celine_evianne's review
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
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
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
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
quoththegirl's review
4.0
I got the Dalemark Quartet from a friend for my birthday in January because I had not read enough Diana Wynne Jones (just Howl's Moving Castle ages ago, and Fire and Hemlock more recently). I repent my oversight!! I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment and dove straight into the second as soon as I was finished. The worldbuilding is intriguing, the characters complex and fascinating, and the style tremendously entertaining. Almost four and a half stars, if not for some rushed epiphanies that I found hard to follow--although that seems to be a DWJ trademark.
raygina's review
3.0
Overall it was good. The story flowed pretty well and all the pieces came together in the end. It was good enough for me to get the next one in the series, but I can't say it will be one of my favorites.
shoelessgirl's review
3.0
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this. Jones doesn’t sugar coat bad stuff, and nor does she spell out things 100 times, which having read a lot of YA stuff recently, I really appreciate. Interesting start to the series. Keen to read more.
eirenophile's review against another edition
3.0
I am on a [author:Diana Wynne Jones] kick. This wasn't as good as some of her others ([book:Fire and Hemlock] still holds number one position), but yesterday I read to escape into another world and this didn't disappoint. I really do love the idea of weird personality traits (in this case, like the chrestomanci books, vagueness) as indicators of special talents (it's the one thing I really like about the Percy Jackson books too).