Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
Greenwillow Books (2012), 392 pages
Description
When his uncle sends him to work at the mysterious Stallery Mansion, twelve-year-old Conrad Tesdinic overcomes his bad karma and discovers in the mansion's winecellar the source of the magic that threatens to pull his world into one of the eleven other parallel universes.
User reviews
LibraryThing member goingmerry
This is probably my favorite Chrestomanci book. I liked Conrad's narration and Christopher became a favorite character quickly. I thought the plot was very interesting. It did get confusing at points but I thought the ending was better than most of Diana's endings. I don't know, I guess I think the
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idea of a story about a valet-to-be is entertaining! Haha. Good work Miss Wynne Jones! Show Less
LibraryThing member LisCarey
This is a new Chrestomanci novel, this time set in a Series Seven world where Christopher Chant has, for various good and sufficient reasons of his own, gone in defiance of his guardian and teacher, Gabriel de Witt.
But this is really the story of Conrad Tesdinic, who has grown up in a bookstore
Conrad, who has his own plans to continue his education and move out, is horrified when his uncle tells him he has bad karma from an important deed left undone in a previous life, and if he doesn't take the opportunity to complete the task immediately in this life, he'll soon die and be forced to start over in his next life. And in order to do this, he has to leave school now, take a job as a servant in Stallery Mansion (home of the local Count), find the person he didn't deal with in the last life, and kill him.
Conrad would almost rather die than leave school and take a job as a servant at the Stallery—but not quite, and he reluctantly boards the tram, armed only with a false name—Conrad Grant—and wine cork and a spell to summon a Walker and get "what he needs" when he's identified the villain and is ready to do the job. Almost the first person he meets, of course, is Christopher Chant, who's looking for his missing and possibly trapped friend Millie, and has also come to take a job at the Stallery in order to look for. From there things get delightfully strange, as Conrad and Christopher attempt to sort out who's who, and who's putting what over on who, and not get caught or killed in the process.
Great fun.
But this is really the story of Conrad Tesdinic, who has grown up in a bookstore
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with an inattentive mother who spends all her time writing; an uncle who generously allows his sister and her family to live with him after her husband sold his share of the bookstore to her brother, gambled away the money, and then killed himself; and a sister who is intent on her own very sensible agenda of completing her education and getting out of the house before her magician-uncle realizes what she's doing and takes steps to keep her there permanently.Conrad, who has his own plans to continue his education and move out, is horrified when his uncle tells him he has bad karma from an important deed left undone in a previous life, and if he doesn't take the opportunity to complete the task immediately in this life, he'll soon die and be forced to start over in his next life. And in order to do this, he has to leave school now, take a job as a servant in Stallery Mansion (home of the local Count), find the person he didn't deal with in the last life, and kill him.
Conrad would almost rather die than leave school and take a job as a servant at the Stallery—but not quite, and he reluctantly boards the tram, armed only with a false name—Conrad Grant—and wine cork and a spell to summon a Walker and get "what he needs" when he's identified the villain and is ready to do the job. Almost the first person he meets, of course, is Christopher Chant, who's looking for his missing and possibly trapped friend Millie, and has also come to take a job at the Stallery in order to look for. From there things get delightfully strange, as Conrad and Christopher attempt to sort out who's who, and who's putting what over on who, and not get caught or killed in the process.
Great fun.
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LibraryThing member phoebesmum
A new Wynne Jones is always good news, and a new Chrestomanci book was decidedly unexpected – although Christopher Chant takes a supporting role in this. Generally delightful, although it suffered from Diana's (I've met her twice, I can call her Diana) habitual tendency to go off at a sudden
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tangent just as the plot seems to be about to be resolved which, although admirable in some ways, does tend to muddy the waters. Show Less
LibraryThing member Ghost_Tomas
Conrad is told that everything bad that happens to him he deserves because he was a rotten person in a past life. He is told that the only way to fix his curse is to go to Stallery Castle and kill the evil person he was supposed to have killed in his past life. At Stallery Castle he meets a strange
The book cumulated in the way that Diana Wynne Jones books often do; everyone of import being in the same room at the same time while dramatically revealing the history to the plot. However it is a quite well written book, and I would definitely read this again. I was able to envision the characters really well; they are well described.
