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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
I have to check and re-check that I was actually reading the sequel to "Howl's Moving Castle," since it is not at all apparent that this book is even related until the halfway point. This is definitely more of a companion piece than a sequel. Naturally, I couldn't help but be a little disappointed that so much of this novel is eaten up by new characters who aren't nearly as charming as the original cast.
Fortunately, Howl and Sophie do show up midway through the book (though perhaps not in the form you might expect!) so it was nice getting to check in on what the characters have been up to since the ending of the original book. In some ways, "Castle in the Air" is like a fusion of "Aladdin" and "Howl's Moving Castle," which made for an interesting combination.
Ultimately though, not as satisfying as I had hoped. There are also a few instances where this book is somewhat problematic and starts to show its age. So big yikes to that. In short, it's a whimsical story, but not nearly to the level of its predecessor. 3.5 stars!
Fortunately, Howl and Sophie do show up midway through the book (though perhaps not in the form you might expect!) so it was nice getting to check in on what the characters have been up to since the ending of the original book. In some ways, "Castle in the Air" is like a fusion of "Aladdin" and "Howl's Moving Castle," which made for an interesting combination.
Ultimately though, not as satisfying as I had hoped. There are also a few instances where this book is somewhat problematic and starts to show its age. So big yikes to that. In short, it's a whimsical story, but not nearly to the level of its predecessor. 3.5 stars!
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
It's not quite as charming as Howl's Moving Castle, in my opinion (and maybe that's because I'm biased and find characters like Sophie and Calcifer so hilarious and endearing), but Castle in the Air is a charming book and has the same spirit as Howl's Moving Castle for sure. It was a fun little read and very eventful and easy to get through.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Confinement, Pregnancy, Classism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was so scared to read it for so long because I was told Sophie, Howl, and Calcifer wouldn’t be in it but it turns out they’re practically in the whole thing
X_X
Every time the plot returns to them you’re just completely swept up in their adventures all over again, even if there is a baby around!
Besides that, there is arguably two main characters in this book and I hated them both with the UTMOST passion. Sorry, but I can’t glance over the fatphobia that gets shoved in my face time and time again, it was really disappointing. And then glorifying marriage to strange men? It felt like a Disney movie - in the worst way. I just thought it was so backwards for the wHoLe plot to be about rescuing the princesses from forced marriage to the Djinns by the ultimatum being “oh we will rescue you if you let us marry one of you-“ I- THAT’S BLACKMAILING THEM INTO MARRIAGE
Ugh, there’s just rampant misogyny throughout which is sUch a shame when I adore the first book!!!
Oh well, Sophie was still a bAddi
X_X
Every time the plot returns to them you’re just completely swept up in their adventures all over again, even if there is a baby around!
Besides that, there is arguably two main characters in this book and I hated them both with the UTMOST passion. Sorry, but I can’t glance over the fatphobia that gets shoved in my face time and time again, it was really disappointing. And then glorifying marriage to strange men? It felt like a Disney movie - in the worst way. I just thought it was so backwards for the wHoLe plot to be about rescuing the princesses from forced marriage to the Djinns by the ultimatum being “oh we will rescue you if you let us marry one of you-“ I- THAT’S BLACKMAILING THEM INTO MARRIAGE
Ugh, there’s just rampant misogyny throughout which is sUch a shame when I adore the first book!!!
Oh well, Sophie was still a bAddi
funny
lighthearted
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-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
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Kinda stereotypically racist where is Howl
Kind of a complicated one - I adore Howl’s but have avoided the rest of the series for fears of disappointment & dare I say I should have continued avoiding 😬
Despite being set in the same universe as Howl’s it’s not actually set in the same world & I don’t think the world building is as good like I didn’t get a good sense of place for anywhere maybe because the whole plot is based around them rushing but it all felt quite random.
Then the plot twistthat all the Howl’s gang has been involved all along should have been the best bit for me but they just didn’t feel like the same characters idk how to explain it?
Finally there are some weird parts that rubbed me the wrong way like I hated how the twins were treated with the fatphobia & complete lack of choice in their marriages even when everyone got a ‘happy ending’ I feel like they were treated like villains despite doing nothing wrong ?? Jones’ books are known for strong female characters & these two just felt like horrible caricatures that were purely plot points.
Despite being set in the same universe as Howl’s it’s not actually set in the same world & I don’t think the world building is as good like I didn’t get a good sense of place for anywhere maybe because the whole plot is based around them rushing but it all felt quite random.
Then the plot twist
Finally there are some weird parts that rubbed me the wrong way like I hated how the twins were treated with the fatphobia & complete lack of choice in their marriages even when everyone got a ‘happy ending’ I feel like they were treated like villains despite doing nothing wrong ?? Jones’ books are known for strong female characters & these two just felt like horrible caricatures that were purely plot points.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
Yes