Review: Ennara and the Fallen Druid by Angela Myron

Title: Ennara and the Fallen Druid
Author: Angela Myron
Series: Ennara #1
Publication: June 12th 2013 by Stardance Publishing
Genre: Middle Grade ~ Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: 2/5

Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

When a mysterious curse threatens to transform everyone into shadowy demons, a magical eleven year-old girl must travel to a sunken city ruin—fighting pirates, monsters, and an undead sorcerer along the way—to find a weapon that can save her world.

Don't get me wrong because of my rating, I think Ennara and the Fallen Druid is a nice enough book for younger readers (middle grade). But for me, I didn't particularly liked it all that much.

I liked the world, the shadespawn and the three kids getting thrown together on an adventure but that's where my liking of it stopped. There were just a lot of things that didn't make sense to me. I'm not going to go into detail about it much because I don't want to give too much away.

The writing was okay. A bit mediocre maybe for my taste but I didn't hate it or anything. The action was pretty much non-stop and there were lots of magical elements and unique creatures. 

I like I said I think this book will be great for younger readers but I wouldn't recommend it being read by kids younger than ten years old because I think it might be too scary for them. 

All in all, Ennara and the Fallen Druid was an okay book for me. Lots of adventure, action, magic and a very fast read, which will appeal to middle graders a lot. I would consider reading the second book, but I'm in no hurry to do so. Maybe someday!

About the Author:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Angela Myron was born in Vancouver, Canada and lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband and twins. She grew up in the piney forests of southern British Columbia, studying tiny blue bells, dodging cacti, and creating fantasy worlds in her back yard.

Angela studied biology and professional writing at the University of Victoria in Canada and at San Francisco State University. She wrote grant proposals for nonprofits, computer software manuals, and freelance journalism before writing fiction.

Review: The Loch Ness Monster by Jean Flitcroft

Title: The Loch Ness Monster
Author: Jean Flitcroft
Series: The Cryptid Files #1
Publication: May 1st 2014 by Darby Creek
Genre: Middle Grade ~ Mystery
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 4/5

Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

A huge, glowing object moved slowly toward her. As it approached, the glow grew more intense and the water warmer. Vanessa stopped swimming, waiting for the inevitable...

Vanessa's dreams are haunted by cryptids—mysterious creatures that may or may not exist. Her mother used to study them, gathering scientific evidence that at least some of them are real. Vanessa longs to continue her mother's research. At the moment, though, she also has more pressing concerns—like a family trip that includes her father's new girlfriend.

But the visit to Scotland gives Vanessa a chance to explore the eerie secrets of Loch Ness. With the help of her mother's cryptid files, can she solve the mystery of the most famous cryptid of all?

The first book in The Cryptid Files, The Loch Ness Monster was a story that I really enjoyed. The chapters were pretty short, which I loved and the book didn't take too long to read either. It was a great middle grade book.

This book was part mystery, part adventure and who doesn't know Nessie? I think it will speak to many young readers. I'm in my 20's and even I loved it. But then again, I've always been intrigued by the myth of the Loch Ness Monster. And I really thought this book was very well-written and before each chapter there was were some facts about Nessie, sightings and what not. I must admit that it was my favorite part.

Vanessa was a great character to read about. I also liked her family a lot. This book is not just about the mystery that is Nessie but it also is about Vanessa dealing with her mother's death, and accepting a new woman (Lee) in the life of her father, which hasn't been easy for her. But she learns that Lee and her have more in common that she realizes. The only things that was a bit less enjoyable to me was the part where Vanessa falls into the loch and well, let's say things got a little crazy there. I don't want to spoil the story too much so I'll just leave it at that.

All in all, The Loch Ness Monster was a great book. I enjoyed the writing and the facts about sightings through history the most but the story itself was also very good. And I can't wait to read the other books in the series as well. They sound awesome!

About the Author:

Website

Dr Jean Flitcroft lives in Dublin with her husband and three boys. She attended Holy Child School, Killiney and studied science in University College Dublin. On being awarded a Welcome Scholarship she went on to Magdalen College, Oxford University where she obtained her doctorate.

