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The Magic Library of Waterfall Way
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26A cozy middle grade fantasy pitched as Greenwild meets Kiki’s Delivery Service, in which a wandering young girl cursed with bad luck must save an enchanted library to find her forever home.
The Alterran Empire hasn’t had an Unremarkable born in centuries . . . until Lyra Hunt. All Lyra wants is a guild to call home—preferably one with a library full of storybooks—but because of her cursed fate, nearly everyone has rejected her.
Then Lyra stumbles upon the secretive Guild of Scholars in the cozy little village of Waterfall Way. With their tight-knit community and magical Library, this might finally be the perfect place for her. To be accepted, though, she must recover the Scholars’ crystal, the source of their magic that was lost in a terrifying fire. With the help of a mischievous new furry friend, Lyra will try to brave the Library’s cursed halls.
Lyra may have an Extremely Unremarkable past, but she’ll do whatever it takes to find a guild—and a home—where she belongs.
The Alterran Empire hasn’t had an Unremarkable born in centuries . . . until Lyra Hunt. All Lyra wants is a guild to call home—preferably one with a library full of storybooks—but because of her cursed fate, nearly everyone has rejected her.
Then Lyra stumbles upon the secretive Guild of Scholars in the cozy little village of Waterfall Way. With their tight-knit community and magical Library, this might finally be the perfect place for her. To be accepted, though, she must recover the Scholars’ crystal, the source of their magic that was lost in a terrifying fire. With the help of a mischievous new furry friend, Lyra will try to brave the Library’s cursed halls.
Lyra may have an Extremely Unremarkable past, but she’ll do whatever it takes to find a guild—and a home—where she belongs.
Unknown Binding
Expected publication August 25, 2026
About the author
Julie Abe
8 books602 followersJulie Abe writes heartfelt, cozy stories for readers of all ages, including EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH, which was listed as a Best Middle Grade Book by Kirkus Reviews, NYPL, Bank Street, and Book Riot; THE MAGIC LIBRARY OF WATERFALL WAY; ALLIANA, GIRL OF DRAGONS; and TESSA MIYATA IS NO HERO. Keep up with Julie's latest books and adventures on instagram.com/julieabebooks or sign up for her newsletter at julieabebooks.com/newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 20, 2026
I’d give The Magic Library of Waterfall Way about 3 stars.
There’s a lot to love in the ideas behind this book—the guild system, the way quests are assigned, and the structure of the magical society were all really creative and interesting. It felt like a world with so much potential, and I genuinely enjoyed learning about how everything worked.
That said, the execution didn’t always land for me. The story jumps between different magical realms in the library quite often, and instead of feeling exciting, it became a bit confusing and hard to follow at times. I found it difficult to stay fully immersed because just as I was getting comfortable in one setting, the narrative would move somewhere else.
I also struggled with the main character’s inner dialogue. Her constant negative thoughts made it hard to connect with her, and at times it brought down the overall tone of the story. I kept hoping to see more growth or confidence develop, but it felt a bit repetitive.
Overall, this is a book with a really imaginative foundation, but the storytelling and character development didn’t quite match the strength of its ideas.
There’s a lot to love in the ideas behind this book—the guild system, the way quests are assigned, and the structure of the magical society were all really creative and interesting. It felt like a world with so much potential, and I genuinely enjoyed learning about how everything worked.
That said, the execution didn’t always land for me. The story jumps between different magical realms in the library quite often, and instead of feeling exciting, it became a bit confusing and hard to follow at times. I found it difficult to stay fully immersed because just as I was getting comfortable in one setting, the narrative would move somewhere else.
I also struggled with the main character’s inner dialogue. Her constant negative thoughts made it hard to connect with her, and at times it brought down the overall tone of the story. I kept hoping to see more growth or confidence develop, but it felt a bit repetitive.
