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The House at the Edge of Magic #4
The Lighthouse at the World's End
Adventurous, magical and brilliantly funny final book in the House at the Edge of Magic series.Nine and her friends are headed to the mortal realm in search of the only thing that will shake a very tricky witch off their a priceless stargold locket. It lies hidden in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures, guarded by Nine’s old foe – the formidable gangmaster of all the thieflings in London.Even if Nine can get her hands on the locket, the friends must find a way to release its power – and for that they must travel through the World Between Worlds to the lighthouse on the Isle of Illusion, where nothing is quite as it seems…
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2024
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970 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 23, 2025
Epilogo della saga "La casa ai confini della magia" in cui ritroviamo la piccola Nove e i suoi "strambi" amici e scopriamo il segreto del suo passato che è stato filo conduttore dei quattro libri di questa magica serie.
Lettura consigliata a grandi e piccini. Incantevole.
Lettura consigliata a grandi e piccini. Incantevole.
August 19, 2024
Actual rating - 4.5 stars.
Wow, I read this in a day, and just like that, the series is over. I know I'm very much not the target audience haha, but I've loved reading these books with their quirky cast of characters. Am sure I'll return for rereads in the future. :)
Wow, I read this in a day, and just like that, the series is over. I know I'm very much not the target audience haha, but I've loved reading these books with their quirky cast of characters. Am sure I'll return for rereads in the future. :)
August 29, 2024
4.5/5 A lovely conclusion to this highly enjoyable, wonderfully humourous, fantasy series for readers aged 8+
June 28, 2025
A beautiful final installment to this enjoyable, entertaining and gripping fantasy series for young readers.
The whole ending sequence is about sacrifice, trust, friends and family. And it's beautiful.
And Eric has definitely been my most favourite character of the whole series. I love the brave, simple-minded troll with his feather duster <3
The whole ending sequence is about sacrifice, trust, friends and family. And it's beautiful.
And Eric has definitely been my most favourite character of the whole series. I love the brave, simple-minded troll with his feather duster <3
September 16, 2024
A lovely way to end the series and I am sad there is no more!
March 15, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Walker Books for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I'm going to assume that you've read the previous three in this series if you're reading this review, and I think you would get the most out of it if you had, otherwise you probably won't have a clue what I'm talking about.
I have read the entire series of books from Amy Sparkes. First The House at the Edge of Magic, then The Tower at the End of Time, then The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond, and now finally The Lighthouse at the World's End. The first three I already owned, having bought them for myself some time ago, and then this one I was kindly gifted. Yes I know I'm three times the reading age but I really love them. They're fun and jolly and magical, they're sad and hopeful and friendly. There's a lot in these stories that I think will appeal to adults wanting to rediscover something magical about reading. But then they're also fun and adventurous and age appropriate too.
There are a few new characters in this book but we still get our usual bunch of misfits:
Firstly we have Nine, a pickpocket girl who ends up living in the House at the Edge of Magic. She's not had the easiest childhood for a number of reasons but she seems to have found her place among this unusual family. Then we have Flabbergast the Wizard. He's almost the dad of this little bunch but not what you'd call the most responsible of father figures. He's missing his magic and is a bit forlorn. But I love him. I cared for him, and he's just really fun and witty.
Also in this bizarre family setup, we have Eric the troll, whose heart is in the right place and just wants to help everyone, especially by making pancakes (which I advise you don't eat). He's really sweet and I have loved seeing the way Nine and Eric have become close. Mr Spoon is back in it, a quick-to-anger...well...spoon. He's fun and always up for a fight. Cas is relatively new; she's a gargoyle who escaped with the gang in the third book. She is utterly fabulous. She's quite miserable in a way, complains a lot, but she's an intriguing character and slotted into this family instantly. And finally we have Bonehead, a sarcastic skeleton who gets a bigger role in this book than the others.
Our antagonists are three-fold; we have Flabbergast's sister and their two aunts. For reasons I won't get into, they don't like each other, and they're all hunting for the same thing, which means they don't like each other even more. They are great characters. I generally don't like it when villains stray into pantomime villains, but I think it works in this series. If they were more serious villains, I don't think it would have had the same affect.
As well as the magical world they live in, we also get to visit Nine's mortal world again. I won't say how or why because it's quite a nice change in the story and I want you to experience that yourself, but it was interesting to see her two lives collide.
You would think that stretching the one story over four books would diminish the originality and the surprises and the fantasy but it hasn't. Amy has managed to do it marvellously and this last book is as fabulous and imaginative and wonderous as the first one.
It is more than just a fun adventure for kids. It's about the sense of belonging, about redemption, secrets, about family being what you make of it and not always who you're related to, about friendship, and about embracing your differences.
I'm actually quite sad that the series has come to an end. It's been great fun and really moving. It's been joyous reading these books and I'll definitely be recommending them to the kids in my family.
I'm going to assume that you've read the previous three in this series if you're reading this review, and I think you would get the most out of it if you had, otherwise you probably won't have a clue what I'm talking about.
I have read the entire series of books from Amy Sparkes. First The House at the Edge of Magic, then The Tower at the End of Time, then The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond, and now finally The Lighthouse at the World's End. The first three I already owned, having bought them for myself some time ago, and then this one I was kindly gifted. Yes I know I'm three times the reading age but I really love them. They're fun and jolly and magical, they're sad and hopeful and friendly. There's a lot in these stories that I think will appeal to adults wanting to rediscover something magical about reading. But then they're also fun and adventurous and age appropriate too.
There are a few new characters in this book but we still get our usual bunch of misfits:
Firstly we have Nine, a pickpocket girl who ends up living in the House at the Edge of Magic. She's not had the easiest childhood for a number of reasons but she seems to have found her place among this unusual family. Then we have Flabbergast the Wizard. He's almost the dad of this little bunch but not what you'd call the most responsible of father figures. He's missing his magic and is a bit forlorn. But I love him. I cared for him, and he's just really fun and witty.
Also in this bizarre family setup, we have Eric the troll, whose heart is in the right place and just wants to help everyone, especially by making pancakes (which I advise you don't eat). He's really sweet and I have loved seeing the way Nine and Eric have become close. Mr Spoon is back in it, a quick-to-anger...well...spoon. He's fun and always up for a fight. Cas is relatively new; she's a gargoyle who escaped with the gang in the third book. She is utterly fabulous. She's quite miserable in a way, complains a lot, but she's an intriguing character and slotted into this family instantly. And finally we have Bonehead, a sarcastic skeleton who gets a bigger role in this book than the others.
Our antagonists are three-fold; we have Flabbergast's sister and their two aunts. For reasons I won't get into, they don't like each other, and they're all hunting for the same thing, which means they don't like each other even more. They are great characters. I generally don't like it when villains stray into pantomime villains, but I think it works in this series. If they were more serious villains, I don't think it would have had the same affect.
As well as the magical world they live in, we also get to visit Nine's mortal world again. I won't say how or why because it's quite a nice change in the story and I want you to experience that yourself, but it was interesting to see her two lives collide.
You would think that stretching the one story over four books would diminish the originality and the surprises and the fantasy but it hasn't. Amy has managed to do it marvellously and this last book is as fabulous and imaginative and wonderous as the first one.
It is more than just a fun adventure for kids. It's about the sense of belonging, about redemption, secrets, about family being what you make of it and not always who you're related to, about friendship, and about embracing your differences.
I'm actually quite sad that the series has come to an end. It's been great fun and really moving. It's been joyous reading these books and I'll definitely be recommending them to the kids in my family.
August 31, 2024
‘Nine and her friends are headed to the mortal realm in search of the only thing that will shake a very tricky witch off their tail: a priceless Stargold locket. It lies hidden in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures, guarded by Nine’s old foe – the formidable gangmaster of all the thieflings in London.
Even if Nine can get her hands on the locket, the friends must find a way to release its power – and for that, they must travel through the World Between Worlds to the lighthouse on the Isle of Illusion, where nothing is quite as it seems…’
I loved this book.
