Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Katherine Tegen Books
Description
Fantasy. Historical Fiction. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. HTML:A girl's quest to find her father leads her to an extended family of magical fighting booksellers who police the mythical Old World of England when it intrudes on the modern world. From the bestselling master of teen fantasy, Garth Nix. In a slightly alternate London in 1983, Susan Arkshaw is looking for her father, a man she has never met. Crime boss Frank Thringley might be able to help her, but Susan doesn't get time to ask Frank any questions before he is turned to dust by the prick of a silver hatpin in the hands of the outrageously attractive Merlin. Merlin is a young left-handed bookseller (one of the fighting ones), who with the right-handed booksellers (the intellectual ones), are an extended family of magical beings who police the mythic and legendary Old World when it intrudes on the modern world, in addition to running several bookshops. Susan's search for her father begins with her mother's possibly misremembered or misspelt surnames, a reading room ticket, and a silver cigarette case engraved with something that might be a coat of arms. Merlin has a quest of his own, to find the Old World entity who used ordinary criminals to kill his mother. As he and his sister, the right-handed bookseller Vivien, tread in the path of a botched or covered-up police investigation from years past, they find this quest strangely overlaps with Susan's. Who or what was her father? Susan, Merlin, and Vivien must find out, as the Old World erupts dangerously into the New.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member ronincats
What fun! Woven out of a potpourri of classic English children's books ([[Lloyd Alexander]], [[Susan Cooper]], [[Alan Garner]] and more!) and with loads of cameo appearances by other favorite books and authors, this story weaves them into a completely original framework where the booksellers of
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London, tasked with interfacing New England with Old England (and its denizens) become involved with solving the mystery of Susan, who just wants to find who her dad is and then start art school in London. Well done! Show Less
LibraryThing member shelleyraec
In Garth Nix’s new fantasy title, The Left-Handed Booksellers of London, eighteen year old Susan Arkshaw moves to the city in search of her unknown father. With almost nothing to go on she begins by seeking out a man she knows only as Uncle Frank, but before she can question him she witnesses a
Susan soon discovers Merlin St Jacques is a left-handed bookseller, as opposed to a right-handed bookseller like his sister Vivian, one of many agents who are tasked with keeping the Old World from unduly affecting the New. Nix has created an unique setting in an alternate timeline, the details of which unfold as the story progresses, combining archaic myths and magics, and exasperated police, a devious Ancient Sovereign with a swag of mind-controlled minions, and, of course, booksellers who are more than they seem.
Just like the booksellers, Susan too is more than she seems, though nobody is exactly sure what that is. It is clear she is being targeted by someone with inimical intent, and Susan, Merlin and Vivian find themselves fleeing a series of attacks providing plenty of fast paced action and excitement as they dodge, amongst other things, magical creatures, zombiefied kidnappers, and the odd bullet. There’s both humour, and a little gore, to amuse, and increase tension.
I really liked the main protagonists. Though Susan’s acceptance of the existence of the Old World seemed a mite too easy, I was quite happy to that Nix avoided the usual drama of denial and self doubt. As a left-handed bookseller, the androgynous Merlin is the brawn, wielding swords and guns, while his sister, being right-handed is the brains, and capable of basic magic that is useful in a tight spot. The three of them develop an easy rapport, and there’s even a little romance.
Imaginative and entertaining, though The Left-Handed Booksellers of London is aimed at a young adult audience, it will also appeal to adults who enjoy light fantasy. While the story is complete, there’s obvious potential for a series I’d be happy to continue with.
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young man turn him to dust with the touch of a silver pin. Susan has every intention of calling the police but when a giant louse, and then a malevolent black smoke attacks, she instinctively follows the man, who introduces himself as Merlin, out of the window.Susan soon discovers Merlin St Jacques is a left-handed bookseller, as opposed to a right-handed bookseller like his sister Vivian, one of many agents who are tasked with keeping the Old World from unduly affecting the New. Nix has created an unique setting in an alternate timeline, the details of which unfold as the story progresses, combining archaic myths and magics, and exasperated police, a devious Ancient Sovereign with a swag of mind-controlled minions, and, of course, booksellers who are more than they seem.
Just like the booksellers, Susan too is more than she seems, though nobody is exactly sure what that is. It is clear she is being targeted by someone with inimical intent, and Susan, Merlin and Vivian find themselves fleeing a series of attacks providing plenty of fast paced action and excitement as they dodge, amongst other things, magical creatures, zombiefied kidnappers, and the odd bullet. There’s both humour, and a little gore, to amuse, and increase tension.
