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garvsy's review against another edition
4.0
I have some mixed feelings about this book.
I liked it a lot, but I started reading it at a moment when I was really stressed; I think for that reason I didn´t entirely enjoy the book, and I want to re-read it. So this review is not a 'complete' review.
I started this book because of the movie (like a lot of people, I think) looking for answers, wanting to watch the main characters fight, and, because I love the movie (even tho it's not the best story ever, but the visuals are gorgeous). And I found, my new favorite headcanon: the movie as Howl's point of view, and the book as Sophie's-real one.
*****NOTE: The book has nothing to do with the movie, they are totally different stories, but if you enjoyed one of them you are going to like the other*****
If you want a chill story, with magic and funny characters, you should read it. The problem is that some parts were a little boring and slow (maybe because of my mood, like I said before).
I really liked the characters, maybe some people could not like the main characters, but I loved them (mainly Sophie and Calcifer).
Because of what I said, the book sometimes felt slow and kinda boring, but the thing that convinced me for this rating was the last 5 (or so) chapters and mainly the final one, they were really funny and the magic explanations were on point.
Well... When I read it again, I'm going to rewrite this or change some things. For now, that's all I have to say.
Remember if you want a chill book with no complex magic stuff, but really well-written, and some stupid characters (for me in a good way) this one is a good one.
I liked it a lot, but I started reading it at a moment when I was really stressed; I think for that reason I didn´t entirely enjoy the book, and I want to re-read it. So this review is not a 'complete' review.
I started this book because of the movie (like a lot of people, I think) looking for answers, wanting to watch the main characters fight, and, because I love the movie (even tho it's not the best story ever, but the visuals are gorgeous). And I found, my new favorite headcanon: the movie as Howl's point of view, and the book as Sophie's-real one.
*****NOTE: The book has nothing to do with the movie, they are totally different stories, but if you enjoyed one of them you are going to like the other*****
If you want a chill story, with magic and funny characters, you should read it. The problem is that some parts were a little boring and slow (maybe because of my mood, like I said before).
I really liked the characters, maybe some people could not like the main characters, but I loved them (mainly Sophie and Calcifer).
Because of what I said, the book sometimes felt slow and kinda boring, but the thing that convinced me for this rating was the last 5 (or so) chapters and mainly the final one, they were really funny and the magic explanations were on point.
Well... When I read it again, I'm going to rewrite this or change some things. For now, that's all I have to say.
Remember if you want a chill book with no complex magic stuff, but really well-written, and some stupid characters (for me in a good way) this one is a good one.
jenny_hedberg's review against another edition
5.0
I found this novel through its movie adaption by Hayao Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli. I absolutely loved the playfulness of the animation and the wacky story - I mean, who doesn't love the story of a young girl turned into a crone and a vain wizard running from an old lover? I've been a fan of wizards for a long time (I have a certain J.K. Rowling to thank for that) and the magical elements in the movie adaption of Howl's Moving Castle had me hooked. When I found out that Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle was an adaption of a novel, I leapt at the chance to delve into Jones's world. I had high expectations and I'm happy to say that I enjoyed the novel as much as I enjoyed the movie. Jones's storytelling is playful and witty, her characters vivid and charismatic. Most importantly, she doesn't explain everything to the reader, she lets the story explain itself instead. Jones throws various magical concepts and creatures at the reader without further explanation. Of course people can be turned into animals and doors hexed into portals! All these things are written about in such a natural manner, as if the reader has merely picked up a book written in a world where these things are as normal as traffic lights and Snapchat. Its no stretch to say that I absolutely love this book and since my first read I have returned to it several times for a re-read.
chaoticgacha's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
schnoriiii's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ich habe jede Minute geliebt.
Besonders als der Plot sich vom Film abgehoben hat. Mein neues Lieblingsbuch.
Besonders als der Plot sich vom Film abgehoben hat. Mein neues Lieblingsbuch.
kh2912's review against another edition
adventurous
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
breadmytoaster's review against another edition
read it before, and I got a new book I was excited to start
pandings's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
3.75
rosatulipan's review against another edition
4.0
RE- READ (May 2020)
Personal Rating: 9,5/10
General Rating: 7,8/10
I loved it even more than the first time! Sophie's and Howl's relationship is unlike others, and I love the characters. Can't wait to read the sequel.
----------------------------------------------------
Personal Raiting:8,5/10
General Raiting: 7,8/10
What would you do if you were transformed into an old version of yourself? Would you just let it be? Or would you put yourself out there in the world and finally seized your destiny?
Sophie is the eldest of three sisters, and everybody in Ingary knows that that means you are bound to fail in life. Sophie has already accepted her fate and is more than willing to settle for the life her manipulative stepmother has planned for her. However, Sophie’s world is turn upside down when she meets the charming Wizard Howl, which results in the jealousy of an evil and powerful witch that curses Sophie and transforms her into an old lady.
The story is told as if it were a fairy tale, there is a dreamy and magical vibe on the words Jones’ uses to describe every moment spent inside the magnificent moving castle. Although the story was written for children, everyone can enjoy it just the same. It has a refreshing pace that constantly switches between witty interactions between Sophie and Wizard Howl, and profoundly moving moments when the reader can relate with the struggles of facing one’s future. The whimsical Wizard Howl and his fire demon Calcifer keep the reader gripped to the story with every clue they throw about a curse that has bound them so many years ago, which makes the book hard to put down!
Quite simply, Howl’s Moving Castle is a memorable and well worth read, specially if you are quite fond of the absolutely hilarious and lively love trope.
Personal Rating: 9,5/10
General Rating: 7,8/10
I loved it even more than the first time! Sophie's and Howl's relationship is unlike others, and I love the characters. Can't wait to read the sequel.
----------------------------------------------------
Personal Raiting:8,5/10
General Raiting: 7,8/10
What would you do if you were transformed into an old version of yourself? Would you just let it be? Or would you put yourself out there in the world and finally seized your destiny?
Sophie is the eldest of three sisters, and everybody in Ingary knows that that means you are bound to fail in life. Sophie has already accepted her fate and is more than willing to settle for the life her manipulative stepmother has planned for her. However, Sophie’s world is turn upside down when she meets the charming Wizard Howl, which results in the jealousy of an evil and powerful witch that curses Sophie and transforms her into an old lady.
The story is told as if it were a fairy tale, there is a dreamy and magical vibe on the words Jones’ uses to describe every moment spent inside the magnificent moving castle. Although the story was written for children, everyone can enjoy it just the same. It has a refreshing pace that constantly switches between witty interactions between Sophie and Wizard Howl, and profoundly moving moments when the reader can relate with the struggles of facing one’s future. The whimsical Wizard Howl and his fire demon Calcifer keep the reader gripped to the story with every clue they throw about a curse that has bound them so many years ago, which makes the book hard to put down!
Quite simply, Howl’s Moving Castle is a memorable and well worth read, specially if you are quite fond of the absolutely hilarious and lively love trope.
theraindiary's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
tyrantbird's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Love this book!!! no notes, fav read of this month!!