To the critics - please remember that this was, and judging by the timing still is, aimed at the teen/younger adult audience. While I agree it is not traditional sci-fi I do not believe that is any reason to knock it. Doing so is akin to knocking music, no matter how good, because it is not folk. I can't see that happening, can you? :-)

If you think of more as loosely science connected fantasy, pretty much like Hitch-Hikers guide to the Galaxy, it begins to make more sense. Well, I suppose sense is too strong but I can't think of another at the moment!

As to being more interested in the romantic aspect, not guilty. My family and I find the token romantic intervals more of a distraction. Fortunately they are not too often or too obvious so I can live with that.

Cheers

DtG