I really liked the main protagonists. Though Susan’s acceptance of the existence of the Old World seemed a mite too easy, I was quite happy to that Nix avoided the usual drama of denial and self doubt. As a left-handed bookseller, the androgynous Merlin is the brawn, wielding swords and guns, while his sister, being right-handed is the brains, and capable of basic magic that is useful in a tight spot. The three of them develop an easy rapport, and there’s even a little romance.
Imaginative and entertaining, though The Left-Handed Booksellers of London is aimed at a young adult audience, it will also appeal to adults who enjoy light fantasy. While the story is complete, there’s obvious potential for a series I’d be happy to continue with.
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LibraryThing member rivkat
In the mid-1980s, Susan comes to London to work for a few months before starting art school—and also to look for her father, about whom she only has a few vague clues from her equally vague mother. Unfortunately, when she visits the first man on her list, he’s busy being killed because he’s
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actually a Sipper (a kind of vampire). She falls in with the killer—a bookseller who specializes in overseeing the arcane, and who with his sister helps her navigate her rather complicated heritage. It’s reasonably cute. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookczuk
Interesting premises. Good writing. Entertaining read. What more can one ask for in a pandemic?
LibraryThing member deslivres5
I'll admit the title drew me in: booksellers, London, and left-handed booksellers at that!
The novel is a YA fantasy adventure, where the human world intersects with a world full of magical/mythical beings. A human teenager on a quest to find her father and comes upon a dangerous conspiracy to keep
I enjoyed the time period/place it was set in: 1983/London and its environs. And the name dropping of books was interesting, but "bookselling" is not really central to the story and could have been replaced with "art historians" or "fruit sellers" and it would still have worked.
Feels like there is more that can happen in this world of interesting characters, so I'm guessing/hoping this will be a series. But as a standalone read is just as enjoyable.
The novel is a YA fantasy adventure, where the human world intersects with a world full of magical/mythical beings. A human teenager on a quest to find her father and comes upon a dangerous conspiracy to keep
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her from him.I enjoyed the time period/place it was set in: 1983/London and its environs. And the name dropping of books was interesting, but "bookselling" is not really central to the story and could have been replaced with "art historians" or "fruit sellers" and it would still have worked.
Feels like there is more that can happen in this world of interesting characters, so I'm guessing/hoping this will be a series. But as a standalone read is just as enjoyable.
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LibraryThing member quondame
A pretty much non-stop, interesting but not involving girl finds more than she thought when seeking her never met father. The idea of the booksellers is a tad more interesting than the actual presentation, supernatural goings on granted, but still a fun story.
LibraryThing member dono421846
A cross between Genevieve Cogburn's The Invisible Library series and Neil Gaiman's American Gods: old supernaturals struggling to keep their foothold in the modern world encounter an odd duo, an elven bookseller and a demigod. In other words, highly enjoyable. This book offers an intriguing world,
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which I would be surprised if it were not further explored in subsequent titles. Show Less
LibraryThing member KateHonig
A whimsical yet gritty fantasy adventure set in a magical version of London in the 1980s. Susan has never met her father, and in the break before she begins university, she heads to London to find him. Instead of her father, she finds magic and mysterious creatures who are trying to capture her.
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She also finds Merlin, a Left-Handed Bookseller tasked with helping to keep everyday people safe from the magical world. Together they work toward solving the mystery of Susan's father. Show Less
LibraryThing member SandyAMcPherson
I thought I wasn't going to enjoy this, but I stayed up rather late a few nights in a row to read it, so it was obviously a compelling novel. I haven't really decided how to be succinct in writing up a review, so I'll simply say that it is magical-realism-fantasy. The plot is not quite the vampire
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story I expected (thank goodness) nor is the book selling setting aspect central as much as I had wanted. However, I think it is a 'coming of age' theme and the characters decidedly individualistic. Show Less
LibraryThing member fred_mouse
Oh my, but this is a lush and convoluted pseudo-modern (set in an alternate 1983 London) fantasy. Rich in details, world-building, and fabulous characters, it is very much the strong story I have come to expect from Nix. Particularly recommended for adults who grew up reading/loving Susan
I was particularly delighted by one scene, when our protagonist offers to take a sword as weapon, and it turns out that they do actually have a reason for knowing how to use it other than just being the protagonist.
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Cooper’s The Dark is Rising series, and/or Diana Wynne Jones’ darker fantasies. I was particularly delighted by one scene, when our protagonist offers to take a sword as weapon, and it turns out that they do actually have a reason for knowing how to use it other than just being the protagonist.
