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.
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.
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.

Miranda C. (
redring) wrote on 11/28/2007...
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!
If you enjoyed the Harry Potter series, you'll probably enjoy the Chronicles of Chrestomanci too!
some really great fantasy stories
It's a good book if you're into the whole magic thing. Good for people who like Harry Potter.
DL W. wrote on 10/4/2005...
good book. liked this much better then the second