Overall, this is a book with a really imaginative foundation, but the storytelling and character development didn’t quite match the strength of its ideas.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lyra Hunt is desperate to find a guild placement. If she doesn't before her next birthday in a few weeks, she will be banished to the Mists because she's marked by a prophecy of being Extremely Unremarkable. Everyone thought Unremarkables were a myth, until guilds see her birth certificate, then they shunt her out the door post haste fearing she'll bring a curse on them. Lyra's almost run out of guilds, and the Guild Matcher Aquaria is grasping at straws now that the Guild of Pinecone Collectors turned Lyra away. When Aquaria's car breaks down in front of the elusive (and Aquaria thought gone) Guild of Scholars, it looks like Lyra has one last chance. The Guild is small, they've fallen on hard times with a fire that consumed part of their Library and the crystal that powers their magic gone missing and very few quests coming in. It doesn't look good for Lyra to be able to fulfill a quest before her time runs out to become a full member of the guild before her birthday. But she somehow did stumble across a quest. A quest to restore the Library. But it seems impossible. The Library won't let anyone in. And if she does get in, there are 4 levels of impossible challenges to conquer. Are Lyra and the Guild of Scholars doomed?
Julia Abe has created yet more characters for readers to fall in love with between the likable underdog and seemingly unwanted Lyra and her magical sable/book friend Wishlight who joins her on her quests. (Wishlight is so cute!) Waterfall Way is an adorably quirky town with magical ovens dispersing perfect pastry, another young guild member Flynn who makes it clear he doesn't want Lyra in the guild, a guild master willing to take a chance on Lyra when no one else will, and more. I liked the light Japanese flavor Abe added to the story in the foods the town makes and the last names, blended with a magical world that has more secrets and issues to be unpacked in future adventures with Lyra. I can't wait to be able to hand this to readers in my library who love fantasy adventures, unlikely heroines, the homeless finding a home, and magical libraries.
Notes on content [based on the eARC]:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Lyra has to face book dragons on two occasions and gets injured. When the Library was first attacked/burned some did not make it out.
Ethnic diversity: Last names have Japanese similarities.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified that I remember.
Other: Lyra's parents are gone and her sister is in a guild Lyra can't enter, so she's grieving and cut off from family. Flynn is grieving. The people of Waterfall Way have been cut off from the rest of the world in several ways (phone lines going down, harsh winds making it hard to reach them, etc.) and it is not easy for them. Lyra is told by multiple people that she is worthless and maybe even worse, a curse. Someone is a spy and thief in Waterfall Way betraying others' trust.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Julia Abe has created yet more characters for readers to fall in love with between the likable underdog and seemingly unwanted Lyra and her magical sable/book friend Wishlight who joins her on her quests. (Wishlight is so cute!) Waterfall Way is an adorably quirky town with magical ovens dispersing perfect pastry, another young guild member Flynn who makes it clear he doesn't want Lyra in the guild, a guild master willing to take a chance on Lyra when no one else will, and more. I liked the light Japanese flavor Abe added to the story in the foods the town makes and the last names, blended with a magical world that has more secrets and issues to be unpacked in future adventures with Lyra. I can't wait to be able to hand this to readers in my library who love fantasy adventures, unlikely heroines, the homeless finding a home, and magical libraries.
Notes on content [based on the eARC]:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Lyra has to face book dragons on two occasions and gets injured. When the Library was first attacked/burned some did not make it out.
Ethnic diversity: Last names have Japanese similarities.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified that I remember.
Other: Lyra's parents are gone and her sister is in a guild Lyra can't enter, so she's grieving and cut off from family. Flynn is grieving. The people of Waterfall Way have been cut off from the rest of the world in several ways (phone lines going down, harsh winds making it hard to reach them, etc.) and it is not easy for them. Lyra is told by multiple people that she is worthless and maybe even worse, a curse. Someone is a spy and thief in Waterfall Way betraying others' trust.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lyra Hunt, an "Unremarkable" girl cursed with bad luck who seeks belonging To a guild. The Alterran Empire hasn't seen an Unremarkable in centuries. Lyra must find a guild who will take before she turns 12 years old. In the Alterran Empire the Unremarkable goes into the Mists. There are shapesifting monsters called Mistwalkers. Centuries ago the Guild of the Crown made a deal with the Mistwalkers. The deal was as if the Mistwalkers left the Empire, they would send them any guildless Unremarkables to them—the Mists. Lyra becomes the “owner” of a sable. The sable left Lyra a small piece of paper saying “Welcome to Waterfall WayHead of the Guild of the Scholars.” Lyra hopes that they may let her join that guild. Lyra finds out that to be accepted, she must recover the Scholars’ crystal, the source of their magic that was lost in a terrible fire. With the help of a mischievous furry friend, Lyra must brave the Library’s cursed halls. Will she
Be able to do it before she turns 12 years old?