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LibraryThing member kmartin802
It is 1983 in an alternate London when Susan Arkshaw comes to try to discover who her father is before she begins an arts course at school. She has stopped to see Frank Thringly who had sent Christmas presents and written to her and her mother for years. She isn't expecting him to be turned to dust
Merlin is one of a line of left-handed booksellers who do more than sell books. Their tasks are to keep legendary creatures under control. Merlin's family includes the left-handed ones who are the fighters and right-handed ones who are the scholars and even-handed ones too.
Merlin decides to help Susan track down her father because he learns that there is something special and unusual about her and also because she is suddenly in danger from creatures from the other world. Susan doesn't have many clues beyond a reading room ticket with an illegible name and a silver cigarette case with an unknown engraving.
Merlin is on a quest of his own to find out who murdered his mother. The two investigations look to be linking up. Marisa Calin did a great job narrating this story. The pacing was well done and the characters easily distinguishable.
The story is filled with intriguing characters, lots of literary references, lots of action and even a romance as Merlin and Susan get to know each other. Fans of contemporary fantasy and coming of age stories will enjoy this well told tale.
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via a silver hatpin wielded by Merlin St. Jacques. Nor is she expecting to be forced to flee with Merlin which drops her into a magical world she knew nothing about.Merlin is one of a line of left-handed booksellers who do more than sell books. Their tasks are to keep legendary creatures under control. Merlin's family includes the left-handed ones who are the fighters and right-handed ones who are the scholars and even-handed ones too.
Merlin decides to help Susan track down her father because he learns that there is something special and unusual about her and also because she is suddenly in danger from creatures from the other world. Susan doesn't have many clues beyond a reading room ticket with an illegible name and a silver cigarette case with an unknown engraving.
Merlin is on a quest of his own to find out who murdered his mother. The two investigations look to be linking up. Marisa Calin did a great job narrating this story. The pacing was well done and the characters easily distinguishable.
The story is filled with intriguing characters, lots of literary references, lots of action and even a romance as Merlin and Susan get to know each other. Fans of contemporary fantasy and coming of age stories will enjoy this well told tale.
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LibraryThing member BethYacoub
I have seen mixed reviews for this book but the premise sounded too good to pass up PLUS it's a Garth Nix novel. It's set in 1983.... an era I think we, as a species, could have easily skipped right over with minimal regret BUT Garth Nix is an awesome writer and an extremely imaginative one to boot
I'm glad I didn't miss this read because I enjoyed every second (a little less so with that ending but overall a great experience)! Here we have some of England's Old World mythology mixed with Magically Realistic, modern Urban Fantasy and you know what?? That sounds like a big steaming pile of mish mosh BUT, on the whole, it meshed together nicely. The old school Magic blended seamlessly with the New... so much so that I could easily convince myself that all of the mystical, magical chaos within the book is real and happening in our own Reality. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't but either way it is GREAT fun imagining the possibilities. This Alt-London seems like a place I'd like to live in... well, as long as I can be a bookseller... or an Old One... they both kick ass!
The world building was exciting and evocative. Sadly, I'm not completely familiar with the places named BUT the descriptions were so emotive that I felt surreally connected to them. They intrigued me enough to want to pack my bags and go on an adventure... maybe not like Susan, Merlin and Vivien but a romp through the streets of London sounds idyllic. Look out England, I'm on my way... just kidding, we're in the middle of a global pandemic but it's a trip I will absolutely be putting in my Wish Jar that's full of places and things I want to do and see as soon as it's safe to be out and about, in a normal(ish) capacity, with other human beings.
Anyway... Enough about Covid and more about Magic!
The characters are next. They were distinct and full of personality. Merlin and his sister, Vivien, were my favorite MCs though there were characters here for all types. This was mainly a coming of age story for Susan... a slightly fickle, naive18 year old girl that was yanked right out of her comfortable, cozy life while searching for her biological dad. Who or what is he?? Therefore who or what is she?? You have to read to find out BUT just know that it was a decent plot discovery. The three MCs, Susan, Merlin and Vivien ran around trying to find clues as to the identity of Susan's father, why people were out to kill her and who the hell was behind all of the madness? Was there a traitor? Who could they trust in a world occupied with all sorts and manner of beasties that looked at them like the lunch bell rang and they're on the menu? Who will aid them against the malevolent creatures both dead and undead coupled with the rest of the nefarious things that go bump in the night? This wasn't a horror book but there were a plethora of beings like Goblins, Cauldron Born (zombies), giant inter-dimentional Wolves, Water Sprites, Scarecrow Watchers and more... all out looking for Susan. Why her? Why now? Good questions! With all of this death and betrayal who could they go to for help with finding out these answers? Who will help them rectify all of the wrongs committed as well as help them navigate their seemingly insurmountable Destiny?
The writing was solid. The short poems at the start of each chapter were unique. I especially loved one that spoke about the Night and Day only having fleeting moments together... it was beautiful!
