The Islands of Chaldea

By Ursula Jones and Diana Wynne Jones

Book Overview

A stand-alone novel of magic and adventure by the renowned fantasy author Diana Wynne Jones, who also wrote Howl's Moving Castle and the Chrestomanci books. Almost finished upon her death in 2011, the manuscript was completed by Diana's sister Ursula Jones, an acclaimed novelist and actress. Publishers Weekly called The Islands of Chaldea a story to cherish in their starred review.

Aileen comes from a long line of magic makers, and her aunt Beck is the most powerful magician on Skarr. But Aileen's magic has yet to reveal itself, even though she is old enough and it should have by now. When Aileen is sent over the sea on a mission for the King, she worries that she'll be useless and in the way. A powerful talking cat changes all of that--and with every obstacle Aileen faces, she becomes stronger and more confident, until her magic blooms. This stand-alone novel, by the beloved and acclaimed author of such classic fantasy novels as Howl's Moving Castle and the Chrestomanci books, will be welcomed by fans old and new. Jones's imaginative vigor is unabated in this last, picaresque novel; her deft, fluid style and penchant for precise, characterful description are amply present, proclaimed The Horn Book.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062295071
• ISBN13: 9780062295071
• Release Date: April 2014
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Length: 356 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.9" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

If only D.W.J. had been able to complete it ...

This story was on track to being just as intriguing and its characters as relatable and endearing as in most of Wynne-Jones' tales, but unfortunately she passed before completing it. There is a clear point, which is at about more than 2/3 to 3/4ths of the way through, where it's suddenly no longer her voice--nor is the trajectory of the story going the same place it seemed to be going. It just doesn't fit. Was the ending horrible? No, not at all. Her work was amazing, and imo, we are fortunate to have all of her other wonderful tales. She's one of my family's favorite all-time authors, with the most amazing way of bringing her characters life and pulling in from her vast knowledge of mythology, fairy tales, and history to come up with something completely new and entirely her own. What a gifted writer and story-teller! Rest in Peace, DWJ