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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
A good sequel. The old characters are as much fun as in the first book, and the new ones are equally enjoyable. Downside: While the plot is all wrapped up in the end, it is clear there were meant to be additional books in this series. Still a great book all on its own, but it's sad the adventures could not be continued, as it leaves you eager for more.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Romance! Plots! Family! Sorcery! The moon!
Does this book have everything, or what?
Does this book have everything, or what?
A funny, quirky, lovable story done in the way only Diana Wynne Jones could do. This goes right up with there with Howl’s Moving Castle for me. A fun comfort read if there ever was one.
I intend to buy this book. It's set in the same world as Dark Lord Of Derkholm,but with enough time having passed, that most of the focus is on new characters, or characters who were minor in the previous book. I've had mixed success with previous sequels of DWJ, but this one was, well, lovely. YOU SHOULD ALL BUY IT.
Ahem.
Anyhow, the story focuses on six young students at the School of wizardry. They're all from diverse backgrounds, and together they learn to work as a team, trust themselves, face their fears, etc, etc, etc. And, given how it looks when you describe it like that, it's evident how easy it could have been for the story to dive into hackneyed school-story territory. But it didn't. People make mistakes, and learn from them. People have their illusions and ideas broken in messy ways, and they overcome real issues, not just problems of the "oh my word my teacher hates me FOR NO REASON, I must curl into a ball and weep... " variety.
Oh, and also it's hilarious, sad, touching, and lovely. Sometimes all at the same time. Go, buy it.
Ahem.
Anyhow, the story focuses on six young students at the School of wizardry. They're all from diverse backgrounds, and together they learn to work as a team, trust themselves, face their fears, etc, etc, etc. And, given how it looks when you describe it like that, it's evident how easy it could have been for the story to dive into hackneyed school-story territory. But it didn't. People make mistakes, and learn from them. People have their illusions and ideas broken in messy ways, and they overcome real issues, not just problems of the "oh my word my teacher hates me FOR NO REASON, I must curl into a ball and weep... " variety.
Oh, and also it's hilarious, sad, touching, and lovely. Sometimes all at the same time. Go, buy it.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
All DWJs are my comfort re-reads
I wish Diana Wynne Jones had had less of a fascination for romance between young girls and adult men, so I could read all the wonderful stories she left behind without cringing.
That aside, this was the perfect sequel to Derkholm. I love the kids so much and I love the cameos from the other characters (Blade!!!!) and most of all I love the way in which this magic school romp doesn't shy away from heavy topics. Everything is handled with such grace and such precision and I've read this months ago but can't stop thinking about it. Cheers.
That aside, this was the perfect sequel to Derkholm. I love the kids so much and I love the cameos from the other characters (Blade!!!!) and most of all I love the way in which this magic school romp doesn't shy away from heavy topics. Everything is handled with such grace and such precision and I've read this months ago but can't stop thinking about it. Cheers.