Books in the series Chrestomanci

Step into a world where magic is as common as music and parallel universes are just a step away. Charmed Life introduces readers to Cat Chant and his sister Gwendolen, two orphaned siblings who are whisked away to live in the magnificent Chrestomanci Castle. While Gwendolen is a gifted and ambitious witch determined to make her mark, Cat is content to stay in her shadow, seemingly possessing no magical talent of his own. However, life under the watchful eye of the mysterious nine-lived enchanter, Chrestomanci, is far from ordinary, and Cat soon discovers that appearances can be incredibly deceiving.

Diana Wynne Jones crafts a masterful tale filled with wit, wonder, and unexpected twists. This book is perfect for children who love stories about magical schools, hidden powers, and complex family relationships. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in the roots of modern fantasy, offering a sophisticated yet accessible narrative that has inspired generations of writers. Fans of Harry Potter or The Chronicles of Narnia will find themselves enchanted by the clever world-building and the relatable journey of a young boy finding his true place in a magical world.

Highlights:

• A unique and imaginative magic system involving multiple parallel worlds.
• A compelling look at sibling dynamics and the search for individual identity.
• Whimsical humor paired with high-stakes adventure and mystery.
• A timeless classic that serves as the perfect entry point to the Chrestomanci series.

The Lives of Christopher Chant is a spellbinding fantasy adventure that serves as the perfect introduction to the beloved Chrestomanci series. Christopher Chant is no ordinary boy; he possesses nine lives and the rare ability to travel between parallel worlds in his dreams. While he would much rather spend his time playing cricket, he soon discovers he is destined to become the next Chrestomanci, the world's most powerful enchanter. This classic tale by Diana Wynne Jones is ideal for readers who love intricate magic systems, witty humor, and stories about finding one's place in a vast, magical multiverse.

Perfect for children who love Harry Potter or The Chronicles of Narnia, this book offers a rich, imaginative world where magic is a regulated profession and danger lurks in every shadow. As Christopher navigates family secrets and an evil smuggler known as The Wraith, readers will be captivated by the clever plotting and whimsical charm. It is a great choice for young readers interested in portal fantasies and those who enjoy watching a reluctant hero grow into his extraordinary powers. Parents will appreciate the sophisticated vocabulary and the timeless quality of this magical coming-of-age story.

Highlights:

• A unique and imaginative magic system involving nine lives and parallel universes.
• A relatable protagonist who must balance his personal desires with a grand destiny.
• Engaging themes of family dynamics, loyalty, and self-discovery.
• Written by a master of children's fantasy, Diana Wynne Jones.
• A perfect entry point for fans of classic British children's literature.

In the world of Witch Week, magic is not a gift—it is a dangerous secret that can lead straight to the stake. At Larwood House, a boarding school for orphans of witches, the atmosphere is already tense. But when an anonymous note is left for the teacher stating, "Someone in this class is a witch," the students of 6B are thrown into a panic. As the children try to hide their own strange abilities while suspecting their classmates, the story unfolds into a brilliant mix of mystery, humor, and high-stakes adventure.

This classic tale by Diana Wynne Jones is ideal for readers who enjoy stories about magical schools but want something with a sharper, more satirical edge. It is a perfect choice for children who love the Harry Potter series or Percy Jackson, offering a unique look at a world where magic is misunderstood and feared. With the arrival of the debonair nine-lived enchanter Chrestomanci, the chaos reaches a thrilling peak that explores deep themes of identity and self-acceptance.

Highlights:

• A gripping "whodunit" mystery set in a magical boarding school.
• Features the iconic character Chrestomanci from the beloved series.
• Explores important themes of social pressure, bullying, and finding one's true self.
• A perfect blend of humor, suspense, and imaginative world-building.

The Magicians of Caprona is a whimsical and enchanting tale set in a fictional Italian dukedom where music and magic are inextricably linked. In the city of Caprona, two powerful magical families—the Montanas and the Petrocchis—have been bitter rivals for generations. However, when the city's magical strength begins to fade and spells start going haywire, the two families must look past their ancient feud. With the help of the legendary nine-lived enchanter, Chrestomanci, the younger generation of both families must work together to uncover a sinister plot and save their home from a looming threat.