AND then there was that ending. It felt completely out of step with the rest of the book. It was rushed, convenient and a bit of a letdown if I'm being perfectly honest. I get that it was probably left a bit ambiguous on purpose in order to allow for a possible sequel but the ending we were given, especially the epilogue, was the worst part of the whole book. It wasn't a complete hot mess but this definitely could have been a 5 Star book if the ending were tweaked a bit.
Overall:
This book was addictive and creative and I found it difficult to put down. I adored everything about it... well almost everything... that's right Epilogue, I'm looking at you... but honestly I loved it! The duality between the Left-handed and Right-handed booksellers and all of the wonderful things they were able to do was entertaining. The Left-Handed Booksellers of London is good clean fun and for me to be enamored with it to the degree that I am is a testament to its efficacy.
Looking for a fun, unique read with a magical coming of age aspect + a very very slow (cheeky) burn? Then you want to be here. There are all sorts of creatures and beings... friends forged in life threatening chaos...and Betrayal(??). I look forward to book#2... if there will be one... man I hope there will be because I think Garth Nix has given us a tale with tons of possibility... it hurts to think it could be left hanging in limbo. Well, time will tell.
~ Enjoy
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soooooo here we are.I'm glad I didn't miss this read because I enjoyed every second (a little less so with that ending but overall a great experience)! Here we have some of England's Old World mythology mixed with Magically Realistic, modern Urban Fantasy and you know what?? That sounds like a big steaming pile of mish mosh BUT, on the whole, it meshed together nicely. The old school Magic blended seamlessly with the New... so much so that I could easily convince myself that all of the mystical, magical chaos within the book is real and happening in our own Reality. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't but either way it is GREAT fun imagining the possibilities. This Alt-London seems like a place I'd like to live in... well, as long as I can be a bookseller... or an Old One... they both kick ass!
The world building was exciting and evocative. Sadly, I'm not completely familiar with the places named BUT the descriptions were so emotive that I felt surreally connected to them. They intrigued me enough to want to pack my bags and go on an adventure... maybe not like Susan, Merlin and Vivien but a romp through the streets of London sounds idyllic. Look out England, I'm on my way... just kidding, we're in the middle of a global pandemic but it's a trip I will absolutely be putting in my Wish Jar that's full of places and things I want to do and see as soon as it's safe to be out and about, in a normal(ish) capacity, with other human beings.
Anyway... Enough about Covid and more about Magic!
The characters are next. They were distinct and full of personality. Merlin and his sister, Vivien, were my favorite MCs though there were characters here for all types. This was mainly a coming of age story for Susan... a slightly fickle, naive18 year old girl that was yanked right out of her comfortable, cozy life while searching for her biological dad. Who or what is he?? Therefore who or what is she?? You have to read to find out BUT just know that it was a decent plot discovery. The three MCs, Susan, Merlin and Vivien ran around trying to find clues as to the identity of Susan's father, why people were out to kill her and who the hell was behind all of the madness? Was there a traitor? Who could they trust in a world occupied with all sorts and manner of beasties that looked at them like the lunch bell rang and they're on the menu? Who will aid them against the malevolent creatures both dead and undead coupled with the rest of the nefarious things that go bump in the night? This wasn't a horror book but there were a plethora of beings like Goblins, Cauldron Born (zombies), giant inter-dimentional Wolves, Water Sprites, Scarecrow Watchers and more... all out looking for Susan. Why her? Why now? Good questions! With all of this death and betrayal who could they go to for help with finding out these answers? Who will help them rectify all of the wrongs committed as well as help them navigate their seemingly insurmountable Destiny?
The writing was solid. The short poems at the start of each chapter were unique. I especially loved one that spoke about the Night and Day only having fleeting moments together... it was beautiful!
AND then there was that ending. It felt completely out of step with the rest of the book. It was rushed, convenient and a bit of a letdown if I'm being perfectly honest. I get that it was probably left a bit ambiguous on purpose in order to allow for a possible sequel but the ending we were given, especially the epilogue, was the worst part of the whole book. It wasn't a complete hot mess but this definitely could have been a 5 Star book if the ending were tweaked a bit.
Overall:
This book was addictive and creative and I found it difficult to put down. I adored everything about it... well almost everything... that's right Epilogue, I'm looking at you... but honestly I loved it! The duality between the Left-handed and Right-handed booksellers and all of the wonderful things they were able to do was entertaining. The Left-Handed Booksellers of London is good clean fun and for me to be enamored with it to the degree that I am is a testament to its efficacy.