She started as a script writer for medical and scientific films and later became a travel writer when her obsession with travel won out. It was on these journeys around the world that she started writing books for children.

The Cryptid Files: Loch Ness is the first book of a series that covers the globe in pursuit of the weird and wonderful creatures of cryptozoology. It features perhaps the most famous cryptid of all: the Loch Ness monster. It is followed by The Cryptid Files: Mexican Devil, which is set in Mexico and explores the spine-tingling story of the blood-sucking Chupacabra. In the third book in the series, The Cryptid Files: Pacific Giants, Vanessa discovers another beast, cadborosaurus willsi, or Caddy for short, off the west coast of Canada.

Review: Seti's Charm: A Max Carter Adventure by Chris Everheart

Title: Seti's Charm
Author: Chris Everheart
Series: A Max Carter Adventure #1
Publication: September 26th 2014 by Yellow Rocket Media
Genre: Middle Grade ~ Adventure ~ Mystery
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: 4/5

Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

Fourteen-year-old Max Carter has grown up in his grandfather's museum, training to be the world's youngest archaeologist. When the museum is robbed and burned by greedy smugglers, Grandpa begs Max to return their prized possession to Egypt and break the curse that caused this disaster. But Seti's Charm--a priceless funeral amulet from the mummy of Pharaoh Seti I-- is in the hands of murderous thugs.

While Grandpa lies in a hospital bed and Max's wicked step-grandmother schemes to turn their life upside down, Max enlists the help of a giant Frenchman with a shady past. Together, they chase Seti's Charm to a tropical island where Max braves shark-infested waters, machine gun fire, explosions, capture, and torture to learn the shocking true reason that Seti's Charm was stolen. But will he get the legendary object back and return it to its rightful owners in time to save Grandpa and the only life he's ever known?

After reading several pretty heavy books in a row, I was in the mood for something more light and easy to read. This is where Seti's Charm came in. It was the perfect book for what I wanted + everything connected to ancient Egypt is a huge bonus for me.

Max was a very likable character. I'm sure he's going to appeal to a lot of readers, no matter their age. I loved his courage and how he basically did everything he could to help his grandfather. This includes going inside burning buildings, facing down people with guns, and even facing his hateful step-grandmother. 

The story involved a lot of interesting characters (coughRenaultcough) that I hope to see again in the next book(s), if there will be any sequels. They were all quite interesting and just fun to read about. 

Miriam (the step-grandmother) however was the worst. I loathed her with a passion and I had hoped at the end of the book she'd be somehow gone, but no such luck. I just felt so bad for Max because Miriam has been treating him so badly. But other than that, I really enjoy this book.

The Egypt element was a bit on the minor side, although Seti's amulet did set things in motion for the story. I loved the mystery surrounding it and also the writing was pretty good. 

Fast-paced, mysterious and full of action, Seti's Charm is a prime examble why I love middle grade books so much. I'm already looking forward to Max Carter's next adventure!

About the Author:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Chris Everheart is an award-winning author of more than twenty books and short stories for middle-graders, young adults, and adults and an award-winning filmmaker. A lifelong reluctant reader, TV junkie, and movie lover, Chris infuses the pacing and thrills of visual storytelling into all his stories. When not writing he can be found hiking in the mountains near home, watching television, or learning about history, science, and archeology. He's a Minnesota native living in East Tennessee with his family.

Review: Artemis Fowl and the Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer

Title: Artemis Fowl and the Arctic Incident
Author: Eoin Colfer
Series: Artemis Fowl #2
Publication: December 1st 2007 (first published January 1st 2001)
Genre: Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: 5/5

From: Colfer, Eoin (pronounced as 'Owen', by the way)
Sent: Yesterday
To: The World (above and below ground)
Subject: A message from Artemis Fowl's Official Biographer

The facts contained in this book are just that — facts.

It's all true, every word. Irish criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has discovered a fairy race living below ground. He has extorted gold from them and the fairy police have been on his tail for supplying power cells to the goblin gangs.

But that's not the half of it. The Russian Mafiya are holding his father to ransom in the Arctic Circle and only Artemis's bodyguard, Butler, stands in between him and an evil pixie. As an explosive situation threatens the entire fairy civilization, Artemis realizes that even a wicked genius needs help sometimes. And it can come from the most unlikely quarters...

