This fantasy had a fresh take (other than the villainess, who stuck me as having wandered in direct from Narnia -- unless the author is intending this to be a reference to the White Witch of Narnia, it was awfully derivative) and I found the story engaging and interesting. And unlike the CSM reviewer, I did like the characters. In particular, I thought Uncle Frank was a really interesting depiction of a more complex character, and added depth to the story. But though there was a sweet tone to parts of the story, it also had a lot of feeling of menace and horror, with peril to family members, and just when you get a feeling of relief at an apparently happy ending...there's a menacing epilogue (to set up for the sequel). Without knowing what happens in the next book, I'm not sure what age to say for this book; standing on its own, the ending would I think be unsettling for younger readers, on top of the tension and peril earlier. So...maybe 11+? But I might revise that age recommendation upward or downward, depending on the sequel.