Reviews

I haven't read a Diana Wynne Jones book since I was a teenager, and reading this made me remember why I devoured her books. The writing is spot on for the age range, with quick pacing that doesn't skimp on details, and a tightly woven story. At about 200 pages, an adult can finish it in an afternoon or two and feel satisfied but curious for more. I wouldnt have minded another 50-100 pages to build suspense, but for a young YA reader it's probably better she left them out.

robynm93's review against another edition

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4.0

As a childhood fan of the Chrestomanci books, reading this book took me on a walk down memory lane! Diana Wynne Jones had such a wonderful and engaging writing style, immediately pulling you into the story and making you yearn for the success of the protagonists! Before I had even completed 100 pages I had ordered the rest of the Dalemark Quartet books and I'm looking forward to reading them with immense anticipation! I think this has started a bit of an addiction to Diana Wynne Jones books, but with everything going on at the moment, what's not to love about getting lost in a children's fantasy world!

littlemissinkdrinker's review against another edition

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5.0

I went into this not knowing a thing about the book or series, only that it was written by DWJ. And it was so delightful! I loved it - an easy fun read that brought me along a fun adventure. It was sad and tense at times and delivered a very good ending. I'm very interested in where DWJ intends to take me for the rest of the series.

darkenergy's review against another edition

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3.0

Another one that's downgraded more because I didn't like the characters as much. What can I say, when it comes to YA Fantasy that is something I consider. I am overly fond of people who lack human weaknesses like self doubt, though....

ellie_cripps's review against another edition

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3.0

This was an interesting world and highly creative in places, but all of the characters felt a bit hollow, sometimes seeming to brush off the highly traumatic and intense moments of the book like they were nothing. Might well pick up the next one at some point out of curiosity though.

eekezi's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

careinthelibrary's review against another edition

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adventurous dark sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is brilliant, but of course it is. DWJ doesn't miss. These characters are so quirky and multi-faceted and show growth in under 200 pages. They make some pretty serious mistakes that have major consequences.
A fascinating world I can't wait to continue exploring in The Drowned Ammet. A North and a South divided where the South is ruled by authoritarian lords. The people oppressed and craving freedom. A North full of rebels and culture.
There isn't a happy ending, it's more complex and nuanced for that. There's death that hits close to home in this short fantasy story. Really intense stakes for our band of travelling musicians. Moral complexity to the characters' actions that raise some internal concerns.
Cart and Cwidder will be celebrating 50 years in publication in 2025 and it is a gem to be celebrated. It felt like coming home even though it's my first time venturing into Dalemark. DWJ makes me feel safe and comfy in her confident skill.

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