A visionary, imaginative retelling of the Orpheus legend in modern guise with a happy ending as Sam and his father John with Lepanto, a very wise elephant who likes to dance, rescue Sam's mother from the afterlife in Dread City, an ocean and a world away. A variety of reviewers have compared its scope, sweep, and imagination to "Alice In Wonderland" and "The Wizard of Oz" and even to "Gulliver's Travels," and to Neil Gaiman in general! While aimed at youthful readers, its exuberant story defies simple categorization and can be enjoyed as well by adults who are sure to appreciate its charm.

Kirkus Reviews claims it can "stand with the classics of children's literature."

It combines compassion and renewal with an epic fantasy adventure in a manner sure to touch reader' hearts.