Full list of Diana Wynne Jones books, with my comments on each, for people looking for recs
In the suggestion post for Mark Reads, I found the Chrestomanci books on the confirmed list, which made me go, "Yay, DWJ! But oh, Chrestomanci..." because Chrestomanci isn't what I'd suggest as a first book for an adult, especially not to read all of them in a row.
I then decided to re-read the Chrestomanci books, to see. And even as a huge DWJ fan, I'm on Conrad's Fate now and kind of feeling I need to read something else. (I did read Juli Zeh's Corpus Delicti inbetween. Quite a good future dystopia!)
In the midst of all this, I was asked for DWJ recommendation and rattled off eight or nine of them in a row. Which made me go, okay, I need to sit down and properly examine how I feel about various DWJ books. And now I have a list! The "Just OK" part of it was originally called "Not up to her usual standards," but I decided that it was a bit mean, because not up to DWJ's usual standards is still about on par with what other people write.
If you can make any use of the list for recommendation purposes, that's great, although I suspect all other DWJ fans will violently disagree with me.
The books of Diana Wynne Jones, in categories (but not ordered lists) of awesomeness
True gems
Howl's Moving Castle
This was hands-down my favourite DWJ books, and pretty much my favourite book in general, until Deep Secret came along more than a decade later. It was one of the first books of her that I read, and it had so many things that I fell hard for: the fairy tale parody, the view of our world as the strange one and the fantasy world as the normal one, a protagonist being turned into an old lady and finding it to be a bit of a relief (aches and illnesses aside), the use of a real-life poem as a magic spell, and of course the Belligerent Sexual Tension.
It should be noted that if you've only seen the film, you know more-or-less what happens in the first half of the book, but not at all what happens in the second half - and also, you've never truly met Sophie.
Deep Secret
A strong contender for favourite DWJ book. Basically, it's Pride and Prejudice with multiversal political plots and coups, murder, centaurs, evil goddesses, computer viruses... oh, and it's partially set at a fantasy convention. It's an everything and the kitchen sink approach to fantasy, which veers madly between hilarity and darkness, and sews it all up into one brilliant whole.
The Dark Lord of Derkholm
This book grew out of The Tough Guide to Fantasyland, but it's a lot more than a parody. It's a view of what it would be like to live in a fantasy world, where you're forced to act like a cliché whether you want to or not, and as such, while bits of it are very funny, it's also as disturbing as any story about colonialism would have to be. And of course, on top of this, it's also a really good adventure.
This one works best if you've read a fair amount of fantasy before, though it's probably still enjoyable if you haven't.
Archer's Goon
Most of DWJ's books have some element of fun in them, but some are more easily defined as fun romps. Out of those, this one is the best. It starts of with a list of bizarre statements, which it is said the book will prove - and so it does, with the possible exception of "Pigs have wings, making them hard to catch." (The DWJ mailing list came to the conclusion that it was a summation of the book as a whole.) It follows with the story of a family who find themselves at the whims of seven highly powered being who are fighting for world dominance. It's like the most whimsical parts of ancient mythology, with some highly memorable characters. (Awful!)
Fire and Hemlock
Someone on the mailing list claimed that DWJ readers fall into two categories - people with a preference for Archer's Goon, or with a preference for Fire and Hemlock. Which is to say, if the fun romp is one side of DWJ's authorship, another is the multilayered labyrinth of storytelling where nothing is what it seems to be. This book is her ultimate labyrinth, where you reach the end and go "Wait, what?" and then start reading again, to figure it out, and because the way there is so rewarding. (Of course, it still has funny bits, just like how AG has twists and turns; it's not two clear-cut genres.) On top of that, it also has the parent I most viscerally hate in any DWJ book. She has a lot of villain parents, and some of them are technically a lot worse, but Ivy in this book is so realistically awful that I can barely stand it - and I love that.
My one gripe is that the main pairing squicks me a bit, but I know that other readers don't have a problem with that, so it's not a huge deal.
Quite lovely
Drowned Ammet
Second in the Dalemark series, and a lot more rewarding than the first book, mainly because of the interactions between working-class protagonist Mitt and upper-class protagonists Hildy and Ynen, and the political implications they're all surrounded with. I won't discourage anyone of reading the Dalemark Quartet in order, but if you were to read this one first, it wouldn't do any harm.
