Charmed Life

Cat doesn't mind living in the shadow of his sister, Gwendolen, the most promising young witch ever seen on Coven Street. But trouble starts brewing the moment the two orphans are summoned to live in Chrestomanci Castle. Ever since they survived the river accident, he has happily left magic to her, quite content with his fiddle. Whisked into a grand world of cedar lawns, Cat is delighted, but Gwendolen expects to dazzle everyone in sight.

Her hopes fade under a tutor who firmly outlaws magic. Insulted by ordinary school sums, Gwendolen vows to teach the household a sharp lesson, especially when the castle's mysterious enchanter treats her rages as childish squabbles.

Frustrated that the witches of the castle refuse to acknowledge her talents, Gwendolen conjures up a scheme that could throw whole worlds out of whack. Determined to make the enchanter take notice, she unleashes a reckless campaign of spiteful mischief across the grounds.

• Sibling Dynamics: Cat shares his bread and marmalade with rival cousins and remains loyal to his sister even as her demands grow outrageous.
• Unlikely Hero: Punished at school for writing left-handed and baffled by dinner debates over Italian art, Cat struggles to find his footing in a fortress brimming with high magic.
• Found Family: An enchanter in dazzling silk dressing gowns, a tutor nursing a baby dragon in his workshop, and a stately housekeeper in purple welcome the orphans into an eccentric household.
• Also by This Author: Aunt Maria, Cart and Cwidder and The Crown of Dalemark.