History & Criticism
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The Sinister Booksellers of Bath
Return to the enchanting world of The Left-Handed Booksellers of London in this sequel by Garth Nix, bestselling master of teen fantasy, where once again a team of booksellers must fight to keep dangerous magic under cover before the stuff of legends destroys our world.
There is often trouble of a mythical sort in Bath. The booksellers who police the Old World keep a careful watch there, particularly on the entity that inhabits the ancient hot spring.
This time trouble comes from the discovery of a sorcerous map, leading left-handed bookseller Merlin into great danger, requiring a desperate rescue attempt from his sister, the right-handed bookseller Vivien, and art student Susan Arkshaw, who is still struggling to deal with her own recently discovered magical heritage.
The map takes the trio to a place separated from this world, maintained by deadly sorcery and guarded by monstrous living statues. But this is only the beginning. To unravel the secrets of a murderous Ancient Sovereign, the booksellers must investigate centuries of disappearances and deaths. If they do not stop her, she will soon kill again. And this time, her target is not an ordinary mortal.
There is often trouble of a mythical sort in Bath. The booksellers who police the Old World keep a careful watch there, particularly on the entity that inhabits the ancient hot spring.
This time trouble comes from the discovery of a sorcerous map, leading left-handed bookseller Merlin into great danger, requiring a desperate rescue attempt from his sister, the right-handed bookseller Vivien, and art student Susan Arkshaw, who is still struggling to deal with her own recently discovered magical heritage.
The map takes the trio to a place separated from this world, maintained by deadly sorcery and guarded by monstrous living statues. But this is only the beginning. To unravel the secrets of a murderous Ancient Sovereign, the booksellers must investigate centuries of disappearances and deaths. If they do not stop her, she will soon kill again. And this time, her target is not an ordinary mortal.
Editorial Reviews
"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...
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...
Readers Top Reviews
SGDr. S. G. Collier
A big let down. Seems like the whole book may have been written in a single day, the pages filled more with fashion details than a (sorely missing) plot. The characters - and the story - could have been SO much better. But the author was apparently A.W.O.L., along with an editor. Fly fishing in Scotland, perhaps?
Michelle Y
Love this series, the character and plot are wonderful. Already looking forward to the next book in the series. Love everything about it but needs recipes in the end notes
rhd
Garth Nix continues the Susan Arkshaw story, and as others have mentioned, it's possibly even better than the first (The Left Handed Book Sellers of London). Garth Nix really brings to life the British form of English, certainly in a way no American author could, and the plot line is completely embedded with that. There is no mistaking Garth Nix original plots and twists and they're all new. P.S. I really am hungry to taste a Lemon Crumb cake too.
Jed Sorokin-Altmann
I utterly loved this book (as well as the first book in the series, the Left-Handed Booksellers of London). Garth Nix’s worldbuilding is SO well done. His language is vivid and pulls the reader into seeing what he describes. The vibe of the series hits all of my happy reading places—reminiscent (but not in any way plagaristic) of Neil Gaiman; Susan Cooper’s Dark is Rising series; Lloyd Alexander’s The Chronicles of Prydain; etc.—while maintaining its unique concepts and feel and the earlier-mentioned excellent worldbuilding. Highly recommended, and I deeply hope Nix continues writing new works in this series.
Matthew Baker
In "Sinister Booksellers of Bath," Garth Nix has crafted a masterful tale that will leave readers gasping for more. This novel is a stunning example of how to create an imaginative and intricate fantasy world while maintaining a gripping narrative. Nix's ability to weave together a captivating story with a fresh and innovative magic system, a classic worldbuilding style, and an interesting take on fae is nothing short of extraordinary. Set in the enchanting city of Bath (and the greater London isle), the novel transports the reader into a world where the mundane and the magical coexist. Nix's meticulous worldbuilding can be felt in every cobblestone street, dusty bookshelf, and dimly lit alleyway. The rich and vibrant history he incorporates throughout the novel creates an immersive atmosphere, ensuring the reader is fully absorbed in the story. The detailed descriptions and vivid imagery paint a picture of a world that is familiar, yet undeniably magical. Nix's ingenious magic system, based on the power of words, is intricately interwoven throughout the novel. It adds a unique layer to the story, as the characters must navigate the complexities of this world and harness the magic hidden within the pages of books. The author's take on fae is fresh and imaginative, breaking away from traditional portrayals to present a more nuanced and complex vision. The fae in this world are cunning, charming, and sometimes malevolent, making them all the more intriguing as characters. The characters in "Sinister Booksellers of Bath" are as memorable as the world they inhabit. From the brave and resourceful protagonist to the enigmatic booksellers who hold the key to untold power, each character is well-developed and compelling. Their individual story arcs are skillfully woven into the greater narrative, keeping the reader invested in their fates. Nix's writing is beautifully fluid, blending together elements of adventure, mystery, and fantasy to create a book that is impossible to put down. The pacing of the story is perfectly balanced, allowing the reader to fully appreciate the depth of the world while still keeping the plot moving forward. In conclusion, "Sinister Booksellers of Bath" is an extraordinary work of fiction that showcases Garth Nix's exceptional talents as a storyteller. With its impeccable worldbuilding, inventive magic system, and intriguing take on fae, this novel is a must-read for any fantasy enthusiast. It is a testament to the power of the written word and the boundless imagination of its creator.
