This book has the first two stories in the Chrestomanci series. The first is called "Charmed Life" and the second "The lives of Christopher Chant". Chrestomanci is an enchanter who supervises the use of magic and so is more powerful than most magic people. Chrestomanci also has the job of looking for his/her successor. The first story takes us through the lives of Eric Chant and his witch sister (quite literally) who is called Gwendolen. Full of magic and some interesting twists, it's a great treat to read and I give it 4 stars. Then comes along the second story, which happens at least 25 years before the first and follows the life of Christopher Chant who is the Chrestomanci of the first story. This story is amazing! It's full of adventures, people from different worlds and gives us a lesson on true friendship - not to mention weird cats. The whole book gets 5 stars because the second story is really compelling. I had to make myself stop reading it so that it could last a little longer. Diana Wynne Jones always at her best.