About the book
A stand-alone novel of magic and adventure by the renowned fantasy author Diana Wynne Jones, who also wrote Howl's Moving Castle and the Chrestomanci books. Almost finished upon her death in 2011, the manuscript was completed by Diana's sister Ursula Jones, an acclaimed novelist and actress. Publishers Weekly called The Islands of Chaldea \"a story to cherish\" in their starred review.
Aileen comes from a long line of magic makers, and her aunt Beck is the most powerful magician on Skarr. But in this coming of age fantasy, Aileen worries her own magic has yet to reveal itself, even though she is old enough and it should have by now. When Aileen is sent over the sea on a mission for the King, she worries that she'll be useless and in the way. A powerful, magical talking cat changes all of that—and with every obstacle Aileen faces, she becomes stronger and more confident, until her magic blooms. This stand-alone fantasy adventure for kids, by the beloved and acclaimed author of such classic fantasy novels as Howl's Moving Castle and the Chrestomanci books, will be welcomed by fans old and new. \"Jones's imaginative vigor is unabated in this last, picaresque novel; her deft, fluid style and penchant for precise, characterful description are amply present,\" proclaimed The Horn Book.
A royal mission across dangerous seas is no place for a girl with no magic. Or is it the perfect place?
- An Unlikely Hero: Aileen is sure she’s a failure, born into a magical family with no magic of her own. But when the King needs her, she must find a different kind of strength.
- A Mysterious Animal Companion: A huge, ugly, and powerfully magical talking cat named Plug-Ugly joins the quest, and he seems to know more about Aileen’s destiny than she does.
- An Epic Quest: The journey will take them across the magical Islands of Chaldea, from the misty shores of Skarr to strange new lands, in a race to break a powerful spell.
- Found Family: Aileen is joined by a spoiled prince and an overlooked outcast. They’ll have to learn to trust each other if they hope to survive the journey ahead.
- A Final Masterpiece: From the beloved author of Howl’s Moving Castle, this stand-alone fantasy was the last book from the legendary Diana Wynne Jones, completed by her sister.
Editions of Islands of Chaldea
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780062295088
- EBook
- ISBN 9780062295095
Read an Excerpt
A stand-alone novel of magic and adventure by the renowned fantasy author Diana Wynne Jones, who also wrote Howl's Moving Castle and the Chrestomanci books. Almost finished upon her death in 2011, the manuscript was completed by Diana's sister Ursula Jones, an acclaimed novelist and actress. Publishers Weekly called The Islands of Chaldea \"a story to cherish\" in their starred review.
Aileen comes from a long line of magic makers, and her aunt Beck is the most powerful magician on Skarr. But in this coming of age fantasy, Aileen worries her own magic has yet to reveal itself, even though she is old enough and it should have by now. When Aileen is sent over the sea on a mission for the King, she worries that she'll be useless and in the way. A powerful, magical talking cat changes all of that—and with every obstacle Aileen faces, she becomes stronger and more confident, until her magic blooms. This stand-alone fantasy adventure for kids, by the beloved and acclaimed author of such classic fantasy novels as Howl's Moving Castle and the Chrestomanci books, will be welcomed by fans old and new. \"Jones's imaginative vigor is unabated in this last, picaresque novel; her deft, fluid style and penchant for precise, characterful description are amply present,\" proclaimed The Horn Book.
A royal mission across dangerous seas is no place for a girl with no magic. Or is it the perfect place?
- An Unlikely Hero: Aileen is sure she’s a failure, born into a magical family with no magic of her own. But when the King needs her, she must find a different kind of strength.
- A Mysterious Animal Companion: A huge, ugly, and powerfully magical talking cat named Plug-Ugly joins the quest, and he seems to know more about Aileen’s destiny than she does.
- An Epic Quest: The journey will take them across the magical Islands of Chaldea, from the misty shores of Skarr to strange new lands, in a race to break a powerful spell.
- Found Family: Aileen is joined by a spoiled prince and an overlooked outcast. They’ll have to learn to trust each other if they hope to survive the journey ahead.
- A Final Masterpiece: From the beloved author of Howl’s Moving Castle, this stand-alone fantasy was the last book from the legendary Diana Wynne Jones, completed by her sister.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Islands of Chaldea about?
A stand-alone novel of magic and adventure by the renowned fantasy author Diana Wynne Jones, who also wrote Howl's Moving Castle and the Chrestomanci books. Almost finished upon her death in 2011, the manuscript was completed by Diana's sister Ursula Jones, an acclaimed novelist and actress. Publishers Weekly called The Islands of Chaldea \"a story to cherish\" in their starred review.
Aileen comes from a long line of magic makers, and her aunt Beck is the most powerful magician on Skarr. But in this coming of age fantasy, Aileen worries her own magic has yet to reveal itself, even though she is old enough and it should have by now. When Aileen is sent over the sea on a mission for the King, she worries that she'll be useless and in the way. A powerful, magical talking cat changes all of that—and with every obstacle Aileen faces, she becomes stronger and more confident, until her magic blooms. This stand-alone fantasy adventure for kids, by the beloved and acclaimed author of such classic fantasy novels as Howl's Moving Castle and the Chrestomanci books, will be welcomed by fans old and new. \"Jones's imaginative vigor is unabated in this last, picaresque novel; her deft, fluid style and penchant for precise, characterful description are amply present,\" proclaimed The Horn Book.
A royal mission across dangerous seas is no place for a girl with no magic. Or is it the perfect place?
- An Unlikely Hero: Aileen is sure she’s a failure, born into a magical family with no magic of her own. But when the King needs her, she must find a different kind of strength.
- A Mysterious Animal Companion: A huge, ugly, and powerfully magical talking cat named Plug-Ugly joins the quest, and he seems to know more about Aileen’s destiny than she does.
- An Epic Quest: The journey will take them across the magical Islands of Chaldea, from the misty shores of Skarr to strange new lands, in a race to break a powerful spell.
- Found Family: Aileen is joined by a spoiled prince and an overlooked outcast. They’ll have to learn to trust each other if they hope to survive the journey ahead.
- A Final Masterpiece: From the beloved author of Howl’s Moving Castle, this stand-alone fantasy was the last book from the legendary Diana Wynne Jones, completed by her sister.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Islands of Chaldea?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories > Children’s / Teenage fiction: Nature and animal stories
Where can I read a sample of Islands of Chaldea?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780062295088
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Islands of Chaldea?
Diana Wynne Jones, Ursula Jones
Who is the Publisher of the book Islands of Chaldea?
HarperCollins
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Islands of Chaldea is available as paperback(ISBN 9780062295088) and ebook(ISBN 9780062295095)
Where can I buy Islands of Chaldea online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Islands of Chaldea from below
Where can I buy Islands of Chaldea?