Welcome to Gaia! ::

Lots of author-themed threads around, so I suppose I'll contribute. ^^

Diana Wynne Jones is a fantasy writer for mostly teens and some adults. I think she has done some chilluns books too. ^^;; I'm not...sure...

Anyways, she's incredibly gifted. I don't think I've read a single one of her books that I haven't liked. Even her younger-audience geared books are awesome. My personal favorite of hers is either Charmed Life, Dogsbody or Howl's Moving Castle. (Yes, she wrote Howl's Moving Castle and it is *better* than the movie.)

She's recently released three new books within the past couple years. (Or at least, that I've noticed) called Conrad's Fate, The Pinhoe Egg, and The Game. I just actually finished The Game which is remarkably similar to her Eight Days of Luke. It has all the neat mythology references and everything. Unfortunately (for me, because I have an OCD...^^;; wink the identities of Flute and Fiddle are maddeningly hard to find. (Serves me right for using Wikipedia.) Also, she's finally re-released The Tough Guide To Fantasyland which is sheer brilliance. No fantasy-author or fan should be without it. Check it out and you'll see what I mean.

Anyways, I was wondering what you all thought about her, which of her books you liked best/didn't like, what are your comments on books she's written aaaand what are good authors to read iffin you liked *her* books.

Personally, I would recommend Patricia C. Wrede's Dealing With Dragons or Mairelon the Magician. Patricia C. Wrede having a similar style.

^^;;; Aaaand I'll be quiet now.

I've only read 'Howl's Moving Castle', 'Castles in air', and the Chrestomanci Chronicles But I still think she's a brilliant writer.

I won't tell you what the story was about though....... But Castles in Air was quite nice a read, mixing a bit of Arabian Nights into the happily ever after of Howl and Sophie. The Chrestomanci Chronicles start with how Christopher Chant became the Chrestomanci and a the situations he encounters, but these situations are told from the victim's point of view.

Ah! It's great to find fellow fans! I've adored Diana Wynne Jones' writing for a very long time. Dogsbody seriously made me tear up, it was such a sweet story. I think her books are absolutely timeless, I find myself picking up Howl's Moving Castle, The Dark Lord of Derkholm and Year of the Griffin again and again.

Actually, I first read Year of the Griffin before the prequel and, though I was kind of mortified, it certainly didn't deter me. They are such clever and amusing books that I still laugh at the jokes. I heartily recommend Derkholm and Griffin to anyone who wants to read something!

I've only read Howl's Moving Castle, that was my favorite. 3nodding