Monsters, magic, and a whole lot more.... fills this book with a rip roaring adventure sure to keep your kids happy from cover to cover!! I thoroughly loved this story. Alex was a great character (reminded me of what my son and daughter would do) and his companions will win a spot in your heart for sure with their dynamite antics. From the capture of the monster to the air ship ride as well as the whole world of Edin, I was blown away by the lush details and the well developed story line. Besides all the magical goodness, the villain of the tale is satisfying and believable with enough scary to make him bad, but not too much to give younger or more sensitive kids nightmares. One of the best I've read in awhile!!