Breadcrumbs

Gorgeous story and gorgeously written. I listened to this audio book, and every line was like music, full of rhythm and the most perceptive, beautiful imagery. With many audiobooks, I often find myself a little frustrated that it takes so long to get through; since reading is so much faster than listening, I've had to get used to plot arcs happening in slow motion with audio books. But with Breadcrumbs, I relished each listening session and was always so glad that there was so much left to enjoy (until the end, of course - which, if I have to offer criticism, was a bit short). The story pays homage to other classic kids' lit while maintaining an original storyline. I LOVE Hazel, the protagonist, and my heart broke with hers several times during the course of the story. I love how bizarre/imaginative many of the fantasy elements are. Each fantasy element has a symbolism that the author doesn't condescend to spell out, but whose meaning is implied, over just enough time, with just enough subtlety. I recommend this book to everyone, but especially fans of a good bit of magic, and good versus evil in all its un-black-and-whiteness.