I am currently re-reading The Chronicles of Chrestomanci by Diana Wynne Jones, better known to some as the writer of Howl's Moving Castle. I have two volumes of The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, containing four novels: Charmed Life, The Lives of Christopher Chant, The Magicians of Caprona, and Witch Week. The concept of the books is best described by the author herself:
"There are thousands of worlds, all different from ours. Chrestomanci's world is the one next door to us, and the difference here is that magic is as common as music is with us. It is full of people working magic- warlocks, witches, thaumaturges, sorcerers, fakirs, conjurors, hexers, magicians, mages, shamans, diviners, and many more- from the lowest Certified witch right up to the most powerful of enchanters. Their magic is different and stronger and many of them have more than one life.
Now, if someone did not control all these busy magic-users, ordinary people would have a horrible time and probably end up as slaves. So the government appoints the very strongest enchanter there is to make sure no one misuses magic. This enchanter has nine lives and is known as "the Chrestomanci." You pronounce it KREST-OH-MAN-SEE. He has to have a strong personality as well as strong magic."
The books are appropriate for all ages but targeted towards preteens and younger teens. I have begun re-reading the first book in the set Charmed Life. It is a quick and easy read, but the plot and the details are gripping none the less. A very nice break from the depressing books I had to read for school. Highly recommended if you like books that take you away to a magical world.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment