis's [The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe] you will like this story. Ben and sister Casey have to spend the summer with their grandparents. While there, they stumble upon a portal to a magical world with elves, dwarves, faeries, and an evil witch. ( )