Another very readable book from DWJ, and one I've just finished reading to my daughter, Celyn. Refreshingly independent princesses being semi-saved by our devoted hero, a carpet salesman from the desert city of Zanzib. He's not hero material, and never resorts to violence, but he's a good fellow and carries the story well. 
 We get all the standard Aladdin-esque trappings, a magic carpet, a genie in a bottle, evil djinns, bandits, sultans, camels... and for a while you think you know roughly where it's all heading. Then things veer northwards and we find ourselves treading old ground. Greener ground. Zeroing in on territory thoroughly trodden in book 1. You'll find yourself anticipating the reappearance of the Wizard Howl and Sophie. 
 The ending was where things fell apart a little for me, and perhaps for Celyn judging by the somewhat bemused silence she greeted it with (she's non-verbal but normally makes her views known). In a frantic rush everything seems to turn into everything else - like the Scooby Doo mask-pulling finale ... on speed. 
 Anyhow, it was good at the end to finally catch up with Sophie and Howl. We're moving onto the third book of the trilogy next - looking forward to it. 
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