This book is perfect for children who love stories about magical schools, family dynasties, and clever mysteries. Diana Wynne Jones creates a world that is both cozy and high-stakes, making it an ideal choice for readers interested in complex world-building and witty dialogue. It is a great choice for fans of the Harry Potter series or Percy Jackson who are looking for a unique twist on the fantasy genre where music is the source of power.

Highlights:

• A unique magic system based on music and Italian opera.
• A compelling family rivalry with a magical twist.
• Features the iconic character Chrestomanci in a pivotal role.
• Explores themes of overcoming prejudice and the power of cooperation.

In Conrad's Fate, Diana Wynne Jones takes readers on a whirlwind journey to the mysterious Stallery Mansion. Young Conrad Tesdinic believes he is cursed with terrible karma, and his only hope to escape a doomed future is to infiltrate the magical fortress overlooking Stallchester. His mission is simple yet daunting: find the person responsible for his bad luck and eliminate them. However, nothing in the world of Chrestomanci is ever straightforward, especially when Conrad meets a charismatic and talented boy named Christopher.

This delightful installment in the Chrestomanci series is perfect for children who love magical mysteries and eccentric characters. Jones masterfully blends laugh-out-loud humor with intricate, insane logic and organized chaos. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories where magic is woven into the very fabric of everyday life. Fans of Howl's Moving Castle will find the same wit and imaginative depth here, making it a great choice for a family read-aloud or independent exploration.

Highlights:

• A unique magical system where fate and karma play a central role.
• The introduction of a young Christopher Chant, the future Chrestomanci.
• A blend of high-stakes adventure and British humor.
• Intricate world-building that rewards attentive readers.

The Pinhoe Egg is an enchanting addition to the beloved Chrestomanci series by the legendary Diana Wynne Jones. Set in the magical village surrounding Chrestomanci Castle, the story follows Cat Chant and Marianne Pinhoe as they navigate a world where secret magical misuse is a way of life. When Cat discovers a mysterious, oversized egg in the Pinhoe attic, he unknowingly triggers a series of chaotic events that threaten the delicate balance of magic in their world. This book is a masterpiece of magic, mayhem, and mirth, perfect for children who love intricate world-building and whimsical storytelling.

Ideal for readers interested in stories about hidden powers and family legacies, this novel explores the weight of responsibility and the unexpected consequences of spells. Parents looking for a sophisticated yet accessible fantasy will find this a great choice for fans of Harry Potter or Nevermoor. With its clever wit and imaginative plot, it captures the essence of classic British children's fantasy while offering a fresh, engaging mystery for modern middle-grade readers.

Highlights:

• A captivating mystery involving a legendary magical egg and ancient family feuds.
• Richly developed characters like Cat Chant and the powerful enchanter Chrestomanci.
• A perfect blend of humor, suspense, and high-stakes magical adventure.
• Explores themes of integrity, friendship, and learning to control one's gifts.

Mixed Magics is an enchanting collection of short stories set within the beloved worlds of Chrestomanci, written by the legendary Diana Wynne Jones. This book is a perfect choice for children who love intricate magic systems, witty humor, and adventures that span across parallel universes. Whether your child is already a fan of the nine-lifed enchanter or is just beginning their journey into these magical realms, this collection offers a delightful variety of tales that showcase the author's boundless imagination.

The stories featured, such as 'Warlock at the Wheel' and 'Stealer of Souls,' introduce a cast of memorable characters—from powerful sorcerers to ordinary children caught in extraordinary circumstances. Ideal for readers interested in the Chrestomanci series, these tales provide deeper insight into the lore of the worlds while maintaining a fast-paced and engaging narrative style. It is a great choice for fans of Harry Potter who are looking for something with a unique, classic British fantasy flair.

Highlights:

• Features four captivating short stories and a guest appearance by the famous Chrestomanci.
• Explores diverse magical settings and creative concepts like parallel dimensions.
• Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy clever plotting and whimsical fantasy.
• Written by an award-winning author known for her influence on modern children's literature.