Enchanted Glass - Diana Wynne Jones

[first book review since public school! Advice and pointers are very welcome!]

Title: Enchanted Glass
Author: Diana Wynne Jones

Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages/Format: 332
Released: September 3^rd, 2010

From the Back: When Andrew Hope’s magician grandfather dies, he leaves his house and field-of-care to his grandson who spent much of his childhood at the house. Andrew has forgotten much of this, but he remembers the very strong-minded staff and the fact that his grandfather used to put the inedibly large vegetables on the roof of the shed, where they’d have vanished in the morning. He also remembers the very colourful stained glass window in the kitchen door, which he knows it is important to protect.
Into this mix comes young Aidan Cain, who turns up from the orphanage asking for safety. Exactly who he is and why he’s there is unclear, but a strong connection between the two becomes apparent.
There is a mystery to be solved, and nothing is as it appears to be. But nobody can solve the mystery, until they find out exactly what it is!

Review: I first read a book by DWJ last summer, and I’m certain she’s got me hooked for good. I’m sad that I found out about her a little too late, as she passed away in March last year. As of August 16^th she would have been 78, so to honor her memory, I hope I convince you to read this book! (or any book by her, for that matter) 

It has every great element that a book by her has; fantastic characters with unforgettable personalities, unique magic, and several plots that somehow mash together to suddenly make sense in the end. It’s set in a world that is similar to ours, except that it contains magic and many folk that the characters call “those that don’t use iron” (fairies and the like). In the beginning, I was a little confused about everything, because it bombarded me with names of things and I didn’t know what they were, and so many characters pop up. What I love so much about that is as the story progresses, all is explained in its own time and everything wraps up quite nicely. It has a great twist at the end, but not the kind of twist you are expecting! 

All in all, if you love fairies and magic, you will love this book! Added into the mix is beautiful countryside, some romance, an adorable dog that isn’t quite a dog, rainy weather, and giant vegetables. What’s not to love? 

If you enjoyed Spiderwick, definitely check it out.

Reviewer: Kirsten