I finally got to watch Howl's Moving Castle, which was wonderful, through admittedly not as wonderful as Spirited Away, which was so well put-together. But I have yet to see the English-dubbed version, and I quiver with anticipation of hearing Christian Bale throw a tantrum. *g*

Then, naturally, I had to read the book. I popped over to the nearest bookstore, and though the cover featured Howl looking decidedly Gilderoy Lockhart-ish, I got it and read it. As warned, the original material is very different from the movie, and I found myself pleasantly surprised and unexpectedly liking the book more.

( My spoilerific blathering. )

Then, after finishing the book, I flipped to the back page and AHA there is a (sort of) sequel! Castle in the Air is the title, and it had to be mine.

A quick stop at the bookshop last Sunday and it did become mine. It has a nicer cover for one, although again I think that the design for the main character is so very off the mark. I've been reading it to and from work for the past two days and I'm now about three quarters through (I might finish it before I reach home later) and I have to say I disagree with the amazon reviewers who say that Castle in the Air is boring because the Howl’s Moving Castle characters barely make an appearance. I think the story stands on its own pretty well… though that may be because I’ve been spoiled for the ‘twist’ ending. >:)