Power of Three

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Powerful "Three" - Rated
Diana Wynne-Jones's books are enjoying a much-deserved resurgence, thanks to the renewed interest in well-written juvenile fantasy. One of the latest reprinted novels is "Power of Three," a unique story about three very unusual siblings, and the Moor that is under attack.

The leader of the mound of Garholt has three children. Eldest Ayna has the Sight, and youngest Ceri has the Gift of Finding AND the Gift of Thought. The middle child, Gair, considers himself extremely ordinary, and tries to become wise and skilled to make up for his lack of extraordinary gifts. Gair isn't as ordinary as he had thought, but his secret talents lie hidden until a disaster falls.

Long ago, their uncle Orban killed a Dorig (a water-dwelling reptilian creature) for its golden collar, and the Dorig's brother laid a curse on everyone. Now the Dorig invade the mound when the chief is out on a hunt and the three kids manage to escape, taking refuge with the Giants (who are apparently ordinary human beings). They learn that they're running out of time -- the Moor will soon be turned into a lake, driving out the Giants and killing the Moung People and Dorig, unless they find a way to stop it.

"Power of Three" is in some ways a much darker book than many of Jones' others. There are more complex issues about morality and ethics. Not to mention the enviroment, and the question of what makes a person special. (Even before Gair's gift surfaces, he's considered special for his hunger for knowledge) There's murder, trickery, there are battles (not magical ones either), hostage situations and curses that affect entire populations.

Jones gives the Mound People a semi-Celtic flair; the story about how the kids' dad had to win their mom is reminiscent of old Irish legends. The shapeshifting, water-dwelling Dorig are suitably mysterious and alien. Jones fills her story with atmospheric wildlands, cozy British houses and plenty of vivid descriptions.

Gair is clearly the center of this book. He's a likable kid, quiet when his rotten cousin isn't taunting him, and more thoughtful than his siblings. Ayna and Ceri are also well-done. The biggest problem is probably Gerald and Brenda. While Jones does a passable job with these two, it takes awhile to warm up to them because we don't get a lot of insight into their thoughts.

"Power of Three" is a fast-paced, well-written fantasy adventure, full of strange and mysterious creatures (and a few who are all too familiar). Like just about all of Jones' works, a treat.

Celtic Mythology for kids, with a humourous twist - Rated
What a pure unadulterated pleasure to be re-reading The Power of Three. Last time I read it I was just eight - Thirty years later and I'm still just as impressed. Three Children borne by a wise-woman of the 'faerie' race (who consider themselves to be people) show rare gifts; not just of Magic, but of making peace and finding common ground with traditional racial enemies - what a shame that the lessons they learned can't be put to use in the World today! The novel is well written, with a thread of wry humour throughout which will please adults and children alike. I have Nephews and Nieces, and I will certainly be presenting them with this story when they are old enough to follow it, along with other childrens' classics such as the Chronicles of Narnia.

Just superb - Rated
Now that I'm all growed up, I still remember what it was first like to read "Power of Three" (and Charmed Life) all those moons ago. It was just superb. The story is wonderful, and we can all identify with Gair who thinks he is ordinary and goes off to watch Giants and Dorig largely because he shouldn't.

I enjoyed the book so much, in fact, that I took a certain childish delight in living near Otmoor in Oxfordshire (where the book is set) for a few years. Never saw anyone, mind.

But enough of that - what are you doing reading this, just go buy the book!

Brilliant! - Rated
I loved this book so much i read it twice in a row. the different powers make it really fun. the three kids live with their mother and father who is the head of his clan or tribe or whatever you want to call it, but when he proudly refuses to listen to his sons warning not to leave his people alone, danger falls onto the clan and there is no-one but the eldest boy who thinks he couldn't be more normal and uncapable and his brother and sister, two giants and two dorig (you'll have to read it and see what they are) , to help them. you really should try it.

Adventure, mystery, rivalry, morality: the power of DWJ - Rated
This is another fantastic read from Diana Wynne Jones. The story focuses on the tension and rivalries between the tiny bee-farming Lymen, mysterious water-living Dorig and strangely familiar 'Giants'. It's a very character-driven story, with all Diana's usual sense of 'otherlyness' and wonder. Rather than the rip-roaring 'magic at every turn' style of the Chrestomanci series it echos more the thought-provoking and compelling atmosphere you find in Homeward Bounders. You get mystery and plot by the bucket, combined with subtle interwoven themes relating to relationships and morality... as magical as Harry Potter, but more intelligent, inventive and educational and with a uniqueness that you can never forget. I LOVED this age 11, and I still love it now age 30.