The Game

by: Diana Wynne Jones

Published by: Firebird (Penguin)

Reviewed by Kathy Perschmann

It is hard to imagine a more creative or prolific author of young adult books. Diane Wynne Jones is the author of the Dalemark Quartet, The Chrestomanci Books, and about 40 others. This novella—longer than a short story, shorter than a novel—is part of Penguin’s Firebird series.

Orphaned Hayley is thrust from the only home she knew, living with her grandparents on the outskirts of London. She is thrown into a maelstrom of activity with aunts and cousins she never knew she had in a large castle in Ireland. Her life in London was very lonely, with her only companions various maids and servants. Her strict grandmother thrust her out when she became angry with Hayley’s “imagination,” calling cousin Mercer to come and take her away.

Hayley discovers her many cousins also have vivid imaginations, and play a game where they travel the strands of the mythosphere on various quests. Hayley had first seen the mythosphere in her kindly but distracted grandfather’s study. She accidentally runs into her father on one of her quests, in addition to Flute and Fiddle, two street musician acquaintances from her lonely London days. The villain of the story is angry Uncle Jolyon, wealthy and powerful, and responsible for making Hayley an orphan, due to a prophecy.

Will Uncle Jolyon track down the errant Hayley? Will Troy and Harmony, two cousins who try to save her, succeed? And who on earth are Flute and Fiddle?

Armchair Interviews says: This fascinating fantasy will engage young readers immediately with its vivid images and appealing heroine.

Author’s Web site: http://www.leemac.freeserve.co.uk