I was hoping for a sequel to The Left Handed Booksellers of London and this did not disappoint. I look forward to recommending this to library patrons, as well as reading more of Nix's work.

The book was okay, but just didn't grab me. I did finish the whole thing, but I don't think that I'll continue the series.

The riproarious riveting Urban Fantasy series continues! If you prefer your Urban Fantasy heavily steeped in mythic legends and thoroughly grounded in actual (with some alterations) geographical locations, easy Suspension of Disbelief, danger (imminent and eventual), leavened with a gentle touch of "Will they? Won't they? Could they ever?" Romance plus Chill-your-bones implacable Horror, race, don't dawdle, to read this Duology! Garth Nix is an "always guaranteed to knock it out of the ball park" author!

I would like to thank HarperCollins for a digital copy of this novel. I felt the characters were a lot more fleshed out here. We delve deeper into Susan's origin story and her abilities. I really enjoyed the explanations of the binding system. We see how others see her as a threat due to her origins. Her relationship with Merlin takes a backseat to more pressing matters. I really enjoyed this story.
The novel builds towards a major confrontation. The ending felt a bit abrupt, but I am really looking forward to the next in the series. In many ways, this second novel is stronger than the first.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

This is the second book in a series, and I have not read the first, so there were several times, especially early on in the story, where I felt a bit left out of the loop. There were enough small mentions of details though that I soon felt mostly caught up.

I was initially quite intrigued by the premise of this story and the different deities that the booksellers work with and manage (where appropriate). The middle of the story started to drag a bit though and I ended up having to put the book aside for a while as I'd started another book set in Bath and featuring Sulis Minerva that was piquing my interest more at the time. When I returned to the book and got past that lull, I was once again hooked and excited to see how everything would be resolved.

In spite of the lull in the middle of this story, I definitely want to get my hands on a copy of the first book in the sieges, so I can get fully caught up and see where it all began.

Overall I give The Sinister Booksellers of Bath 3.9743 out of 5 stars.

It was great to get to follow up with all of the characters from the original book. Everyone returns and we get to follow the left and right-handed booksellers on another epic adventure. It's interesting to see Susan wrestle with what her new found powers and identity mean for her in the long term and Merlin is just fabulous as always. Everything wrapped up pretty neatly, but I wouldn't mind another adventure with the booksellers, Susan, and Merlin in the future. Once again Garth Nix delivers a great urban fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.

I always enjoy reading Garth Nix books. The Abhorsen trilogy was a favorite of mine before it became the Old Kingdom series. I love Merlin’s character which is why I wanted to read this one. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with my else. It also just kept losing my interest at times. Overall, a good read, just not my favorite.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Garth Nix

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book.

Been meaning to read this series for a while and finally getting around to it and glad I did! I love Garth Nix's writing and really enjoyed this one as well. The Abhorsen series will always be one of my top favorites but this was just as well written with wonderful characters and good pacing. I'd read more in this series for sure!

3 stars

Thank you, Netgalley and publisher for this ARC.

I didn't enjoy this AS much as the first book, but it was fun to be back in this world and read another story.

I did like the fast paced scenes that had some action in it. That kept me wanting to read chapter after chapter.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys magic in a more modern setting (The 70s) and with real world mixed in.

A terrific followup in the Booksellers series. I just love this unique and interesting universe. I did go back to read the first novel first and would strongly recommend reading them in order, and back to back. A little binge makes it so rich and rewarding!

I have a been a fan of Garth Nix since I discovered the Abhorsen trilogy in middle school. I am so thrilled to see this continuation of a new world for him.

Susan’s desire to separate her magical heritage & her normal life is tested when Merlin is kidnapped into a place separated from time, & she’s the only one who can rescue him.

This was throughly delightful. I forget just how much I love Nix’s details when he’s really trying to be creepy. The descriptions of the marble statues, their animation makes me want to reread the Old Kingdom series all over again.

I really loved Susan’s down to earth nature, and her slow coming to terms with the world that she’s now a part of. She really gave me solid early Discworld Susan vibes, which I think is one of the highest compliments I could give her.

I was a little disappointed by the ending, because it just felt rushed and abrupt. It felt like he was setting up a third book, and then almost everything gets wrapped up in the last little bit.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC.

So chaotic. I'm having a hard time figuring out if I'm liking this series or not. lol. I feel like maybe audio isn't the best avenue for it but the e-book is too slow. So. Maybe just not for me.

I did not finish this book. I found it very difficult to get in to. I did not leave a review or a rating on any social media as it was not for me. I had heard many good things about this author. I tried reading the first book in this series as well and found it difficult to follow as well.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a free and unbiased review.

You can never go wrong with Garth Nix and the Sinister Booksellers of Bath proves it. Fully immersive from the first page, oddly calculating in delivery, and quick to torture you into flipping to the next chapter.

Solid, twisty plot. Engaging characters. Zippy pace. Nice magic system. Some clever surprises. Amusing , dry dialogue and bits of business. A fun read.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read and review this book. It was a decently fun read, but it didn't keep me interested throughout the whole book. It got slow at points and overshared about some details. The story could have been shorter.

The characters were alright to follow. Some of them were intriguing and relatable. I don't think this was as good as book one.

To start, I really enjoyed The Left-handed Booksellers but didn’t expect there to be a sequel. I’m not sure I love this sequel, either. I do love Merlin, and wish there was more of him. Susan is pretty obnoxious, really, although tolerable when she stops complaining and actually does things. I really like the world building and the other characters, especially the booksellers and their police connections.

I found the book to be a quick read with the pacing really well done, keeping me interested throughout. I do wish there was a little more murder and mystery, to be honest, as the blurb seems to promise. I also think the ending was very rushed and could have used another chapter or two.

I’m torn between three and four stars. I think this book could have been so much more, based on the first one. But I also would love another installment, because I enjoy the world and characters so much and would like to see some additional development.

Hated it.

Seriously, started it back in March, and kept coming back to see if I could finish it. I thought this was a cool concept, with cool characters in the beginning. BUT right from the start I knew this book could not be read as a standalone. Yes, the actual story is pretty easy to follow and understand, and the backstory is not really necessary , but there's no world building or character building, or explaining of relationships.

The rest is very wordy and descriptive, but for very unnecessary parts of the book. I don't need three paragraphs to tell me what each person in a raid/party is wearing. Or what particular vehicle what party is driving, especially if it gives zero to the plot or the fights or anything for that matter.

I skimmed through the second half of the book just to see what will happen, and nothing happened that was not predictable or unexpected, or interesting.

Just blah. Not for me. Don't understand the hype. 2.5 rounded up.

Another absolutely engrossing fantasy from Garth Nix. Proving once again why he's one of my favorite authors. This novel picks up shortly after the previous installment, The Left-Handed Booksellers of London. Protagonist Susan wants to be as normal as she can be, after discovering that she's not fully mortal in the previous story. However, she's quickly drawn back into the world of booksellers and the ancient sovereigns they protect the world from when a magical map appears, and they discover an unknown entity with a predisposition for murder. Will Susan, Merlin, Vivien, and the other booksellers be able to stop this being before another victim is claimed? Pick this one up and find out.

I love Garth Nix's writing style, and this entry was no exception. This setting, alternate 1980s England is fantastic and unique. The worldbuilding is great. The booksellers are such an interesting group to follow, and the ancient beings that are introduced in this one are also quite intriguing. I really enjoyed the trio and their interactions. This novel has a satisfying conclusion, but I would absolutely pick up another installment if it ever comes about. No negatives from me on this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.