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Howl's Moving Castle

by: Diana Wynne Jones

November 24, 2000
It's the second time I read Howl's moving castle, and I like it quite enough: there's magic, humour, endearing characters...and it's nice to get acquainted with Calcifer, no mistake.
But I have a problem with the plot: I find this book rather confusing : the explanations at the end are not satisfying and not very clear. And after all these mysteries (the witch, her demon, Sophie's talents, the dog...)I expected something better: the end is a bit sloppy.
Say what you want, Rowling is a master at explaning her "mysteries", and not Jones.
But if you try not too hard to find the logic in it, it's quite a good ride for you!

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House of Many Ways

by: Diana Wynne Jones

July 01, 2008

A few years ago, Hayao Miyazaki made a gorgeous anime movie based on the classic fantasy novel "Howl's Moving Castle," about a wizard and the artificially-aged girl who falls for him.

It must have made Diana Wynne Jones nostalgic for her flamboyantly-dressed, quirky wizard hero and his little family, because he plays a pivotal role in "The House of Many Ways." And the rest of the book is the kind of work Jones has been producing for many years -- a complex, tight little plot full of magical mysteries and bizarre problems, and at least one gutsy adolescent hero.

When the Wizard of High Norland falls ill and has to be hospitalized by elves, his great-great-niece-by-marriage Charmain is roped into taking care of ... Read More:

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Castle in the Air

by: Diana Wynne Jones

November 24, 2000
I expected to be let down with this one. I don't really view it as a sequel, as may of the characters we already know and love feature only really at the end and it's disappointing.
I read it simply for a new story and I loved it, she really captured the whole 'arabian nights' thing very well. It was a constant source of amusement at Abdullah's flowery language, and the genie's antics. Obviously, no one is who you expect them to be. I was disapointed as anyone not to have more of my favorite couple featured in the book. But I liked the story for what it was, it just was the icing on the cake that all my favourites were back, if only briefly.

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The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 1: Charmed Life/The Lives of Christopher Chant: 1 (Chronicles of Chrestomanci)

by: Diana Wynne Jones

2001-01
This book is actually two books in one, there's also a second 'volume' with two more books, and several other storys which can be bought individually. This volume has the first two stories, but i think you could get away with reading the second volume first because they're not really sequels as such, just storys set in the same world.
when i bought this book i didn't know these things, and after i read the first story, i wanted to read about those same characters again, but the next story was about almost entirely different characters. apart from that small dissapointment, this book, and the whole series really, is really really good. every time i start a new story, its like 'oh no these new characters are going to be really boring compared ... Read More:

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Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 2: The Magicians of Caprona/Witch Week: 2 (Chronicles of Chrestomanci)

by: Diana Wynne Jones

2001-01
When people think of wizards, they think of gray-bearded old men with pointy hats and staffs. But nothing could be further from Diana Wynne-Jones' Chrestomanci, a dapper English mage with nine lives and the responsibility of overseeing magic in ALL the worlds. "The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 2" compiles two of the books about this unique mage, "Witch Week" and "Magicians of Caprona".

"Witch Week" takes place in England, at a school called Larwood House that is reminiscent of English boarding schools in such books as Harry Potter -- but suspicion seethes in this one. In this world, witches are burned at the stake. And someone is a witch -- but who is it? Unpopular Nan? Silent Indian boy Nirupam? The identity of the witch (or ... Read More:

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Unexpected Magic: Collected Stories

by: Diana Wynne Jones

February 01, 2006
If you have not read anything by this author before then you have missed out. DWJ deftly combines magic and storytelling to produce well balanced and riviting stories. This collection shows off her many stlyes and mastery of the craft. Start with this one then move on to her other classics such as 'Howl's Moving Castle'.

Perfect for adults and older children.

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Fire and Hemlock

by: Diana Wynne Jones

June 05, 2000
What I love the most about Fire and Hemlock is that the story works on so many different levels. At its simplest it tells the story of a friendship which exists against the odds (those odds coming in the sinister form of the Leroys). It is also a reworking/reimagination of a Scottish ballad called Tam Lin - a dark faery tale. At its deepest level, Fire and Hemlock is a wonderful love story that slowly and subtly develops.

Very brief and simple synopsis (which does the book no real justice!): After accidentally gatecrashing a funeral at Hunsdon House, 10 year old Polly meets Tom Lynne (or "Mr Lynne" as she calls him). The two quickly form a very strong friendship; a friendship that Tom's ex-wife and her husband try very hard to prevent at every ... Read More:

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The Pinhoe Egg (Chrestomanci)

by: Diana Wynne Jones

April 02, 2007
'The Pinhoe Egg' is the latest must-read book in the Chrestomanci series that blends the well-known and loved characters from 'Charmed Life' with a new colourful gallery of witches, enchanters and magical creatures.
Diana Wynne Jones gives all her usual best to make the book a good read - there is of course magic, humour, lots of cats, some cheerful, and some wicked characters topped up with the inimitable big man - Chrestomanci himself. As usual, too, the story focuses rather on the children, with maturing Cat Chant and a new character Marianne Pinhoe among others, growing up to their gifts and building self-confidence to use their skills.
But there is also some new quality to it that was either not present or no so clear in the previous books. Here ... Read More:

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The Chronicles of Chrestomanci: Volume 3: Conrad's Fate and the Pinhoe Egg: 3 (Chronicles of Chrestomanci): 3 (Chronicles of Chrestomanci)

by: Diana Wynne Jones

May 01, 2008
Yes, it is a 2 in 1. Conrad's Fate and The Pinhoe Egg. Good value for money. Both stories are truly amazing. Could not put the book down.

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Charmed Life (Collins Modern Classics)

by: Diana Wynne Jones

December 03, 2001
hey y'all- CHarmed life is a reeeaaallly good book. I like it alot cause it kinda welcomes me into the world of magic myself. Because Ive read the harry potter series, i find alot of books hard to compare to, but NOT this one! It was great. I really liked how Diana Wynne Jones started her own new world, where everyone is classified as someone, I loved all the characters and I'll definately be reading this book again !!
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