I am a massive fan of the House at the Edge of Magic series so I was excited to get my hands on this book while also being sad that this is the final book in the series. Having read the previous three books I went into this book with very high hopes, and I am happy to say that this book well and truly lived up to my high expectations.
Even though I am not the target audience for this book; or the entire series, as soon as I started reading it I felt like I was catching up with old friends. Reading this book as an adult made me feel nostalgic and full of hope and excitement. I can easily see why this book and series is so loved by Middle-Grade readers given how much I loved every page or every book.
Amy Sparkes has done a wonderful job with this book and the series as a whole. This book was magical, sweet, and full of adventure. The way in which the stories intersected and concluded was perfect and the growth of the characters both individually and as a unit made for a really wonderful reading experience.
The Lighthouse at the World’s End by Amy Sparkes is a brilliant ending to the House at the Edge of Magic series.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
Even if Nine can get her hands on the locket, the friends must find a way to release its power – and for that, they must travel through the World Between Worlds to the lighthouse on the Isle of Illusion, where nothing is quite as it seems…’
I loved this book.
I am a massive fan of the House at the Edge of Magic series so I was excited to get my hands on this book while also being sad that this is the final book in the series. Having read the previous three books I went into this book with very high hopes, and I am happy to say that this book well and truly lived up to my high expectations.
Even though I am not the target audience for this book; or the entire series, as soon as I started reading it I felt like I was catching up with old friends. Reading this book as an adult made me feel nostalgic and full of hope and excitement. I can easily see why this book and series is so loved by Middle-Grade readers given how much I loved every page or every book.
Amy Sparkes has done a wonderful job with this book and the series as a whole. This book was magical, sweet, and full of adventure. The way in which the stories intersected and concluded was perfect and the growth of the characters both individually and as a unit made for a really wonderful reading experience.
The Lighthouse at the World’s End by Amy Sparkes is a brilliant ending to the House at the Edge of Magic series.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
March 19, 2024
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
THE LIGHTHOUSE AT THE WORLD'S END brings this comic, magical series to a great end. Questions are answered, problems complete, and a family somewhat restored.
The found family of the House hurtle into another magical, amusing adventure. There's all the trademark chaos of the dysfunctional residents, made worse by the addition of Flabberghast's witch sister who has cursed her brother along with the house. No one trusts her and she brings a lot of smug trickery, that was very fun to watch unfold.
They go rattling through an attack by vicious aunts and then need to survive the lighthouse itself, and that's before even trying to solve what they need to do at the lighthouse. There's plenty of action to cap the series off, as well as loss and sacrifice. There's also plenty of heart warming moments between the residents too as they look out for one another - and maybe the witch has a softer side to herself too.
The great thing about series enders is that all the remaining questions are answered and loose threads tied up. The main mystery at the heart of the series about Nine's mother and what happened gets answered here, along with the secondary mysteries that's sprouted along the way. It's very nice to finally know exactly what happened.
In all, it's a very satisfying way for the series to wrap up, perfect for lower MG readers looking to test their reading skills.
THE LIGHTHOUSE AT THE WORLD'S END brings this comic, magical series to a great end. Questions are answered, problems complete, and a family somewhat restored.
The found family of the House hurtle into another magical, amusing adventure. There's all the trademark chaos of the dysfunctional residents, made worse by the addition of Flabberghast's witch sister who has cursed her brother along with the house. No one trusts her and she brings a lot of smug trickery, that was very fun to watch unfold.
They go rattling through an attack by vicious aunts and then need to survive the lighthouse itself, and that's before even trying to solve what they need to do at the lighthouse. There's plenty of action to cap the series off, as well as loss and sacrifice. There's also plenty of heart warming moments between the residents too as they look out for one another - and maybe the witch has a softer side to herself too.
The great thing about series enders is that all the remaining questions are answered and loose threads tied up. The main mystery at the heart of the series about Nine's mother and what happened gets answered here, along with the secondary mysteries that's sprouted along the way. It's very nice to finally know exactly what happened.
In all, it's a very satisfying way for the series to wrap up, perfect for lower MG readers looking to test their reading skills.
