Archer's Goon

This has been one of my favorite books since elementary school. Dianna Wynne Jones always shows a lot of imagination. I’d say this is a good book for boys and girls ages 10-12 and has a marvelous plot twist. Well worth the read even as an adult re-reading for the umpteenth time.

I suspect this book was written by Quentin, the father of the protagonist, Howard, because it would be just like him to dash off this preposterous and often entertaining story in one high-speed binge of twists.It’s basically a book about family, and about siblings especially, and also a book about how the improbable and the impossible permeate our lives in a most annoying way. And it’s also a fantasy about being a person of singular powers.

Archer’s Goon started out a little slow and confusing, but it came together pretty good. I rather liked the finale. It was not my favorite Diana Wynn Jones book, but worth reading.

This was the first DWJ book I ever read, based on a rave review in either Analog or F&SF. Of course, I was hooked and bought every DWJ book I could find. I even found a copy of "Changeover" somewhere. Archer's Goon reads as well now as it ever did. One of the very few books I've ever given five stars.

I know this is supposed to be a story for school age kids, but I enjoyed it greatly. The characters are well developed and the plot line is full and complex, with enough good guys and bad guys and bad guys who are really good guys, to keep you on your toes. I wish there was a way to have a sequel to the story, but she seems to have wrapped it up pretty well.So I guess it's on to the next series. Thankyou Diana for all you work on our behalf.

Diana Wynne Jones is my favorite author so my review is probably very biased. I loved this book, and I thought it was interesting how I recognized elements from her other stories in this one as well. Her writing style, as always, is part of why I enjoy this author greatly. She has a dry sense of humor and yet her writing keeps one guessing about where the story is going. Unfortunately (spoiler) there are a few of her stories where, if you've read them, will allow you to guess where this story is going a bit before you get there. However, if you're new to her work you probably will not see what's coming. If you like this story, then I suggest you read "Hexwood" or the Chrestomanci series, also by Diana Wynne Jones.

I first read this in 1988. I took this book and 2 others (one was the Warrior's Apprentice by Lois M. Bujold) on a camping trip and my two companions and I read this several times over. Over the years I have searched for more of Ms. Jones' books and could only find a few in the children's section. Her books defy an age classification. I re-read this and the others over and over and discover something new. There are many twists and turns and never gets boring. Thanks to Kindle for providing access to these books.

Diana Wynne Jones has been my favorite author for many years - way before Harry Potter took the stage. I can always depend on her to give my mind and imagination the 'comfort food' of highly imaginative plots combined with the keen human observations and emotional truths of her central character. I've just re-read Archer's Goon and enjoyed it as much as the inquisitive person I am now as I did when I read it as a different inquisitive person many years ago.

This is a brilliant book. I have read it again and again since buying it after reading it as a teenager years ago. My teenage son and 10-year-old enjoyed it a lot, too. The characters are really well-crafted. The little girl, Awful, in particular, is the kind of creation who would hold her own alongside Little My and Dido Twite. The story flies off on unexpected lines, and the people in the book do things that you don't think they are going to do. It's fun and a great story.The only thing to watch out for is that the particular paperback edition pictured seems to fall to pieces.

As always with Dwj, this story has a deft sense of humour, a gripping storyline, an internal logic that makes sense, and something to say about family dynamics which is gradually unveiled through the book. And of course a strong sense of good and evil and how one can sometimes look very similar to the other..As such it is almost as fun reading it for what must be at least the 10th time, as it is for my 8-year-old to read it for the first time.

I first read this when I was twelve or so. Read it again a few times since. A masterpiece from a woman at the height of her powers. I mean, I feel slightly sorry for Fifi but other than that it is simply excellent.

I have read this a million times and every time it surprised me. Who is archers goon and why does he want the two thousand

Thgis tape introduced my family to Diana Wynne-Jones. My children aged 10, 8, and 6 all enjoyed it and it kept them quiet during our recent journey to Wales.Although a fantasy story the characters were easy to believe in and there was a good twist near the end.The sister called Awful made my own childrens' behaviour much more tolerable! My husband and I both enjoyed the tape.I will certainly consider buying more of this author either to read or to listen to in the car.