If you loved Wizard Howl and Sophie ...

Abdullah is a young carpet merchant whose life up to now had been simple and happy as he searched for a way to please his family. Abdullah loves to dream about being a long-lost prince kidnapped by bandits and being betrothed to a beautiful princess. When a mysterious man sells him a so-called (and very worn) “magic carpet,” Abdullah finds himself living out his dream of meeting a princess. One evening while he was walking in a luxurious garden he met and fell in love with the princess Flower-in-the-Night. But then a genie kidnaps the princess. Abdullah learns that princesses of other lands are going missing too, and vows to save them. Along the way, Abdullah meets the King of Ingary, a somewhat helpful stranger, and some magical cats.

BTSYA / Teen Reader (17):
This novel is meant for a wide audience, ideally children nine years and older. Read Howl's Moving Castle first, because some of our favorite characters from that book are here, present in a different form.

This book would make a perfect gift for anyone interested in fantasy and magical quests. The book looks at how living out your dreams might not be what you expected, the importance of truth, and what good really means.

BTSYA / Teen Reader (13):
When I opened to the first page, I noticed the chapter headings: “In which Abdullah buys a carpet,” “In which Abdullah is mistaken for a young lady,” and “Which is rather full of princesses.” Quite instantly the tasteful, frank humor of Diane Wynne Jones draws in the reader like a spell. Rather than exaggerating the magical side of the story, Jones told the tale as if she was merely recounting her favorite way of eating cereal. This delightful way of making magic seem like everyday life creates a world both entirely believable and entirely unbelievable. Every character has a purpose, and every character returns in the finale in a completely unexpected yet wholly needed way. Thank you, my dear Abdullah, for taking me on a magic carpet ride to a world filled with babies-turned-kittens, cowardly genies, flowery carpet merchants, house-sized djinns, lives hidden in nose rings, and one very angry young princess. I recommend Castle in the Air to all those who have the slightest speck of humor, and perhaps even that is not needed to find oneself in a marvelous fantasy of fantastic proportions.

Parent Perspective:
Having successfully published more than 30 fantasy/mystery books, the author continues to keep her readers on the edge of their seat. The author knows the genre inside and out; I would give it 8 of 10 stars.

Readers will be captivated on page one of this exciting, funny, and imaginative offering.

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