I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes is a third person-POV Middle Grade fantasy. Nine is a thief who lives among other thieves under the thumb of Pockets, who demands gifts from everyone he provides shelter to. In an effort to find a gift, Nine tries to steal a purse and ends up stealing an ornament that is actually a cursed house. To get a gem of immeasurable wealth that might buy her more protection or a future, Nine agrees to help the inhabitants of the cursed home and herself.

There is a lot of humor in here, which is exactly what I’m looking for in most Middle Grade fantasies. They should handle difficult topics, and this book tackles being an orphan and relying on an abusive mentor, but having a sense of humor that appeals to kids is always a very big plus. One of the main characters is a wizard and hopscotch champion called ‘Flabberghast’ and there’s a sentient spoon called Mr. Spoon who is looking for a dish in a play on Hey Diddle Diddle. There’s situational humor, including bathroom humor, that will be to each individual reader’s taste (I’m not personally a fan of bathroom humor and never have been, but I know some kids in the MG age range are into it), but it is generally on the more humorous side.

Of the three main characters (Nine, Flabberghast, and a troll named Eric), Nine was my favorite. Sometimes side characters really call to me and make me excited for more, but Nine was not only the main character but the real star of the show. She’s smart and mature and doing her very best in a difficult situation. It wasn’t explained to her that by agreeing to help Flabberghast, Mr. Spoon, and Eric that she would also be cursed unless the curse is broken and that did make me like the others a little bit less. Some of this is most likely the standard of children being in charge in Middle Grade and guiding the plot, but I fully believe that a child in her position would end up taking the leadership role when her back is against the wall.

A mid-nineteenth century year is given which makes me think this might be historical fantasy but I’m not entirely positive. It certainly does feel historical and firmly set in the Victorian era with a hint of magic here and there. The part of the worldbuilding that I really liked was the house shrinking down to the size of an ornament. I’m into the idea of houses that can be made very small and carried around as needed, though I would prefer not to be in one that is cursed to shrink until everyone in it disappears.

I would recommend this to fans of MG fantasy that has strong historical coding and young readers who want a fast-paced humorous fantasy

A cute and magically wonderful children's novel about a magical house and a thief named Nine. Honestly, this is better than half the adult book ARCs I have read so far this year. My son is twelve and also thought he would like this book but hasn't started it yet.

Fun short tale about an orphan, a magic house under the effects of a curse, and found family. The story seems unlikely to be a series, although I suppose it could become one, and the tale at times verges on wacky even despite a much harder, far more emotional back story that drives the MC. The primary problem in the plot is solving and ending the curse, which ends up bring surprisingly easy. This felt a bit confusing as for much of the novel it seems like the primary problem is Nine's trauma-associated lack of trust in other people and resulting unwillingness to accept or give kindness. This aspect of the plot isn't really resolved in a meaningful way, although a future resolution is implied, which made the book feel a bit unfinished to me. Still, overall enjoyable.

This book was humerous and lighthearted and would be suitable for 8-10 year old readers. The characters were engaging and entertaining and overall this would be an enjoyable, easy read. I give this book 4 stars.

The House at the Edge of Magic is a magical book with whimsical characters. I love Nine, our strong female character who is determined to find a better life.

I think this would be a good read for upper elementary aged students.

Nine’s life with Pockets was giving me Oliver & Fagin vibes, but that quickly changes when she discovers a magic house with a colorful group of residents. I found the curse breaking to be interesting and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. I do wish Nine was nicer to Eric though, him sneaking her boiled sweets in an attempt to make her less sad/angry was very endearing. I’m hoping that Sparkes plans on telling readers who the skeleton in the closet is and why Flabberghast seems determined to not talk about it.

Overall a fun Middle Grade book about an orphan pickpocket finding a magical house under a curse.

Such a fun read! Middle grade books are so much fun, especially featuring orphans and a magical house. Highly recommended!

I absolutely love this book! From the moment I met Nine, I was hooked! All the characters throughout this book are so much fun and full of personality. The whole time I was reading this, I was imagining reading it aloud to my students. I know they would devour it just like I did!