Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl--and herself--than first meets the eye.

Item Information Item Information

Format: TradePaperback
Author: Jones, Diana Wynne
ISBN: 9780061478789
Condition: Used
Dimensions: 7.62 x 0.98
Number Of Pages: 448
Publication Year: 2008

Customer Reviews

Rating Snapshot

5 ★ 86%

4 ★ 14%

3 ★ 0%

2 ★ 0%

1 ★ 0%

4.9

7 Ratings

0 Recommendations

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Fantastic book!

McKenzie R. - 4 years 11 months ago

I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked from the first page and with every paragraph it just got better and better. Going into it, I didn't really know what to expect, but I am so glad I finally read this. It is a wonderful, spell-binding story filled with twists and turns. The characters are so unconventional and amazing. You can't help but loving them and all of their flaws (although, I wanted to strangle Howl at times- the mess, always the mess). This is one of those books that, once you get into it, you don't even care what happens at the end; you are just happy to be along for the ride. Such a great adventure. The ending, while I wouldn't say it was predictable, is written in a way where you kind of know where it is heading with all of those loose ends that need tying up. It is similar to Harry Potter in that there are multiple stories that all weave together as the book goes on. Amazing. I love this book. I was so glad to find out that there are two more books in the series. I cannot wait to read them. #SpringPicks
It's a good book.

Lillian N. - 5 years 1 month ago

Great book! The characters are so well-imagined and fun!
A Whimsical, Adventurous, and Really Fun Story.

Deepshikha B. - 5 years 9 months ago

I love the book! I love how Sofie first thinks she will have a terrible destiny but has a good one in the end. It is one of my favorites. I would recommend this book to people ages 10 and up. #SummerReading
Whimsical, adventurous, and fun for really any age!

Annie S. - 5 years 9 months ago

Prior to reading the book, I have been a HUGE fan of Studio Ghibli's take on Howl's Moving Castle, it's just about my favorite from the studio and I remember first watching it when I was 18. Now being 32, I've always been curious to read the book and discover the similarities and differences from the movie and I was not disappointed. Right from the beginning, you feel a connection to Sophie who longs to find a purpose but due to her status as the eldest child is aware that fortune is not in the cards for her, or so she thinks. There were many parts of the book where I wish it was included in the movie so I could see it be played out in beautiful animation but Diana's writing does an amazing job illustrating every bit of scenery, sound, and character, so much that you really feel apart of the story. I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful tale and I don't know why I didn't read this book sooner, but better late than never right? If you enjoyed the movie and are yourself curious how close it is to the book then I highly recommend giving it a read. #SummerReading
My favorite story that has mashup up of great character chemistry,humor, creativity,plot,tension,and uniqueness.

Lillian B. - 5 years 10 months ago

Howl's Moving Castle is book that tries to break stereotypes,so if you here from watching the Studio Ghibli movie prepare to be surprised. Diana Wayne Jones took fairytales's typical stereotypes and broke them. However, you know that she is breaking them and she knows that you know. In fact, even the characters know that she breaking them which give the story a whimsical feel as well derives mental conflicts within the characters. I suppose that bring me into the first reason why i love this book: the characters. More specifically, their chemistry. Each character has believable flaws that rub with the others and causes unbelievable comedic effect as well as heart wrenching moments(people do die). I have went back and re-read his book just for the laughs as well as noticing subtitle words that give each character so much depth. In fact, each subtility of the characters with their relationship to each other plays a major role in the stories plot. Which I legit i had to re-read the last 75 pages since it was so mind blowing with a insane amount a reveals(which makes the book so re-readable). I should mention there are also eccentricities in this book that causes a paradoxical amazement to it. The fact that Dianna Wayne Jones in her fantasy novel has the characters from the their world go to Wales briefly that feels so at home and not out of place at all. Creativity is endless with the plot the characters like Calcifer and The Witch Of the Waste as well as Sophie and Howl themselves.For example, the story take place in a literal house that moves so his owner can escape authorities(and do the typical dumb Howl stuff) that is the setting. From an academic standpoint, Diana's writing rivals the tone and feel of J.k Rowling's writing (Although I will go on to say that Howl is more well written as well as better in general than Harry Potter) If you read a measly eight pages you will have interest maybe even be amused, at page 20 you will be weirded out and but fascinated, by page fifty you will be addicted to this story as I was.

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Fantastic book!

It's a good book.

A Whimsical, Adventurous, and Really Fun Story.

Whimsical, adventurous, and fun for really any age!

My favorite story that has mashup up of great character chemistry,humor, creativity,plot,tension,and uniqueness.