Courtney Crumrin vol 3: Courtney Crumrin In The Twilight Kingdom back

"He'll be lonely without me."
"He'll get over it. We all do. There are worse things than loneliness."

A real leap here for what was already an attractive all-ages series, as young Courtney visits her old neighbourhood after spending months at her uncle's house, while her worn-out parents try, unsuccessfully, to sell their old home. There her former best friend Malcom has fallen under the influence of two house-breaking idiots, because there's really nothing else for him left (you'll find out why in a cleverly directed twist later on), and falls out with Courtney as she tries her best to steer him away from them - again, unsuccessfully. And it's very tenderly done, but only the prologue of a tale which will take Courtney on a reluctant journey from the grounds of her school to the Twilight Kingdom, in order to find the cure for a carelessly cast curse placed on one brother by the other.

Friendship and responsibility seem to be the themes on offer, all concealed under a gothic facade of fantasy and danger, and portrayed with some lush artwork which has drawn Charles Vess' admiration. It's the third in the series and does touch upon old plot points, but can be read independently. A quietly touching ending, and a very cool read.

I occasionally refer to this series now as Harry Potter for girls, which may seem a little lazy and also redundant given how many young ladies love Harry Potter itself. Or even himself. Still, very much recommended to girls who like Harry Potter. Plus, Courtney could kick his ass.