Rating: 
Summary: A GREAT BOOK!
Review: I don't think there's a children's author living today that has as great a grasp on twist endings as Ms. Diana Wynne Jones. Jones has the dubious honor of being my current favorite fantasy writer for children and teens (aside from J.K. Rowling, I suppose). Her collected stories contain more whimsy and wit in a single paragraph than 98% of the adult books on the market today, let alone those for the kiddies. "Charmed Life" is the first in the collected Chrestomanci novel series. A witty tale of a brother and is magical sister, the book is pure Jones and as fresh as if it was written yesterday.
Cat and his sister Gwendolen were the only survivors of the fatal boat crash that drowned both their parents and a host of innocent civilians. Now on their own, Gwendolen is turning out to be an incredibly competent young witch. Cat, for his part, isn't magical in the least and is perfectly content to stick by Gwendolen at all times. When a mysterious relative by the name of Chrestomanci comes to take the two to his home, Gwendolen (spoiled with a nasty sense of entitlement) thinks she's about to be realized as the genius sorceress she truly is. She's in for a nasty surprise as Chrestomanci and his large extended family treat her as normally as possible. When Gwendolen's pranks for attention go too far, Cat finds that her schemes might well upset the balance of magic in the world. Worse, she may not be the beloved sister he really needs.
This story has all sorts of tiny magical details and sly spots throughout it. In many ways it's a book more similar to Harry Potter than most. Of course, "Charmed Life" originally was published in 1977 so there's little question of who may have influenced whom. The characters are, of course, great. Jones has always excelled at writing truly awful children. Real remarkably spoiled brats. Gwendolen is a perfect example of this. She's stuck-up, cruel, and not a very good sister. Cat, for his part, is completely passive. He lets Gwendolen do whatever she wants whenever she wants it, and even goes so far as to miss her when she unexpectedly disappears halfway through the book. Chrestomanci himself is a huge departure from the stereotypical wise wizard. He has a very nice wife and two slightly overweight (but likable once you get to know them) children. He's a spiffy dresser and not particularly old. I doubt that there are many like him in the fantasy wizard world.
If there's a flaw with the book, it's that the reader has a hard time suspending disbelief at times. Once Cat finds himself in terrible trouble, he refuses to consult with Chrestomanci. The reasons for this are weak and somewhat confusing. Also, Chrestomanci himself is also prone to not explaining himself. He has a particularly weak reason for this as he explains at the end of the novel, making many of the plot points somewhat hard to believe at times.
Otherwise, the book's a pip. If you've already discovered Diana Wynne Jones, this one should certainly not disappoint. If you've never encountered her before, this is an excellent place to start. It's witty and well-written and full of particularly enjoyable characters and situations. There's enough imagination in this puppy to tide you over for quite some time. A true Jones creation.
Rating:
Summary: One of my all time favorites!
Review: I first read Charmed Life many years ago (I was probably about 8). I have no idea where I got it, but I got this and "A Tale of Time City" at around the same time, and devoured them both. Since then I have read many of her books, finding them when I can, rereading them, lending them and borrowing them. Though I've loved them all (some of my favorites being "The Power of Three", "A Tale of Time City" and "The Lives of Christopher Chant") the only one I still have in my hands now, 8 years later, is this one (guess I never trusted anyone enough to lend it to them). I love it more and more each time I read it, and I love Cat more and more as well. I've read novels with more complicated plots, and larger words, but nothing pulled off as well as her books are... If only she had more (and all of my copies hadn't dissapeared!) Oh well - guess I have to read "Charmed Life" again... Shucks :)
Rating:
Summary: An extrodinary tale, fringed with excitment, and curiosity
Review: I first read this book 5 years ago, and since then i have read it over and over again. The story is fasinating and draws you in leaving you with the urge to continue. Diana is a wonderful story teller and deserves all the praise she gets. I am currently reading some of her other novels wich i encourage you to do,(novels like "Witch Week" and "Howls moving Castle") if you like Charmed life, because they are also filled with amusment that will keep you reading for hours.
Rating: 
Summary: Fun story of wizardry and childhood.
Review: I got hold of this book to do a side-by-side reading comparison with the faddish Harry Potter books, and found this to be by far the more compelling story. Although not without a few frustrations, the story of magicless Cat and his ruthless, self-aggrandizing older sister is a wonderful tale on many levels. The frustrating part is why poor Cat should be so loyal to his rotten sibling!The characters are delightful, the humor is lighthearted and down-to-earth, the magic is entertaining, and the story itself is the perfect fantasy: the day to day battles of an ordinary kid set in a world that is thoroughly extraordinary. We can all identify with poor Cat, and struggle with him as the more he tries to get out of hot water, the hotter it gets. Plus, you have to feel bad for a poor gingerbread man whose maker's magic was too weak to enable him to do anything more than feebly wave his arms. What good is eating a gingerbread man without a good chase first?
Rating: 
Summary: OKay
Review: I guess I should be more "lenient" with this book. It is a kids' book afterall. But having read her newer book, dark lord of derkholm, this book was a major disappointment. Dark lord was the first diana w. jones book i've ever read and i liked it so much i went to the library to pick out more of her books. How old were cat and gwen anyway? was it ever mentioned or did i miss it? and I didn't like the fact that diana let the evil Gwen get away so easily. Do evil and get away with it. She became a queen too, in her own world! I borrowed two other DWJ books, let's hope they are much better than this one.
Rating:
Summary: One-of-a-kind
Review: I have read almost every one of Diana Wynne Jones' books since I was in Form 1, which would translate to Grade 7 in some countries. To date, I still believe that this is her best work because not only is the plot highly involving, but the timing and pacing of the novel is such that the reader is carried along effortlessly right to the very end. Its constantly surprising quality is how normal the fantastic appears to be. Her magical realism has a flavour that is all her own: a sensible mix of sorcery and teatime. Without a doubt, this book is a definite 'read'.
Rating:
Summary: A delightful, creative adventure.
Review: I keep going back to this book. She creates a multi universe and makes it seem absolutely believable. The characters are multidimensional also and the lead character is likable in his innocence.
Rating:
Summary: The Best One!
Review: I love all the Chrestomanci books, but this one was the best!!!! The detail of the characters are amazing! Cat's personality is really funny, I even kinda like Gwendolyn. If you haven't read this series yet, you should probably start with The Lives Of Christopher Chant, to learn the history of Chrestomanci. If you have already read all the other books, then do me a favor and read this one!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Charming
Review: I loved this book! Ok, I was looking for a Harry Potter fix, but this book (and others by Diana Wynne Jones) are charming in their own right. How could I have missed these books when they were first published! These are very funny, very sly books.
Rating:
Summary: Golden memory...
Review: I nicked this book from a friend in 6th grade. I read it eight times that semester. Cathy was ever so cross when I finally gave it back, and refused to ever lend it to me again. Its an awesome book. I was mesmerised by the story. Eric and Gwen are just plain cool concepts. Oh yeah, and in THIS world, left-handed people are COOL. I LOVE this story. I like it MUCH better than Witch Week.
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