June 23, 2024
The House at the Edge of Magic #4
The Lighthouse at the World's End
Written by Amy Sparkes
So the time has finally come for me to write this review for this wonderful book which unfortunately is currently the last in this marvellous series.
There are absolutely no words to describe my love for this series and no words to say how gutted I am that this is coming to an end.
This is the perfect series for lovers of magic, and fantasy
I kept putting off reading this book because I knew it was the end.
But one of the things about this series is that these books have the most beautiful covers ever published and this book was always in my eyeline saying pick me up…
But deep down I know that I needed to find out what happened to Nine and all her friends and the only way to do that was to give in and read the book.
So it was with a very heavy heart I started it and within a couple of minutes I was back with old friends in a magical house.
And the author saved the best for last.
It was everything I wanted and more in a book. I tried so hard to limit myself to a chapter a day but I had no control over myself and before I knew what was happening I was hurtling towards the last chapter.
Nine and her friends are headed to the mortal realm in search of the only thing that will shake a very tricky witch off their priceless star gold locket. It lies hidden in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures, guarded by Nine’s old foe – the formidable gangmaster of all the thieflings in London.
Even if Nine can get her hands on the locket, the friends must find a way to release its power – and for that they must travel through the World Between Worlds to the lighthouse on the Isle of Illusion, where nothing is quite as it seems…
I personally believe that the reader needs to read the three previous books before this one as the reader really needs to know what is happening.
All the old characters from the first book made a reappearance and it was so good to see them again.( even the nasty ones)
The main characters are their usual selves, a batch of misfits all thrown together. My favourite character throughout the whole series has always been Flabbergast the Wizard. He's like the dad of this little bunch of misfits, just not very responsible and very rarely listened to. He's lost his magic and is trying everything he can to rediscover it.But I adored him. He tries to be the sensible one but it doesn’t always work out. Adding the character of his evil sister was a masterstroke. It showed another side to the character.
The scenes with him are the funniest in the book. Another really funny character is the toilet. Yes they have their own toilet that moves around.
This book cleverly ties up all the loose ends of the previous books and solves the mystery of Nine’s locket and her true name. After sadly reading the last page I did wonder if the author is planning a spin off series, or if this isn’t the last we will see of these characters, only time will tell but I have everything crossed.
The Lighthouse at the World's End
Written by Amy Sparkes
So the time has finally come for me to write this review for this wonderful book which unfortunately is currently the last in this marvellous series.
There are absolutely no words to describe my love for this series and no words to say how gutted I am that this is coming to an end.
This is the perfect series for lovers of magic, and fantasy
I kept putting off reading this book because I knew it was the end.
But one of the things about this series is that these books have the most beautiful covers ever published and this book was always in my eyeline saying pick me up…
But deep down I know that I needed to find out what happened to Nine and all her friends and the only way to do that was to give in and read the book.
So it was with a very heavy heart I started it and within a couple of minutes I was back with old friends in a magical house.
And the author saved the best for last.
It was everything I wanted and more in a book. I tried so hard to limit myself to a chapter a day but I had no control over myself and before I knew what was happening I was hurtling towards the last chapter.
Nine and her friends are headed to the mortal realm in search of the only thing that will shake a very tricky witch off their priceless star gold locket. It lies hidden in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures, guarded by Nine’s old foe – the formidable gangmaster of all the thieflings in London.
Even if Nine can get her hands on the locket, the friends must find a way to release its power – and for that they must travel through the World Between Worlds to the lighthouse on the Isle of Illusion, where nothing is quite as it seems…
I personally believe that the reader needs to read the three previous books before this one as the reader really needs to know what is happening.
All the old characters from the first book made a reappearance and it was so good to see them again.( even the nasty ones)
The main characters are their usual selves, a batch of misfits all thrown together. My favourite character throughout the whole series has always been Flabbergast the Wizard. He's like the dad of this little bunch of misfits, just not very responsible and very rarely listened to. He's lost his magic and is trying everything he can to rediscover it.But I adored him. He tries to be the sensible one but it doesn’t always work out. Adding the character of his evil sister was a masterstroke. It showed another side to the character.
