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e_r_q's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"There was nothing outside. It was neither black, nor gray, nor white. It was not thick, or transparent. It did not move. It had no smell and no feel. [...] it was neither hot nor cold. It felt of nothing. It seemed utterly and completely nothing."
Diana Wynne Jones' whimsical and humourous writing helps craft some extremely lovable characters, and brings this creative fantasy world to life, introducing a refreshingly feminine perspective to a typically male-dominated genre. The matter-of-factness with which the book's absurd and sometimes dark magical elements are described is hilariously delightful, and I love the relative contrast of how contemporary real world Wales is described with a tone of utter amazement.
The plot of Howl's Moving Castle is impressively layered, clever and interconnected, especially for a children's book. Although, sometimes the narrative can get bogged down with being convoluted, and some plot points feel a little too vague. Additionally, there are high stakes, but they aren't effectively reinforced, meaning there is no real urgency to the plot.
But still, I did really enjoy Howl's Moving Castle, and I'm excited to check out its famed Anime adaptation (although I have a feeling the Anime will be extremely different to the source material).
Content Warnings
Minor: Body horror and Death of parent
paintinyourwing's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent and Alcohol
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent and Alcohol
nolongerhuman_'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
raypaws'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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror and Death
Minor: Death of parent
shushkeepitdown's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I watched the movie so many times and finally decided to pick up the book and let me tell you this is the best thing ever. It's so good, I lived Sophie in the book so much, she is completely unhinged compared to the movie Sophie. Howl is also a mess. I love it so much please read this.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Death, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
mxpringle's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was really lighthearted and kind of exactly what I needed, but I would say it was missing some of the atmosphere that I got from the Ghibli movie adaptation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
emmagreenwood's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
draven_deathcrush's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
if i had read the book first i probably would've liked it more :(
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Death of parent and Alcohol
kaymay29's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book was such a fun read. It was relaxing, it made me laugh, and overall it was a cute story. If you like the movie I highly recommend the book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent