Castle in the Air (novel)

Castle in the Air is a fantasy novel written by Diana Wynne Jones, published in 1990. It is the sequel to her acclaimed novel Howl's Moving Castle, although it features a largely independent storyline and set of characters, only loosely connected to the original book.

The story follows Abdullah, a young and unambitious carpet merchant living in the fictional city of Zanzib. His life is forever altered when he purchases a magical flying carpet. He dreams of a beautiful princess and is then abducted by djinn and propelled into a series of fantastical adventures across various lands.

Abdullah's journey involves encounters with genies, ifrits, robbers, soldiers, and a particularly charming soldier named Sophie, who bears a striking resemblance to the princess from his dreams. He gradually sheds his passive nature and develops courage and resourcefulness as he navigates the dangers he faces, all while trying to unravel the mysteries of his destiny and the flying carpet.

While Castle in the Air features cameo appearances from characters from Howl's Moving Castle, such as Howl, Sophie, and Calcifer, it functions as a standalone story with its own unique magical system and cultural influences drawn from tales of the Arabian Nights. The novel explores themes of identity, destiny, courage, and the power of dreams. Its lighthearted tone and adventurous plot make it a popular work within Diana Wynne Jones's extensive bibliography.