The author has written a novel that is a middle grade cozy fantasy. I thought the magic system was creative, and I liked the world-building in general. It kept me interested, it is a love letter to both the power within books and the power within ourselves, This magical adventure is nothing short of fantastic!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Be able to do it before she turns 12 years old?
The author has written a novel that is a middle grade cozy fantasy. I thought the magic system was creative, and I liked the world-building in general. It kept me interested, it is a love letter to both the power within books and the power within ourselves, This magical adventure is nothing short of fantastic!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This middle grade questing-finding-your-home-and-community adventure was wonderful! I devoured it in 24 hours, and read aloud to my 9-year old, who was absorbed from the very first chapter. The main character is orphaned and has been cast as "Unremarkable" in her world, meaning that no guild is willing to take her in so that she has a place to call home. En route from yet another failed placement, her car is waylaid, and a sable (the cutest creature companion!) shows her the way into the Scholars' Guild (hidden for years), and they take her into their fold. Their library has been destroyed, and her quest is to restore the library.
Her journey to community and opening the library is fraught with challenges, but her innate loyalty and open heart allow her to battle book dragons, conquer mazes, and survive betrayal.
This one is for any kid who feels left out of the mainstream - you WILL find your people, your community, and your strengths. Lyra's story show that you can't be pigeon-holed by others - be you, believe in yourself, a reach out to others, and you'll find your way. I'd absolutely recommend it to anyone with a late elementary-school-er or sensitive middle schooler - a lovely intro fantasy book/world.
*Opinions are my own, and my thanks for Bloomsbury USA Children's Books via NetGalley for an eARC of this book.
Her journey to community and opening the library is fraught with challenges, but her innate loyalty and open heart allow her to battle book dragons, conquer mazes, and survive betrayal.
This one is for any kid who feels left out of the mainstream - you WILL find your people, your community, and your strengths. Lyra's story show that you can't be pigeon-holed by others - be you, believe in yourself, a reach out to others, and you'll find your way. I'd absolutely recommend it to anyone with a late elementary-school-er or sensitive middle schooler - a lovely intro fantasy book/world.
*Opinions are my own, and my thanks for Bloomsbury USA Children's Books via NetGalley for an eARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Lyra is having a hard time finding an apprenticeship because she is not only an orphan, she is an Unremarkle. In the Alterran Empire, this means if she does not get a place, she will be banished. Her mentor thinks she can get her a place in the Guild of Pine Cone Collectors, which even waives a quest, but they, too, deny her entry when they find out about her lack of powers. When Lyra happens upon Guild of Scholars, she hopes that she can work in their library. Of course, there's a quest, and secrets along the way.
While I enjoyed Abe's Alliana: Girl of Dragons, this had too many fantasy tropes for me. Traditional fantasy has not been in demand in my school library for quite some time, and as much as I liked the idea of working in a magical library, I have other books that are similar to this if anyone asks for the, including Ham's The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia, Townsend's Wundersmith books, Thomas' Nic Blake and the Remarkables, or Leathley's Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo. If I had a bigger budget, I might buy this.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Lyra is having a hard time finding an apprenticeship because she is not only an orphan, she is an Unremarkle. In the Alterran Empire, this means if she does not get a place, she will be banished. Her mentor thinks she can get her a place in the Guild of Pine Cone Collectors, which even waives a quest, but they, too, deny her entry when they find out about her lack of powers. When Lyra happens upon Guild of Scholars, she hopes that she can work in their library. Of course, there's a quest, and secrets along the way.
