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The Left-Handed Booksellers of London Kindle Edition
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.
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherKatherine Tegen Books
- Publication dateSeptember 22, 2020
- Reading age14 - 17 years
- Grade level9 - 12
- File size7990 KB
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Review
"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." — The Horn Book
A fantastic journey. Fans of Garth Nix's works should enjoy this exhilarating volume. Action, light romance and otherworldly machinations keep the tension flowing as Nix reveals a warm-hearted and clever fantasy. Readers will almost certainly leave this magical London searching for hints of the Old World peeking through our own. — Shelf Awareness
"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, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Divergent series, Carve the Mark series, The End and Other Beginnings, and Chosen Ones
“This is my favorite kind of tale, one where the magic and the real nest together like pages in a book. A delightful read.” — V.E. Schwab, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of the Shades of Magic series and the Monsters of Verity series
"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
Praise for ANGEL MAGE: “A unique magical system based on angel summoning and icons, deft characterization—including male and female protagonists and LGBTQ representation—and an affectionate rendering of Dumas’s style will delight teen and adult fans of swashbuckling romance.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Nix’s complex system of angelic magic, and the toll it takes, is fascinating, and he weaves an exciting adventure full of intrigue and action while portraying women in power in a refreshingly casual way. An original and gripping adventure.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“The vivid characters . . . jump off the pages. Their growing relationships steal the show. But there are plenty of embellishments that enhance the more personal aspects of the story. And kudos to fantasy stalwart Nix for a story with gender and racial equality.” — Booklist (starred review)
"A character-driven fantasy that still stays true its adventure roots [with] thoughtful, complex world building. Well-wrought differences in the character and voice of those teens . . . add nuance and depth to their racial diversity . . . [and] play on gendered expectations. Overall, this is a captivating and memorable tale that will please longstanding Nix fans and other lovers of intelligently written fantasy." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"With their complementary personalities and easy affection, the four friends are an endearing, sibling-like group; Liliath makes a fascinating antagonist. In addition to its fantastical elements, Nix’s setting is characterized by welcome gender equality, orientation inclusivity, and racial diversity." — Horn Book Magazine
Praise for Goldenhand: “A masterfully spun tale well worth the years long wait.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Fans will cheer this latest volumetightly paced with a satisfying resolution, capable and relatable female characters, plenty of action, and reappearances by beloved characters-and fervently hope for more to come.” — Horn Book Magazine
“Nix has included strong female characters and a no-nonsense approach to sexuality. Recommended for high school libraries and for readers looking for fantasy with a historical literary flair.” — School Library Journal
“There is no joy like returning to the Old Kingdom. Once again, Nix sets the standard for fantasy, bringing us a tale full of old friends and new enemies, gruesome monsters, and heroines of wit, will, and imagination.” — Leigh Bardugo, New York Times bestselling author of Six of Crows and The Grisha Trilogy
“Goldenhand reaffirms why Nix is a master of the genre: his exquisitely detailed world-building is unparalleled, and his characters are so tremendously alive and compelling that.” — Sarah J. Maas, author of the best-selling Throne of Glass series
“Garth Nix is one of the best worldbuilders in fantasy, and this book is merely further proof. I love the Old Kingdom series, and Goldenhand is an excellent continuation, packed with the excitement and passion of a storytelling virtuoso at the height of his abilities.” — Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn trilogy, Warbreaker, The Alloy of Law, The Way of Kings, Rithmatist, and Steelheart.
Praise for CLARIEL:
“Between striking characters-from the heroic if not entirely competent young Abhorsen-in-Waiting, Belatiel, to the enigmatic, catlike Mogget-and Nix’s brilliantly complex magic system, this superb tale is exactly the book fans of the series have been awaiting.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Themes of freedom and destiny underpin Clariel’s harrowing, bittersweet story, and readers will delight in the telling (and in fan favorite Mogget’s return).” — Booklist (starred review)
“Clariel is a deeply sympathetic character faced with complicated choices, the consequences of which are frighteningly uncertain as she is pulled between the wild Free Magic and the disciplined Charter.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“Nix’s tale provides a complete experience unto itself. But his focus on this strong character whose overriding passion is to go her own way provides a hugely satisfying background to the other Abhorsen books. A suspenseful prequel to the much-loved Abhorsen books, showcasing the independent Clariel.” — Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Praise for SABRIEL: “Sabriel is a winner, a fantasy that reads like realism. Here is a world with the same solidity and four dimensional authority as our own, created with invention, clarity, and intelligence. I congratulate Garth Nix. And I look forward to reading his next piece of work.” — Philip Pullman, author of His Dark Materials trilogy
Praise for LIRAEL: “What makes Lirael a delight is the magic that Nix brings to his story and to his characters.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Riveting.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Praise for ABHORSEN: “Breathtaking, bittersweet, and utterly unforgettable.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“At once an allegory regarding war and peace and a testament to friendship, this is thought-provoking fantasy.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A swashbuckling adventure with lashings of swordplay, dastardly intrigue, and the most original magic I’ve seen in years.” — Joe Abercrombie, bestselling author of the First Law Trilogy
About the Author
Garth Nix is a New York Times bestselling novelist and has been a full-time writer since 2001 but has also worked as a literary agent, marketing consultant, book editor, book publicist, book sales representative, bookseller, and part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve.
Garth’s many books include the Old Kingdom fantasy series, beginning with Sabriel and continuing to Goldenhand; the sci-fi novels Shade’s Children and A Confusion of Princes; the Regency romance with magic Newt’s Emerald; and novels for children including The Ragwitch, the Seventh Tower series, the Keys to the Kingdom series, and Frogkisser!, which is now in development as a feature film with Fox Animation/Blue Sky Studios. Garth has written numerous short stories, some of which are collected in Across the Wall and To Hold the Bridge. He has also cowritten several children’s book series with Sean Williams, including TroubleTwisters and Have Sword, Will Travel.
More than six million copies of his books have been sold around the world and his work has been translated into forty-two languages.
Product details
- ASIN : B0831Q267M
- Publisher : Katherine Tegen Books (September 22, 2020)
- Publication date : September 22, 2020
- Language : English
- File size : 7990 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Not Enabled
- Sticky notes : On Kindle Scribe
- Print length : 408 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #144,702 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Garth Nix has worked as a bookseller, book sales representative, publicist, editor, marketing consultant and literary agent. He also spent five years as a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve. A full-time writer since 2001, more than five million copies of his books have been sold around the world and his work has been translated into 40 languages. Garth's books have appeared on the bestseller lists of The New York Times, Publishers Weekly (US), The Bookseller(UK), The Australian and The Sunday Times (UK). He lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife and two children.
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For that matter, it might come as a shock that Merlin, the dashing bookseller, is a bit of an assassin, being left-handed and all. If he were right-handed, he’d be like his more cerebral relatives. But there you have it. Left-handed it is.
If Susan wants to find her father, she’ll have to deal with a lot more than booksellers. And finding her father just might be the end of her. Because a lot of those recently discovered monsters – okay, maybe most of them – are aimed right at her.
The Left-Handed Booksellers of London is another engrossing read by Garth Nix. The world-building is complex and believable, the characters are likeable and relatable, and the stories are downright hypnotizing. Nix has been one of my must-buy authors ever since I discovered Sabriel and the Old Kingdom books. I look forward to each new book with wonder for the worlds that Nix creates. They’re wonderfully fantastical, original, immersive, and totally mind-enveloping. I can’t wait for the next adventure he dreams up.
Highly recommended to those who love fantasy, alternate histories, and excellent storytelling.
The booksellers are a different breed than you are probably used to. Yes they run bookstores, collect rare finds and most of the times that is about it. But sometimes, the old gods or their acolytes stir up trouble in the main world and that is when the booksellers are called out to keep things under control. Merlin and Vivien are twins and both booksellers, Merlin left (the fighting kind) and Vivien Right (the thinking magic kind). Together they have been pulled into a weird situation when it seems like most of the old world is after one human girl and no one can quite find out why.
Susan thought she was just a regular girl getting ready to go off to a school for the arts. She is hoping to figure out who her dad is from some of the clues her mom has dropped throughout the years. But London is dangerous for her as all the magical beings seem drawn to her and are trying to kidnap Susan. The booksellers are her only hope to find out who/what her dad really is and keep her safe from whatever is trying to make sure Susan doesn’t realize who or what she really is.
The is such an interesting world. I really liked how the realms of the different gods and magical creatures or everything old world was just a smidge away from the normal world and could bleed over into our world. You are pretty safe unless you know it is there, but once you do you can’t really go back.
There was plenty of adventure and a bit of mystery to figure out Susan’s heritage and who might want her dead or kidnapped for unknown nefariousness. I enjoyed the conclusion of the story and really liked our main cast. Merlin was a little over the top for me in some regards, so not my favorite in the cast, but Vivien and Susan are wonderful strong female characters.
The worldbuilding was really well done making this a very believable alternate version of London. I really like when the rules of the magic system make sense, are laid out through storytelling and build a world that seems like it could be alive and well today.
Narration:
Marisa Calin is a new to me narrator. She did a good job representing the voices in the story and seemed to capture the feel of the time and place. I enjoyed her performance and delivery. I listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Top reviews from other countries
Garth Nix has laid the foundation of a world that begs to be explored further in more books. The premise of Susan and the booksellers is a tantalizing taste of a world that can house so many more books.
A saga in the making.
Tout d’abord, quand on parle de librairie ou libraire, je tends l’oreille. Ici Nous suivons Susan, une jeune femme de la campagne qui se rend à Londres afin, de trouver une piste sur son père qu’elle n’a jamais connu. Un jour, elle rencontre Merlin, un jeune homme étrange qui porte un gant à sa main gauche et qui lui explique pourquoi il a dû s’occuper du sort du bienfaiteur de Susan.
J’avoue l’entrée en matière dans le monde des Booksellers aka agents spéciaux du Nouveau Monde donne une impression de déjà-vu pour l’ambiance. J’ai eu l’impression de relire The Mortals Instruments. Cependant, l’histoire et l’intrigue sont complètement distinctes. J’ai adoré la description du quartier général/ boutique de cette organisation qui navigue entre deux mondes pour protéger le Londres/Angleterre légèrement différents de 1983. Le système hiérarchique des Booksellers est intéressant et étrangement fait.
Concernant les personnages et l’histoire en elle-même, j’ai été captivé par le dynamisme des événements et j’ai éprouvé de la sympathie pour notre trio : Susan, Merlin et sa sœur Vivien. Ils ne se connaissent que depuis peu, mais une amitié assez forte les lie dès le début.
Pour conclure, ce premier tome est une pépite. J’ai tout aimé du début à la fin. Le niveau d’anglais est abordable, il se lit facilement et rapidement. Cela faisait longtemps que je n’avais pas passé un si bon moment de lecture. Et j’ai hâte de la sortie du deuxième tome en fin d’année.