Search - The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 1

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.

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.

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.

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.

verry good book. I loved just how much trouble gewndelen was!!! Some of the twists were not expected.

I enjoyed this book, very engrossing, if you like Harry Potter, you'll love this book!