While I enjoyed Abe's Alliana: Girl of Dragons, this had too many fantasy tropes for me. Traditional fantasy has not been in demand in my school library for quite some time, and as much as I liked the idea of working in a magical library, I have other books that are similar to this if anyone asks for the, including Ham's The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia, Townsend's Wundersmith books, Thomas' Nic Blake and the Remarkables, or Leathley's Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo. If I had a bigger budget, I might buy this.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
For anyone who has ever felt not good enough, this book is for you! Lyra Hunt is Extremely Unremarkable. This means nobody will accept her into a guild and if you don't have a guild you face banishment. When she thinks all is lost she stumbles onto the Guild of Scholars, who have been struck with so many tragedies, what's one more?
This was a beautiful, hopeful story. One where we learn the importance of stories and dreams, of found families, and fighting for a place to belong. I loved the concept of a magical library, book dragons, and sentient books. The characters were lovable, even the gruff ones, and the settings were idyllic. There were a few abrupt transitions, but I could 100% see this turned into a Studio Ghibli movie!
I am absolutely getting this one for my library! 4.5 for the rough transitions, rounded up for the beautiful read.
For anyone who has ever felt not good enough, this book is for you! Lyra Hunt is Extremely Unremarkable. This means nobody will accept her into a guild and if you don't have a guild you face banishment. When she thinks all is lost she stumbles onto the Guild of Scholars, who have been struck with so many tragedies, what's one more?
This was a beautiful, hopeful story. One where we learn the importance of stories and dreams, of found families, and fighting for a place to belong. I loved the concept of a magical library, book dragons, and sentient books. The characters were lovable, even the gruff ones, and the settings were idyllic. There were a few abrupt transitions, but I could 100% see this turned into a Studio Ghibli movie!
I am absolutely getting this one for my library! 4.5 for the rough transitions, rounded up for the beautiful read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an adorably fun book! I absolutely loved it and read it in just a couple of hours. It had everything I wanted. A sympathetic protagonist who is willing to fight for what she wants, and adorable, fuzzy sidekick in her sable animal friend, a touch of mystery, found family and - most obviously - the coziest of magical libraries.
I think this will be a big hit with the middle grade crowd! It had elements of Alice in Wonderland and Tuesdays at the Castle, and had a classic fantasy feel to it.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
I think this will be a big hit with the middle grade crowd! It had elements of Alice in Wonderland and Tuesdays at the Castle, and had a classic fantasy feel to it.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is and adorable middle grade read! It is book 1 of the series. I received it from Netgalley and it’s mentioned that the FMC overhears another character describing her as unremarkable, little do they know that this “unremarkable “ girl is going to do very remarkable things. I always love stories where either the underdog or the person being overlooked or pushed aside is the one who actually overcomes, overachieves, and proves to others that you are not what others label you, you are made for more! If you love magic, and adventure, check out this book which releases in August 2026! #Netgalley #fiction #magic #adventure
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First I would like to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury Children's Books for the advanced copy of this book. 📚✨
Waterfall Way is an amazing place where the love of books truly comes to life in so many ways. From temperamental buildings to secretive sables, this story is filled with magic around every corner.
I loved the characters, the emotion, and the imaginative world the author created. It’s the kind of setting you wish you could step into and explore yourself.
This was a wonderfully magical read… and I very much need the next book immediately.
#Bookstagram #ARCReview #MiddleGradeReads #MagicalReads #LibraryMagic #FantasyBooks
Waterfall Way is an amazing place where the love of books truly comes to life in so many ways. From temperamental buildings to secretive sables, this story is filled with magic around every corner.
I loved the characters, the emotion, and the imaginative world the author created. It’s the kind of setting you wish you could step into and explore yourself.
This was a wonderfully magical read… and I very much need the next book immediately.
#Bookstagram #ARCReview #MiddleGradeReads #MagicalReads #LibraryMagic #FantasyBooks
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lyra Hunt is a cursed child. Her parents have died and her sister was accepted to one of the top guilds in the kingdom. Lyra, with her Extremely Unremarkable status, has been rejected by all of the guilds. When she stumbles upon a guild, and a quest, almost by accident, she might actually find a place to belong after all, except for a few problems....
