Ahoy there me mateys! I received an eArc of this fantasy novel through NetGalley in exchange for me honest musings . . .
Title: the sinister booksellers of bath
Author: Garth Nix
Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
Publication Date: TODAY!!! (hardcover & e-book)
ISBN: 978-0063236332
Source: NetGalley
I thought the first book was a standalone but I was excited enough by a new Garth Nix book to immediately read this in one sitting. This book was so much better than the first one. This tale involves a magic map that inadvertently sucks Merlin inside of it. His sister Vivian must rescue him but to do so, she needs Susan. Susan wants nothing more than to be normal and put the events of the previous book behind her. Of course, she cannot leave Merlin in danger so she is drawn into the plot to chase down a serial killer.
I rather loved this one. It is a rather straightforward story but the mystery of how and why there was a serial killer was engaging. I loved watching Susan come to terms with her past and future. I still find Merlin (and his clothing choices) to be fun. I loved the setting of Bath and the Old One who lives there. The idea of the Booksellers and their work is happy. This book ends somewhat predictably but satisfactorily. If there is another in the series, I will happily read it. Arrr!
Goodreads has this to say about the novel (shortened by me cause spoilers):
When Merlin vanishes, Susan will battle animated statues of heraldic beasts and use magical maps to rescue him on a hunt that leads to a serial killer who must be stopped before she kills again . . .
To visit the author’s website go to:
Garth Nix – Author
To buy the novel visit:
the sinister book keepers of bath – Book
To add to Goodreads go to:
Yer Ports for Plunder List
Previous Log Entries for this Author
Nix, Garth (Broadside No. 1)
lirael – book 2 (Second Reflections – YA Fantasy)
goldenhand – book 5 (Captain’s Log – YA Fantasy)
frogkisser! (Captain’s Log – YA Fantasy)
angel mage (Captain’s Log – Fantasy)
the left-handed booksellers of london – book 1 (Captain’s Log – YA Fantasy)
Captain's Quarters 
I absolutely fell in love with this one and completely agree with all that you had to say in your lovely review, Cap:). I’ll be getting hold of the first book, too.
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I immediately thought, “Blow me to Bermuda!” from The Sword in the Stone and pictured Merlin coming back in his beach outfit, lol
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Aaaahhh! I still need to read the first one of these! I’m glad you loved them both, though; that gives me hope that I’ll like them too!
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I didn’t realize there was another one of these in the works! I will definitely keep an eye out for it, because I enjoyed the first one so much. Thanks!
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