A Sudden Wild Magic

Diana Wynne Jones (author)

Avon Books, UK: 1992; 380pp

ISBN: 0575601973

Genres: adventure, fantasy, science fiction

Issues: change, friendship, identity, personal development, relationships

The witches and warlocks of Earth have becomes suspicious. Something - or someone - is using great power to observe and manipulate their magical workings.

When they finally realise the extent to which they are being used, the Ring - the inner circle of those with power on Earth - decides that drastic measures are required. Retribution must be taken. The interference must be stopped, before the land itself is damaged beyond recovery.

The mages of Arth, the pirate universe, are astonished, therefore, when a busload of very beautiful, highly intelligent and exceptionally powerful women are suddenly thrust into their all-male, extremely conservative, monastic existence. Not only do they challenge the mages' vows of celibacy, but they begin a subtle campaign of sensory corruption - starting in the kitchen, working through dance and culminating in a little kamikaze sex.

Diana Wynne Jones has produced yet another very funny, skilfully crafted novel packed with bizarre magic and a huge range of quirky characters. Highly imaginative and detailed settings enrich the writing, providing readers with a fascinating web of storylines, relationships and moments of mischief and madness that will keep the pages turning.

Great fun and very readable.