The Crown of Dalemark
The final book in the Dalemark Quartet, and definitely the one to be read last, as it ties together the three previous books. The premise is interesting and kind of dark, as the protagonist is forced to go back in time to impersonate a young woman who has just been assassinated. In addition to a rich and sometimes disturbing plot, this book really works to make Dalemark feel like a real place, with both history and modern times.
The Lives of Christopher Chant
The first Chrestomanci novel I read, which may be the reason why it's still my favourite of that series, but I suspect it's more than that. While this is a fairly straightforward, childfriendly book, it contains some underplayed but very present nastiness, which combined with a more generally optimistic atmosphere grounds it in a sense of in-story reality. I'd still recommend reading Charmed Life first, though, since a lot of the fun to be had in this one comes from knowing what'll happen in that book. Especially concerning Christopher's personality. :-)
Witch Week
I had remembered this as one of the lesser Chrestomanci novels, but upon re-reading it, I find I greatly enjoy it. It's got some very good suspense, as well as a sharp eye for what classroom dynamics can look like in a rather dysfunctional school. My main gripe in it, which I think bothered me more when I wasn't prepared for it, is that it shouldn't be a Chrestomanci book at all. He doesn't fit in very well in the narrative and comes off as little better than a Deus ex Machina. Still, the resolution is satisfying and the story engaging, which makes up for that problem.
Castle in the air
The standalone sequel to Howl's Moving Castle (though it's more fun if you read HMC first), which takes on 1001 Nights in much the same way that the first book took on European fairytales. We get to see old favourites in new disguises, and Abdullah is an appealing new protagonist, especially as everyone else in the book keeps facepalming at his persistent romanticism.
The Tough Guide to Fantasyland
A must-read for any tourist ready to venture into Fantasyland. Since it's a guidebook, not a novel, it's not meant to be read in one sitting, but it's great for looking things up in: Eyes and Queen and so on. My favourite entry is probably Dark Lady. The one downside to this book is that it's rather limited to old-fashioned high fantasy, which I suppose is the reason Yuletide this year has TTGtF fic covering dark and urban fantasy. (And a hilarious one covering Yuletide itself.)
Power of Three
This was one of the first DWJ books I read, and I have still only read it in translation, but even in translation, it's a story very dear to my heart. It starts off as a regular fantasy story about finding oneself, and in a sense that's what it is, but the journey is very engaging, with parent-child difficulties that doesn't rely on either side being stupid, and the twist halfway through, while not story-changing, adds another layer to the world.
The Ogre Downstairs
This is DWJ's Edith Nesbit story. :-) If you haven't read Edith Nesbit, what I mean is that it's the kind of story where perfectly ordinary kids get hold of a perfectly extraordinary item, and hijinks happen. Now, of course there's more to it than that; amidst the invisibility and bodyswapping and living toffee bars (no, really, living toffee bars, this book is so awesome), the kids also have to get used to the idea that their parents are now married and they have to stand each other's company. So a bit like a Disney channel movie, except so much better.
Eight Days of Luke
Or, what to do when you're stuck between a bunch of nasty relatives and a trickster god. Dysfunctional families is a recurring motif in DWJ books, and in this one it's combined with a dysfunctional pantheon. Mainly in the fun romp category, and quite short, but clever and fun and a great read for anyone interested in mythology (or a good tale of any kind).
Dogsbody
Having a book from the perspective of a dog is an interesting idea. Having that dog also be a fallen star, who has to clear his name after he's been falsely accused of murder, makes it an engaging story with a highly memorable protagonist and a bittersweet ending. One of DWJ's best books in the more serious (no, not gonna make that pun) genre.
Oh, and it's also the book most likely to give Harry Potter readers a sense of deja vu.
The Time of the Ghost
I've only read this book once, since I borrowed it from a friend and don't own it. It's probably DWJ's darkest book, and it's partially based on her own childhood, which makes it even more disturbing. It's told from the perspective of one of several sisters, who is currently a ghost and thus doesn't know which sister she is, just that she has to stop something horrible from happening.
Checking Wikipedia now, I see I've forgotten quite a bit of the plot. I may need to reread this one; I recall it being very good.
