A boy burdened with bad karma embarks on a quest to find its origin at a magical estate. There, he unexpectedly finds himself in the company of a young Christopher Chant. This is the first installment in the Chrestomanci series (and, if I remember correctly, the first DWJ book I've read) to be told in the first person. I don't have an intense aversion to this narrative shift, yet it doesn't bring a particularly unique voice to the story.

The upstairs/downstairs setting of the estate is full of life. DWJ, as always, excels at capturing the vivid details and adding a touch of critical humor that makes the setting come alive. However, I'm disappointed that the final revelations seem to undermine the commentary on class and social roles in an attempt to create a funny twist.

The magical elements, on the other hand, are much more successful. They are alternately wondrous and humorous, and they are evoked in unique ways that enhance the focus on place and class. So, Conrad's story is decent enough. But what's more interesting is the external perspective on Christopher, especially a young Christopher. He is an outstanding character, relatable, stylized, and yet complexly developed. There is a great deal to appreciate about him in this book.

For me, this was a middle-of-the-road Chrestomanci book. It was engaging but had some flaws. It's better than The Magicians of Caprona, but it doesn't come close to the perfection of Charmed Life or The Lives of Christopher Chant.

My favourite of the Chrestomanci books so far! It's like a magical blend of Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and a touch of Howl's Moving Castle. With each book, I find myself getting more and more attached to Christopher. He's truly a delight to read about, and his character keeps evolving in the most interesting ways. Conrad's Fate, in a strange way, reminded me of The King of Attolia, even though they are completely different. I think it's the dynamics between Christopher and Conrad that bear a resemblance to Gen and Costis.

I'm also starting to love DWJ's spectacularly catastrophic trademark endings. They add an element of excitement and unpredictability to the stories. I would absolutely love to read this book from the perspective of about 8 different side characters. There is so much going on behind the scenes that only comes together in the last few pages, and it would be fascinating to see it all from different viewpoints.

My one complaint with this series is that each book offers a plethora of ideas, plot twists, and world expansions, but then leaves them mostly untapped. Instead, it moves on to another, completely different and equally fascinating world in the next book. It gives me the same vibes as C.S. Lewis introducing about 80% of the world of the Silver Chair and then never revisiting it. I mean, an entire underground society of living gemstones? That's just begging to be explored further!

ALSO, teenage Christopher and Millie are so cute and funny. The fact that they are perceived as boring killjoys in other books when they are adults only makes them even funnier. Their relationship and personalities add a charming layer to the story. Overall, I'm thoroughly enjoying this series and can't wait to see what else DWJ has in store for us.

Kids have to be cautious of numerous things, and sometimes their own families are the most concerning. This appears to be an underlying theme in several of the books within Diana Wynne Jones' magnificent series of standalone fantasy novels for children.

Families can be perilous. They might disappoint you, break your heart, take advantage of you if it serves their greedy ambitions, and neglect you if you don't conform to their plans. Such a harsh and weighty theme for books whose main allure to me lies in the lightness of Jones' touch and her determination to place adventures within worlds that are both magical and mundane, sometimes even tediously so. It's an offbeat series, yet a wonderful one.

So, what is Conrad's destiny? It could be that he was born with bad karma and his fate is to balance the scales so that he can move forward with his life. At least, that's what the adults tell him. But who can trust an adult in a Chrestomanci novel? Conrad might be better off shaping his own destiny.

This is my favorite of the Chrestomanci novels thus far. Christopher Chant makes a comeback in his second adventure, but he takes a backseat to Conrad. The two are newly hired servants-in-training with two distinct secret motives. The setting is a strange yet bustling and lively manor filled with all kinds of people. The manor itself is facing issues: it randomly phases in and out of various realities without any warning. There was so much to relish in this book! The entire Upstairs Downstairs Downton Abbey-like atmosphere, with a plethora of fun details描绘了在这样一个地方当仆人可能是什么样的. The gradually developing friendship between Conrad and Christopher, and the great little moments where we witness how everyone else perceives the charming yet often unbearably smug Christopher Chant - destined to someday be the supreme sorcerer of all dimensions. The parade of assumed identities revealed at the end, the slowly simmering intrigues, the dry and vaguely menacing appearance of Chrestomanci as a deus ex machine, the ghost, the part-time actors slumming it as servants, the girl lost in another world, various adults with their own secret agendas, cruel witches, and especially the frequent and often disorientingly bizarre shifts into alternate worlds. The author describes all of this craziness in the same manner as a person would describe a trip to the supermarket to buy some milk and eggs.

