Witch Week by Diana Wynne Jones

Witch Week by Diana Wynne Jones - 213 pages

"There's a witch in Class 6-B."
That was the note that started all the troubles.  Now five students are on the run from the Inquisitors and Chrestomanci must fix the world.

This book is in the Chrestomanci series although it takes place in a completely different world.  Chrestomanci also doesn't show up until almost two-thirds of the way through the book.  That might be why I didn't care for this book as much as others in the series.

The Chronicles of Chrestomance, v. 1 by Diana Wynne Jones

The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, v. 1 by Diana Wynne Jones - 608 pages

This book contains two books in the Chrestomanci series -- Charmed Life and the Lives of Christopher Chant.  The Lives of Christopher Chant actually takes place 20 years previous to Charmed Life and tells the story of how Christopher became the Chrestomanci.  Charmed Life tells the story of Cat who turns out to be a nine-life enchanter and is to be trained to be the next Chrestomanci.

I really enjoyed these books.  They would be great for those looking for something after reading Harry Potter.

The Pinhoe Egg by Diane Wynne Jones

The Pinhoe Egg by Diana Wynne Jones - 515 pages

Gammer Pinhoe has gone mad.  She is sending curses to the other dwimmer families, yet no one believes Marianne when she tells them Gammer is behind the troubles.  Meanwhile, at the Castle, Cat was given an egg that seems to be hatching.  Soon there is a baby gryphon to feed and care for.  When Cat and Marianne meet, it will set in motion events that will change the lives of everyone.

This is a book in the Chrestomanci series.  I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the series.

Enchanted Glass by Diana Wynne Jones

Enchanted Glass by Diana Wynne Jones - 292 pages

After his grandfather dies, Andrew Hope inherits a house and surrounding land in an English village, but things become very complicated when young orphan Aidan shows up and suddenly a host of variously magical townsfolk and interlopers start intruding on their lives.

I always enjoy Diana Wynne Jones' books.  She is one of my favorite fantasy authors for kids.  This book definitely did not disappoint.  I really like it.

Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle
 by Diana Wynne Jones
  329 pages

No matter how many times I read this book there is always something I have missed or forgotten. It makes for a much more interesting read and I never get bored with it. So now with it fresh in my mind I can move on to the other two books in this series.

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones - 329 pages

Sophie is cursed by the Witch of the Waste into an old woman.  In shock, she leaves her family's hat shop and takes up residence in the wizard Howl's moving castle as his housekeeper after making a bargain with the fire demon Calcifer.  Calcifer will break her curse if Sophie breaks his contract with Howl. But it isn't so easy to break the contract with Howl continuously falling in love, a scarecrow chasing Sophie, and searching for the missing Prince Justin and Wizard Solimon.

I love this book.  Diana Wynne Jones was possibly the best fantasy author for kids and teens in my opinion.  Her books are also intricately plotted with great characterization and moments of humor.  I listened to this on audio and absolutely loved the narrator's version.  The accents she used for the different characters were great.  I especially loved her Welsh accent for Howl.

The Islands of Chaldea by Diana Wynne Jones

The Islands of Chaldea by Diana Wynne Jones - 356 pages

Aileen is sent on a quest with her Aunt Beck, Prince Ivor, and Ogo to strike down the barrier surrounding Logra.  There is a prophecy that it can be done with the help of one man from each island.  So they set off to try to take down the barrier.  Along the way they face those who try to kill them, those who try to stop them, and the guardian spirits who try to help them succeed.

This is Diana Wynne Jones final book.  In fact it was finished by her sister Ursula Jones.  She did a fairly good job of writing so that you can not tell for sure where the writing switched.  Although you can definitely tell the ending was more rushed than a usual Diana Wynne Jones book.  Also, as the book went on there it became less detailed than usual.  Overall though it is a great ending legacy for the premier children's fantasy writer from Britain.

The Pinhoe Egg by Diana Wynne Jones

The Pinhoe Egg by Diana Wynne Jones - 515 pages
A Chrestomanci Book

I love the Chrestomanci books.  I think they are some of the fantasy novels for children that have been written.  This is the final Chrestomanci story by Diana Wynne Jones.  It is also the longest of all the books.  It tells the story of Cat, a young nine-life enchanter who will one be the Chrestomanci, and of Marianne, the next Gummer of her family.  Together they have to work to stop Gummer Pinhoe from cursing the Farleigh family, raise a baby griffin, and free the creatures trapped in the Woods.

Enchanted Glass by Diana Wynne Jones

Enchanted Glass by Diana Wynne Jones - 292 pages

Andrew inherits his grandfather's house and estate following his death - including his field of care.  It also seems he inherits Aiden -- The grandson of a family friend that is in trouble.  Now Andrew must detemine exactly what his field of care is, protect Aiden from those trying to kill him, and stop Oberon from taking over his town.

I really enjoyed the audio version of this book.  I loved the narrator's voice.  I also liked the story -- although I did get tired of them continually calling the characters "those who don't use iron" instead of just calling them fairies.  A great fantasy book from Diana Wynne Jones.