Hexwood
Next to Fire and Hemlock probably the most labyrinthine of all the books. Nobody is who they seem to be, and most aren't who they think they are. Something in the woods is drawing them in and changing their lives, and things happen out of order, not only within the woods but outside them as well.
On a first read, you're likely to come out on the other side going "Huh?" but this book holds well up to re-reads. When you know what's what, it's easier to find the thematic threads going through the story and appreciate it fully. But even on a first read, this is a pretty good book.
On a sidenote, I'll never stop thinking of Mordion as the Ninth Doctor.
Earwig and the Witch
DWJ's last book, quite short, about a strong-minded little girl who against her will is taken out of the orphanage to come work for Baba Yaga. Fortunately, Earwig is the brattiest little girl since Awful in Archer's Goon and determined to have her own way. This is a great light snack for the reader with little time (or the elementary school student).
Pretty nice
The Spellcoats
The third Dalemark book, following the adventures of hardships of a bunch of siblings after they're chasen out of their village.This is set earlier than any of the other books and focuses a lot on mythology, to good effect.
Charmed Life
The first of the Chrestomanci books, which sets up the world around Chrestomanci Castle nicely, and has one of the most memorable villains among all these books.
Conrad's Fate
This is the fifth Chrestomanci novel, and the best thing about it is that we once again have Christopher as a boy, although a somewhat older boy, with a personality somewhere between his child and adult ones.
The Pinhoe Egg
Sixth of the Chrestomanci novels, with some very nice magical concepts and family troubles, as well as some fun creatures.
Mixed Magics: Four Tales of Chrestomanci
It's always hard to judge a book of short stories as a whole, and in addition to that, I think I've only read this one once. "The Sage of Theare" is also in Minor Arcana, and I quite like that story (though like Witch Week it doesn't really need to be a Chrestomanci story), while the rest of the stories haven't left much of an impression.
House of Many Ways
This is the third Howl book, and it has some wonderful things in it. I like the protagonist, Charmain, especially since she rather reminds me of myself, with her mom being a whole lot like mine. Sophie and Howl are also a great deal of fun, as usual, and Howl disguising himself as an adorable moppet just to have people fawn over him is ace.
The Year of the Griffin
The sequel to The Dark Lord of Derkholm, focusing on the youngest griffin daughter, Elda, and her University experience. This is a fun, light novel with not much plot but a lot of pleasant characters.
The Homeward Bounders
Most DWJ fans would probably rank this one higher. It's got excellent and really creepy worldbuilding and plot, a wonderful, melancholy ending, and I love Helen. But Jamie, along with several protagonists in this category, is just a tad too bland. Still, I'd recommend this for anyone who's looking for a more serious brand of DWJ.
Aunt Maria / Black Maria
Delightfully nasty old aunt rules the town. This book has a pretty neat concept (though some weird gender issues) and some really great moments, like the wolves.
A Sudden Wild Magic
This one is a mess of different things that never quite become a credible whole, but some of the individual elements are a true delight. Like Gladys. Or Josh the awkward, possibly-gay, knock-kneed centaur. Or the conga dance. DWJ also outdoes herself when it comes to making the glamourous villainess really nasty (even if she's not as colourful as other versions).
Minor Arcana
Short stories again. The first three I quite liked, while the following three are less engaging, and the final one is more interesting if one has recently read the Dalemark Quartet. In general, I don't think short stories are DWJ's forte - for the most part, they feel like really good ideas that could use some further exploring.
Just OK
Changeover
Her debut, which isn't a fantasy novel, but a comedy in which an imaginary African country is about to become independent, yet has some serious trouble arise when a bunch of misunderstandings leads to everyone chasing a nonexistant revolutionary. It has elements of her eventual greatness, but it also has far too many characters and not enough ideas.
Cart and Cwidder
The first of the Dalemark books. This is a very normal fantasy book. It reminded me a little of Cynthia Voigt's fantasy books, in that it focuses as much on character dynamics as on the journey they take. It's nice and interesting, but it could have been written by any competent author; it lacks the DWJ zing.