Looking for a fun, unique read with a magical coming of age aspect + a very very slow (cheeky) burn? Then you want to be here. There are all sorts of creatures and beings... friends forged in life threatening chaos...and Betrayal(??). I look forward to book#2... if there will be one... man I hope there will be because I think Garth Nix has given us a tale with tons of possibility... it hurts to think it could be left hanging in limbo. Well, time will tell.
~ Enjoy
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LibraryThing member bell7
When Susan Arkshaw turns eighteen, she leaves her dreamy artist mother behind and goes to London to get a job, go to college, and perhaps find her father, who has never been a part of her life. But when a bookseller named Merlin runs into her at a crime scene that involves the hidden magic world
This had a fun magical premise, and if there are more set in this sort of alternate 1983 London, I'll be interested in continuing. The romance angle was weak, and the world-building took a lot of set up, but that's me nitpicking and probably in part because I read the first half in very short increments, followed by a good solid reading of the last 100 pages or so.
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that rarely comes to the surface, circumstances seem to throw them together while they fend off an unknown enemy and continue Susan's search for answers.This had a fun magical premise, and if there are more set in this sort of alternate 1983 London, I'll be interested in continuing. The romance angle was weak, and the world-building took a lot of set up, but that's me nitpicking and probably in part because I read the first half in very short increments, followed by a good solid reading of the last 100 pages or so.
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LibraryThing member humouress
{Stand-alone. Fantasy, urban fantasy, YA} (2020)
In the early summer of 1983 Susan Arkshaw has just turned eighteen and decides to go up to London early to earn some money before starting art school, rather than stay in the country, near Bath, with her mum. She has had another of her recurring
On the night Susan arrives in London she runs into a strange young man called Merlin St Jacques (who is entirely too good-looking) and quickly discovers that there are things magical and dangerous, of the old world which lies just beyond normal sight. And, for some reason, they seem to want Susan. Merlin wears a glove on his left hand and turns out to be one of the left-handed booksellers of London who are experts in weaponry and protect our world against inimical beings of the old world. The St Jacques family are extensive and multicultural and are all involved with selling books - they own two bookshops. As well as left-handed booksellers, there are also right-handed and even-handed family members.
In other circumstances, the booksellers - who have a special arrangement with the police - would be able to make Susan forget her magical night's experience but they end up helping Susan against her attackers. The adventure takes them around London and, eventually, further north. Australian author Nix made his first trip to London in 1983 and the places do ring true (as much as I can remember, that far back).
Since this is a story about booksellers, a lot of books and authors from a range of centuries get a mention.
I enjoyed this story, although I had to keep thinking of a London when I was about thirteen years old, when things were a bit different. I wouldn't mind learning more about the left- and right-handed booksellers, though this is a complete story in itself. (In other words, more please!)
4 stars
In the early summer of 1983 Susan Arkshaw has just turned eighteen and decides to go up to London early to earn some money before starting art school, rather than stay in the country, near Bath, with her mum. She has had another of her recurring
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dreams in which her father was mentioned this time and she wants to try and find him. The dream involves fae creatures warding their house with the powers given to them by her father and is always comforting.On the night Susan arrives in London she runs into a strange young man called Merlin St Jacques (who is entirely too good-looking) and quickly discovers that there are things magical and dangerous, of the old world which lies just beyond normal sight. And, for some reason, they seem to want Susan. Merlin wears a glove on his left hand and turns out to be one of the left-handed booksellers of London who are experts in weaponry and protect our world against inimical beings of the old world. The St Jacques family are extensive and multicultural and are all involved with selling books - they own two bookshops. As well as left-handed booksellers, there are also right-handed and even-handed family members.
In other circumstances, the booksellers - who have a special arrangement with the police - would be able to make Susan forget her magical night's experience but they end up helping Susan against her attackers. The adventure takes them around London and, eventually, further north. Australian author Nix made his first trip to London in 1983 and the places do ring true (as much as I can remember, that far back).
Since this is a story about booksellers, a lot of books and authors from a range of centuries get a mention.
I enjoyed this story, although I had to keep thinking of a London when I was about thirteen years old, when things were a bit different. I wouldn't mind learning more about the left- and right-handed booksellers, though this is a complete story in itself. (In other words, more please!)
4 stars
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LibraryThing member MHThaung
I'd categorise this as a contemporary fantasy with the fantastic elements being predominantly mythological. The plot is straightforward, even linear. When Susan tries to find out who her father is, she becomes the target of various attacks, assaults, trickery and so on, though fortunately she also
The writing style made me feel the book is aimed at a younger reader. I was always aware of the author explaining what was going on, frequently jumping between characters' heads to tell us just what X thought of Y, and then Z's reaction to it. The story is set in the 1980s. I remember many of the cultural references mentioned, but they felt very list-like, and I don't know that they enhanced the setting. I dare say they would work better visually rather than laid out on page.
