There are a lot of fantasy authors out there who don’t get nearly the attention they deserve. That’s why, today, I wanted to point the spotlight on one of my personal childhood favorites: Diana Wynne Jones.
Before there was Rowling, Gaiman, or Meyers (and before some fantasy authors were rock stars), there was Jones. An amazing writer and human being. Sadly, her light went out in 2011, but still shines on in these and many, many other volumes:
Power of Three. Two–maybe three–kids with magical powers. A terrible curse that threatens all three of their communities. There are so many deftly interwoven layers to this book that I can’t adequately describe them here. Suffice to say, most come in threes 
The Magicians of Caprona. [SPOILER ALERT!] Sung spells. How cool is that? Magic and music had always been intertwined in my head, but this was the first time I saw them that way on paper. Of course, there’s more to the book than just a capella enchantments, but all of it’s fantastic!
Howl’s Moving Castle and sequel, House of Many Ways. I fully confess to seeing Howl’s movie (Christian Bale does his voice!) before reading the book. However, the book does NOT disappoint. A haughty magician, wacky fire demon, and magicked girl trying to save them as well as herself. Plus, I love the way the author gives her characters such realistic personality flaws. Add a little romance, humor, and death-defying intrigue, and I’m hooked. Note: the sequel is VERY different, plot-wise, from the first novel. However, it is just as delightful.
Want more of Jones?
Jones completed dozens of works, so be sure to check out her official author website. She did mostly MG and YA, but almost everything she wrote can be enjoyed by adults as well.
Are you a big a fan of the fantasy author Jones as I am? (she also did sci-fi!) If so, what is your favorite book by her? What other fantasy writers do you feel should be more widely read? Tell me in the comments!