just in that I felt like the mood that pervaded the book was grief, over everything that had been done under King Leck

I know what you mean. I love that it took the consequences of his reign so seriously. I also wish I'd reread Graceling, too, but sometime I'll have to reread them in order to get the full effect.

which is so disappointing given Pixar's track record.

I really think that's why it was so very disappointing. If it had been, say, a Dreamworks film, I don't think I would have expected so much, and so I don't think I would have been so disappointed. It was a real shame.