The scenes with him are the funniest in the book. Another really funny character is the toilet. Yes they have their own toilet that moves around.
This book cleverly ties up all the loose ends of the previous books and solves the mystery of Nine’s locket and her true name. After sadly reading the last page I did wonder if the author is planning a spin off series, or if this isn’t the last we will see of these characters, only time will tell but I have everything crossed.
July 2, 2024
The Lighthouse at the World’s End is the fourth and final book in the The House at the Edge of Magic series. If you haven’t read the previous books you really need to, to be able to fully understand this one as this isn’t a series you can dive into partway.
Nine is heading back home with her friends in tow, and a witch who wants something from her, a magical golden locket. Nine knows that she can’t give the witch the locket as it is too powerful but she also knows that she has made a promise to her, one she can not get out of.
With the help of her friends, Nine has a plan which includes travelling to the World Between Worlds and to the lighthouse on the Isle of Illusion.
The Lighthouse at the World’s End is filled to the brim with adventure and excitement. There are some remarkable characters within the pages and the plot is so full and fast that young readers won’t want to put the book down.
This middle-grade story is unusual, quirky, and strange but it is also fabulous and inspiring. Nine might have started life as a thief but she has grown so much with each book.
This last book in the series brings everything to a close and ends perfectly without leaving the reader with questions. For young bookworms who want an enjoyable, witty, magical story this is the series to choose. They will not be disappointed.
Nine is heading back home with her friends in tow, and a witch who wants something from her, a magical golden locket. Nine knows that she can’t give the witch the locket as it is too powerful but she also knows that she has made a promise to her, one she can not get out of.
With the help of her friends, Nine has a plan which includes travelling to the World Between Worlds and to the lighthouse on the Isle of Illusion.
The Lighthouse at the World’s End is filled to the brim with adventure and excitement. There are some remarkable characters within the pages and the plot is so full and fast that young readers won’t want to put the book down.
This middle-grade story is unusual, quirky, and strange but it is also fabulous and inspiring. Nine might have started life as a thief but she has grown so much with each book.
This last book in the series brings everything to a close and ends perfectly without leaving the reader with questions. For young bookworms who want an enjoyable, witty, magical story this is the series to choose. They will not be disappointed.
April 2, 2024
The Lighthouse at the World's End is Book 4 in The House at the Edge of Magic series and brings Nine's realm travelling adventures to a close. It also sees many of the characters from the previous books make an appearance.
Nine's troubles continue when she makes a deal with the witch to locate a magical locket but all does not go quite to plan. The quest is a dangerous one, but can Nine carry out her promise, discover more about her beloved Ma, and finally find out her real name?
After gobbling up this fabulous series back to back, I can honestly say this fourth book is a real treat full of wit, wisdom and fantastical magic! Due out in early April, the cover design by Ben Mantle is as whimiscal as ever and really captures the essence of Amy's wonderful stories and loveable cast.
Amy's writing is as fresh and quirky as ever, and if you've not read one of her books, then please do give one a try...I am certain you will become hooked on this imaginary world!
June 3, 2024
I always look forward to reading At The World’s End series by my favourite author Amy Sparks books as her imagination to write magical escapism stories gives me an incredible buzz, with the cleverness of sparkling magical fantasy.
Readers, teachers and librarians, from around the world, let me tell you all, I know you all will be in a dizzying trance, transfixed to the most enjoyable At The End worlds End series.
Nine a young girl a remarkable pickpocket skilfully steals something from a bag that belonged to a witch.
The witch with scarlet haired and scarlet fingernails appears in Nine’s bedroom at House at the Edge of Magic, calling her a thief. The witch is demanding that Nine must keep her side of the bargain and assist the witch.
I personally would love to see a box set published of all the books in the series of At the World’s End!
This excellent book goes above and beyond in the magical land of fantasy for all 9 years and up, it’s a real must buy, must read!
Readers, teachers and librarians, from around the world, let me tell you all, I know you all will be in a dizzying trance, transfixed to the most enjoyable At The End worlds End series.
Nine a young girl a remarkable pickpocket skilfully steals something from a bag that belonged to a witch.
