A review by sweekune
House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones

lighthearted mysterious fast-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

⭐ 4/5 ⭐

Audiobook narrated by Kristin Atherton.

The third book in the Howl's Moving Castle universe. Charmain, a bookish and somewhat lazy young lady, is sent to look after her Uncle William's house whilst he is ill. There she is thrown into a world of magic, a missing royal treasury, an incomprehensible house and some malevolent and not so malevolent creatures.

- I love how the author crafts characters that are real and  flawed but also that you can empathise with. Charmain has a temper, is sometimes rude and often selfish but she is also determined and learns that she is built for more than she's been lead to expect.

- As always, the vivid descriptions are amazing. You feel part of the story, landscape, scenes, everything. It's all brought to life with such detail and character.

- As with Castle in the Air, there are cameos from previous books though this time some are more overt. I loved spending more time seeing these characters and how they've changed over time.

Whimsical, magical and thoroughly enjoyable. I have enjoyed his series so much and will be sad to leave. Highly recommended as a cosy fantasy to enjoy with younger readers.