Conrad's Fate

The Worlds of Chrestomanci

By: Diana Wynne Jones

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Conrad's Fate is part of the clever and humorous Chrestomanci series. Twelve-year-old Conrad Tesdinic is in disguise as a servant-in-training at Stallery Mansion in the town of Stallchester. He wants to figure out what evil he caused in a past life. He and his friend Christopher Chant are trying to repair Conrad's very bad karma and to discover what mysterious entity is haunting the town.

©2005 Diana Wynne Jones (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

Magical

I found this series after listening to the Howls Moving Castle series and loving it. Diana Wynne Jones was truly an enchantress with words as this series has me completely hooked. I'm 26 and I love them.

I have read this a hundred times

well written and performed. I read this over again when I am sick or can't sleep because it is relaxing.

A good read

Not her best in the series but definitely worth reading. The series consists of 4 books based in the same univers....sort of. It isn't necessary to read them in order to enjoy them although reading "A Charmed Life" will help you understand this book a bit better. I would recommend this book for both young adults and adults.

One of the better Crestomanci books

The main character, Conrad, was rather likable. I really felt for him several times throughout the narrative. Chris was more likable than some of the other Crestomanci books, perhaps because Conrad had a very realistic view of him.

The narrator is good, if not very memorable.

The ending is a little convoluted. I found myself having to listen to it twice while trying to unravel the complicated exposition that is dumped on the listener near the end. This seems to be an ongoing problem with many of Dianne Wynne Jones' works.

A clever, magical coming-of-age story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Unreservedly yes! The books stands alone (though readers of other books from the Chrestomanci series, particularly The Lives of Christopher Chant, will appreciate the recurring characters), and I would recommend it to anyone with a taste for YA, or for fantasy in general. It's a well-written book, with good language, vivid characters I'd love to befriend, and a plot that comes together perfectly in a final, surprising - and funny - group confrontation.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Conrad's Fate?

The end, certainly, where all the different threads and characters finally come together in one place. Conrad's adventures with Christopher, however, were also both fun and memorable.

Which character – as performed by Gerard Doyle – was your favorite?

Conrad himself: he's an endearing character, and a believably 12-year old boy. Doyle's characterizations of some of the secondary characters, such as Mr. Amos and Mr. Prendergast, the butlers, were also excellent.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely.

Any additional comments?

Recommended unreservedly: an excellent book that has received the audio treatment it merits.

Enchanting performance.

Read the original novel years ago and decided to give the audiobook a spin. I thought the narrator did a fantastic job or capturing the delightful spirit of Jone’s characters and world. Highly recommend.

it was a terrific story

loved it, good narrator, the finish was okay but this story was amazing loved it.

loved it

all the books from this author are great. my daughters love this entire series. my youngest told me to download and listen as i drive and she was right about me loving this series. i enjoyed this book very much. i laughed and kept entertained as the miles went by.

Loved it!

I have listened to this book about ten times, and it still never gets old.

loved it

big fan of dianna wynne jones. this book was narrated amazingly and i always love the shocking reveals at the end.