jayseejewel's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting story by the author of Howl's Moving Castle but nothing about it really grabbed me or made me want to read the next one. It's short, to the point, and great for children or teenagers.
What I liked:
- The characters were funny and interesting. I never had trouble telling them apart and loved that they acted like kids but weren't stupid or annoying
- The politics and conflicts are simple and easy to understand but fleshed out enough to make sense. The world is also basic but immersive
- Like HMC, this one had a simple yet unique magic system that wasn't too lore-dumpy
- I love when books are short and have quick pacing, so this did not disappoint
What I didn't like:
- The story is great for children, and felt very similar to the writing style or Narnia or The Hobbit, but it didn't grab me or make me want to read more
- It took halfway through the book for the plot to actually pick up and go somewhere. Once it got started, though, it rarely slowed down
- It did feel like there was filler at some points
What I liked:
- The characters were funny and interesting. I never had trouble telling them apart and loved that they acted like kids but weren't stupid or annoying
- The politics and conflicts are simple and easy to understand but fleshed out enough to make sense. The world is also basic but immersive
- Like HMC, this one had a simple yet unique magic system that wasn't too lore-dumpy
- I love when books are short and have quick pacing, so this did not disappoint
What I didn't like:
- The story is great for children, and felt very similar to the writing style or Narnia or The Hobbit, but it didn't grab me or make me want to read more
- It took halfway through the book for the plot to actually pick up and go somewhere. Once it got started, though, it rarely slowed down
- It did feel like there was filler at some points
sjgochenour's review against another edition
4.0
I like this book much more as an adult. Lot of lovely characterization packed in around an extremely fast-moving plot.
margaret_j_c's review against another edition
4.0
After hearing about the genius of Diana Wynne Jones more times than I can count, I have finally joined the ranks of her admirers. Jones truly knows her craft. I found many similarities between her writing and the writing of Megan Whalen Turner. Namely, amazing plot twists, nuanced characters, and a finished project worth reading over and over. I'm glad this is a series of four, because I am far from being done with her incredible universe.
Update 1/16:
Still good. Still good.
Update 1/16:
Still good. Still good.
celine_evianne's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
emmacatereads's review against another edition
3.0
A nice but not all-together unique entry in the DWJ canon. I've been slowly working my way through her less well-known books and was inspired by the fact that this is the first in a series. One of my favorite aspect of Jones' writing, as I've said repeatedly, is her ability to candidly asses what are often very real and heavy subjects through the lens of childhood. Moril doesn't stand out particularly amid her host of vague and dreamy young protagonists, but once again the way he deals with topics such as death and endangerment of his family members feels very real and very heartfelt.
Another thing I tend to enjoy about DWJ books, echoed in this novel, is the way that her magic systems are borne more of feelings rather than science. The descriptions of Moril's powers with the Cwidder are at once precise and evocative, as Jones utilities her characteristic, matter-of-fact tone to describe the extraordinary.
However, I wasn't especially moved by any of the characters. This novel's failing, in my opinion, is that it fails to stand out from the rest of her canon; while it is rife with many of the tones and tropes that make me enjoy her other works, it doesn't play off of them enough to distinguish itself.
Another thing I tend to enjoy about DWJ books, echoed in this novel, is the way that her magic systems are borne more of feelings rather than science. The descriptions of Moril's powers with the Cwidder are at once precise and evocative, as Jones utilities her characteristic, matter-of-fact tone to describe the extraordinary.
However, I wasn't especially moved by any of the characters. This novel's failing, in my opinion, is that it fails to stand out from the rest of her canon; while it is rife with many of the tones and tropes that make me enjoy her other works, it doesn't play off of them enough to distinguish itself.
kwugirl's review against another edition
4.0
I bet I would've really loved this in middle school. Good "journey to come of age and figure out who you are" kind of YA.
travelgirlut's review against another edition
3.0
This book made me cry practically from the first page. So much tragedy and death for a DWJ book. This was definitely more serious than her other books I've read. But I enjoyed it nonetheless. I'm interested to see where the story goes from here.
nevafromtheswamp's review against another edition
5.0
[Listened to on audible. Notes on audiobook related stuff in the end of this review.]
I finally decided to take the leap and try another series by my favourite author, Diana Wynne Jones. It was interesting to take another look into her worlds and see the differences in this one and in that of Chrestomanci. I went into this series not really checking in on what genres and age groups it was aimed at for, and I admit I was surprised at first. Out of the Chrestomanci series, I'd say Witch Week is tonally closest to this one, but Cart and Cwidder was darker. A lot darker. Needless to say, it didn't take me long to guess that this was a series aimed at older readers than Chrestomanci was.
I did like the darkeness - the very serious feeling of danger that this story brough with it, making it clear that the important characters weren't safe. The political tension and the absense of guidance for a young person in possession of a lot of power were interesting, and the way they were handled on the text great. I admire Diana Wynne Jones for her talent to make young characters /young/; to have them have motives, ideas, fears and reasonings that make sense for someone of their age. It's refreshing, after all so many books make their young protaconists act a lot older than they said to be.
A strong start for a series, I am excitedly waiting for the next books to arrive at my doorstep so I can continue forwards with this story.
Audio related notes: I had hard time listening to the singing parts - not sure if it was because I listen to audio faster than it's recorded (anything between 1.10 to 2.00 times as fast; depends on the story, reader and my level of tiredness) or was it just not the narrators' strong suit. I also really, really disliked the way he read young girls' voice - it felt stereotypical, the whine in it, and I feel like this character in all her flaws could have been brought to better justice with more tones in her voice.
I finally decided to take the leap and try another series by my favourite author, Diana Wynne Jones. It was interesting to take another look into her worlds and see the differences in this one and in that of Chrestomanci. I went into this series not really checking in on what genres and age groups it was aimed at for, and I admit I was surprised at first. Out of the Chrestomanci series, I'd say Witch Week is tonally closest to this one, but Cart and Cwidder was darker. A lot darker. Needless to say, it didn't take me long to guess that this was a series aimed at older readers than Chrestomanci was.
I did like the darkeness - the very serious feeling of danger that this story brough with it, making it clear that the important characters weren't safe. The political tension and the absense of guidance for a young person in possession of a lot of power were interesting, and the way they were handled on the text great. I admire Diana Wynne Jones for her talent to make young characters /young/; to have them have motives, ideas, fears and reasonings that make sense for someone of their age. It's refreshing, after all so many books make their young protaconists act a lot older than they said to be.
A strong start for a series, I am excitedly waiting for the next books to arrive at my doorstep so I can continue forwards with this story.
Audio related notes: I had hard time listening to the singing parts - not sure if it was because I listen to audio faster than it's recorded (anything between 1.10 to 2.00 times as fast; depends on the story, reader and my level of tiredness) or was it just not the narrators' strong suit. I also really, really disliked the way he read young girls' voice - it felt stereotypical, the whine in it, and I feel like this character in all her flaws could have been brought to better justice with more tones in her voice.
nedge's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0