Fowl will deny all of this, of course, as will his army of lawyers. But they haven't sued me, have they?

Read on if you must. But wrap up warm.
Things are about to get frosty...

Eoin Colfer

Re-reading Artemis Fowl and the Arctic Incident was once again fantastic! This shouldn't come as a surprise but Eoin Colfer manages to enthrall me again and again with his books, no matter how many times I have read them.

With re-reading this book, I have noticed a few things, actually. I noticed that Artemis definitely has a slightly more softer side. I'm not sure if this is just me, but it's what I think. He's more humane in this book for sure, with wanting to rescue his father and building friendships with Holly and Mulch. Or at least the start of a friendship that will turn into a strong bond.

Another thing I realized was that Trouble Kelp was a little more in the book. I never gave this much thought before but I suddenly noticed it. But god, his little brother is annoying. I love Trouble, though. He's pretty awesome. 

I have to admit that the second Artemis Fowl book was never a favorite of mine. It always used to be the least favorite of all the books, but still a good one. Now I'm not so sure because the book was actually really great. Guess I'll have to re-read the others too, then!

Oh and Opal Koboi made her first (but not last) appearance in this book. She's evil but I kind of love her, in a villainy sort of way. It was definitely a nice introduction to her character. More to come with her, people!

Not surprisingly, Eoin Colfer engrossed me with his fast and witty writing, as he always does. The Arctis Incident was quick, yet full of detail and intrigue. I love Colfer's way of storytelling and how he can always almost pull me into his books and make me turn page after page non-stop!

Quotes:

“No, I don't think you understand just how stupid goblins are. Let me give you an example. One of the B'wa Kell generals, and this is their top fairy, was caught caught trying to pass off forged credit slips by signing his own name.”

The craft's occupants clutched their armrests, and more than one of them closed their eyes. But not Artemis. He couldn't. There was something morbidly fascinating about flying into an uncharted tunnel at a reckless speed with only a kleptomaniac dwarf's word for what lay at the other end.

“Well, young man, have you found anyone worthy of your respect?"
Artemis smiled back. "Yes," he said. "I believe I have.”

About the Author:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Eoin Colfer (pronounced Owen) was born in Wexford on the South-East coast of Ireland in 1965, where he and his four brothers were brought up by his father (an elementary school teacher, historian and artist of note) and mother (a drama teacher). He first developed an interest in writing in primary (elementary) school with gripping Viking stories inspired by history he was learning in school at the time!

After leaving school he got his degree from Dublin university and qualified as a primary school teacher, returning to work in Wexford. He married in 1991 and he and his wife spent about 4 years between 1992 and 1996 working in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Italy. His first book, Benny and Omar, was published in 1998, based on his experiences in Tunisia; it has since been translated into many languages. A sequel followed in 1999, followed by some other books (see below). Then in 2001 the first Artemis Fowl book was published and he was able to resign from teaching and concentrate fully on writing.

He says, “I will keep writing until people stop reading or I run out of ideas. Hopefully neither of these will happen anytime soon. He lives in Ireland with his wife and two children.

Review: Book of Names by John Peel

Title: Book of Names
Authors: John Peel
Series: Diadem Worlds of Magic #1
Publication: September 8th 2004 by Llewellyn Publications
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 2/5

 

Three teenagers from very different worlds--Score, a streetwise New Yorker; Renald, who prepares for a medieval battle; and Pixel, who is confined to the one-room world of Virtual Reality--are kidnapped and plunged into a perilous odyssey as they seek to unlock the secrets of the Diadem.

Book of Names wasn't a totally bad book to me. There were some parts that I did like but overall it was just okay and nothing more.

Most of the time I was weirdest out by the story. Some really strange things happen in it, like a killer whale jumping out of a river and changing into a man. That was just a little too weird for me. I  didn't think the writing was all that good, either. This book is obviously more for younger readers but usually I can find books like this entertaining. So it's too bad that it wasn't the case with this one.

