Charmain Baker mother is always concerned about things not being proper - as a consequence, Charmain has no idea how to cook or clean, but she compensates by throwing herself into books. When her Great Uncle William is taken ill and needs to leave his cottage to be cured by the elves, Charmain is the only one who can caretake in his absence. Emboldened by this semi-independence and responsibility, Charmain writes to the King asking if she can help catalogue his library, something shes's been long to do since she heard he and Princess Hilda were beginning this immense task. She doesn't realise that Great Uncle William is the Royal Wizard Norland, or that the cottage is magical - magic being one of the things her mother considers improper. Fortunately he left helpful directions, triggered when she asks a question (like "how do I get breakfast") aloud.
The arrival of Peter Regis (a very annoying would-be apprentice), the appearance of a small loyal dog (Waif), the acceptance of her offer to the palace, and a number of dastardly royal relatives, combine to make Charmain's house-sitting a far greater adventure than she imagined.
House of Many Ways is something of a sequel to Jones' Howl's Moving Castle (made into an anime film) and Castle in the Air - Howl and Sophie play a part, but the focus is on young Charmian, who comes to learn about herself and about a world she knew little about - with treachery, non-human creatures, magic and Independence. Though undoubtedly richer if read as part of a trilogy, House of Many Ways stands well on its own. It lacks some of the textural depth of Jones's Eight Worlds series, as well as those influenced by folklore and mythology, but is none the less rewarding for that. - Alex
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