Diana Wynne Jones writes for an audience that enjoys fantasy and feels comfortable with elements such as the use of magic and the mention of gods and demons. It should be stated that although Jones does set up a world where demons exist, these beings do not spend much time center stage.

Several demons do make a personal appearance, but this novel is not a work of occult horror or darkness. Nonetheless, elements of this book may be incompatible with the beliefs of some people.

As with any adventure story, there are certain scenes of conflict, but these also are not dwelled on. The death of a dog is briefly mentioned to underline the unpleasant nature of a group of soldiers, and Derk is injured by the fiery breath of a dragon, but these matters are dealt with quickly and without graphic detail.

Many of the...