content: When i first got this book from the library i put it down after 3 pages. At the time it had looked to me like a big, boring book. I brought it home again to give it another chance (like 2 years later) and I think it's great. The story is good, bringing magic into a world you are most familiar w/ and even entering more worlds. The story of 13 year old girl mixed with another boy is weaved together of them trying to learn magic. Just novices, they are experimenting w/ Speech that leads them to a lot of trouble. I think Duane had a great idea, and even if it's not as exciting as some other books, it's worth it.