The Magicians of Caprona
My least favourite of the Chrestomanci novels. There's nothing particularly wrong with it, it's a bit of a Romeo and Juliet sendup with some fun food magic, but if you've read a bunch of other DWJ novels before, and particularly if you've read Charmed Life and The Lives of Christopher Chant, it feels a bit "been there, done that."
The Merlin Conspiracy
My disappointment with this book may have to do with it being a sequel to Deep Secret, which as we've established is one of my absolute favourites. In comparison, TMC feels a tad too normal. I also never really took to Roddy, and I'm not sure I would have taken to Nick either if I hadn't already known him from the previous novel.
A Tale of Time City
I've only read this one in translation - but the same is true for Archer's Goon and Powers of Three, and several of the others I originally read in translation too, including Howl's Moving Castle. So it isn't that. But for some reason, this book just doesn't click with me. I read it as a kid, and then again as an adult, and it's not a bad book, but it just doesn't do anything for me.
Enna Hittims
A book for younger readers, about a girl who invents a heroine who ends up existing, very small and very hostile. It's a fun enough concept, but as with the short stories, there's not enough time to explore it to good effect.
The Game
I was disappointed in this one. I love Greek myths, and I didn't feel that DWJ used them as well as she did with the Norse ones in Eight Days of Luke. The game itself was an interesting idea, but considering the rich material, I would have expected more.
Possibly I'm also just grumpy because she managed to make Mercury - Mercury, of all people - into a stick in the mud.
Enchanted Glass
This is her second-to-last book, written when she was already quite ill, so there's that to take into account. And the idea of the glass itself, and the use of mirrored characters, is quite nice. Even so, it feels like a bunch of various very DWJ things put together, that each on their own has been used better in other books.
It's still a good read, but I'm glad nevertheless that Earwig and the Witch came after this, to make a proper adieu.
Unread
Wilkins' Tooth/Witch's Business
Four Grannies
Chair Person
Wild Robert
Everard's Ride
Puss in Boots
Stealer of Souls
Warlock at the Wheel: And Other Stories
Stopping for a Spell
Believing Is Seeing: Seven Stories
Unexpected Magic: Collected Stories
Who Got Rid of Angus Flint?
Yes, Dear
And that's all! Let me know if you'd like to hear more about a specific book, or if you think I'm dead wrong about one, or should read one I haven't read... all of that stuff.
This entry was originally posted at http://katta.dreamwidth.org/566067.html and has
comments there.
I then decided to re-read the Chrestomanci books, to see. And even as a huge DWJ fan, I'm on Conrad's Fate now and kind of feeling I need to read something else. (I did read Juli Zeh's Corpus Delicti inbetween. Quite a good future dystopia!)
In the midst of all this, I was asked for DWJ recommendation and rattled off eight or nine of them in a row. Which made me go, okay, I need to sit down and properly examine how I feel about various DWJ books. And now I have a list! The "Just OK" part of it was originally called "Not up to her usual standards," but I decided that it was a bit mean, because not up to DWJ's usual standards is still about on par with what other people write.
If you can make any use of the list for recommendation purposes, that's great, although I suspect all other DWJ fans will violently disagree with me.
The books of Diana Wynne Jones, in categories (but not ordered lists) of awesomeness
True gems
Howl's Moving Castle
This was hands-down my favourite DWJ books, and pretty much my favourite book in general, until Deep Secret came along more than a decade later. It was one of the first books of her that I read, and it had so many things that I fell hard for: the fairy tale parody, the view of our world as the strange one and the fantasy world as the normal one, a protagonist being turned into an old lady and finding it to be a bit of a relief (aches and illnesses aside), the use of a real-life poem as a magic spell, and of course the Belligerent Sexual Tension.
It should be noted that if you've only seen the film, you know more-or-less what happens in the first half of the book, but not at all what happens in the second half - and also, you've never truly met Sophie.
Deep Secret
A strong contender for favourite DWJ book. Basically, it's Pride and Prejudice with multiversal political plots and coups, murder, centaurs, evil goddesses, computer viruses... oh, and it's partially set at a fantasy convention. It's an everything and the kitchen sink approach to fantasy, which veers madly between hilarity and darkness, and sews it all up into one brilliant whole.
