![]() ![]() Does the clue to breaking it lie in a famous poem? And what will happen to Sophie Hatter when she enters Howl's castle?All fans of classic fantasy books deserve the pleasure of reading those by Diana Wynne Jones, whose acclaim included the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement. Destinies are intertwined, identities exchanged, lovers confused. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl-and herself-than first meets the eye.In this giant jigsaw puzzle of a fantasy, people and things are never quite what they seem. ![]() Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle.To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. It does have a great deal of magic and some elements that might be disturbing, however, so it cannot be recommended indiscriminately if those things are kept in consideration, the book is a light and enjoyable read.This entrancing classic fantasy novel is filled with surprises at every turn. An international bestseller, this much-loved book is the source for the Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature.Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. It admirably combines romance, drama, and humor, and the characters - Sophie, Howl, and Calcifer the fire demon especially - are unforgettable. ![]() Written in an easy, tongue-in-cheek style, "Howl's Moving Castle" is a splendid fantasy novel. Several characters fall in love, but that is all. Howl is always trying to get young women to fall in love with him, but once they do he goes in search of someone else (a fact explained in the plot). Howl comes back from a celebration drunk. Several characters are taken apart using magic and pieced together again in different forms, which is portrayed as very black magic again, this is not violent, but may disturb younger readers. Sophie is chased by a scarecrow which, although not violent, may seem disturbing Howl also keeps a skull on his desk which chatters occasionally. Before the opening of the story, two characters have gone missing from the kingdom and it is assumed that the Witch of the Waste has killed them. Howl and the Witch of the Waste have several battles using magic. It is said that wizards and witches may start out good and descend into black magic, a fate which may occur to Howl. There are beings called "fire demons," but they are different from devils and are not portrayed as essentially evil (see Morality). Howl has a collection of potions and powders to make himself handsome. They also scribble symbols on the walls of the Castle whenever it has to be moved. Howl and his apprentice frequently mix potions of one kind or another for instance, one combination is meant to be sprinkled on a fisherman's boat to keep it safe in storms. One character has the power to give some life into objects. Magic is used by almost all the characters and is separated into good magic and black magic. Creatures called fire demons are said to have no concept of good and evil, and therefore are not to be trusted. It is said that he literally steals young girls' hearts and eats their souls. Howl is very childish and selfish, in an amusing way, but Sophie tempers that with her no-nonsense attitude also, Howl's behavior is later explained and is essential to the plot. And that fortune just happens to involve a moving castle owned by the mysterious, dashing, and unprincipled wizard Howl. ![]() But when the Witch of the Waste takes offense and turns Sophie into an old woman, Sophie is forced to go out and seek her fortune whether she wants to or not. Sophie Hatter, the eldest of three daughters, knows she is destined to a dull life and resigns herself to the fact. Light, hilarious fantasy with magic and some possibly disturbing elements. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones ![]()
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