Reviews

Rönsyilevä talo by Diana Wynne Jones

vabutler's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

bola28's review against another edition

funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

bridge_overbooked's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

Another fun universe expansion to the original Howl's Moving Castle book! This one had a lot more of Howl, Sophie, and Calcifer in it which I appreciated. I liked this one more than the 2nd book, but it was still just okay and I think that the only reason that the series is so popular is because of the movie for the 1st book.

"The House of Many Ways" follows the adventures of Charmain Baker, a young girl who is tasked with looking after her great-uncle's magical house. She discovers that house is full of secrets and enchantments, leading her to encounter various magical creatures and navigate numerous challenges. Alongside a wizard's apprentice named Peter, Charmain helps solve a mystery involving a lost Elfgift, ultimately uncovering her own latent magical abilities.

stephen11's review against another edition

2.0

⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Final sequel to Howls Moving Castle. My least favorite of the three. I kinda disliked the main character. And the story just never engaged me much.

giggle4amy's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful 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? Yes

3.5

ohsarajay's review against another edition

3.5

I did very much enjoy this, but didn't connect with the characters as quickly or thoroughly as I would have liked. I suppose it's got the curse of being a sequel to Howl's Moving Castle which is a tough act to follow for any book. But I did like how things all came together in the end.

lydsquids's review against another edition

adventurous 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

4.5

poderosa_moma's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted 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

3.75

thesingingbookwyrm's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

zoe_m's review against another edition

3.0

It was a fun, light read. Jones' imagination once again was brilliant. The new characters were fun, especially Peter. I felt that the whole lubbokin plot was somewhat ridiculous and, in the end, anti-climatic. But who really cares, in the end? I got my dose of Sophie, Howl, and Calcifer (with the new addition of Morgan). They once again stole the show for me, jumping out of the page with vibrance and fun chaos.

Charmain felt a bit stiff to me, Waif being the elf gift forced... This book has more serious themes as well, such as the importance of kindness and patience, though they weren't as well interwoven with the story and almost got a bit preachy on me. Cleanliness continues to be important, and I can't wait to see what other fiascos she can create with magic in regards to laundry, green slime, etc.