Witty and strangely matter-of-fact story

This book had a rather interesting idea - pilgrim trips from our world into a world of magic and wonder. The magical world is being exploited like a theme park, aiming to fulfil all cliche ideas of magic of the visiting travellers. The organiser of these trips is the almighty Mr. Chesney, who holds all people in the magical world in his hand due to his power over a demon he can call his very own.

This is a very entertaining listen with all the proceedings told in a very "matter-of-fact" tone, presenting the woes and troubles of organising fake battles and a fake, but believable dark overlord. The book is funny and light-hearted, but almost sounding too mundane. Still, if you are in the mood for a light listen, definitely give this one a go.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Fun story

I thought it was one of Diana's best stories and I really enjoyed the satire of fantasy tropes. The narrator does use different accents for different family members but it makes it easier to understand who is speaking. It's not easy to come up with distinct voices for 15+ characters so hats off to him.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Wonderful

Excellently read and written. It's one of my favourite books and the reading is perfect. I liked the choice to give the characters different accents to make it easy to tell who was who. Otherwise the large cast would get very confusing.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Interesting idea, but plot not gripping enough

I think this would appeal if you like Angie Sage's books - or indeed others by Diana Wynne Jones. The narrator is very good. I liked the idea that annually, someone is awarded the dubious burden of being made the bad guy or 'Dark Lord' for the benefit of other-worldly tourists on the Grand Tour. It's full of wizards, magic, dragons, fighting and intrigue and so on - there's a lot going on. Sometimes I found the plot hard to hang onto and got bored with the story, but there are some great characters. Worth persevering with.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Wonderful!

Couldnt wait to listen to this! Unabridged so excellent value for money. Great story and the narrator managed to easily convey multiple characters without confusion (although if you think about the real world accents I guess it's a little strange!) I will buy more Diana Wynne Jones books in the future and would happily listen to Jonathon Broadbent again.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great book, generally good narration

One of Diana Wynne Jones' best novels, with great world building, strong characters and exciting plot build-up. Narration was generally good, but as mentioned by other reviewers, some of the accent choices were bizarre. Calette's in particular - a sort of French/North African hybrid - seemed particularly out of place and I never got used to it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Amazing

This book is a fantastic fantasy adventure, but don't go thinking it's your standard fair. This book fits in with the older style of YA fantasy that authors like Annie Dalton, Robert Westall and Anne Pilling produced so wonderfully, meaning that while it's readable for younger teens, the themes and content could be quite challenging. Broadbent does a great job performing the book, and manages to infuse each and every character with a large helping of personality. If you're looking for something YA with a bit of bite, give this one a go.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Hilarious!

This made me laugh a lot. The author has a mind akin to Roald Dahl or Terry Pratchett.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great story I remember from my early teens.

I really like this book. it really holds up to my very fond memories of it from my childhood.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Odd accents!

Any additional comments?

An acceptable reading of a favourite book - but why do siblings all raised together in one family have accents ranging from RP to cod French, via Liverpool and Mummerset?! The impression given is that the narrator did not understand what he was reading...

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful