Review: House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones

[NTerpening]

House of Many Ways is the sequel to Howl's Moving Castle, but it could easily stand on its own. Jones introduces a new main character and entirely new setting and conflict in the second book. Sophie, Howl, and Calcifer, while key to the plot, are only side characters this time around, and Michael doesn't even make an appearance.

We start out with Charmain Baker, an avid reader, being shipped off to her great-uncle William's magical house to watch over it while he's away receiving treatment for his mysterious illness. To her mother, this is awful. All her life Charmain has been raised to be respectable, oh so respectable, and magic is simply not a part of that image. Charmain however, has a different plan for her life. A secret agenda is afoot. Charmain has a dream to work in the royal library, and she won't just day-dream about this. Just before leaving her home, she sends out a letter to the king offering her services.

While she waits for a return, Charmain must care for the magical house of her great-uncle William, the house of many ways. How is she supposed to do so when her life thus far has included no chores and certainly no magic? What mischief will Charmain find herself in within the house and the meadow beyond? Will she be asked to join the king at the Royal Mansion to catalog the library? You'll have to read the book to find out.

4 out of 4 stars