The Lives of Christopher Chant

Diana Wynne Jones (author)

HarperCollins Children's Books,  UK: 2000; 252pp

ISBN: 9780006755180

Genres: adventure, fantasy

Issues: friendship, giftedness, identity

Advanced vocabulary, concepts

Christopher, at the age of ten, thinks nothing of his nightly visits to the Place Between and the Anywheres, where strange people give him exotic toys and foodstuffs.

It seems normal - until his Uncle Ralph hears of his extraordinary talent and persuades Christopher to go on secret weekly missions to carry out curious experiments. During this time Christopher meets Tacroy, a mysterious traveller of unknown background. He seems to think that Christopher has a strong talent for magic. It is not until Christopher has been sent away to boarding school, where his apparent death and unexpected resurrection cause much excitement, that it becomes apparent that Christopher is a strong enchanter.

Sent to study in the repressive environment of Chrestomanci Castle, Christopher begins to lose lives at a ridiculous rate. Can he defeat his enemies before he loses his last one? And what role does his charismatic uncle play in all that is going on? This is a great read for fantasy lovers. It contains plenty of action and magic of the kind best designed to appeal to children.

Highly recommended.

This is the first in the Related Worlds books.

Other titles: Charmed Life; Magicians of Caprona; Witch Week;

Same Author: Cart and Cwydder; Castle in the Air; Hexwood; Black Maria