This is a highly-entertaining fairytale-inspired fantasy. The author brings each character to life beautifully - inspired by tales from Disney, Grimm, etc - and they fit together perfectly as if they were always meant to. I would compare this story to the Inkheart series, though it is far less wordy and therefore easier to follow. It also has some elements of (the earlier episodes of) Disney's Once Upon a Time - a darker fantasy style that's difficult to put down. My favourite character is Alan-a-Dale. The author manages to work in well-placed humour with the darker content. Betrayal, forgiveness, teamwork, friendship - it's all there. Disney, please hire this author.