Aileen 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 thatโand 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 Howl's Moving Castle 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 The Horn Book.
In a career spanning four decades, award-winning author Diana Wynne Jones (1934โ2011) wrote more than forty books of fantasy for young readers. Characterized by magic, multiple universes, witches and wizardsโand a charismatic nine-lived enchanterโher 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 Boston GlobeโHorn Book Award Honors and the British Fantasy Societyโs Karl Edward Wagner Award for having made a significant impact on fantasy. Acclaimed director and animator Hayao Miyazaki adapted Howlโs Moving Castle into a major motion picture, which was nominated for an Academy Award.
Ursula Jones is an actress, childrenโs author, and playwright. She has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Unicorn Theatre for Children. Her books include The Youngsters and The Lost King. She lives in London.