I am pleasantly surprised by this book. From the trailers and advertisements of the 2007 movie adaptation, I expected a poor imitation of C.S Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia. Instead I am given a story that doesn't have any real magic so to speak, but the magic between two inseparable friends. I like how the “magic” in the story isn't explicit in detail, it keeps it more realistic. It makes me reminisce on my own childhood when I did similar antics with friends. To make it seem as if they really did see it in detail would take the fun out of their innocent imaginary kingdom. It's because they don't really have magic that strengthens the bond Jess and Leslie share with each other. Besides, two different minds couldn't possibly think up the same imagination for a certain idea! There's always going to be those subtle differences.
Most of the characters in the book are balanced except for Jess's older sisters, Ellie and Brenda. There are absolutely no redeeming values to them and it seems as if they only exist to be one of Jess's relentless irritations.
I find it almost dark and twisted that Jess gets his wish granted in the end, though not in the way he ever expected it to happen. He even thinks about profiting from Leslie's tragedy to satisfy his reputation amongst his peers. This is a wise choice from the author because it humanizes his character nicely.
The foreshadowing is sadly obvious but I'm sure the author intended for that to be the idea. The synopsis itself explains that something terrible happens so we can only expect the worst in the end.
I can easily say I am not disappointed in the overall outcome of this book. I commend schools who encourage this book to young readers, it can certainly teach them a lot.

Enjoyment: 5/5
Story Itself: 5/5