I gobbled this book up. A Magic library? (but aren't all libraries magical? ). This one is especially so, and in great danger from some book dragons and something else mysterious! It's of the genre of children who are cursed in one place, but not another- like Matilda, or Harry Potter. Super enjoyable.
I gobbled this book up. A Magic library? (but aren't all libraries magical? ). This one is especially so, and in great danger from some book dragons and something else mysterious! It's of the genre of children who are cursed in one place, but not another- like Matilda, or Harry Potter. Super enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an electronic ARC from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books through NetGalley.
Lyra holds the distinction of being the only Unremarkable in centuries. This makes her an outcast in many ways as Guilds reject her as an apprentice. She finally finds a Guild who agrees she can stay. She finds a home with the Guild of Scholars but it's not without complications. To everyone's surprise, she is given an ancient quest to save the Guild's library. Readers move through the adventures with Lyra and encounter the dangers as the quest gets closer to its conclusion. The ending may surprise some readers but there are hints as the story unfolds. Looking forward to the adventures continuing.
Lyra holds the distinction of being the only Unremarkable in centuries. This makes her an outcast in many ways as Guilds reject her as an apprentice. She finally finds a Guild who agrees she can stay. She finds a home with the Guild of Scholars but it's not without complications. To everyone's surprise, she is given an ancient quest to save the Guild's library. Readers move through the adventures with Lyra and encounter the dangers as the quest gets closer to its conclusion. The ending may surprise some readers but there are hints as the story unfolds. Looking forward to the adventures continuing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A love letter to books, libraries, and readers.
Lyra is a wonderful main character and this is a fantastic book full of whimsy, charm, and the importance of family--both blood and found. There's also a solid through line of finding your place in the world and how life-changing that can be.
A wonderful addition to Abe's library of work.
Lyra is a wonderful main character and this is a fantastic book full of whimsy, charm, and the importance of family--both blood and found. There's also a solid through line of finding your place in the world and how life-changing that can be.
A wonderful addition to Abe's library of work.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Absolutely delightful! I received a drc from the publisher and absolutely loved the story. A love of books and a longing to belong haunts Lyra Hunt as she approaches her 12th birthday. If she is not accepted as part of a Guild by her birthday, she will be exiled into the Mists. This is obviously the first book in a season but still wonderful!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is an excellent early middle grade fantasy adventure. It is fast paced and imaginative and is on the shorter and easier to read side of middle grade books making it a great transition from earlier reader chapter books to longer middle grade stories.
I loved the magical library, animal companion and found family in this book.
Thanks netgalley for the e-arc
#indigoemployee
I loved the magical library, animal companion and found family in this book.
Thanks netgalley for the e-arc
#indigoemployee
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Such a charming, magical, whimsical tale! Nobody does Ghibli-esque middle grade like Julie Abe, and this is another perfect addition to her (magic) library. If you loved Kiki's Delivery Service and the Eva Evergreen series, you'll adore this!
April 11, 2026
I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.
This was such a cozy read. The setting felt warm and inviting. The characters were likable and easy to root for. It leaned a bit predictable, but that honestly added to the charm.
This was such a cozy read. The setting felt warm and inviting. The characters were likable and easy to root for. It leaned a bit predictable, but that honestly added to the charm.
December 17, 2025
Such a cute story! I loved it.
“Librarian: A treasure hunter who helps their patrons search for books, and kindle a lifelong love of learning.”
“Librarian: A treasure hunter who helps their patrons search for books, and kindle a lifelong love of learning.”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was adorable. A perfect middle grade fantasy for book and library lovers.
note: I read this as a free eARC from Netgalley
note: I read this as a free eARC from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**I was given an ARC copy of this story in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a cute book. It will make a fun addition to my classroom library someday
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I’m not a fan of repetition in stories.
Thank you to NetGalley, Julie Abe, and Bloomsbury Children's Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Julie Abe, and Bloomsbury Children's Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
the best sort of middle grade fantasy that transport you to a magical place with just the right amount of tension. Bonus points for a bibliophile main character!
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