Chrestomanci Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Chrestomanci

If you are exploring the Twelve Related Worlds for the first time, we recommend starting with Charmed Life. Although it is the third novel in internal chronological order, it serves as the perfect introduction to the rules of the multiverse, the role of the Chrestomanci, and the charm of Diana Wynne Jones's writing. Starting with the prequel, The Lives of Christopher Chant, is also a viable option, but discovering Christopher's childhood after seeing him as an adult in Charmed Life makes for a much more rewarding reading experience.

Publication Order of Chrestomanci Books

Reading the series in publication order lets you see the world-building grow naturally over three decades. Here is the order of release:

1. Charmed Life (1977)
2. The Magicians of Caprona (1980)
3. Witch Week (1982)
4. The Lives of Christopher Chant (1988)
5. Mixed Magics: Four Tales of Chrestomanci (2000) — A companion collection of four short stories.
6. Conrad's Fate (2005)
7. The Pinhoe Egg (2006)

Chronological Reading Order

For readers who want to follow the timeline of the universe and watch Christopher Chant grow from a child to the head enchanter, you can follow this internal chronological order. We have integrated the short stories from Mixed Magics where they fit best:

1. The Lives of Christopher Chant (1988) — A prequel exploring Christopher's childhood and his realization that he has nine lives.
2. Conrad's Fate (2005) — Set during Christopher's teenage years as he goes undercover at a castle to fix a magical rip in the universe.
3. Charmed Life (1977) — An adult Christopher takes in orphans Cat and Gwendolen Chant at Chrestomanci Castle.
4. "Warlock at the Wheel" (from Mixed Magics) — Follows a minor warlock shortly after the events of Charmed Life.
5. The Magicians of Caprona (1980) — Christopher travels to an Italian city-state to help resolve a bitter family feud.
6. "Stealer of Souls" (from Mixed Magics) — Features a crossover of characters from both Charmed Life and The Magicians of Caprona.
7. "Carol Oneir's Hundredth Dream" (from Mixed Magics) — A story about a young girl who loses her dream-weaving magic.
8. The Pinhoe Egg (2006) — Back at Chrestomanci Castle, Cat Chant discovers a mysterious egg and deals with local witch clans.
9. "The Sage of Theare" (from Mixed Magics) — A tale of a boy destined to bring chaos to a world of gods; its timeline placement is highly flexible.
10. Witch Week (1982) — Set in an alternative timeline where magic is strictly forbidden and punishable by burning. Chrestomanci arrives to restore order.

Key Reading Caveats

Because the Chrestomanci stories are largely self-contained adventures, you do not need to worry too much about spoilers between them. Witch Week, for instance, takes place in a completely different world (World 12B) and can be enjoyed at any point. The short stories in Mixed Magics are delightful additions but are not required reading to follow the primary novels.