Book Review: The Crown of Dalemark

And they're back-- Mitt! Hildy! Ynen! Moril! And introducing Maewen, a girl from modern-day Dalemark who gets thrown back in time and changes history. This last installment of the Dalemark Quartet ties the first three books together, taking us on a journey through Dalemark's history: past, present, and future. I particularly like it because Mitt's in it, and I think he's the best-fleshed-out character in the series. In my opinion, this book really makes the Dalemark Quartet worth reading.

Book Review: The Spellcoats

Book Three is actually a prequel to the first two books, set in a much earlier time period (think early Mesopotamia, Dalemark-style). The story is told by a girl named Tanaqui, whose siblings are named Gull, Hern, Robin, and Mallard (or Duck). Together, they must flee for their lives from their home, Shelling, because they resemble the fair-haired, dark-skinned Heathens that have invaded their land, and their own people are beginning to fear them and turn against them. During the course of their journey, they learn that the evil mage Kankredin is trying to conquer the river and take over the land. Can they stop him before it's too late?

Book Review: Drowned Ammet

Probably my favorite among the Dalemark Quartet books, Drowned Ammet introduces us to Mitt, a boy whose life takes so many twists and turns along the way that I'd ruin the story for you if I told you about it. I will at least explain the title, however. "Drowned Ammet" is a straw dummy who is thrown into the sea at the Holand Sea Festival every year, along with his made-entirely-of-fruit wife, Libby Beer. No one knows why this tradition is held; but not doing so, the Holanders believe, would bring the most frightful bad luck for the coming year. It is also said that whatever ship finds the straw figure of Ammet in the water is the luckiest ship in Dalemark, and the crew aboard will have good luck all their lives. Naturally, while fleeing for his life, Mitt (and the friends he makes along the way, Ynen and Hildy) find "Drowned Ammet" in the water. Adventures ensue. After everything he originally thought to be true is shown to be false, he eventually comes to terms with it and eventually learns a little more about his true purpose in life.

Book Review: Cart and Cwidder

First in the Dalemark Quartet, this book by Diana Wynne Jones (author of Howl's Moving Castle) introduces us to Moril, an eleven-year-old boy who has grown up in a family of traveling singers and cwidder players. After his father is murdered, everything begins to go wrong, and Moril is forced to flee. Along the way, he must uncover the secrets behind his father's death and learn to use the power of the cwidder.

Book Review: Howl's Moving Castle

This book was one of my favorites long before the movie of the same name was released (rather than vice-versa). I first read it in early college, and I've loved it ever since. I can't really explain why I love it so much, but I think it's a combination of things: the descriptions are vibrant and colorful, and the storyline is unusual and set in a magical kingdom that I can't help but want to visit. I re-read it at least yearly, usually in the springtime. If you're looking for something exciting, happy, and uplifting, this is the book to read!