A good read but not a great one. A sequel to Howl's Moving Castle [great book, on my keeper shelf] it is a good read - but not a keeper. It had some of the trademark wit and occasional flashes of charm, but not enough. I think the problem is the heroine is very hard to like [the best thing in her favor is she loves books and reading] and brings being self-centered to the level of art. She does suffer [usually literally] spurts of character development. The best part of this book was the reappearance of Calcifer, Howl and Sophie and the introduction of their 'terrible twos' young son, Morgan which only highlights the lack of interesting new characters. Peter, a secondary hero, plays a bumbling sidekick rather well. A few characters slide in from Castle in the Air [another supposed sequel which I didn't find really much of a sequel], namely Jamal and Princess Hilda, but frankly they lack interest and mostly have walk-on parts. The 'House of Many Ways' was the most interesting thing in the book. Consisting of 'folded space' you can find your way through turns and switches to arrive at many different locations.

If you haven't read Howl's Moving Castle - read it. It's frequently found with teen books but appeals to adults as well.

Howl's Castle
1. Howl's Moving Castle (1986)
2. Castle in the Air (1990)
3. House of Many Ways (2008)

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This was a very cute sequel to Howls Moving Castle. There is the book in between called Castle in the Air but the summary never really interested me for that one. When I picked up this one, it really grabbed me, and although I enjoyed this outside perspective into Howl and Sophies married life, I didnt miss them when they werent part of the narrative...I was perfectly content to follow Charm around on her exploits. I really would recommend this book to others. You dont even have to have read Howls Moving Castle. If you havent, Sophie, Howl, and Calcipher will just be another few interesting characters showing up, but you won't miss any of the plot details.

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Reviewed by Elly for TeensReadToo.com

When book lover Charmain Baker has to go and take care of Great Uncle William Norland's (a wizard) house while he is away, she is in for a surprise.

Soon after arriving, she discovers that the letter she sent to the King was answered, and he wants her to work with him in the Royal Library. Then Sophie Pendragon, Wizard Howl, and Morgan arrive, making the palace almost a nursery.

The Wizard Howl and Sophie ask Charmain to help them look for the King's disappearing gold by looking for any mention of debts or loans in the records she is reviewing for the King.

With help from new characters Waif and Peter Charmain, the plot gets thrown into a confusing mystery. Diana Wynne Jones's sequel to HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE will keep readers breathless as they follow Charmain through her never-ending surprises and encounters with kobolds, lubbocks and elves.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Diana Wynne Jones's writing or wants a fascinating fantasy mystery. Although this book is a sequel, it can be read without any prior knowledge of the first book.

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