"Incredibly good story, not just for children."
Yes, the story is well plotted and the cast is sized well for the intended audience. There are a lot of intermediate climaxes that keep the reader engaged with satisfying ultimate climaxes and resolutions that are satisfying but never final leaving more story yet to be told.
I liked that the story was fun and interesting without venturing into issues that are morally charged making it a very safe story about the value of family, friends, and personal fortitude.
The fight with Metal Beak was very well written.
There were numerous moments that were moving. That is one of the reasons I liked this book. Some examples are the escape from St. Aggies, the trip to Gahoole from the north, the trip to the forest with the ghosts, and many more.
I would have liked a better explanation for Metal Beak's skills.