The Princess and Curdie

This story convinced me that I want to continue to read more Macdonald, and left me with many things to chew and ponder. Compared to Princess and the Goblin, the overarching storyline was considerably bleaker and darker, and I wouldn't recommend it to younger readers who may have been able to handle and enjoy Princess & the Goblin (my 5 year old, for example). I think some more maturity is required to appreciate and glean the nuggets of wisdom that Princess & Curdie has to offer, and it may leave young readers feeling confused, upset, and disenchanted. Nonetheless, a brilliant story that I enjoyed and will have my kids read when they are a tad bit older. Finally, as a big fan of “Curdie's mother”, I was happy her name was revealed in this sequel :)