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boy named Christopher who is looking for his enchantress friend Milly. Together they try to find the right people while being servant boys. The book cumulated in the way that Diana Wynne Jones books often do; everyone of import being in the same room at the same time while dramatically revealing the history to the plot. However it is a quite well written book, and I would definitely read this again. I was able to envision the characters really well; they are well described.
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LibraryThing member ed.pendragon
This was the first of the Chrestomanci sequence that I read, and it is testament to its standalone qualities that the story was intelligible without previous familiarity with the others in the series. Like many a traditional fairytale hero Conrad is thrust into a magical adventure where he has to
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balance his innate gifts with the usual resourcefulness required of such a hero. I liked the underlying idea that, while a lot of fantasy is reliant on the fulfillment of predictions, prophecies and "fate", Conrad has to come to terms with whether such a fate is predetermined (because everybody says it is so) or whether he is indeed master of his own fate and therefore able to change the future that has been expected to happen. Show Less
LibraryThing member MyopicBookworm
This was a reasonably enjoyable read, and has several good ideas: I particularly liked the series of overlapping buildings in alternate realities. However, I felt that the resolution of the plot really didn't hang together consistently with the previous behaviour of some of the major characters. No
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doubt many children reading this book would neither notice nor care, but I don't think that's an excuse in a genre such as fantasy with so many adult readers. When the author works so hard (possibly too hard) to construct a self-consistent setting, I think the coherence of plot and characterization deserves at least as much attention. There were also some pretty clunky links to the rest of the series, which jar if (like me) you're reading this book in isolation. (For example, the author laboriously explains the existence of the drably-named "Series" of alternate worlds, but it seems out of place for Conrad either to know about this, or to refer to it in exactly these terms early in the book.) Not her best. MB 2-vii-2007 Show Less
LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Conrad's Fate is...perhaps the least interesting Chrestomanci book, for me. Conrad is such an idiot at times - he's being strong and tricky and figuring out how to get his way, and his uncle has him so neatly wrapped around his finger.... It took me two readings to figure out what the heck was
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going on at the castle, and it's still not really clear. The sidelight on Christopher's youth is mildly interesting, though I thought he and Gabriel had reached an agreement by the end of Lives of Christopher Chant. And like that. Not a favorite. Not bad, and a good addition to the Chrestomanci series, but it doesn't stand on its own very well. Show Less
LibraryThing member pandoragreen
I'm amused at this series being re-released riding on the cloak-tails of Harry Potter, as it were. Then again, it's not that I mind. It's an excellent series which I thoroughly enjoyed as a child, and still do.
LibraryThing member rsbohn
A good book, but not as strong as other Chrestomanci volumes.
LibraryThing member sara_k
Interesting but not riveting. It's just too easy to pick out how and why things are changing. Seeing how the author gets from point to point is sometimes surprising but all too often confirming of the reader's guess.
LibraryThing member WinterFox
It could well be argued that, for me, the Chrestomanci books are the most lasting books I've read. I first encountered them when I was pretty young, probably around 9 or 10, and have read most of them multiple times. When Jones came out with a new one a couple of years ago, I was very excited, and
Thankfully, it didn't disappoint. I don't think I liked it more than Charmed Life or the Lives of Christopher Chant, but it was still a very good book, with a nicely realized world and good characters. I felt that I probably was missing some of the tie-ins from the other books, since I hadn't actually read any of them for a long time, but I think I got most of it, anyway. What I didn't were probably just throwaway references to reward very loyal readers. Maybe I'm not loyal enough.
The story follows Conrad Grant through an appointment at the local nobility's mansion as a valet-in-training, and goes through meeting different of the Chrestomanci series characters and encountering the mysteries of the grounds. Some of it's fairly guessable, but not all of it, and one can be forgiven for guessability in a book aimed at younger audiences. All in all, it's good writing, and twisty without feeling like the author's cheating. I continue to love this author, and I'll have to read more by her again soon.
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I remember reading part of it in the Indigo on Ste. Catharine. But, for some reason or another, I never got around to reading it until now.Thankfully, it didn't disappoint. I don't think I liked it more than Charmed Life or the Lives of Christopher Chant, but it was still a very good book, with a nicely realized world and good characters. I felt that I probably was missing some of the tie-ins from the other books, since I hadn't actually read any of them for a long time, but I think I got most of it, anyway. What I didn't were probably just throwaway references to reward very loyal readers. Maybe I'm not loyal enough.
