This is a series set in the 80's, and so we get a lot of fun decade-specific details from that. Susan's attire in particular is something I really enjoyed, and the vehicle descriptions were also a fun throwback. While it's a little strange as a child of the 80's to realize it was long enough ago to be used as a somewhat historical setting for a book, I did find myself enjoying it. And for younger readers, I think it does a good job of creating a real setting without overdoing descriptions or dwelling in the nostalgia too much.

Plot-wise the book kept moving and kept the reader on their toes. There were a couple unexpected twists, which is always fun. And as a sucker for portal fantasy, the moments where they found themselves transported one way or another were exciting. I found myself laughing at the unexpected a bit more in this book than the first. And while the plot for this tale is self-contained, there's a little bit of set up for a longer story arc that may take another book or two to resolve. I am intrigued by what may come.

Character-wise Merlin continues to be my favorite just because of cool points. We also see a lot of development in Susan, a gradual acceptance of who and what she is, and an attempt to balance that with who she wants to be.

All said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It felt a little faster-paced and more compelling than the first one, and with more movement between the real world and other times/dimensions, and more time with the characters, I am completely sold on this series and looking forward to the next release!

In the Sinister Booksellers of Bath, we return to a mythical London, where magical beings from the Old World of England attempt to intrude on the modern world. The booksellers Vivien and Merlin, along with Susan Arkshaw, a demi-human, uncover a serial killer that has been murdering over the last hundred years, and must stop them before their next victim. This book is perfect if you enjoy A Darker Shades of Magic or the Elemental Masters series from Mercedes Lackey. Magic plus Sherlock Holmes vibes is one of my favorite genres!

I was so excited to return to this series. The magic of the booksellers is so intricate and well-crafted, and the setting adds to the feeling of mystery, which feels so at home in London. We learned so much more about how the booksellers work as a whole, and it was interesting to see the interactions with some of the other Old Gods in this book. I enjoyed getting to see more of the other booksellers besides Vivien and Merlin. Susan was introduced in the first novel, and after learning her true identity and her powers, and seeing the growth over the course of the novel, I am so interested to see what happens next.

This book was stunning and imaginative, and I couldn't wait to read more! The magic system was ingenious and so fun.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of the sinister booksellers of bath. this was apparently a book 2 but can be read on its own and was very good for keeping it ya

An absolutely killer follow up to the first book in the series. Bizarre and magical, just as promised. I highly recommend this.

An entertaining read, this was not as good as the first book. The middle was slow and there was way too much detail about cars and weapons instead of characters and the magic and um, the Booksellers.

"Sinister Book Sellers of Bath" by Garth Nix expands on the set up of the previous story. After Merlin goes missing Susan is pulled into Bookseller nonsense after trying to plant her feet in normalcy. And then the statues start moving.

Thank you Penguin Random House Audio, Netgalley, and Garth Nix for the ARC.

Marisa Calin returns to narrate, the loathing of English traffic carried through.

Reasons to read:
-Character growth in just asking for what you need. *sweats in relatable*
-Glaswegian housekeeper who can bake amazing food (get it up ye)
-Can feel the 90s in the references
-Expansion of the readers understanding of what people are capable of

Cons:
-I don't know clothes super well so I had to Google a bunch when the descriptions where happening.

I did not realize that this was a sequel when I was offered an arc, so I will not be reviewing any further.

The Sinister Booksellers of Bath is the sequel to a book I loved, The Left-Handed Booksellers of London and was really quite enjoyable! You get a decent amount of intrigue, adventure, and mystery as well as a good amount of backstory on previously loved characters. I did not want to put this one down, so this was definitely a binge read for me.

I somehow die not realize this was a sequel, so I went and picked up the first book. I really couldn’t get into it, so sadly I am unable to review this one.

Garth Nix is an incredible author. I actually introduced him to my father before I even read anything by him. While this book if definitely on my list, I didn't realize it was the second book in a series. I don't think I'll have time to read both books before the archive date, but I wanted to submit some feedback anyways. I am excited to dive into this world and will be posting reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and my personal bookstagram page when I do finish.

