There's a surprise around every corner. Marcus Alexander has done a brilliant job. I would rather read Crow's Revenge than read Harry Potter!

The story and artwork are excellent and they complement each other in the same way as Chris Riddell's artwork and Paul Stewart's storytelling do on their wonderful Edge Chronicles

. . . a classic children's fantasy

He was so enthusiastic - he was a performer as well as an author

The nature of the magic in Bellania felt particularly fresh, and will appeal to the imaginations of young readers. For me though, the most enjoyable part of the book was its villains [On Crow's Revenge]

This is better than all the Harry Potter books put together. This is by far the best fantasy novel that has been published since Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. This book's awesome characters, gripping plot and emotion use make this a true must-read!

The minor flaws here, then, are reassurance that Wood is merely one of the finest critics around.

All these essays are shot through with his characteristic light humour and moral seriousness, each expertly constructed paragraph rich with metaphorical insight.

This is a book that's impossible to read without gaining a greater appreciation of what it means to write well, both in the case of the work under review and, just as pleasurably, the reviews themselves

A passionate and instructive case for great writing.

A source of continuous enjoyment.

The Fun Stuff displays the steely verve that makes James Wood's criticism thrilling for literature specialists and general readers alike.

This collection is, as the title suggests, a lot of fun. Even when you disagree with his judgements, it's impossible not to be dazzled by the breadth of his reading.

[A] seriously enjoyable collection of essays by the New Yorker's resident literary critic

James Wood writes superbly about writing

This scintillating collection offers trenchant analysis and original insight into the works of a wide range of important writers

Viewed through Wood's eyes, even the best-known novels appear before us looking naked and strange

[Wood's] encyclopaedic knowledge and compact, energetic prose makes him an illuminating and acerbic guide to literary giants

[Wood] delivers some golden insights

[Wood's] insight into writing is impressive and the sheer joy that he takes in others' literary dexterity is infectious

A panoramic look at the modern novel

Elegant little novel and a real delight to read