House of Many Ways is the sequel to both Howl's Moving Castle and Castle in the Air. Written by Diana Wynne Jones and published in 2008, it is the third and most recent book in the Castle Series.
Description
Charmain Baker is in over her head. Looking after Great-Uncle William's tiny cottage while he's ill should have been easy. But Great-Uncle William is better known as the Royal Wizard Norland, and his house bends space and time. Its single door leads to any number of places—the bedrooms, the kitchen, the caves under the mountains, the past, and the Royal Mansion, to name just a few.
By opening that door, Charmain has become responsible for not only the house, but for an extremely magical stray dog, a muddled young apprentice wizard, and a box of the king's most treasured documents. She has encountered a terrifying beast called a lubbock, irritated a clan of small blue creatures, and wound up smack in the middle of an urgent search. The king and his daughter are desperate to find the lost, fabled Elfgift—so desperate that they've even called in an intimidating sorceress named Sophie to help. And where Sophie is, can the Wizard Howl and fire demon Calcifer be far behind? Of course, with that magical family involved, there's bound to be chaos—and unexpected revelations.
Plot Summary
At the beginning
The story revolves around Charmain Baker, who is asked to look after her Great-Uncle William's house. Aunt Sempronia discusses the plans with her parents in High Norland City, the city around the Royal Mansion. The only problem is that Charmain always has her nose in a book and does not know anything about magic and has been raised thinking it to be vulgar by her mother. The next morning, Aunt Sempronia takes Charmain to the house.
Characters
Main Characters
- William Norland,
- Charmain Baker
- Peter Regis
- Waif
Other Characters
- Howl
- Sophie Hatter
- Morgan
- Calcifer
- King Adolphus X
- Princess Hilda
- Jamal
- Matilda of Montalbino
- Timminz
- Prince Ludovic