Unexpected Magic: Collected Stories

Jones, Diana Wynne

ISBN 10: 0060555343 ISBN 13: 9780060555344

Publisher: Greenwillow Books, 2004

Synopsis

What if your strangest dreams and wildest imaginings turned out to be . . . well . . . true?

In this riveting collection, master storyteller Diana Wynne Jones presents wildly unpredictable tales in which even the most routine lives are visited by extraordinary events:

• A writer's character infiltrates her computer and makes her an accomplice in his cyber revolt
• A sick girl's drawings come to life -- with a vengeance
• A vet's dream about a wounded werewolf is interrupted by a startling phone call
• A cat tells how the kindhearted wizard she owns is suddenly called upon to defeat a horrific Beast

These fifteen stories and one novella -- including three works never before published in the United States -- will tickle and enchant, startle and surprise.

About this title

About the Author:

In a career spanning four decades, award-winning author Diana Wynne Jones (1934‒2011) wrote more than forty books of fantasy for young readers. Characterized by magic, multiple universes, witches and wizards—and a charismatic nine-lived enchanter—her books are filled with unlimited imagination, dazzling plots, and an effervescent sense of humor that earned her legendary status in the world of fantasy.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 6 Up–This collection of 15 short stories and one novella begins with the autobiographical "The Girl Jones," about nine-year-old Diana. Among the selections that follow, readers will find stories about a science-fiction writer who becomes involved in an interstellar revolution, a haunting encounter with werewolves and a sinister fool, and a talking cat cursed with long life. In the concluding novella, four children become embroiled in intrigue over an innocent prince, an evil count, and a brave outlaw. All of the selections have characters that are both appealing and realistically flawed, and the worlds they inhabit are brought to life through detail and humor. Each story smoothly draws readers in and brings its own mood and adventure. This is a good choice for collections in which the author has a following, though the lack of "Chrestomanci" stories and the somewhat daunting size may put off readers. The hefty volume includes most of the selections from Warlock at the Wheel and Other Stories (1985; o.p.) and Believing Is Seeing: Seven Stories (1999). However, the lack of overlap with Stopping for a Spell (2004) and Mixed Magics (2001, all Greenwillow), along with the new tales included, makes this a solid addition.–Beth L. Meister, Yeshiva of Central Queens, Flushing, NY
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About this edition

• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0060555343
• ISBN 13: 9780060555344
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 512