Susan in particular felt like a very passive character all the way through. Not only did she have very little reaction to the weird things happening around and to her, she didn't really make any choices or face any decisions. It felt like her role was to be pushed around by the plot and to have things explained to her.
Overall, the book was quite readable, but I'd have preferred more sense of the characters earning their way.
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has some allies.The writing style made me feel the book is aimed at a younger reader. I was always aware of the author explaining what was going on, frequently jumping between characters' heads to tell us just what X thought of Y, and then Z's reaction to it. The story is set in the 1980s. I remember many of the cultural references mentioned, but they felt very list-like, and I don't know that they enhanced the setting. I dare say they would work better visually rather than laid out on page.
Susan in particular felt like a very passive character all the way through. Not only did she have very little reaction to the weird things happening around and to her, she didn't really make any choices or face any decisions. It felt like her role was to be pushed around by the plot and to have things explained to her.
Overall, the book was quite readable, but I'd have preferred more sense of the characters earning their way.
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LibraryThing member LisCarey
In a 1983 that is perhaps slightly different from the one we remember, Susan Arkshaw turns 18 on May 1, and shortly thereafter goes to London. In three months, she'll be starting art school. In the meantime, she wants to find her father, whom she has never met and about whom her mother has told her
She does have some clues, though, including a few items that may have belonged to her father, and the name and address of one potential candidate--"Uncle" Frank Tingley, who sent her cards at Christmas for years. When she reaches his home, though, she finds that "Uncle" Frank does not seem at all a likely possibility, and moreover seems to be a rather creepy person she'd rather not be associated with. As she's preparing to sneak out of the house, a very attractive young man comes in, and sticks Frank with a pin, which causes him to disintegrate into dust--which is not the kind of creepy Susan had been worried about.
Soon the young man, who says his name is Merlin, is leading her on an escape from beings who came in after Frank disintegrated. Their pursuers are a dark cloud and a huge, bug-like creature, and their escape route is only superficially more natural. When what might be a park ranger shoots at Susan, not Merlin, Merlin decides she needs to meet some unlikely people.
Merlin St. Jacques is one of the left-handed booksellers of London, part of a large, extended clan that includes the right-handed booksellers of London. These booksellers are engaged in more than just selling books; they are protecting the world from supernatural destabilization.
It appears one of the ancient Sovereigns, the powers most capable of destabilizing things, and some of whom are actively malevolent, is taking an unusual and worrying interest in Susan
What follows is terror, adventure, betrayal, magical places and experiences, and disturbing revelations about Susan's background, as well as intrigue among the booksellers. Meanwhile, there's no question that Susan and Merlin are finding each other interesting. Yet they are rather distracted by other things, and Susan is not at all sure that Merlin would sustain anything other than a very short-term relationship.
On the other hand, the fact that Merlin is considering changing from male to female in the indeterminate future, and in the meantime seems to enjoy wearing dresses and suits in about equal measure, doesn't appear to strike either Susan or anyone else as a possible obstacle to a romantic relationship between them.
It's fun, it's interesting, the characters are great, and it really kept me listening the whole time.
Recommended.
I bought this audiobook.
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almost nothing, including not telling her even his first name.She does have some clues, though, including a few items that may have belonged to her father, and the name and address of one potential candidate--"Uncle" Frank Tingley, who sent her cards at Christmas for years. When she reaches his home, though, she finds that "Uncle" Frank does not seem at all a likely possibility, and moreover seems to be a rather creepy person she'd rather not be associated with. As she's preparing to sneak out of the house, a very attractive young man comes in, and sticks Frank with a pin, which causes him to disintegrate into dust--which is not the kind of creepy Susan had been worried about.
Soon the young man, who says his name is Merlin, is leading her on an escape from beings who came in after Frank disintegrated. Their pursuers are a dark cloud and a huge, bug-like creature, and their escape route is only superficially more natural. When what might be a park ranger shoots at Susan, not Merlin, Merlin decides she needs to meet some unlikely people.
Merlin St. Jacques is one of the left-handed booksellers of London, part of a large, extended clan that includes the right-handed booksellers of London. These booksellers are engaged in more than just selling books; they are protecting the world from supernatural destabilization.
It appears one of the ancient Sovereigns, the powers most capable of destabilizing things, and some of whom are actively malevolent, is taking an unusual and worrying interest in Susan
What follows is terror, adventure, betrayal, magical places and experiences, and disturbing revelations about Susan's background, as well as intrigue among the booksellers. Meanwhile, there's no question that Susan and Merlin are finding each other interesting. Yet they are rather distracted by other things, and Susan is not at all sure that Merlin would sustain anything other than a very short-term relationship.