It's such a fun book, but that sad, dark theme at its core makes Conrad's Fate resonate in surprisingly profound ways.

A Chrestomanci book that I began reading once (the beginning gave me a sense of familiarity). However, I had never managed to read it all the way through. As I delved deeper into the story this time, I could understand the reason why I had not completed it before. The magic depicted within these pages is rather confusing, making it a bit of a challenge to follow at times. Moreover, there are not an abundance of pleasant characters. Even Christopher, who is typically quite likeable, comes across as more annoying in this particular title.

On the other hand, there are certain really enjoyable moments that manage to compensate for the confusion. These moments add a touch of fun and excitement to the narrative. Additionally, the ending is quite satisfying, tying up loose ends and leaving the reader with a sense of closure. Overall, despite its flaws, this Chrestomanci book still has its redeeming qualities and is worth giving a chance to those who are fans of the genre.

I had completely forgotten that I had read this before. So, when I picked it up again, it felt like a new discovery. This time around, I'm giving it four stars.

However, this is one of DWJ's works that is not quite up to her usual high standards. That's the reason I'm initially inclined to give it three stars, but in all honesty, I'd really like to give it four, at least. Just like in The Pinhoe Egg, this book lacks the flawless character development and the refined form that are characteristic of the 'real' four Chrestomanci books.

The story gets off to a slow start and then rushes through the conclusion in the last chapter. Moreover, it depends on an unrealistic oversight by Anthea to drive the plot forward.

Nevertheless, it's important to note that despite these flaws, it is still an awesome read. DWJ's unique storytelling style and her ability to create engaging worlds and characters shine through, making it a worthwhile read for any fan of her work.

Oh boy oh boy it's a Chrestomanci!

I really adored this one. I have a great fondness for teenage Chrestomanci, who is so arrogantly supercilious. And I equally love Conrad, who serves as a straight-man foil yet is also the protagonist of his own story. I could spend all day reading about their interactions with Millie (even though, unfortunately, they don't actually date in the book. But I firmly believe that Diana Wynne Jones is VERY OT3-friendly).

Of course, I'm a huge fan of big mysteries set in fancy houses, and I also love upstairs-downstairs comedies.

Pacing, according to DWJ, is for idiots. She growls as she whisks you past three major reveals in rapid succession. Technically, it might be considered a flaw in her writing, but in the moment, it never even crosses your mind to disagree with her. <3

(Also: WILL YOU SHUT UP ABOUT THE WINE!!!)

TW/CW:
faphobia, g-slur, ableist slurs.

Also, it was really fun! I had a liking for Conrad, but I firmly believe that this book was enhanced to a great extent because of Christopher. His teenage self was truly hilarious. He was constantly cracking jokes and making remarks that had a sarcastic undertone. It was as if he had a natural talent for being witty and humorous.

His character added a new dimension to the story, making it more engaging and entertaining. Every time he spoke, it was like a breath of fresh air, bringing a smile to my face.

I found myself looking forward to his scenes and interactions with the other characters. His sarcasm was not only amusing but also a way for him to express his true feelings and thoughts.

Overall, Christopher's presence in the book made it a much more enjoyable read, and I'm glad that the author included such a wonderful character.

A chaotic and highly entertaining installment of the Chrestomanci series awaits readers.

Conrad inhabits a world that bears a resemblance to our own, yet with a fascinating twist. In this world, the British Isles are connected to mainland Europe, and there are even English Alps.

Conrad's guardians are easily distracted and seem uninterested in his future. Although he desires to continue his studies, his uncle is insistent that he secures a job in the nearby castle.

Once Conrad arrives at the castle, he discovers that he is expected to take a life in order to reverse a dreadful fate. However, on his journey to the castle, he crosses paths with Christopher Chant, the enchanter, and this encounter alters the course of events.

Jones masterfully weaves together the numerous diverse elements and unexpected plot twists in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, but I found that I wasn't as deeply emotionally invested as I had been with some of her other Chestomanci novels. Nevertheless, it remains a captivating and engaging read that fans of the series will surely appreciate.

I was truly looking forward to delving into this book (teenage Christopher!!!). However, the use of the first person narrative completely threw me off at the start.

