House of Many Ways
Readers rate it 3.9 (182 on Hardcover)
422 pages · Released Jun 10, 2008 · Harper Collins
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House of Many Ways parent’s guide: what’s inside
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Sexual content
LGBTQ+ themes
Substance use
What it offers
Educational value
A note for parents
House of Many Ways is a lighthearted fantasy adventure that celebrates competence, problem-solving, and managing chaos with humor and determination. The story involves magical puzzles and whimsical dangers rather than genuine peril, with minimal violence and no profanity. Charmain is an engaging protagonist who grows into her unexpected responsibilities, and the supporting cast—including familiar characters from the Howl universe—model kindness and collaboration.
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From the publisher
Charmain Baker is in over her head. Looking after Great-Uncle William's tiny cottage while he's ill should have been easy. But Great-Uncle William is better known as the Royal Wizard Norland, and his house bends space and time. Its single door leads to any number of places—the bedrooms, the kitchen, the caves under the... Charmain Baker is in over her head. Looking after Great-Uncle William's tiny cottage while he's ill should have been easy. But Great-Uncle William is better known as the Royal Wizard Norland, and his house bends space and time. Its single door leads to any number of places—the bedrooms, the kitchen, the caves under the mountains, the past, and the Royal Mansion, to name just a few. By opening that door, Charmain has become responsible for not only the house, but for an extremely magical stray dog, a muddled young apprentice wizard, and a box of the king's most treasured documents. She has encountered a terrifying beast called a lubbock, irritated a clan of small blue creatures, and wound up smack in the middle of an urgent search. The king and his daughter are desperate to find the lost, fabled Elfgift—so desperate that they've even called in an intimidating sorceress named Sophie to help. And where Sophie is, can the Wizard Howl and fire demon Calcifer be far behind? Of course, with that magical family involved, there's bound to be chaos—and unexpected revelations. No one will be more surprised than Charmain by what Howl and Sophie discover.
Shelved under
- Juvenile Fiction
- Not Diverse Characters
- Loveable Characters
- Strong Character Development
- A mix driven
- Weak Character Development
- Plot driven
- Unloveable Characters
- FL Pre-Order
- Middle grade
- lighthearted
- Adventurous
Books in the Howl's Moving Castle series
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ISBN 9780061477959 · Harper Collins