A completely unique experience. I have to admit that I did not read book 1 before diving into The Sinister Booksellers of Bath. I'm happy to report that I did not feel lost in the slightest except to understand that there were elements to the relationships that obviously began in book 1. I went into this story with an open mind and high expectations. How could I not with that gorgeous book cover? The story itself flows well and there's an immediate sense of urgency that flows throughout the entire novel. I loved that Susan tries so hard to be "normal" though she's anything but and that Merlin is supportive of her decisions. Also, Merlin's style is perfection. I greatly enjoyed these magical people who did not conform to society and lived hundreds of years protecting others from the things that go bump in the night. I loved the distinctive magic system and the whole right-handed/left-handed situation. An altogether enchanting tale with beautiful settings that whisked me away and left me wanting more. Cannot wait to see where this story goes next. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I didn't love this *quite* as much as the first book, but I still liked it a lot! I don't know how to describe the energy of this series except to say that it has the forward-propulsion of a middle grade book and the grown-up appeal of adult fantasy and I guess the publisher decided to split the difference and put it in YA, but it doesn't have the relationship waffling that annoys me about a lot of YA fiction. I love Susan and the worldbuilding surrounding the booksellers, although to be honest I'm not sure how much appeal it would have to actual teenagers? I'm very curious about the reception of this series. As a side note, though, Merlin is a DELIGHTFUL love interest, I very much enjoy a clotheshorse warrior boyfriend who periodically dresses up as Elizabeth Bennet from the BBC miniseries. Two thumbs up for the decision to just skip the "will they won't they" stage and set book two in an established relationship.

I had just read The Left-Handed Booksellers of London, downloaded and started reading this ARC, and then heard Mr. Nix talk at a bookstore. I’ve been a little slow to read this one - nothing to do with the book, just had some bad things going on this month of April. In this book we pick up a little while after the events of Left-Handed, though I don’t feel like you absolutely have to read that book to understand and enjoy this, but I think it helps. It starts with having one of the protagonists, Merlin (No not that Merlin), get trapped in a place that has been removed from our world. The other main character, Susan, go into the world with another of the Booksellers to rescue him. They have to battle monster statues to get out. Turns out the statues are being animated by an ancient being that wants Susan. And so the battle and adventure starts.
This is YA, but completely enjoyable as an adult. So long as you just want a fun adventure and not get deep. The deities and even the places are closely based on the real world, though I have never been to Bath so I have to Google to confirm those things. along with interesting facts you get great characters, fast-paced adventure, a lot of imagination, and a lot of costume changes. If I had to pick a nit I would choose that. Others I talk to like that about these books, but I don't care so much about the detail of their fashions. Still, that’s a very minor criticism. Overall this book is recommended.

THE SINISTER BOOKSELLERS OF BATH by Garth Nix is a sequel to The Left-Handed Booksellers of London and, as such, is not really a stand-alone title. There is quite a bit of back story about Susan, Merlin, and others involved with the secret booksellers. Still, readers will appreciate Nix’s skill in building another crescendo as he relates the fantasy adventures set in Bath and other realms. It all begins with a magical map and the awakening of a malevolent force acting like a serial killer. Susan (only half-mortal) is concerned with sacrificing her "normal" life as an art student, but steps into help and becomes a target. With quick pace and a complex alternative world, this is a very satisfying read and sinister indeed!

I unfortunately did not have a chance to finish this title before it was published despite having an interest in it. Rated 5stars, did not finish.

This is the second book in the series and while I adored the first book this one took me a bit to get into. The story was still a good adventure as the characters were pulled into another world and have to face perils and fears. 3,5 stars.


Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Sinister Booksellers of Bath
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: 4 out of 5

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.

I think I might have enjoyed the first book in this series a bit more than this one, but it was close. Merlin is, of course, my favorite character again, as he’s so over-the-top and just fun in general. I found the mythology here a bit convoluted and confusing, but the world itself was fascinating. This was a solid adventure to read.

Garth Nix lives in Sidney. The Sinister Booksellers of Bath is his newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 4/10.)

The Sinister Booksellers of Bath does not disappoint! Every bit as good as the Left Handed Booksellers of London. Book 2 is not always as good as book one but this is. I'm glad it was kind of open ended, I look forward to book 3!

This was an excellent follow-up to the first book. I would dive back into this world over and over again.