The story follows Conrad Grant through an appointment at the local nobility's mansion as a valet-in-training, and goes through meeting different of the Chrestomanci series characters and encountering the mysteries of the grounds. Some of it's fairly guessable, but not all of it, and one can be forgiven for guessability in a book aimed at younger audiences. All in all, it's good writing, and twisty without feeling like the author's cheating. I continue to love this author, and I'll have to read more by her again soon.
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LibraryThing member Black_samvara
Didn't get to the end the first time I read this but on the back of all the others it's far more entertaining.
Conrad is convinced he has a Terrible Fate and gets caught up in the young Chrestomanci's schemes.
Conrad is convinced he has a Terrible Fate and gets caught up in the young Chrestomanci's schemes.
LibraryThing member ConanTheLibr
I've read most of Wynne Jones's other Chrestomanci books - they are "kids books" but very well-written and can be enjoyed by open-minded adults as well. Quite a British flavor, clever, quirky. Excellent characterizations.Just finished listening to this. Makes me want to re-read the earlier ones.
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The reader was excellent as well (of course, I can't recall his name just now). Show Less
LibraryThing member salimbol
A solid Wynne Jones book, with her usual resourceful children, neglectful and self-centred parental figures, neat plotting and ever-present sharp humour. Marred only slightly by a too-pat ending, I think.
LibraryThing member Crowyhead
I liked this Chrestomanci book much more than Witch Week! The characters in this one were just so great -- I especially loved Conrad's mother, who is a rather batty and forgetful (although that's not all her fault...) academic who writes feminist texts that no one reads.
LibraryThing member simchaboston
Full of interesting ideas as usual, though the story wasn't quite as well-paced as I'd like. I agree with some of the other reviewers that the ending is a bit pat, and Conrad feels rather passive. Still enjoyable though, mainly because of learning more about Christopher's background and getting to
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see a little of Millie. Show Less
LibraryThing member AltheaAnn
The fifth in the Chrestomanci series sees Diana Wynne Jones in fine form.
It's light, but not too light, charming but not saccharin. It's witty, but also touches on serious topics.
I really despise reviewers who say every single even slightly fantasy-related book should be read by 'fans of Harry
Although it's part of a series, it's also a stand-alone story. Fans will recognize some of the characters as they appear, but a reader isn't required to know their background & history.
As the title implies, this is a story about Conrad, a boy who wants to go to high school, but instead is convinced by an obviously cockamamie story cooked up by his uncle that in order to expiate his karmic sins, he must go into service at the Castle and magically assassinate an unknown person... Luckily (as it turns out) for him, he makes friends with another boy who's applying for the same job - but also has an agenda that involves more than learning the finer points of the serving arts.
As always, in these books, parallel worlds and plenty of magic come into play...
It's light, but not too light, charming but not saccharin. It's witty, but also touches on serious topics.
I really despise reviewers who say every single even slightly fantasy-related book should be read by 'fans of Harry
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Potter,' but I have to say that this series really is one that Potter fans would probably like. Although it's part of a series, it's also a stand-alone story. Fans will recognize some of the characters as they appear, but a reader isn't required to know their background & history.
As the title implies, this is a story about Conrad, a boy who wants to go to high school, but instead is convinced by an obviously cockamamie story cooked up by his uncle that in order to expiate his karmic sins, he must go into service at the Castle and magically assassinate an unknown person... Luckily (as it turns out) for him, he makes friends with another boy who's applying for the same job - but also has an agenda that involves more than learning the finer points of the serving arts.
As always, in these books, parallel worlds and plenty of magic come into play...
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LibraryThing member bunwat
I liked parts of this very much. Don't know if it was just that I was in a mood or if it was the book, but I lost interest in the last couple of chapters and felt bored by the rather ex machina conclusion. Chrestomanci shows up out of nowhere and saves the day, rewards and punishes everyone
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according to their just deserts and sets everyone straight. Yeah, maybe I was just in a mood. Show Less
LibraryThing member wealhtheowwylfing
Book 5 of the Chrestomanci books, and terrific in every conceivable way. Conrad is an endearing character, and the Chrestomanci 'verse is fabulous.
LibraryThing member themulhern
I've read or re-read four of the book in the Chrestomanci series, and three of them have almost the same general plot: a boy or girl is taken advantage of by elders and persuaded that they are mostly powerless. At the conclusion of the book, things change, and the character escapes their bad
This tale is told in the first person, which is also an enjoyable change, and we get to meet the teenage Christopher Chant, which is fun.
