A review by studiomikarts
The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 2: The Magicians of Caprona / Witch Week by Diana Wynne Jones

Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.

I decided to give up reading the second book in this volume. It's too slow getting anywhere, all the characters are nasty and unlikable, the titular Chrestomanci is once again nowhere to be seen five chapters in, and I have a physical sense of resistance every time I think of reading more. There's not even a cool cat character (yet) to make the reading worthwhile. There are so many more books waiting in my TBR pile that I no longer wish to waste my limited reading time on something that brings me dread rather than joy. 

As for the first book in this volume, which I did finish, the story was overall so predictable that I didn't really enjoy it. Even the cat character eventually felt somewhat repulsive, and not particularly charming, since he was described as a feral tomcat reeking of cat pee. As someone with a lifelong, visceral knowledge of that smell, it easily stains the entire story in one's mind, leaving it less than attractive. 

I wish I could have enjoyed these stories more, especially seeing how handsome the cover illustration and book design is, but...it is what it is...