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trouble007's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
thebooklovingpanda's review against another edition
3.0
It had really cool theory of magic in it and everything. I didn't think it was as interesting as the Chrestomanci Chronicles, however it is still very awesome. I love Diana Wynne Jones anyways.
tani's review against another edition
2.0
Somehow, this book never quite did it for me. It was mildly amusing in places, but not much more than that. I think it felt a little too scattered for my tastes, to be honest. Although, strangely enough, the ending definitely made me wish for more...
bluestarfish's review against another edition
4.0
A new DWJ is always a joy. When the old Merlin dies things start going a bit strange and then get stranger. I love how she brings in all sorts of themes that you wouldn't necessarily think of when thinking about children/young-adult books but she does it so well that of course they should be there. I loved Mini the elephant...
cimorene1558's review against another edition
4.0
Good book, although awfully confusing for awhile. Once it get a little more sorted out, however, it's very enjoyable, especially the awful Izzy twins!
jennd_18's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely love Diana Wynne Jones! Chrestomanci was my introduction to her work, and she's not disappointed with any of her other works.
If you've never read DWJ before, be aware that you can NEVER underestimate her imagination! It is limitless! As a Dickens fan, I love that DWJ also has multiple storylines running which inevitably fall together near the end and combine to blow your mind.
The Merlin Conspiracy is a crazy, twisted story with incredibly lovable characters. DWJ made these storylines easier to follow by separating Roddy's side of the story from Nick's. Nick's side of the story is a good deal crazier, so it's nice having Roddy's to help recover from the insanity. In my opinion, any one who can write up such an awesome goat and elephant has succeeded in their writing career! I won't give away more than that. You'll have to read it for yourself!
If you've never read DWJ before, be aware that you can NEVER underestimate her imagination! It is limitless! As a Dickens fan, I love that DWJ also has multiple storylines running which inevitably fall together near the end and combine to blow your mind.
The Merlin Conspiracy is a crazy, twisted story with incredibly lovable characters. DWJ made these storylines easier to follow by separating Roddy's side of the story from Nick's. Nick's side of the story is a good deal crazier, so it's nice having Roddy's to help recover from the insanity. In my opinion, any one who can write up such an awesome goat and elephant has succeeded in their writing career! I won't give away more than that. You'll have to read it for yourself!
violinknitter's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not sure this is one of Diana Wynne Jones' stronger books, but I very much enjoyed it anyway, especially the characters and the zany types of magic.
mikimeiko's review against another edition
4.0
One of those rare cases where the re-read is better than the first time!
I had a misty but not so good memory of this book, and I seriously cannot understand why! Good and mostly likeable characters, usual-but-not-quite multiverse setting, many twists and just a little of back-and-forth-in-time.
Lovely.
I had a misty but not so good memory of this book, and I seriously cannot understand why! Good and mostly likeable characters, usual-but-not-quite multiverse setting, many twists and just a little of back-and-forth-in-time.
Lovely.
mizpurplest's review against another edition
3.0
Not my favorite by a long shot, but still entertaining. Certainly doesn't put me off reading my way through the rest of her catalogue.