Reviews
Nix wastes no time getting to the action, throwing readers headlong into the splendid new world alongside the bewildered but determined heroine. It's an incredibly diverse, detailed, and . . . Nix puts in enough twists to make it his own. A remarkable romp through a fantastical new world., This was my first time reading Garth Nix and it was great, wacky and fun. It throws gender norms out the window and gives you a quirky, adventure-filled good time. The characters were great and the storyline was fantastic. I loved all the books named throughout the book. It's a cool book list. Very funny, and very good., PRAISE FOR BOOK 1: THE LEFT-HANDED BOOKSELLERS OF LONDON: "The worldbuilding is exquisite--the broad, immersive world and the specific rules for types of booksellers maintain a sense of discovery, and Susan and Merlin, the heroic protagonists, have vibrant, entertaining personalities (and a realistic romantic storyline). Readers will beg for more adventures in this London.", A compelling magical romp, both familiar and inventive. These bookshops would be worth visiting at any time--but they feel like a special treat while I can't set foot in a real one., "[An] immersive fantasy. Nix builds meta mentions [and] marries fey elements and spectacular bookshops with booksellers who wield mystical artifacts, cold steel, and magic. Unflappable Susan and wonderfully costumed, magically gender-fluid Merlin make for a fantasy that genre fans, teen or adult, won't want to miss."-, As in his high-fantasy novels, Nix puts a strong, capable, and resourceful young woman front and center within a diverse cast [with] tropes from British spy stories. A thrilling, suspenseful romp with lots of humor and romantic tension; we haven't seen the last of Susan and Merlin., A warm, whimsical delight--The Left-Handed Booksellers of London is a witty, clever adventure in an exquisitely detailed world you will love escaping into., Nix's latest offers a thrill-packed fantasy adventure. Strong world building is clearly informed by a deep knowledge of local mythologies, and the allusions, literary shoutouts, and pseudo-historical references become a game for the clued-in reader. Overall, this is a fresh, engaging fantasy with an old-school, nostalgic vibe., "This satisfying sequel keeps up the same breathless pace as The Left-Handed Booksellers of London. It's a treat to rejoin Susan and company on their ever-expanding adventures." -- Booklist PRAISE FOR BOOK 1: THE LEFT-HANDED BOOKSELLERS OF LONDON: "The worldbuilding is exquisite--the broad, immersive world and the specific rules for types of booksellers maintain a sense of discovery, and Susan and Merlin, the heroic protagonists, have vibrant, entertaining personalities (and a realistic romantic storyline). Readers will beg for more adventures in this London." -- Kirkus Reviews "[An] immersive fantasy. Nix builds meta mentions [and] marries fey elements and spectacular bookshops with booksellers who wield mystical artifacts, cold steel, and magic. Unflappable Susan and wonderfully costumed, magically gender-fluid Merlin make for a fantasy that genre fans, teen or adult, won't want to miss."- -- Publishers Weekly "Nix wastes no time getting to the action, throwing readers headlong into the splendid new world alongside the bewildered but determined heroine. It's an incredibly diverse, detailed, and . . . Nix puts in enough twists to make it his own. A remarkable romp through a fantastical new world." -- Booklist "Nix's latest offers a thrill-packed fantasy adventure. Strong world building is clearly informed by a deep knowledge of local mythologies, and the allusions, literary shoutouts, and pseudo-historical references become a game for the clued-in reader. Overall, this is a fresh, engaging fantasy with an old-school, nostalgic vibe." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "As in his high-fantasy novels, Nix puts a strong, capable, and resourceful young woman front and center within a diverse cast [with] tropes from British spy stories. A thrilling, suspenseful romp with lots of humor and romantic tension; we haven't seen the last of Susan and Merlin." -- Horn Book Magazine "A warm, whimsical delight--The Left-Handed Booksellers of London is a witty, clever adventure in an exquisitely detailed world you will love escaping into." -- Veronica Roth, New York Times bestselling author of DIVERGENT "A compelling magical romp, both familiar and inventive. These bookshops would be worth visiting at any time--but they feel like a special treat while I can't set foot in a real one." -- Molly Templeton, Tor.com "This was my first time reading Garth Nix and it was great, wacky and fun. It throws gender norms out the window and gives you a quirky, adventure-filled good time. The characters were great and the storyline was fantastic. I loved all the books named throughout the book. It's a cool book list. Very funny, and very good." -- Kim Brock, Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Cincinnati, OH)
