House of Many Ways
2008 • 404 pages
Ratings38
Average rating3.7
15
Ratings38
Average rating3.7
The sequel to Howl's Moving CastleWhen Charmain Baker agreed to look after her great-uncle's house, she thought she was getting blissful, parent-free time to read. She didn't realize that the house bent space and time, and she did not expect to become responsible for an extremely magical stray dog and a muddled young apprentice wizard. Now, somehow, she's been targeted by a terrifying creature called a lubbock, too, and become central to the king's urgent search for the fabled Elfgift that will save the country. The king is so desperate to find the Elfgift, he's called in an intimidating sorceress named Sophie to help. And where Sophie is, the great Wizard Howl and fire demon Calcifer won't be far behind. How did respectable Charmain end up in such a mess, and how will she get herself out of it?
Series
3 primary booksHowl's Moving Castle is a 3-book series with 3 primary works first released in 1986 with contributions by Diana Wynne Jones.
Reviews with the most likes.
When I started this book, I didn't realize it would be the final book. I thought the author may continue to write more. Turns out she passed away only a few years after this book was published.
There is something so charming about Wynn-jones writing. Unlike Castle in the Air, Sophie and Howl make appearances fairly early. This was a huge improvement. Howl disguises himself as a mischievous child named Twinkle. Every time he made an appearance I could feel myself smiling. Poor Sophie, but oh Howl.
I also loved the magically expanding house. i expected them to expand more on the house. perhaps the author planned to, but ran out of time.
in summary, this wasn't as chaotic as the first two books, but it's charming and a great Sunday read.
I am sad that there won't be more trips back to Ingary, but maybe it's time to visit her other books.
I was delighted to find another variant in the Howl's universe. It had new characters and a new country, but it did tie into the second book, and you do get to see Sophie and Howl.
I liked how each book was a bit different. I was sad to come to the end of my reading in this universe.
