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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
…
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.
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.
Digital review copy provided by the publisher through Edelweiss.
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Yellow sprayed paged edges