Mixed Magics: Four Tales of Chrestomanci

Module 7

Jones, Diana Wynne. 2001. Mixed magics: Four tales of Chrestomanci. New York: Greenwillow Books

Chrestomanci, an enchanter with strong magical skills, is the common element in this collection of four stories. All of the characters are influenced by his strong personality. In these four tales, the settings take place in several other worlds/universes. For example, when a warlock gets into trouble in one universe, he wants to escape to another. The problem is, the second universe is worse than the first. In another tale, an evil magician who wants to become stronger than all the other enchanters holds two boys captive. In “Carol Oneir’s Hundredth Dream” a young girl whose dreams have become her claim to fame (she bottles them so other can view them) needs Chrestomanci’s help to figure out why she’s losing her gift. In the “Sage of Theare” the worlds/universes are threatened by Dissolution. Chrestomanci is the strong guiding “force” in all the stories. We see other characters misusing or losing their powers but he always seems to have the “wisdom” they lack. This book is high fantasy but readers are drawn into the worlds and characters and at least temporarily, they become “real”. The problems they face can seem very scary but are also humorous at times. While each story is set in a separate world the unifying factor is Chrestomanci. While he is almost god-like, he has some surprisingly human traits. While the themes of good magic vs. evil magic exist, sometimes the line between the two seems a little blurred. The plot moves quickly through these short stories and those who like action will find these enjoyable. Jones style of writing will capture children who enjoy high fantasy and will be happy to suspend their disbelief. Others, who prefer lower fantasy, may find it a bit much. This book is recommended for children ages 10-13, but some older teens will also find it appealing.