As I said before, some part I did like. One of those parts were the three main characters: Score, Renald and Pixel. They were a great set of characters, with each their own story and world they lived in. Personally, I liked Pixel's story the most because he came from a virtual reality world. Pretty cool. I also liked the fact that Renald kept her identity as a girl hidden for everyone for a little while. She was definitely a feisty character!

If it wasn't for the writing style that was only so-so and the mediocre dialogue, I think I would've liked this book a lot more. Also, the villain wasn't as hateful as I like my bad guys to be. He, also was so-so. 

There is talk about a more mysterious villain, but although there was some talk about him, he didn't make a real appearance. I'm guessing that will be for the next book, with how the story ended.

All in all, Book of Names was tolerable. I didn't completely hate it but I obviously didn't love it either. It definitely had some promise but to me it wasn't enough.

About the Author:

Website | Goodreads

John Peel is the author of Doctor Who books and comic strips. Notably, he wrote the first original Doctor Who novel, Timewyrm: Genesys, to launch the Virgin New Adventures line. In the early 1990s he was commissioned by Target Books to write novelisations of several key Terry Nation Dalek stories of the 1960s after the rights were finally worked out. He later wrote several more original Daleks novels.

He has the distinction of being one of only three authors credited on a Target novelisation who had not either written a story for the TV series or been a part of the production team (the others were Nigel Robinson and Alison Bingeman).

Outside of Doctor Who, Peel has also written novels for the Star Trek franchise. Under the pseudonym "John Vincent", he wrote novelisations based upon episodes of the 1990s TV series James Bond Jr.

Review: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Title: Artemis Fowl
Author: Eoin Colfer
Series: Artemis Fowl #1
Publication: January 1st 2001
Genre: Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 5/5

Artemis Fowl. You've probably heard the name.
If Internet rumours are to be believed, he's responsible for every major crime of the new century. If you haven't heard of young Artemis, the you're lucky. You'll sleep better not knowing that someone like him is out there. But if you must know, if curiosity is eating away at you, as it did at me, then let's start at the beginning...

In this, the story of Artemis' first encounter with the fairy People, you'll find out how he hatched a plot to restore his family's fortune. You'll read how he discovered a world below ground of armed and dangerous fairies, farting dwarfs and mind-blowing technology. And you'll learn how, by kidnapping Captain Holly Short of the Lower Elements Police, Artemis almost triggered a cross-species war.

Still with me? Well, strap in, adventurers - you've never read anything quite like this...

Yours in deep cover, Eoin Colfer.

"A genius. A criminal mastermind. A millionaire. And he is only twelve years old."

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer is my favorite book ever. EVER! I read it for the first time when I was fourteen years old and have been reading the series ever since. I've re-read the book over and over again. I can't even remember how many times I have read it but by now this book feels like an old friend and it's just as amazing as when I read it the first time. Now that I've re-read it once again, I think it's time for a review!

When Holly Short gets abducted by Artemis Fowl II, a child prodigy from Ireland because he wants to ransom her for fairy gold, the book really gets going. The fairies are amazed by everything that Artemis knows about the People but they're definitely not giving up on Holly and are determined to resque her and keep the gold in the meantime. But it seems that Artemis is always two steps ahead of them...

Artemis sort of is an antagonist. He's no hero, and as is stated in the book: you can't romanticize him. This is absolutely true. And yet, I can't help but root for him. But on the other hand I also end up rooting for the fairies, especially Holly. You kind of just want both Artemis and Holly to win, whatever they're fighting for. Artemis definitely is a one of a kind characters. I have literally never read about any character like him. He's twelve years old and a prodigy. No matter how many times I read this book, I'm always blown away by his genius (of should I say Eoin Colfer's genius?). In any case, he's probably my favorite fictional character ever created and I'm pretty sure it will never ever change.

Holly is also one of my favorite characters. I love everything she stands for and even though there aren't that many female characters in his books, when there is, you can bet she'll end up having a very strong personality and being able to kick butt. So, yeah... that's Holly. She may be small but she can kick anyone's ass and is the first female on the LEPrecon squad + she has a feisty and reckless personality. Gotta love her! 