The witch with scarlet haired and scarlet fingernails appears in Nine’s bedroom at House at the Edge of Magic, calling her a thief. The witch is demanding that Nine must keep her side of the bargain and assist the witch.
I personally would love to see a box set published of all the books in the series of At the World’s End!
This excellent book goes above and beyond in the magical land of fantasy for all 9 years and up, it’s a real must buy, must read!
April 16, 2025
First of all…I AM PARTIALLY SHOCKED.
⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD ⚠️
1. So Nines real name is Bewilda????? Like wut I thought her mother hated Bewilda (the witch)!?
2. I am confused with Uncle Mortimer like did I zone out who is he??
3. So Nine all the sudden loves Bewilda now?? And so do all the others (Flabberghast not so much)
4. Why did the book have to end when it was getting EVEN BETTER!? Like it would’ve been so fun reading about how Nine, Flabberghast, Bonehead, Cascadia, Spoon & Dish, Eric…AND BEWILDA travel the realms?!?!
5. Wait just remembered where did Spoon and Dish disappear to in the end?
Even though these five things kinda bothered me, the book was really good!
My ratings of this series:
THATEOM ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TTATEOT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TBATBOB ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TLATWE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD ⚠️
1. So Nines real name is Bewilda????? Like wut I thought her mother hated Bewilda (the witch)!?
2. I am confused with Uncle Mortimer like did I zone out who is he??
3. So Nine all the sudden loves Bewilda now?? And so do all the others (Flabberghast not so much)
4. Why did the book have to end when it was getting EVEN BETTER!? Like it would’ve been so fun reading about how Nine, Flabberghast, Bonehead, Cascadia, Spoon & Dish, Eric…AND BEWILDA travel the realms?!?!
5. Wait just remembered where did Spoon and Dish disappear to in the end?
Even though these five things kinda bothered me, the book was really good!
My ratings of this series:
THATEOM ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TTATEOT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TBATBOB ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TLATWE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 12, 2024
The Lighthouse at the World’s End is Amy Sparkes fourth and final book in the House at the Edge of Magic series. A lovely set of books following the escapades of Nine, a pickpocket who lives in a bizarre and slightly dysfunctional family.
This book sees Nine made a deal with the witch to find a magical locket. It turns out her quest will allow her to learn more about her mother along the way. There is tons of adventure through attacks by aunts and the lighthouse.
A great way to finish the series with tying up lots of questions from throughout the series and it’s sure to be well received by the children in my class who enjoy the whole series so far!
This book sees Nine made a deal with the witch to find a magical locket. It turns out her quest will allow her to learn more about her mother along the way. There is tons of adventure through attacks by aunts and the lighthouse.
A great way to finish the series with tying up lots of questions from throughout the series and it’s sure to be well received by the children in my class who enjoy the whole series so far!
May 18, 2024
This is the perfect ending to an incredible magical adventure series, and yet, when you get to the end, you know the adventures of Nine and her friends are far from over. Out there somewhere, hurtling through space, through the World between the worlds, is a house filled with the most extraordinary folk. Nine has held her character throughout the books; bold, brave, light-fingered and quick-witted and frequently exasperated by her adult companions. She meets her challenges head-on and, the whole time, demands revelation and resolution. Nine will not give up or give in, and seems to just accept that she couldn’t even if she wanted to. She may be afraid of the consequences, but she will face them. And come out on top…or alongside them, anyway. (This very strange world parallels our own in so many ways.) The battling siblings Flabberghast and Eliza are just…well, wow. The secrets, the lies, the back-stabbing…but you do see the real love between them. The pace is head-spinning at times, creating a dizzying ride through worlds with unexpected twists and turns popping up everywhere. It keeps the reader on their toes! And the humour is supreme, sliding in and out, surprising us at any given moment and keeping the atmosphere building, then releasing the pressure. This is a well thought out, well developed plot with Prachett-esque quirkiness and intelligence embedded in the pages. All in all, a brilliant journey for anyone over the age of 9 to take. Endearing, engaging, funny, daring…in fact audacious; amazing world-building, fabulous characterisation and utterly, utterly magical. You must read it…oh, just read them all…over and over.
