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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book read like an old fairytale and I loved that!! It was so much fun and it even carried on the story from book 1 at one point, which I didn’t expect. Even though it’s not my favorite story (Howl’s Moving Castle will always own my heart), I loved the way it was told.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
My favourite characters are Jamal and his dog. This one lacks the what-the-fuck factor of the first book, but it's still a decent (albeit conventional) fantasy story.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Many people come to this book expecting more of Howl and Sophie's tale. You won't find much of it here. This book focuses on Abdullah and Flower-in-the-Night. But Sophie and Howl and Calcifer to come into play, though only signficantly in the ending. A lot of people have complained and are disappointed in this. But, really, if you read the blurb you should be expecting this. And it is a much fresher take on a sequel that what we are usually presented.
The problems I have with this book are partly plot (the middle of the book felt rather inconsquential and then it was all rushed and hurried in the end) and Diana Wynn's portrayal of Middle Eastern culture. As far as I can tell, she had no personal experience of this culture but rather, drew inspiration from the Arabian Nights tales. In the modern day, I find this uncomfortable and am strongly opposed. But I understand that, in her time, she was likely trying to portray a culture that was rarely seen. Only I wish that someone from the culture had been given means to express their voice instead.
I also, personally find Abdullah and Flower-in-the-Night's characters to be a lot flatter and be much less memorable. The book itself reads almost like a Grimms Fairytale with intense descriptions but very limited character focus and that there is, is love based.
I did enjoy reading this though and know, from experience, that House of Many Ways (the last in the series) will be a welcome change.
The problems I have with this book are partly plot (the middle of the book felt rather inconsquential and then it was all rushed and hurried in the end) and Diana Wynn's portrayal of Middle Eastern culture. As far as I can tell, she had no personal experience of this culture but rather, drew inspiration from the Arabian Nights tales. In the modern day, I find this uncomfortable and am strongly opposed. But I understand that, in her time, she was likely trying to portray a culture that was rarely seen. Only I wish that someone from the culture had been given means to express their voice instead.
I also, personally find Abdullah and Flower-in-the-Night's characters to be a lot flatter and be much less memorable. The book itself reads almost like a Grimms Fairytale with intense descriptions but very limited character focus and that there is, is love based.
I did enjoy reading this though and know, from experience, that House of Many Ways (the last in the series) will be a welcome change.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Minor: Racism
There are strong moments of fat phobia in this book. They are hard to read, but it is worth remembering the time this book was written in. We cannot disregard a book following our modern day perspective.
«Te doy mi palabra: al destino no le importa lo que ocurre la mayor parte del tiempo.»
adventurous
hopeful
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:
No
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
this definitely maintained the tone and whimsy of the first book. equally fun, equally witty, i continue onwards to the house of many ways
adventurous
funny
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