Personally, I think that this book has the greatest set of characters ever. Artemis and Holly aside, we also have Butler, Juliet, Commander Root and Foaly. I just love Butler. He always has Artemis's back and to me, he feels more like a father to Artemis than anything else. Juliet is Butlers teenage sister and she's simply a riot! Commander Root is simply epic. You definitely don't want to get on his bad side and Foaly is just brilliance itself. He's a centaur, a bit crazy and I love his wit!

So do I have to say more? Artemis Fowl is a brilliant book. That's the way it just is. Eoin Colfer writes fast-paced, witty and sometimes even touching scenes. Is it any wonder he's my favorite author ever? 

Quotes:

“If I win, I'm a prodigy. If I lose, then I'm crazy. That's the way history is written.”

“Too much damned TV. Thinks he's Sherlock Holmes."
"That's professor Moriarty," corrected Foaly.
"Holmes, Moriarty, they both look the same with the flesh scorched off their skulls.”

“Trust me. I'm a genius.”

About the Author:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Eoin Colfer (pronounced Owen) was born in Wexford on the South-East coast of Ireland in 1965, where he and his four brothers were brought up by his father (an elementary school teacher, historian and artist of note) and mother (a drama teacher). He first developed an interest in writing in primary (elementary) school with gripping Viking stories inspired by history he was learning in school at the time!

After leaving school he got his degree from Dublin university and qualified as a primary school teacher, returning to work in Wexford. He married in 1991 and he and his wife spent about 4 years between 1992 and 1996 working in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Italy. His first book, Benny and Omar, was published in 1998, based on his experiences in Tunisia; it has since been translated into many languages. A sequel followed in 1999, followed by some other books (see below). Then in 2001 the first Artemis Fowl book was published and he was able to resign from teaching and concentrate fully on writing.

He says, “I will keep writing until people stop reading or I run out of ideas. Hopefully neither of these will happen anytime soon. He lives in Ireland with his wife and two children.

Review: Hades Speaks! by Vicky Alvear Shecter

Title: Hades Speaks!: A Guide to the Underworld by the Greek God of the Dead
Author: Vicky Alvear Shecter
Illustrations: J.E. Larson
Publication: September 1st 2014 by Boyds Mills Press
Genre: Nonfiction ~ Middle Grade ~ Greek Mythology
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Cover Rating: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5

Hades, god of the dead, welcomes readers on a dangerous tour of his underworld kingdom, filled with monsters, furies, giants, and vampire demons. Along the way, he reveals ancient death rites and sinister curses, tells hair-raising stories, and cracks jokes to die for. With his witty voice and ghoulish sense of humor, Hades is the perfect guide through this fresh and imaginative work of nonfiction that reads like a novel. Includes a glossary, bibliography, and index.

I loved Hades Speaks! I don't remember the last time I've laughed so much with a book. It was so hilarious and I only wish when I was younger there were books like this teaching me about history and mythology. That would've made things a whole lot more interesting.

Just like with Anubus (Speaks!) I laughed my ass off with Hades. I love how the author portrays and writes these gods and lets them take us on a tour through their world. I simply adore it. It's even better because I'm so fascinated by ancient Greece and their mythology. The book is written in a fun yet informative way and there were lots of pop culture references such as Harry Potter and Percy Jackson - I loved that. 

The illustrations are wonderful. I loved the way Hades and everything else was drawn. This is why I want these books (Anubus Speaks and Hades Speaks) in a physical copy. I'm sure they'll be gorgeous to look at. Ah, someday!

Like I said before, this book is hilarious and Hades made me laugh out loud too many times to count. The comical part of this book is what makes this book so good—that and learning more about ancient Greece, the gods and everything in between.

Funny, interesting, quick and with beautiful illustrations, Hades Speaks!: A Guide to the Underworld by the Greek God of the Dead by Vicky Alvear Shecter was a fantastic read, one of my favorites of 2014 and I would recommend it to absolutely everyone! Seriously, go read it now!

Favorite Quotes:

I'm sorry, but you dont see me sending my minions up there to "help" polish Zeus's lightning bolts or fluff up his storm clouds, now, do you?

Oh, also, do not eat any of the luscious pomeganates that grow near my palace, because if you do, you will never return to the land of the living. Why rush things, right?

