Possimus autem eos tempora et.

I made the mistake of picking this up after midnight (not telling how far after midnight) to settle down a bit before bed. Four hours later (yes, I know, I'm actually kind of a slow reader--certainly compared to some) I finished the book with a sense of satisfaction that overrode the impending doom of waking in two hours to go to work. This book is aimed at a bit younger audience than I usually read (middle grade?). I love YA novels and wouldn't dream of disparaging a book based on its target market, so don't take that as limiting or a condemnation. I note it as a way of highlighting how very well-written and engaging the book is. The protagonist, Celie, is 11 and the writing is about that grade level as well. I imagine that kids around that age, and a few years on either side, will find it a natural read. But the book is also completely accessible to older audiences, and even (if you're like me) captivating. The central conceit of the novel, a magically sapient castle, is enchantingly drawn. Castle Glower, you see, chooses its own royalty. One royal council took a week of the butcher (I think. I don't have the book with me while writing this review) accidentally walking into their meetings before taking the hint and crowning him the next king. One heir found himself rejected because "he was a nincompoop." The current royal family--descendants of the former butcher--have come to truly love the castle and the youngest daughter, Celie, has developed a closer relationship to it than most. She has been working on her "atlas" for years and enjoys exploring new rooms and revising maps based on new additions and subtractions. The book starts light (I laughed once per page, on average. I know because I kept track). We get to know Celie as her parents are leaving to attend the graduation of their oldest son in a city somewhat distant (the castle hinted he'd be a better wizard than heir so the second-oldest is heir). It doesn't take long, however, for dire events to cat