I picked up "The City We Became" after seeing it on a table at a local bookstore.

I've read about 45 pages so far and, although I appreciate the creativity and New York callouts, I'm not sure this book is for me. I find some of the fantasy elements hard to visualize (the tendrils on the cars), and the overall tone is a bit more light-hearted and whimsical than I usually look for. I'm about to start a three-week trip, and I'd like to bring something that's a "sure thing"-- i.e., likely to keep me entertained while sitting on long flights, waiting around at airports, etc.

Has anyone read this book and, if so, how strongly do you recommend it?

For context, my favorite fantasy novels are "The Golden Compass" and "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader." I also am a big Stephen King fan, which may tell you something of my tastes -- I like things a little bit on the darker side. I dislike Neil Gaiman and, so far, "The City We Became" reminds me a lot of him.

Does anyone have any insights on this novel?