What is it?
A modern fantasy adventure set in London in 1983.
Who’s the writer?
Garth Nix is an Australian fantasy writer specialising in novels for children and young adults.
What’s it about?
Susan Arkshaw’s search to find her father leads her to the home of crime boss Frank Thringley. A late-night attack on Frank’s home results in Susan fleeing mythical monsters with a mysterious young man called Merlin.
Merlin is one of the Left-Handed Book Sellers of London. The book sellers are an ancient family of investigators and enforcers dedicated to protecting the mundane from the mythical. Susan very quickly finds herself embroiled in a mystery far greater and much older than she could have ever imagined.
Is it any good?
More of an adventure than a thriller, it is a beautifully written book. Nix is clearly a skilled story-teller, who has created a beautiful and intriguing other-world where the creatures of myth and legend live in parallel with, and occasionally in, our own. It’s a feel-good fantasy that goes perfectly with a mug of tea and a chocolate biscuit.
The Wizard's Bookshelf 