The Dark Lord of Derkholm
This book grew out of The Tough Guide to Fantasyland, but it's a lot more than a parody. It's a view of what it would be like to live in a fantasy world, where you're forced to act like a cliché whether you want to or not, and as such, while bits of it are very funny, it's also as disturbing as any story about colonialism would have to be. And of course, on top of this, it's also a really good adventure.
This one works best if you've read a fair amount of fantasy before, though it's probably still enjoyable if you haven't.
Archer's Goon
Most of DWJ's books have some element of fun in them, but some are more easily defined as fun romps. Out of those, this one is the best. It starts of with a list of bizarre statements, which it is said the book will prove - and so it does, with the possible exception of "Pigs have wings, making them hard to catch." (The DWJ mailing list came to the conclusion that it was a summation of the book as a whole.) It follows with the story of a family who find themselves at the whims of seven highly powered being who are fighting for world dominance. It's like the most whimsical parts of ancient mythology, with some highly memorable characters. (Awful!)
Fire and Hemlock
Someone on the mailing list claimed that DWJ readers fall into two categories - people with a preference for Archer's Goon, or with a preference for Fire and Hemlock. Which is to say, if the fun romp is one side of DWJ's authorship, another is the multilayered labyrinth of storytelling where nothing is what it seems to be. This book is her ultimate labyrinth, where you reach the end and go "Wait, what?" and then start reading again, to figure it out, and because the way there is so rewarding. (Of course, it still has funny bits, just like how AG has twists and turns; it's not two clear-cut genres.) On top of that, it also has the parent I most viscerally hate in any DWJ book. She has a lot of villain parents, and some of them are technically a lot worse, but Ivy in this book is so realistically awful that I can barely stand it - and I love that.
My one gripe is that the main pairing squicks me a bit, but I know that other readers don't have a problem with that, so it's not a huge deal.
Quite lovely
Drowned Ammet
Second in the Dalemark series, and a lot more rewarding than the first book, mainly because of the interactions between working-class protagonist Mitt and upper-class protagonists Hildy and Ynen, and the political implications they're all surrounded with. I won't discourage anyone of reading the Dalemark Quartet in order, but if you were to read this one first, it wouldn't do any harm.
The Crown of Dalemark
The final book in the Dalemark Quartet, and definitely the one to be read last, as it ties together the three previous books. The premise is interesting and kind of dark, as the protagonist is forced to go back in time to impersonate a young woman who has just been assassinated. In addition to a rich and sometimes disturbing plot, this book really works to make Dalemark feel like a real place, with both history and modern times.
The Lives of Christopher Chant
The first Chrestomanci novel I read, which may be the reason why it's still my favourite of that series, but I suspect it's more than that. While this is a fairly straightforward, childfriendly book, it contains some underplayed but very present nastiness, which combined with a more generally optimistic atmosphere grounds it in a sense of in-story reality. I'd still recommend reading Charmed Life first, though, since a lot of the fun to be had in this one comes from knowing what'll happen in that book. Especially concerning Christopher's personality. :-)
Witch Week
I had remembered this as one of the lesser Chrestomanci novels, but upon re-reading it, I find I greatly enjoy it. It's got some very good suspense, as well as a sharp eye for what classroom dynamics can look like in a rather dysfunctional school. My main gripe in it, which I think bothered me more when I wasn't prepared for it, is that it shouldn't be a Chrestomanci book at all. He doesn't fit in very well in the narrative and comes off as little better than a Deus ex Machina. Still, the resolution is satisfying and the story engaging, which makes up for that problem.
Castle in the air
The standalone sequel to Howl's Moving Castle (though it's more fun if you read HMC first), which takes on 1001 Nights in much the same way that the first book took on European fairytales. We get to see old favourites in new disguises, and Abdullah is an appealing new protagonist, especially as everyone else in the book keeps facepalming at his persistent romanticism.
The Tough Guide to Fantasyland
A must-read for any tourist ready to venture into Fantasyland. Since it's a guidebook, not a novel, it's not meant to be read in one sitting, but it's great for looking things up in: Eyes and Queen and so on. My favourite entry is probably Dark Lady. The one downside to this book is that it's rather limited to old-fashioned high fantasy, which I suppose is the reason Yuletide this year has TTGtF fic covering dark and urban fantasy. (And a hilarious one covering Yuletide itself.)