It took me a while to get accustomed to it, and in the beginning, I found myself constantly trying to translate it to the third person in my mind (all the while wondering WHY, DWJ, WHY FIRST PERSON). The pacing was rather slow in the initial stages, but then everything seemed to unfold at a breakneck speed in the last few chapters.

Moreover, I was quite cross with Anthea when she nonchalantly swans in near the end and says, "Oh, I knew I should have written and told you the truth, Conrad! Yeah, Uncle Alfred is a big fat liar -- Mother owns the bookshop so we DO have money after all." I can understand Anthea's desire to run off and have her own life away from Stallchester, but there was absolutely nothing stopping her from telling Conrad the facts so that he wouldn't be manipulated. She was well aware of what Uncle Alfred was like. (But then I guess there would be no story.)

BUT having said all that, teenage Christopher goes a long way in redeeming this book. He is at that perfect midway stage between young!Christopher and adult!Chrestomanci, and it is easy to see how his character is evolving. He is so arrogantly smug and utterly hilarious. And the way he speaks! Phrases like "What foresight on my part!" and "Panic ye not, Grant." The moment when he presses the Shift button ("Dare we, Grant? Dare we?") "looking almost unholy in the coloured lights" is truly memorable. And his simple decision that he and Millie "were going to go and live together on an island in Series Five" is both utterly adorable and utterly ridiculous.

I sighed. "Anyway, thanks for keeping us on those stairs." Just for a second, Christopher had such a blank, dumbfounded look that I knew he had forgotten to work any magic on those steps. I was glad I had not known while I was on them. "Think nothing of it, Grant," he said airily.

Conrad’s Fate is not only an easy read but also a remarkable Chrestomanci book.

One can effortlessly immerse oneself in this series with this particular book and not experience excessive confusion.

Although I did find myself slightly perplexed initially, it was solely due to my inability to recall all the previous characters.

Now, I have come to the realization that I need to reread all of them once more.

Conrad, the protagonist, is a likable character. He has his flaws, yet he is also kind-hearted.

As always, Diana Wynne Jones has crafted a highly readable book that captivates the readers from start to finish.

Her unique writing style and engaging storylines make her works a joy to read.

Whether you are a fan of the Chrestomanci series or new to it, Conrad’s Fate is definitely worth picking up.

It offers an entertaining and enjoyable reading experience that will leave you eager for more.

So, don't hesitate to give this book a try and embark on an exciting adventure with Conrad and the rest of the characters.

You won't be disappointed!

Conrad's Uncle informs him one day that his karma is truly dreadful. As a result, he has to go undercover as a servant in a magnificent mansion and eliminate the person who is having such a significant impact on his Fate.

Upon arriving at the mansion, Conrad encounters Christopher, and from that moment on, chaos unfolds.

I thoroughly relished this story. I had a great affection for Conrad and all the supporting characters. The adventure that took place between different worlds was extremely enjoyable.

However, the conclusion was rather difficult to follow, and I never experienced a sense of cosiness while reading this. Consequently, I gave it four stars. Nevertheless, it is an incredibly fun story, and I am truly loving this series.

I look forward to reading more installments and seeing where the adventures of Conrad and his friends will lead.

The unique premise and engaging characters make this series a must-read for fans of adventure and fantasy.

Overall, I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for an exciting and entertaining read.

It’s been quite a while since I last delved into the enchanting world of the Chrestomanci series. So, when I decided to embark on this literary journey once again by picking up the first book, I found myself completely immersed and couldn't stop until I had reread the entire collection.

Curiously enough, my favorite among all the books lies right in the middle of the series. Conrad’s Fate, a later work by the talented Diana Wynne Jones, often seems to be overshadowed and not talked about as much. However, it is every bit as good as the rest of the series and serves as a perfect exemplar of what makes Diana Wynne Jones such a remarkable author.

The worldbuilding in this book is truly astonishing, transporting readers to a realm filled with magic and mystery. The little character moments add depth and authenticity, making the characters come alive on the page. And the general wordage is simply laugh-out-loud incredible, with a unique charm and wit that never fails to delight. Revisiting this book is always a wonderful experience, and it reminds me why I fell in love with the Chrestomanci series in the first place.

— Jessica Yang

from The Best Books We Read In September 2016: http://bookriot.com/2016/10/03/riot-r...