I saw a good review of this and had it on my wishlist for ages. Finally bought it through the SF&F bookclub a couple of years ago, but only just getting round to registering it.

I had read so many great reviews of this book, that I was really looking forward to reading it. Maybe my expectations were too high as a result, but I was curiously disappointed not to be blown away by it. I also hadn't realised that it was a YA book, which became very obvious by the tone and writing style of the book...and I very nearly put it down again. But I am glad I continued as it was enjoyable, for all its faults.

The story starts off with a young mother and her child being driven towards a grand old house by whispering shadows. Years pass and the child grows up to find he has the power to travel to different universes and, unintentionally, bring things back with him. One of these universes is dying, but a Great Spell (note the capitals!) can safe everyone, if only the Cup, Sword and Crown can be brought together. Coincidently, a local legend tells of a mysterious, cursed, cup of blood that was lost centuries ago by the ruling family of the area. Oh, and a strange cup has just come up for sale at Sootheby's....

Actually, the story has a lot more depth than that. There are some nice twists, although they weren't a massive surprise, and the characters were brought to life very well. A lot is left open for the next two books in the series, which I would probably read if I came across them, but wouldn't necessarily go running out to buy them.

So, overall, a good YA book that I'm sure would be loved by a lot of readers in that age group, but for me, it lacked some of the depth I really want in my fantasy.

Added to the Random Book Box

Taken from the random book box.