On the other hand, the fact that Merlin is considering changing from male to female in the indeterminate future, and in the meantime seems to enjoy wearing dresses and suits in about equal measure, doesn't appear to strike either Susan or anyone else as a possible obstacle to a romantic relationship between them.
It's fun, it's interesting, the characters are great, and it really kept me listening the whole time.
Recommended.
I bought this audiobook.
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LibraryThing member cyderry
Susan Arkshaw has turned 18 and headed to London to try to find her father. Her mother is a little spacy and doesn't give Susan much info to help in the search so she is left with just a postcard from a "friend" of her father's. Before Susan can gather more information she is confronted by a young
Several items in this book bothered me. First, even though it is science fiction, I felt that it was a bit too graphic and frightening in some areas for the younger readers (It frightened me in spots!) and second, it was hard to follow in some areas. I felt that it could have stood a little more editing.
Disappointing for a fan of Garth Nix.
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man who informs her of danger and helps her escape to where she is introduced to the Left-handed Booksellers who will protect her on her search.Several items in this book bothered me. First, even though it is science fiction, I felt that it was a bit too graphic and frightening in some areas for the younger readers (It frightened me in spots!) and second, it was hard to follow in some areas. I felt that it could have stood a little more editing.
Disappointing for a fan of Garth Nix.
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LibraryThing member streamsong
Susan Arkshaw always wanted to track down her father. She had a list of possible male contacts from her very spacy mother whom she always suspected of taking too many drugs in her youth.
When she traveled to London to meet the first and most likely candidate, she found herself in a dangerous
Merlin is one of the ‘left-handed booksellers of London’ – known for being the action and adventure branch of a magical family.
It’s not an easy journey to discover her true father. There is danger and death, betrayals, many plot twists and turns and a satisfying bit of romance. It appears that Susan herself has very ancient magic in her genes.
Light summer YA read. I couldn’t resist the description of book sellers and magic, but it took until I was halfway through the book for me to become invested in the story.
When she traveled to London to meet the first and most likely candidate, she found herself in a dangerous
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situation and was rescued by the attractive Merlin St. Jacques.Merlin is one of the ‘left-handed booksellers of London’ – known for being the action and adventure branch of a magical family.
It’s not an easy journey to discover her true father. There is danger and death, betrayals, many plot twists and turns and a satisfying bit of romance. It appears that Susan herself has very ancient magic in her genes.
Light summer YA read. I couldn’t resist the description of book sellers and magic, but it took until I was halfway through the book for me to become invested in the story.
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LibraryThing member SESchend
Fantastic book with touches of nostalgia (set in the 80s) and some new angles of urban fantasy I’ve never encountered. This a comfortable read with enough new surprises and solid world building to it. Highly recommended
LibraryThing member clrichm
Fantastic. Hard-pressed to think of anything about this book that could be criticized, other than I really, really want MORE MORE MORE RIGHT NOW. It was one of those stories, those universes, where I just wanted to crawl inside and be a part of it--some bit player, nothing major, just an observer
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of all the fascinating bits and the magnetic characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member murderbydeath
I think I’m being unduly harsh on this book. I bought it on the strength of the title and the blurb, but when it arrived I discovered Nix is an Australian author. I have a very sketchy relationship with Australian fiction; sketchy as in ‘I rarely like it’. But still, it sounded so good…
…
Still, aware of my bias, I persevered, and by the end of chapter 1, the writing had evened way out, and the story had found its footing. I found myself drawn in by the characters, cheeky though Merlin is (I don’t think we’re meant to believe he’s the Merlin, just of, perhaps, his lineage). I still think the author tried to hard to be relevant and current, while writing a book placed in an alternate early 1980’s, but that also fades away as the story progresses. By about 1/3 of the way in, I was left with what the story should have been all along – a rather entertaining fantasy adventure written for the late teen readers – or at least the characters are all late teens. The book won an Aussie book award for “older children”, which to me is NOT late teens, but early teens. I’d easily give this to my 12 year old niece to read, though some of the innuendo might fly past her unnoticed. Or not.
I was disappointed by the lack of time spent in actual bookstores. Considering 2 or the 3 main characters are book-sellers and 8 out of 10 of the rest are as well, there was only 1 scene that took place inside bookshops. The rest is a series of attacks, kidnapping attempts, and general mayhem that starts and ends in London, taking in the Lake District in the process. It was fun, but entirely lacking in bookstores.
