Howl’s Moving Castle is a life-changing novel. The characters, such as Sophie, Calcifer, and Howl, entice you with a sense of mystery, and the plot thickens so that you’ll go back and reread.  This book is perfect  for people who enjoy the whole good wizard trying to go bad, or simply a time before electronics. For an example of the humor, “And I like the way my room is. You must admit I have the right to live in a pigsty if I want!”- Howl when Sophie is found cleaning his room.

The audience recommended for this book would be ages 14-16. The ideas may be scoffed at by realists, but seriously, who doesn’t enjoy a new type of fairy tale? The words incorporated may be a bit vexing at times.  However, Howl’s Moving Castle is the sort of novel you would immerse yourself in. This book is one of the few stories out there that you can enjoy again and again.

Imagine a young lady (Sophie) being cursed to 90 years old, and then that old woman made her way to the local legend’s moving castle. There she, Michael, Calcifer and Howl conquer the Witch of the Waste and her fire demon (maybe). That little section is just a mere portion of the book. The characters’ feelings are conveyed, along with the plot twists and content. There are so many of thos eplot twists, you will be shocked every chapter. I can so easily relate to the characters in this piece of writing.
The author’s voice is stated with a gift that is too incredible for words (Diana could probably find them). The characters are outspoken, and every scene is every scene is described in exquisite detail. Ms. Jones does not say much of a life lesson, but if anything, it would be to never listen to fate and to set your own path of life. This book is more for fun, rather than to preach.

Howl’s Moving Castle is a wondrous novel, full of surprise and predictability.  Ms. Jones has written a fabulous piece with the perfect plot and characters. Such an intriguing book has never existed before now. I so wish to interact more with these unique characters, from Calcifer to Martha. Fortunately, there are two other books in the series. Keep writing Diana Wynne Jones!