Castle in the Air

April 1, 1991
Abdullah the rug merchant leaves his humdrum life far behind when he purchases a threadbare magic carpet from a mysterious stranger. Almost immediately, Abdullah is whisked off on a series of adventures that bear an uncanny resemblance to his own daydreams. He meets the love of his life only to have her kidnapped by a fierce djinn. With the help of the magic carpet--and an ornery genie--Abdullah sets out to rescue his bride-to-be. His travels take him to the fairy tale land of Ingary, the setting of this novel's predecessor, Howl's Moving Castle. As usual, Jones has constructed a wonderfully complicated plot, chock-full of magical mayhem. However, while her other interconnected novels ( Charmed Life , The Magicians of Caprona and The Lives of Christopher Chant ) can be read on their own, the final third of Abdullah's story is likely to confuse readers not already acquainted with the characters introduced in the first book. Those familiar with Ingary will welcome the chance to return and catch up on the doings of its exuberant inhabitants. Ages 12-up.

Narrator Jenny Sterlin is talented at creating voices, and voices abound in this delightful adventure story, which calls to mind ALADDIN, with its genies and flying carpets. Sterlin's pleasure in creating voices--whether of crusty soldiers; cranky, smoky-voiced genies; or princesses of all ages--will engage listeners; best of all is her voicing of the earnestly polite Abdullah, with his flowery language and ultrarespectful way of speaking. This story is long and populated with characters who transform themselves into other shapes and forms. Fortunately, Sterlin is up to the task of keeping the plotlines straight and the characters distinct while sustaining a satisfying sense of timing at dramatic moments. This thoroughly enjoyable production will please listeners of all ages. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine