If Breath of the Wild were a book written by a British novelist in the 1980s, it might look something like Howl’s Moving Castle. There’s a vast, magical landscape. A mysterious wizard with a dark reputation. A quest that’s not quite what it seems. And a heroine who’s far more capable than anyone (including herself) believes.
Sophie Hatter has been cursed by the Witch of the Waste and transformed into an old woman. She takes refuge in the moving castle of the wizard Howl — a vain, dramatic, brilliant man who may or may not be evil. What follows is one of the most inventive and warmly funny fantasy novels ever written.
For parents: Diana Wynne Jones is one of the all-time great children’s fantasy writers. This book rewards rereading, teaches that appearances deceive, and features a heroine who solves problems through determination and cleverness rather than violence.
For kids and teens: You know how Zelda games are full of weird, charming NPCs and magical systems that don’t quite make sense but feel right? This book is like that, in novel form. Also, there’s a sentient fire demon named Calcifer who’s the best character in all of fantasy.
