I really enjoyed how fast-paced this book started off. Within a few chapters, you were immediately transported into the magical landscape of the book. I also really appreciated the dynamic between Charlie and Peterson, two siblings that, although young, you can tell greatly care for one another. The main characters are people of color, and although their grandparents are often discussed, I did feel like there could have been more culture provided when dealing with the character building or description of Africa. The issue of magical prejudice was handled well in the story as well, clearly being a main point but also flitting in and out of the actual text mirroring the way that racism can be so ingrained in society even when not being spoken about.
Plot-wise, I wish a bit more had happened. Luckily, it was a short book and the rest of the series is already published. That being said. I felt that this entire book was more a background information for whatever action is going to happen in the second book as opposed to being a book by itself. As someone who does not always immediately pick up the next book in a series due to a long TBR, I would not say I was hooked enough to drop my plans for my next book and read the sequel. Overall, a very nice coming-of-age story, but personally I could have used a little bit more of action within the plot line.