Helpful Score: 6
Very good book. I thought it was a childeren's book at first glance, but couldn't have been more wrong -- many twists and turns, and the characters are very believable. And every book can be read by itself -- you don't need to read book 1 to understand book 3, or read book 4 to understand book 5. They are all completely seperate, taking place in entirely different universes -- universes that are interconnected by the magic that flows through all of them, of course, but seperated by the bonds of physical reality.
Helpful Score: 4
This enormous book is actually 2 novels making one nearly continuous story. The magical premise - enchanter with 9 lives saving magical universes - is very well plotted and played out. As in REAL life, not all the characters are likable; but it is still very interesting to try to figure out how they're going to think or act out.
Helpful Score: 3
This two-books-in-one volume advertizes itself as a book for those readers who are "wild about Harry." The implication is, they're better. They are every bit as good and have a whole different view of a young wizard growing into his powers.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a decent book that any magic lover should read. I wouldn't categorize it with, for example, the Harry Potter series but it was an okay book filled with a decent plot line and a nice set of characters that can keep you going throughout the entire book. The reason I rated it 3 out of 5...it just wasn't my kind of book. So I'm passing it on to someone else who may enjoy it instead :)
Helpful Score: 2
Diana Wynne Jones was a fluke author for me to pick up, and I fell instantly in love with her characters and writing style. The Chronicles of Chrestomanci was the second of her books i was to read, and i was not disappointed in the least.
Who couldn't love the dark-haired, prim-and-proper enchanter, blessed with nine-lives, and burdened with keeping magical order across 12 relative universes? Sound confusing? Its seems so at first, but once you get properly sucked into the world Jones has created you comprehend and enjoy all the more what our heroes and heroines go through. Volume 1 collects The Lives of Christopher Chant and Charmed Life.
If you liked harry potter, even remotely, give her a try. I personally find more depth in her writing than in any of Rowling's novels.
Who couldn't love the dark-haired, prim-and-proper enchanter, blessed with nine-lives, and burdened with keeping magical order across 12 relative universes? Sound confusing? Its seems so at first, but once you get properly sucked into the world Jones has created you comprehend and enjoy all the more what our heroes and heroines go through. Volume 1 collects The Lives of Christopher Chant and Charmed Life.
If you liked harry potter, even remotely, give her a try. I personally find more depth in her writing than in any of Rowling's novels.
Helpful Score: 1
easy to read and understand, A nice fantsy book for teens and young adults or even old adults like me.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book; quick read. Perfect for fantasy-lovers.
I got this book (and the next in the series) based on the strength of the reviews written about them. Specifically, everyone was saying if you love Harry Potter you will also love these books. In my opinion, that is not the case. The plot was mediocre, the 'twists and turns' obvious and the writing was juvenile (yes, these books are for kids, but that didn't stop J.K. Rowling from writing for both children and adults alike). I found the second book in the Volume - The Lives of Christopher Chant - to be more interesting than the first. Usually, I cannot bear to be departed from the books I read, but I will definitely be putting this one up for swap, and won't bother reading the next in the series.
The world Diana Wynne Jones crafts is a rich and believable one. I love this book, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy.
good book. liked this much better then the second
verry good book. I loved just how much trouble gewndelen was!!! Some of the twists were not expected.
It's a good book if you're into the whole magic thing. Good for people who like Harry Potter.
I enjoyed this book, very engrossing, if you like Harry Potter, you'll love this book!
If you enjoyed the Harry Potter series, you'll probably enjoy the Chronicles of Chrestomanci too!
some really great fantasy stories
This book, especially the second part, had a good story with many twists. However, the book was a bit slow for my taste. For instance, I found myself skimming over descriptions of all the different worlds. I much preferred "Harry Potter." I liked the characters better and the book moved along nicely. I don't think it is a matter of the authors' skills, but a matter of personal taste.
I love Diana Wynne Jones and her quirky, lovable characters! One of those "didn't mean to stay up all night reading" books.
