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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’ll admit that I picked up this book because of the movie. I know you’re “supposed” to read the book first, but Howl’s Moving Castle has been one of my favorite Ghibli films for years, and I couldn’t stop wondering what the original story was like.
I was nervous going in, worried it might not live up to the charm of the film, but honestly… I loved it in a completely different way. It’s like reading an alternate universe with the same characters— familiar names, but a totally different rhythm. The book adds so much depth, chaos, and personality to the world. It’s messier in the best way.
And yes, a lot of it didn’t make it into the movie, but that didn’t bother me. The book just has so much going on — it would’ve been impossible to fit all of that into a single movie without losing its heart. What Ghibli captured was beautiful, but the book gave me another layer of magic I didn’t know I was missing.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect especially because I had just read a few books back to back that didn’t land for me— all under 3 stars— so I was kind of just hoping this one would feel different. And it did. Finally, a book I could give 4 stars and actually mean it.
In the end, I’m really glad I read it. It felt like rediscovering something I already loved, but with a new softness, more quirks, and characters that feel even more alive.
Just not great. The characters were not interesting or complelling and most of the time I didn't understand what was going on in the story. I'm still interested in seeing the movie though. I wonder how they will compare.
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Watching the movie ruined the book for me - so, take this rating with a grain of salt!
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
DNF at 68% I just can’t do it.
Tried setting this book aside and reading other books, but when it’s time to get back to it, I loathed it so much I fell into a reading slump.
Loved the movie adaptation as a kid, thought I would enjoy the book. Nope! Only words I can give my experience with this so far is “plain” and “dull”.
I’m aware that many people here love the book, good for them actually. It’s just not for me. Peace.
Tried setting this book aside and reading other books, but when it’s time to get back to it, I loathed it so much I fell into a reading slump.
Loved the movie adaptation as a kid, thought I would enjoy the book. Nope! Only words I can give my experience with this so far is “plain” and “dull”.
I’m aware that many people here love the book, good for them actually. It’s just not for me. Peace.