Warlock at the Wheel and Other Stories

by Diana Wynne Jones

A collection of humorous and light-hearted stories in which children achieve justice for themselves and others, often using the power of magic.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Childrens, Fiction, Young Adult, Magic, Middle Grade

156 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Diana Wynne Jones was a celebrated British writer best known for her inventive and influential works of fantasy for children and young adults. Her stories often combined magical worlds with science fiction elements, parallel universes, and a sharp sense of humor. Among her most beloved books are Howl's Moving Castle, the Chrestomanci series, The Dalemark Quartet, Dark Lord of Derkholm, and the satirical The Tough Guide to Fantasyland. Her work gained renewed attention and readership with the popularity of the Harry Potter series, to which her books have frequently been compared.

Admired by authors such as Neil Gaiman, Philip Pullman, and J.K. Rowling, Jones was a major influence on the landscape of modern fantasy. She received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, two Mythopoeic Awards, the Karl Edward Wagner Award, and the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement. In 2004, Howl's Moving Castle was adapted into an acclaimed animated film by Hayao Miyazaki, further expanding her global audience.

Jones studied at Oxford, where she attended lectures by both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. She began writing professionally in the 1960s and remained active until her death in 2011. Her final novel, The Islands of Chaldea, was completed posthumously by her sister Ursula Jones.

Reviews

[Sarah Monty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single one of the stories in this book, but "No One" and "Dragon Reserve, Home Eight" hold a special place in my heart.

[Caroline Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just 8 stories. Even the Chrestomanci one was only so so. It's so sad that Ms Wynne Jones passed away & there's no new books to look forward to. But there's a splattering of her magic in a few of these, though a couple are a bit rubbish. Especially the one about the stick.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing - different - interesting snapshots of places, ideas and the infinite realms of imagination!
Loved each of these stories and will be thinking about the various worlds and plots for a long time to come.

[Kamyar Jumabhoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only read Warlock at the Wheel

[Miss Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Plague of Peacocks and No One were the only 2 I liked.
The others were ok but did not engage my interest.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from my new library. Some of the stories are better than others and some are dated. I was super excited to read "The Sage of Theare" because it's a Chrestomanci I haven't read before. My favorite was "Dragon Reserve, Home Eight" which I think I have read before. I love the complete universe DWJ created for one short story.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Jones is a fantastic author. Great fun with fantasy. This short story collection is silly and nice but if you're thinking of trying out Jones, absolutely start with something else. This isn't the book to hook you.

[Diana Sandberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short stories. I’ve never really got the hang of the why of short stories, but these are fun in their way. I like the humour of the title story, and the last one, “The Sage of Dissolution” is rather good.

[James Oden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a perfect little bundle of delightful and fanciful diversions with which to pass a lazy day. Each story has a little twist that takes you from the everyday to the fantastic, and yet all told in a very understated tone. A good read indeed.

[Care · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Warlock at the Wheel" is collected within Mixed Magics by Diana Wynne Jones. It features the Warlock from Chrestomanci's home world and minor character in Charmed Life. He's the one who is a tutor to Gwendolyn and helps her try to mess things up. Very cute and farcically loveable.

[Wealhtheow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great fun and a wonderful companion to her Chrestomanci series.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some overlap with the other short story collections (notably "Unexpected Magic"), but the stories are fun.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like her sense of humor!

[MB (What she read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comfort re-read 4/11/11.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some really good stories in here.

[Jenny Burridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but childish

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Diana's best work. I'm also pretty sure I've read at least two of these stories before. Perhaps the entire book?