Power of Three
This was one of the first DWJ books I read, and I have still only read it in translation, but even in translation, it's a story very dear to my heart. It starts off as a regular fantasy story about finding oneself, and in a sense that's what it is, but the journey is very engaging, with parent-child difficulties that doesn't rely on either side being stupid, and the twist halfway through, while not story-changing, adds another layer to the world.
The Ogre Downstairs
This is DWJ's Edith Nesbit story. :-) If you haven't read Edith Nesbit, what I mean is that it's the kind of story where perfectly ordinary kids get hold of a perfectly extraordinary item, and hijinks happen. Now, of course there's more to it than that; amidst the invisibility and bodyswapping and living toffee bars (no, really, living toffee bars, this book is so awesome), the kids also have to get used to the idea that their parents are now married and they have to stand each other's company. So a bit like a Disney channel movie, except so much better.
Eight Days of Luke
Or, what to do when you're stuck between a bunch of nasty relatives and a trickster god. Dysfunctional families is a recurring motif in DWJ books, and in this one it's combined with a dysfunctional pantheon. Mainly in the fun romp category, and quite short, but clever and fun and a great read for anyone interested in mythology (or a good tale of any kind).
Dogsbody
Having a book from the perspective of a dog is an interesting idea. Having that dog also be a fallen star, who has to clear his name after he's been falsely accused of murder, makes it an engaging story with a highly memorable protagonist and a bittersweet ending. One of DWJ's best books in the more serious (no, not gonna make that pun) genre.
Oh, and it's also the book most likely to give Harry Potter readers a sense of deja vu.
The Time of the Ghost
I've only read this book once, since I borrowed it from a friend and don't own it. It's probably DWJ's darkest book, and it's partially based on her own childhood, which makes it even more disturbing. It's told from the perspective of one of several sisters, who is currently a ghost and thus doesn't know which sister she is, just that she has to stop something horrible from happening.
Checking Wikipedia now, I see I've forgotten quite a bit of the plot. I may need to reread this one; I recall it being very good.
Hexwood
Next to Fire and Hemlock probably the most labyrinthine of all the books. Nobody is who they seem to be, and most aren't who they think they are. Something in the woods is drawing them in and changing their lives, and things happen out of order, not only within the woods but outside them as well.
On a first read, you're likely to come out on the other side going "Huh?" but this book holds well up to re-reads. When you know what's what, it's easier to find the thematic threads going through the story and appreciate it fully. But even on a first read, this is a pretty good book.
On a sidenote, I'll never stop thinking of Mordion as the Ninth Doctor.
Earwig and the Witch
DWJ's last book, quite short, about a strong-minded little girl who against her will is taken out of the orphanage to come work for Baba Yaga. Fortunately, Earwig is the brattiest little girl since Awful in Archer's Goon and determined to have her own way. This is a great light snack for the reader with little time (or the elementary school student).
Pretty nice
The Spellcoats
The third Dalemark book, following the adventures of hardships of a bunch of siblings after they're chasen out of their village.This is set earlier than any of the other books and focuses a lot on mythology, to good effect.
Charmed Life
The first of the Chrestomanci books, which sets up the world around Chrestomanci Castle nicely, and has one of the most memorable villains among all these books.
Conrad's Fate
This is the fifth Chrestomanci novel, and the best thing about it is that we once again have Christopher as a boy, although a somewhat older boy, with a personality somewhere between his child and adult ones.
The Pinhoe Egg
Sixth of the Chrestomanci novels, with some very nice magical concepts and family troubles, as well as some fun creatures.
Mixed Magics: Four Tales of Chrestomanci
It's always hard to judge a book of short stories as a whole, and in addition to that, I think I've only read this one once. "The Sage of Theare" is also in Minor Arcana, and I quite like that story (though like Witch Week it doesn't really need to be a Chrestomanci story), while the rest of the stories haven't left much of an impression.
House of Many Ways
This is the third Howl book, and it has some wonderful things in it. I like the protagonist, Charmain, especially since she rather reminds me of myself, with her mom being a whole lot like mine. Sophie and Howl are also a great deal of fun, as usual, and Howl disguising himself as an adorable moppet just to have people fawn over him is ace.
