Scan barcode
skyereadsthings's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
The lesser known “sequel” to howls moving castle was super ok! Note: howl and any reference to that world isn’t referenced till maybe 3/4 through, and the first 3/4 is just an elevated alladin (wildly similar at the very start then changes).
The plot was decent in the way that there were plenty of unexpected twists and whatnot, but still not the most awe worthy story line. The audio book format was solid as a before bed option until the last 2 or so audio chapters that I opted to listen to in daytime hours due to the annoying tenor of 2 new characters that accurately were described as “trumpety” and annoying.
Glad I listed to it for the novelty of it and my love for ghibli, but wouldn’t do it again lol
The plot was decent in the way that there were plenty of unexpected twists and whatnot, but still not the most awe worthy story line. The audio book format was solid as a before bed option until the last 2 or so audio chapters that I opted to listen to in daytime hours due to the annoying tenor of 2 new characters that accurately were described as “trumpety” and annoying.
Glad I listed to it for the novelty of it and my love for ghibli, but wouldn’t do it again lol
leahrdswan's review against another edition
3.5
Unfortunately I found myself a bit bored in this book. It doesn't have quite the same charm as the first book.
Diana Wynne Jones introduces some new characters in this book and in fact, we don't really see Howl or Sophie until the second half of the book. I think the way she tied our familiar characters was fun and I liked the overall plot of the book but our main character just wasn't very interesting.
The problem with this book is it only works if you believe Abdullah and Flower-in-the-night deserve to be with each other, as it largely follows Abdullahs quest to save her from a djinn. We are told they love each other which is why he goes on this journey but all we really see of their love is a prophecy promising that they will be together and insta love. While we do see more of why Abdullah falls for Flower-in-the-night throughout the book, I had a had time really caring for it.
Diana Wynne Jones introduces some new characters in this book and in fact, we don't really see Howl or Sophie until the second half of the book. I think the way she tied our familiar characters was fun and I liked the overall plot of the book but our main character just wasn't very interesting.
The problem with this book is it only works if you believe Abdullah and Flower-in-the-night deserve to be with each other, as it largely follows Abdullahs quest to save her from a djinn. We are told they love each other which is why he goes on this journey but all we really see of their love is a prophecy promising that they will be together and insta love. While we do see more of why Abdullah falls for Flower-in-the-night throughout the book, I had a had time really caring for it.
sari___'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shakiral's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Really funny, truly engaging and it has a great plot. The ending seems a bit underdeveloped though and a little easy, still a great read though.
kaebirdie's review against another edition
4.0
Kind of spent most of the book wondering where this fit for the Howl trilogy. I think the tie-in was alright though, and I thought the spin on Aladdin was interesting.
estea's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
anastasia_elise_w's review against another edition
3.0
I love this, but the first one was definitely better
lakinglaze's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was easier to follow the plot in this book than in Howl’s Moving Castle and I rather enjoyed it overall, but I didn’t really like Abdullah unfortunately. On to the last book in the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Classism, Pregnancy, Kidnapping, and Body shaming
jblock's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A great sequel! The twists at the end make me want to reread
drearyletters's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0