Book Reviews

Book Review: Howl’s Moving Castle

In the land of Ingary, such things as spells, invisible cloaks, and seven-league boots were everyday things. The Witch of the Waste was another matter.

After fifty years of quiet, it was rumored that the Witch was about to terrorize the country again. So when a moving black castle, blowing dark smoke from its four thin turrets, appeared on the horizon, everyone thought it was the Witch. The castle, however, belonged to Wizard Howl, who, it was said, liked to suck the souls of young girls.

The Hatter sisters–Sophie, Lettie, and Martha–and all the other girls were warned not to venture into the streets alone. But that was only the beginning.

–From Goodreads

Cover Inspection:
Isn’t this cover lovely? It incorporates so many elements from the story and it’s all whimsical!

First Thoughts:
Poor poor Sophie, all ignored. She deserves better!

***

My Review:

Howl’s Moving Castle is a very light and fun read, one that you can pick up and put down at any time without affecting the story. I appreciate that in a book. As a person who is constantly reading more than one book, it’s nice to have a light and airy read sitting, waiting for me to dive back in!
Sophie, Howl, and Michael all interact in a lovely manner, their different personalities constantly clashing and melding. Howl is spastic, Sophie hard and resourceful, Michael young and full of life. I would liken the pace of this book to skipping! Sounds odd I know, but the book just rolls along peacefully to the end, and ends like all good fantasy tales should.
The level of fantasy that is thrown into this book is perfection. It isn’t overkill for those who generally don’t read this type of book, but enough to draw you into the world of Howl and Sophie. You’ll find yourself getting lost in their witty banter and adventures. When I finished reading I instantly wished that I had the next book so I could keep right on going!

Overall I did enjoy this book. It is a sweet and throughly enjoyable story complete with romance, ample magic and a little bit of snarky humor thrown in. Recommended without a doubt!

Book Details
Title: Howl’s Moving Castle
Author: Diana Wynne Jones
Publisher: Eos
Pages: Mass Market Paperback; 329
Source: Purchased through Book Depository

Final Rating:4 Keys to My Heart
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