September 13, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed this funny, whimsical, and heart-warming middle-grade series, and while I’m sad to see it come to an end, I’m even sadder that this final instalment feels so lacklustre.
In “The Lighthouse at the World’s End”, it feels as though Sparkes is simply going through the motions, wrapping up plot points and using the quest narrative simply as a means to a (literal) end. There’s little of the inventive world-building that characterises the early instalments, and even the interactions among the crew of the House lack their usual humour and sparkle.
I’ll probably revisit the earlier books in the series at some point in the future, but I doubt I’ll read this one again.
In “The Lighthouse at the World’s End”, it feels as though Sparkes is simply going through the motions, wrapping up plot points and using the quest narrative simply as a means to a (literal) end. There’s little of the inventive world-building that characterises the early instalments, and even the interactions among the crew of the House lack their usual humour and sparkle.
I’ll probably revisit the earlier books in the series at some point in the future, but I doubt I’ll read this one again.
February 7, 2025
I absolutely adored this series, the lovable characters really grew on me and felt like family. I don’t know why but I struggled a little to finish the last book, this one. I think it could have been that I just didn’t want it to end but it could have been a number reasons really. Easy reading and great for older children, my inner child loved them! Provided a nice getaway into the magical realms of Nine and Flabbergast’s lives and how they grow into a family. This last book I felt finished the series off nicely and tidy. Perhaps Nine may make another appearance once day, when she is older and has new adventures to go on!
February 26, 2025
This is the last book of a four book series and it did not disappoint. I read this entire series aloud to my 10 year old daughter and we both loved it. This last book was full of adventure, friendship, and magical battles that my daughter enjoyed. I fell deeply into the storyline about a mother’s love and the lengths a mother will go, even in death, for her child. I was in tears during the last chapter. I can’t recommend this series enough for late elementary school aged kids.
March 17, 2024
I have all the books in the series so far, but admittedly I have only finished reading the first one, the rest are still in the TBR pile. So, there are parts in this book that got me a bit baffled, but that is not a fault of the book. It is a story about a group of misfits who find home in a surprising place and family among themselves. The dialogue between the characters is witty.
April 3, 2024
What a glorious ending to this series. Nine and the rest of the gang are just glorious characters that I’ll miss! There’s gorgeous magic, friendship, finding who you are and fighting for what you believe in. I love how fun these are - flying houses, goblins and tea cupboards that require passwords. I’ve really enjoyed this series!
August 21, 2025
The best thing about this book was the characters and the way they are brought to life by the author. The narrator does a great job with voices too.
An extremely fun feel good series full of twists and turns with the right amount of tension and lightheartedness to bring you out of a slump.
Would recommend.
An extremely fun feel good series full of twists and turns with the right amount of tension and lightheartedness to bring you out of a slump.
Would recommend.
October 20, 2024
A brilliant end to the series. I enjoyed how everything came together and all the characters really grew on me too. While I don't think this is a series of read again I did enjoy it and would recommend it.
December 12, 2024
This whole series was just truly delightful and well written for age range. As an adult, it just felt so sweet and heartwarming. The conclusion is no different, and I can't wait to have my son read them now!
May 8, 2024
Wonderful
My daughter and I absolutely loved reading this series, it’s one of our favourites and we bought this book the day it came out.
THANK YOU AMY SPARKES
My daughter and I absolutely loved reading this series, it’s one of our favourites and we bought this book the day it came out.
THANK YOU AMY SPARKES
June 2, 2024
I've really enjoyed this series. Characters are great and I love the world. Super happy with how this wrapped up.
June 6, 2024
I would award this a million stars out of five. A wonderful end to a fantastic Fantasy series. I adored reading these books. Amy Sparkes provides such a satisying conclusion to these adventures.
August 1, 2024
The final book in the series and it had all the magic and chaos as the others. Really lovely ending and I’m sad to have finished them.
September 4, 2024
A wonderful conclusion to Nine's story and the mystery around her family.
October 15, 2024
an adventure has come to end, at last <3
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