{"product_id":"the-islands-of-chaldea-9780062295088","title":"The Islands of Chaldea","description":"\u003cp\u003eA stand-alone novel of magic and adventure by the renowned fantasy author Diana Wynne Jones, who also wrote \u003cem\u003eHowl's Moving Castle\u003c\/em\u003e and the Chrestomanci books. Almost finished upon her death in 2011, the manuscript was completed by Diana's sister Ursula Jones, an acclaimed novelist and actress. \u003cem\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/em\u003e called \u003cem\u003eThe Islands of Chaldea\u003c\/em\u003e \"a story to cherish\" in their starred review.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAileen comes from a long line of magic makers, and her aunt Beck is the most powerful magician on Skarr. But Aileen's magic has yet to reveal itself, even though she is old enough and it should have by now. When Aileen is sent over the sea on a mission for the King, she worries that she'll be useless and in the way. A powerful talking cat changes all of that--and with every obstacle Aileen faces, she becomes stronger and more confident, until her magic blooms. This stand-alone novel, by the beloved and acclaimed author of such classic fantasy novels as \u003cem\u003eHowl's Moving Castle\u003c\/em\u003e and the Chrestomanci books, will be welcomed by fans old and new. \"Jones's imaginative vigor is unabated in this last, picaresque novel; her deft, fluid style and penchant for precise, characterful description are amply present,\" proclaimed \u003cem\u003eThe Horn Book\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eJones, Ursula:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cp\u003eUrsula Jones is an actress, children's author, and playwright. She has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Unicorn Theatre for Children. Her books include \u003cem\u003eThe Youngsters\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Lost King\u003c\/em\u003e. She lives in London.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eJones, Diana Wynne:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cp\u003eIn a career spanning four decades, award-winning author \u003cstrong\u003eDiana Wynne Jones \u003c\/strong\u003e(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. Her books, published to international acclaim, have earned a wide array of honors, including two \u003cem\u003eBoston Globe-Horn Book\u003c\/em\u003e Award Honors and the British Fantasy Society's Karl Edward Wagner Award for having made a significant impact on fantasy. Acclaimed director and animator Hayao Miyazaki adapted \u003cem\u003eHowl's Moving Castle\u003c\/em\u003e into a major motion picture, which was nominated for an Academy Award.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greenwillow Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51453501145362,"sku":"9780062295088","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_d191e355-0397-4830-b6e8-dd492ca62ca7.jpg?v=1751971104","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-islands-of-chaldea-9780062295088","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}