The Lives of Christopher Chant (A Chrestomanci Book) (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author) "It was years before Christopher told anyone about his dreams..." (more)
Key Phrases: hidden prettiness, divining spells, witch sight, Uncle Ralph, Miss Rosalie, Gabriel de Witt (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Set in a world in which magic is the norm, this delectable adventure profiles the boyhood of the famous enchanter who plays a prominent role in the author's Chrestomanci series. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9–In Diana Wynne Jones's magical coming-of-age story (Greenwillow, 1988), Christopher Chant manages to lose most of his nine lives as he comes to accept his destiny. His magical powers and his nine lives put him in line to be the next Chrestomanci (head enchanter) so, against his will, he is taken out of school to Chrestomanci's castle to be trained. There he realizes, to his horror, that his Uncle Ralph, whom he idolizes, is the Wraith, a notorious and wicked smuggler of magical goods. When Uncle Ralph tries to destroy the current Chrestomanci, Christopher joins forces with a young Goddess, a spirit traveler, and an ill-tempered temple cat to save him. This word-for-word reading will have high appeal for middle school fantasy fans. Actor Gerard Doyle's rich voice and English accent suit the story perfectly. His excellent expression and conviction draw listeners into the tale and help them follow the complex plot, giving each character's voice just enough distinction. The narration is slow enough to facilitate reading along but a good pace for listening as well. Both public and school libraries will find this an excellent addition to their audio collections.–Louise L. Sherman, formerly Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books; later printing edition (October 19, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688163653
• ISBN-13: 978-0688163655
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,334,563 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This item is part of The Chrestomanci Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Harry Potter can't forget C. Chant. Neither should you., November 27, 1999

By	W. B. Bach (Maine) - See all my reviews

Diana Wynne Jones wrote the archetype that the Harry Potter series seems to be derived from in every aspect. These are funnier, constructed more carefully, and slightly more challenging. Though I haven't read these books in a while, they are the perfect foundation for cultivating a dry British wit in any 10-15 year old.

I would recommend all of DW Jones' books, but this series, Tale of Time City, and Witch week are probably her best.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This was a fascinating book., March 14, 1999

By A Customer

The Lives of Christopher Chant is the first book I read by Diana Wynne Jones. After a few chapters, I couldn't put it down. It inspired me to read her other books.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still my favourite Jones novel, November 26, 1998

By A Customer

This was the first of the Chrestomanci books I read, and it's still my favorite. Everything about it -- from the fantastic worlds that Christopher explores, to the final battle with The Wraith -- I don't know. It just sums up everything I like about Jones' books. ps. why does the cover art of this edition show Christopher as blond and the Chrestomanci as black haired? Was this early art for Charmed Life or did the artist not read the book?