I feel compelled to write a review, because this book didn't seem *bad* per se, just in desperate need of an editor. The book started out strong. The writing is clever, the premise, setting and world-building are intriguing. Prue is no cookie-cutter female main character-- she's reckless, irreverent, brave and even, at times, ruthless. But this book has big problems. Despite Meloy's creativity, clichés and stereotypes reign supreme. Curtis and his interaction with the (very obviously evil) queen bear a striking resemblence to Edmund from C. S. Lewis' books, including the element of being really annoying to read about. Furthermore, the dual perspective just served to make the story tedious and wrung every possibility of surprise out of the plot. I have a few other gripes with this book, chief among them being the use of the "friendly stalker" trope, ie a male character ignores the clearly, forcefully stated boundaries of a female character, but then later the male and female characters become best buddies (and/or romantically involved). You might argue that this is realistic because the prevelence of this trope in books and movies has taught otherwise nice boys that it's okay to follow a girl even if she attempts to get rid of you by throwing rocks at you (after asking nicely several times), but that makes it no less irritating to read about. If you do read this book I recommend skipping all sections written from Curtis' perspective. It will preserve a little of the excitment and mystery of the story, and Prue's storyline is much more interesting anyway.

I got an advanced reading copy of this book at Book Expo America. I love middle grade fantasy adventures and was eager to read this book. Overall it was a good story and well written. Twelve year old Prue is supposed to be watching her baby brother Mac. She is doing a wonderful job until she turns her back for a second. When she turns around Mac is being carried off by crows to the Impassible Wilderness. No one goes into the Impassible Wilderness, it is just not done. Well Prue decides she must get her brother back, so off she goes walking right into the Impassible Wilderness. One of Prue's classmates, Curtis follows her out of curiousity. Suddenly Prue and Curtis find themselves in the Wildwood, a place full of talking animals, dangerous politics, and even war. This was a very well written book. It is easy to read and switches viewpoints mainly between Prue and Curtis. Occasionally we here for the viewpoint of the Dowager Governess as well. There is some magic throughout, but most of the magic is in the form of all the talking animals that inhabit the forest. The story is more of an adventure quest than anything. Prue in her effort to find her brother is transported from one part of the kingdom to another in a desperate quest to find some one her can help her. She flies on eagles, is captured by coyotes, and runs with Bandits. Curtis is more on a quest to find somewhere he belongs; he has always felt different and would love to be part of something that needs him. There are a lot of good lessons about friendship, determination, and loyalty throughout. I didn't really enjoy how Prue's parents were depicted as so slow and cowardly. Although I enjoyed the plot and the world, I never really was engaged with Prue and Curtis as characters. That being said the magical world of talking animals was endearing as were the Mystics of the North Woods. The story is very complete and wrapped up nicely. There are a couple story threads that I am sure will be addressed in future books. The illustrations throughout the book match the tone of the story nicely; they have a folkart feel to them and are fun to look at. Overall this was a decent middle grade adventure fantasy. The book is well-written, the plot well done, and the world of talking animals endearing. I never really engaged with Prue and Curtis as characters and I didn't enjoy the depiction of their parents as lazy, cowardly, and slow. If you like adventure fantasies I would recommend reading some of this book to see if you like. I personally probably won't read any more books in this series, mainly because there are so many excellent middle grade adventure fantasties out there in which I like the characters better. I would recommend Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, Percy and the Olympians by Rick Riorden, The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riorden, The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens, or Rise of the Darklings by Paul Crilley in place of this book.