The Year of the Griffin
The sequel to The Dark Lord of Derkholm, focusing on the youngest griffin daughter, Elda, and her University experience. This is a fun, light novel with not much plot but a lot of pleasant characters.
The Homeward Bounders
Most DWJ fans would probably rank this one higher. It's got excellent and really creepy worldbuilding and plot, a wonderful, melancholy ending, and I love Helen. But Jamie, along with several protagonists in this category, is just a tad too bland. Still, I'd recommend this for anyone who's looking for a more serious brand of DWJ.
Aunt Maria / Black Maria
Delightfully nasty old aunt rules the town. This book has a pretty neat concept (though some weird gender issues) and some really great moments, like the wolves.
A Sudden Wild Magic
This one is a mess of different things that never quite become a credible whole, but some of the individual elements are a true delight. Like Gladys. Or Josh the awkward, possibly-gay, knock-kneed centaur. Or the conga dance. DWJ also outdoes herself when it comes to making the glamourous villainess really nasty (even if she's not as colourful as other versions).
Minor Arcana
Short stories again. The first three I quite liked, while the following three are less engaging, and the final one is more interesting if one has recently read the Dalemark Quartet. In general, I don't think short stories are DWJ's forte - for the most part, they feel like really good ideas that could use some further exploring.
Just OK
Changeover
Her debut, which isn't a fantasy novel, but a comedy in which an imaginary African country is about to become independent, yet has some serious trouble arise when a bunch of misunderstandings leads to everyone chasing a nonexistant revolutionary. It has elements of her eventual greatness, but it also has far too many characters and not enough ideas.
Cart and Cwidder
The first of the Dalemark books. This is a very normal fantasy book. It reminded me a little of Cynthia Voigt's fantasy books, in that it focuses as much on character dynamics as on the journey they take. It's nice and interesting, but it could have been written by any competent author; it lacks the DWJ zing.
The Magicians of Caprona
My least favourite of the Chrestomanci novels. There's nothing particularly wrong with it, it's a bit of a Romeo and Juliet sendup with some fun food magic, but if you've read a bunch of other DWJ novels before, and particularly if you've read Charmed Life and The Lives of Christopher Chant, it feels a bit "been there, done that."
The Merlin Conspiracy
My disappointment with this book may have to do with it being a sequel to Deep Secret, which as we've established is one of my absolute favourites. In comparison, TMC feels a tad too normal. I also never really took to Roddy, and I'm not sure I would have taken to Nick either if I hadn't already known him from the previous novel.
A Tale of Time City
I've only read this one in translation - but the same is true for Archer's Goon and Powers of Three, and several of the others I originally read in translation too, including Howl's Moving Castle. So it isn't that. But for some reason, this book just doesn't click with me. I read it as a kid, and then again as an adult, and it's not a bad book, but it just doesn't do anything for me.
Enna Hittims
A book for younger readers, about a girl who invents a heroine who ends up existing, very small and very hostile. It's a fun enough concept, but as with the short stories, there's not enough time to explore it to good effect.
The Game
I was disappointed in this one. I love Greek myths, and I didn't feel that DWJ used them as well as she did with the Norse ones in Eight Days of Luke. The game itself was an interesting idea, but considering the rich material, I would have expected more.
Possibly I'm also just grumpy because she managed to make Mercury - Mercury, of all people - into a stick in the mud.
Enchanted Glass
This is her second-to-last book, written when she was already quite ill, so there's that to take into account. And the idea of the glass itself, and the use of mirrored characters, is quite nice. Even so, it feels like a bunch of various very DWJ things put together, that each on their own has been used better in other books.
It's still a good read, but I'm glad nevertheless that Earwig and the Witch came after this, to make a proper adieu.
Unread
Wilkins' Tooth/Witch's Business
Four Grannies
Chair Person
Wild Robert
Everard's Ride
Puss in Boots
Stealer of Souls
Warlock at the Wheel: And Other Stories
Stopping for a Spell
Believing Is Seeing: Seven Stories
Unexpected Magic: Collected Stories
Who Got Rid of Angus Flint?
Yes, Dear
And that's all! Let me know if you'd like to hear more about a specific book, or if you think I'm dead wrong about one, or should read one I haven't read... all of that stuff.
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