She is later dumped in the past by Kate. The Dire Magnus- The main antagonist of the story. He is in search of the Books of Beginning. Stanislaus Pym- A wizard who knew Kate, Michael and Emma's parents and bade them go into hiding. He helps the children discover the Books of Beginning and how to use them. Gabriel- Emma's best friend who helps them on their journey. Reception was mixed to positive, with critics praising the narrative complexity and fantasy scope, but criticizing how much of the material was derivative of other popular fantasy books, such as those by Tolkien, Pullman, Rowling, Snicket, and Lewis. "Kirkus Reviews" wrote positively that the main characters have a "likable voice" and the "elaborate story doesn't feel overcomplicated." "The Guardian" gave a lukewarm review, saying that while it is "bright and energetic and has some exciting set pieces," it possesses an "everything-including-the-kitchen-sink approach to children's fantasy that it can't quite marshal into overall coherence." Additionally it wrote "children will spot so many bits from other children's fantasies that it could almost be a game," and concluded by saying the novel "threaten[s] magic without ever quite delivering." "The New York Times" said "Stephens spins a tightly paced, engaging yarn, even if his prose can be lurchingly expository."