I suppose the ending was predictable, but not so much as to dim the journey getting there. I have no idea of this book was meant to be a standalone, or the start of a new series, but it’s obviously left open to be one, even though no dangling threads remain. If a second book is published, I’d likely read it. I found the characters endearing, and maybe in the next book, they might spend time in the actual bookshops.
…
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and I almost DNF’d it on the second page of the prologue. The writing was too too. Too flowery, or verbose, or trying too hard. Maybe all of the above. Still, it seemed a little harsh and judgy and I paid for the damn book. The start of chapter 1 was not encouraging either. I have an aversion to numbered lists and the one on page 8 (the only one, thankfully) screamed of pretentious, or overly precocious, writing.Still, aware of my bias, I persevered, and by the end of chapter 1, the writing had evened way out, and the story had found its footing. I found myself drawn in by the characters, cheeky though Merlin is (I don’t think we’re meant to believe he’s the Merlin, just of, perhaps, his lineage). I still think the author tried to hard to be relevant and current, while writing a book placed in an alternate early 1980’s, but that also fades away as the story progresses. By about 1/3 of the way in, I was left with what the story should have been all along – a rather entertaining fantasy adventure written for the late teen readers – or at least the characters are all late teens. The book won an Aussie book award for “older children”, which to me is NOT late teens, but early teens. I’d easily give this to my 12 year old niece to read, though some of the innuendo might fly past her unnoticed. Or not.
I was disappointed by the lack of time spent in actual bookstores. Considering 2 or the 3 main characters are book-sellers and 8 out of 10 of the rest are as well, there was only 1 scene that took place inside bookshops. The rest is a series of attacks, kidnapping attempts, and general mayhem that starts and ends in London, taking in the Lake District in the process. It was fun, but entirely lacking in bookstores.
I suppose the ending was predictable, but not so much as to dim the journey getting there. I have no idea of this book was meant to be a standalone, or the start of a new series, but it’s obviously left open to be one, even though no dangling threads remain. If a second book is published, I’d likely read it. I found the characters endearing, and maybe in the next book, they might spend time in the actual bookshops.
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LibraryThing member jennybeast
Great story! Wonderful mashup of many beloved British tropes and characters in a new and unexpected adventure. Loved all the little hidden nods to previous works — form names (merriwether and Merlin and Susan and Vivienne), to the ultimate in fantasy bookstores and the mythological themes
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throughout. Moved at a mile a minute, with mysteries and dangers and a little romance. Particularly loved Merlin’s shifting genders. Delightful. Show Less
LibraryThing member foggidawn
In the summer before attending art school, Susan moves to London to try and find out more about the father she's never known. When she starts out by visiting an old family friend, she gets caught up in some seriously weird (and dangerous) stuff. Fortunately, she also falls in with a couple of
A fun premise, deftly realized. There's plenty of action and I'd definitely call this book fast-paced, as it seemed to be mostly racing around from one danger to another. I was worried, toward the end, that there weren't enough pages left in the book to wrap things up in a satisfactory manner, but Nix managed to pull it off at the last.
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booksellers, who guard the bounds between our world and the Old World of faeries, goblins, and more.A fun premise, deftly realized. There's plenty of action and I'd definitely call this book fast-paced, as it seemed to be mostly racing around from one danger to another. I was worried, toward the end, that there weren't enough pages left in the book to wrap things up in a satisfactory manner, but Nix managed to pull it off at the last.
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LibraryThing member SChant
DNF at page 44. Found it self-satisfied and charmless.
LibraryThing member Glennis.LeBlanc
This YA novel is set in an alternate England. Merlin works for the Left Handed Booksellers and meets Susan as he is trying to get information from a crime boss about his mother’s death several years before. Susan is new to London as she has arrived to go to college and also maybe find out about
Digital review copy provided by the publisher through Edelweiss.
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her absent father. Merlin introduces her to his sister Vivien, a Right Handed Bookseller and explains what the booksellers do. The left fights and the right are more cerebral while they try to keep everything about the magical world away from most people. With the few clues that Susan has about her dad and the attacks she has been under as soon she has arrived in London the booksellers get involved with her. The story zooms along as Merlin and Vivien are separated from Susan by an unknown force. Everything comes together in the end along with the mystery of Merlin and Susan’s mother’s death. Digital review copy provided by the publisher through Edelweiss.
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Awards
Mythopoeic Awards (Finalist — Adult Literature — 2021)
Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Young Adult — 2023)
Aurealis Award (Shortlist — 2020)
Ditmar Award (Winner — Novel — 2021)
Geffen Award (2023)
Australian Book Industry Awards (Shortlist — 2021)
The Indie Book Award (Longlist — 2021)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2021)
OYAN Book Rave (2021)
Original publication date
2020-09-22
DDC/MDS
| Fic SF Nix |