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Howl’s Moving Castle

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Howl’s Moving Castle

Written by: Diana Wynne Jones
Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
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About this listen

‘One of the greatest ever writers for children’ – Garth Nix

‘A true original’ – Katherine Rundell

‘Truly magical … Guaranteed to leave you gasping’ The Bookseller

‘She is the best writer of magical fantasy for children’ Evening Standard

In the land of Ingary, where seven league boots and invisibility cloaks exist, young Sophie Hatter catches the unwelcome attention of the Witch of the Waste and is put under a spell . . .

Deciding she has nothing more to lose, Sophie makes her way to the moving castle that hovers on the hills above her town, Market Chipping. But the castle belongs to the dreaded Wizard Howl, whose appetite, they say, is satisfied only by the souls of young girls…

There Sophie meets Michael, Howl’s apprentice, and Calcifer the fire demon, with whom she agrees a pact. Her entanglements with Calcifer, Howl and Michael and her quest to break her curse come alive with Diana Wynne Jones’s unique combination of magic, humour and imagination.

©1986 Diana Wynne Jones (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Action & Adventure Classics Fantasy & Magic Fiction Humorous Fiction Literature & Fiction Magic Science Fiction & Fantasy Comedy Fantasy Magic Users Feel-Good Wizardry Witchcraft

What the critics say

“Imaginative and terribly funny.” (Michael Morpurgo)
All stars
Most relevant  
I absolutely love HMC, I’ve grown so attached.

Howl being such a drama queen and brat but really quite kind gets me every time. Sophie is a wonderful mc I think, and Michael is a sweet child too. The supporting characters are great too. The characters are very understandable and feel alive, and the way their interactions were handled was just great. So much bickering with Howl and Sophie.

I first saw the film years ago and while the visuals were of course just so charming, it was very confusing imo and I couldn’t feel out the characters. The novel brings all the context you need, and it’s very helpful now when you can see where they tried to adapt things and why things missed with all the changes they made.

Anyway, I’m so glad I got around to this novel and I’m in love with the characters and the vibes, it’s everything I wanted tbh.
I love this narrator too, she did a great job with everyone’s voices I think and is generally pleasant to listen to

I can tell I’m going to re-listen to this many times

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It's a great story and I love the narrator's voice. I could listen to her all day long.... Oh wait, actually I just did!!

Awesome narrator

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Interested in comparing the original novel to the famous Miyazaki film, I was charmed by the source material. Obviously Ghibli diverged quite a bit from the book but I think, the film captures the essence of the material, adding a Miyazaki touch.

I devoured this audio book in one day and the narrator does a fantastic job; however as more characters are introduced the narrator’s voices become a little similar to each other - I loved Calcifer the most for sure. The story leaves you satisfied but still wanting more! Highly recommended.

A Fun and Gripping Listen

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Would gladly recommend this audiobook to any and all. My most enjoyable listening experience yet! 🥰

Delightful! Both the story and the narrator!

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I LOVED this. I didn't expect to give five stars all around but it was incredible. The characters are so vivid, the reader does an amazing job (including voices for different characters). If you've seen the movie, I'm begging you to read (or listen to) the book. They're so different and the book is more incredible than I could have imagined.

comforting and beautiful

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Absolutely amazing voice acting! Story was so much more than the film with so much magic

Stellar performance!

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As a fan of the film, the magic of this book proved just as alive in this format. The different voices of the characters were consistent and very well done, instantly creating familiarity with the reader. The story was magnificent with a perfect balance of calm and action. Recommend for children and adults alike!

Magical story magically told!

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I love this book, when I read it 10 years ago or now. It’s witty, fun and full of pleasant nonsense.

Always a good read every time I come back

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I LOVE IT SO FRIGGING MUCH!!
I totally recommend this book.
It is overall a great experience!

Howel's moving castle

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I’ve always loved the movie but this was my first time going through the book. I’ve heard the book was even better but couldn’t believe it. But I think I may agree. Loved it!!

Howl 💜

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