Most people picture my dog with three heads, but that is wrong, wrong, wrong. He is way cooler than that. Some poets claimed he had fifty heads and some poets called him the "hundred-headed" beast. Others described him with not only multiple heads, but with a serpent's tail, a mane of snakes, and lion's paws.
Whatever. I call him awesome.

About the Author:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Vicky Alvear Shecter is the award-winning author of Curses and Smoke, Cleopatra’s Moon, Hades Speaks! A Guide to the Underworld by the Greek God of the Dead, and other books about the ancient world and mythology.

Review: Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones

Title: Castle in the Air
Author: Diana Wynne Jones
Series: Howl's Moving Castle #2
Publication: August 7th 2001 by Greenwillow Books (first published 1990)
Genre: Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Cover Rating: 3/5
Overall Rating: 5/5

In which a humble young carpet merchant wins, then loses, the princess of his dreams.

Far to the south of the land of Ingary, in the Sultanates of Rashpuht, there lived in the city of Zanzib a young and not very prosperous carpet dealer named Abdullah who loved to spend his time daydreaming. He was content with his life and his daydreams until, one day, a stranger sold him a magic carpet.

That very night, the carpet flew him to an enchanted garden. There, he met and fell in love with the beauteous princess Flower-in-the-Night, only to have her snatched away, right under his very nose, by a wicked djinn. With only his magic carpet and his wits to help him, Abdullah sets off to rescue his princess...

Reading Castle in the Air was a spur in the moment decision for me. I hadn't given the book much thought every since I bought (which was a while ago) because I doubted it would be as good as Howl's Moving Castle. Ha! I was so wrong. It wasn't better than its predecessor but I enjoyed it just as much. 

I am really impressed by the imagination of the author (bless her soul). This book was such an aventure that I jumped in right away and let it take me away to the lands of Rashpuht, Ingary and the castle in the air. It was fantastic.

I really liked the main character, Abdullah, who was a humble but funny and smart carpet merchant. And also liked Flower-in-the-Night and how she wasn't just another princess. She was actually strong-minded and had her own intellectual ideas. I even liked "the soldier" even though he was quite selfish and tricky. Really, this book was full of diverse and unique characters that you can't help but like. Even the djinns!

I loved the Arabic feel of the book with the genie, djinns, magic carpet and everything else in between. I haven't quite read a book like it before (aside maybe from Howl's Moving Castle). And of course it was absolutely amazing to be back in Kingsbury and meet all the familiar characters over again like Lettie, Suliman, Calcifer and of course let's not forget Sophie and Howl! I don't want to give away too much but I was almost giving up hope of seeing Howl again in this book but let me tell you: nothing is as it seems! And gods... how I loved it! It was really nice to see what Sophie and Howl's life is like now. I missed them.

Overall, Castle in the Air is a magnificent sequel to Howl's Moving Castle. It might feature other characters in the lead but they're just as amazing and unique. I would recommend this book to everyone who has read Howl's Moving Castle and even if you haven't read that book yet, get on it and read the sequel too because it's full of amazingness!

Favorite Quotes:

“I am a believer in free will. If my dog chooses to hate the whole human race except myself, it must be free to do so.”

“I can't abide people who go soft over animals and then cheat every human they come across!”

“Tell me of this wizard Howl of yours."
Sophie's teeth chattered, but she said proudly, "He's the best wizard in Ingary or anywhere else. If he'd only had time, he would have defeated that djinn. And he's sly and selfish and vain as a peacock and cowardly, and you can't pin him down to do anything."
"Indeed?" asked Abdullah. "Strange that you should speak so proudly such a list of vices, most loving of ladies."
"What do you mean, vices?" Sophie asked angrily. "I was just describing Howl!”

About the Author:

August 16, 1934 - March 26, 2011
Diana Wynne Jones was the author of more than thirty critically acclaimed fantasy stories, including the Chrestomanci series and the novels Howl's Moving Castle and Dark Lord of Derkholm.

For Diana Wynne Jones's official autobiography, please see http://www.leemac.freeserve.co.uk/autobiog.htm