The Islands of Chaldea by Diana Wynne Jones (review)

Aileen is sure that she is the misfit in her family, not quite living up to the expectations or abilities of the other magically talented folks who have preceded her. Nevertheless, when conscripted to go along on a quest to remove a supernatural barrier that has divided the land for years, Aileen knows that even if she won’t be much help, off she must go. Of course, there is much more magical potential brewing beneath her surface than she would have believed, and an epic journey peopled with a motley crew of representatives from each of the primary lands is an ideal situation for her to explore who she can become. This warm, exciting novel was begun by Diana Wynne Jones and expertly completed by her sister, Ursula, after Diana’s death in 2011. The setting is perfection—this beautiful and intricate world is revealed through Aileen’s knowing take, and her narration offers wry insight into how this world has been shaped (for good and ill) by magic and misconceptions about how everyone else might be using it. It is fitting that the details of such a strong, elegant fantasy will linger with readers, as this is exactly what Wynne Jones fans would seek as a poignant goodbye to a beloved author.