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situation and misapprehension about themselves. Jones really had this concept on the brain. Within this overall plot, though, Jones works in a great deal of variety. In many ways, this book was a bit lighter than the others with the same plot. It is set in a stately home and grounds, and I felt convinced that it was a satire on "Downton Abbey", but it was published about five years before the show was broadcast. So, again, Diana Wynne Jones was a bit ahead of a phenomenon, but in the best way.This tale is told in the first person, which is also an enjoyable change, and we get to meet the teenage Christopher Chant, which is fun.
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LibraryThing member cindywho
After listening to Fallen, some DWJ was just the ticket. Conrad's story is on of neglectful family and being a twelve year old ready for adventure despite the dire fate that his uncle warns him of. A young Christopher Chant features prominently, so I got a nice little Chrestomanci fix while I was
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at it. Show Less
LibraryThing member mutantpudding
Currently rereading this series in the authors suggested order. I'm enjoying myself but it does seen strange to be about to follow up this book with one written over 2 decades before it.
LibraryThing member ChrisRiesbeck
A lightweight entry in the Chrestomanci cycle targeted to the younger audience. Though set in an alternative universe in "the English Alps", the action is so local to one town that the implications of that really don't come into play. It doesn't seem relevant to explaining the somewhat odd mix of
Fun.
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old European village with a few modern elements such as cars computers but no phones or television. Christopher Chant (last name not mentioned I think) is present through most of the story, but in his younger pre-Chrestomanci phase. The main character is yet another young boy who believes he has no magical gifts. There's an evil uncle and mysterious goings-on in a large manor / castle, with more playing around with the parallel universe aspect than usual.Fun.
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LibraryThing member SandyAMcPherson
This DWJ story seemed less well executed in terms of retelling a Christopher Chant backstory, especially so long after I had read all the earlier books. The actual plot featuring Conrad had twists that I had trouble making sense of in terms of these previous stories. Since this book wasn't
However, there was lots of amusement ~ the usual chaotic household (and controlling adults), young people sent off on their own to manage somewhat undefined quests, a common DWJ (dare I say) trope?, plus surprising help from unexpected quarters. It's a good if convoluted backstory.
If you've ever read about Diana's upbringing (which comes out in several different tales, like Time of the Ghost and Eight Days of Luke, as well as her memoir (Reflections: On the Magic of Writing), it will be obvious why she creates characters in such dire family circumstances.
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available until long after I had read her Chrestomanci and other novels in the 1970's and early 1980's, It was difficult to feel very connected to a 2005 publication.However, there was lots of amusement ~ the usual chaotic household (and controlling adults), young people sent off on their own to manage somewhat undefined quests, a common DWJ (dare I say) trope?, plus surprising help from unexpected quarters. It's a good if convoluted backstory.
If you've ever read about Diana's upbringing (which comes out in several different tales, like Time of the Ghost and Eight Days of Luke, as well as her memoir (Reflections: On the Magic of Writing), it will be obvious why she creates characters in such dire family circumstances.
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LibraryThing member caedocyon
Reread, obviously. Every time I revisit this book I like it more. The details of life as a servant in a Victorian-ish House---the weird rules, the behind-the-scenes personalities and occasional mayhem---are one of the highlights. My only complaint is that the exposition is a bit thick at the end,
Also, every time I reread the theme of Conrad's family dynamics comes out more strongly. He goes through some hard realizations. I didn't notice before that Christopher supports him at one point after he talks to his mother, saying "I went through something very similar once." He did, didn't he? I also love Anthea so much, even though she amounts to being a minor character, and I feel for her when she apologizes for not taking Conrad away with her. (Conrad doesn't understand why at that moment, but the reader does.)
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but it was a lot to wrap up.Also, every time I reread the theme of Conrad's family dynamics comes out more strongly. He goes through some hard realizations. I didn't notice before that Christopher supports him at one point after he talks to his mother, saying "I went through something very similar once." He did, didn't he? I also love Anthea so much, even though she amounts to being a minor character, and I feel for her when she apologizes for not taking Conrad away with her. (Conrad doesn't understand why at that moment, but the reader does.)
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Subjects
Awards
Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing (Nominee — 2006)
Language
Original publication date
2005-04-12