I suppose there's nothing wrong with this simple little fantasy adventure - but it just fails to compare to any of the dozens more widely known. I mean, they're more widely known for a reason, right? I think maybe The Neverending Story is the best comparison - but this book is a quarter the size of that. I guess this is great for inexperienced readers? And maybe it could make a good movie, in the right hands? I know Philbrick has done much better, though, so I admit that I was especially disappointed. ( )