This was a gripping, atmospheric work which really got the milieu of Britain on a war footing down very well. From shelters and pubs to the corridors of power, it was all drawn in a tight, slightly grim fashion which really added to the atmosphere.

As for the magic and the special people, they were in but not played up; credulity stretches but not so far that it snaps. I wished the book was bigger, but will just have to read the rest!