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The House at the Edge of Magic #3
The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond
Adventurous, magical and brilliantly funny next book in the House at the Edge of Magic series.
Nine and her friends have cured the house's hiccups and are off to the strange and utterly unpredictable Back of Beyond in search of Professor Dish - Spoon's best friend and partner in all things alchemy.
When they find Dish trapped by the greedy witch Ophidia in the basement of a particularly marvellous shop, it soon becomes clear they're going to need something more than Flabberghast's dicey magic and Nine's quick thinking to triumph this time. What they really need is a rather clever witch - one particularly good at curses.
Nine and her friends have cured the house's hiccups and are off to the strange and utterly unpredictable Back of Beyond in search of Professor Dish - Spoon's best friend and partner in all things alchemy.
When they find Dish trapped by the greedy witch Ophidia in the basement of a particularly marvellous shop, it soon becomes clear they're going to need something more than Flabberghast's dicey magic and Nine's quick thinking to triumph this time. What they really need is a rather clever witch - one particularly good at curses.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
April 27, 2026
Ja chcę już ostatni tom! Jestem ogromnie ciekawa, jak ta historia się zakończy.
Bardzo lubię tę serię, bo jest barwna, żywiołowa i ma super postaci (Eryk 💙), a Dziewiątka to taki charakterek, że niejedna dziewczynka się w niej zakocha. Tak myślę. Lubię to, jak buzuje moja wyobraźnia przy tych książkach, a ten trzeci tom jest chyba moim ulubionym. Tytułowa księgarnia i to, co się w niej działo… wspaniałą zabawę miałam w tym momencie.
Bardzo lubię tę serię, bo jest barwna, żywiołowa i ma super postaci (Eryk 💙), a Dziewiątka to taki charakterek, że niejedna dziewczynka się w niej zakocha. Tak myślę. Lubię to, jak buzuje moja wyobraźnia przy tych książkach, a ten trzeci tom jest chyba moim ulubionym. Tytułowa księgarnia i to, co się w niej działo… wspaniałą zabawę miałam w tym momencie.
October 19, 2025
This was an "eenie meenie minny moe" pick, didn't feel inspired to choose what's next to read, as I'm waiting for a bunch of books to come off hold. This is what got picked, The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond (The house at the Edge of Magic #3), written by Amy Sparkes, narrated by Charlie Sanderson.
It was an ok read, darling voice's, OH so cute names, such as dish, spoon, plate, fork, and other. This book did have some magical charm that help to Jazz it up a little. I thought the cover was delightful and had a winning ending. Hold on.....there is a cliff hanger that will keep you guessing at the end of the book. This is a genre all its own.
Not a strong one with me, but I enjoyed 3.0 stars worth. Recommend if you like this type of writing. Enjoy!
It was an ok read, darling voice's, OH so cute names, such as dish, spoon, plate, fork, and other. This book did have some magical charm that help to Jazz it up a little. I thought the cover was delightful and had a winning ending. Hold on.....there is a cliff hanger that will keep you guessing at the end of the book. This is a genre all its own.
Not a strong one with me, but I enjoyed 3.0 stars worth. Recommend if you like this type of writing. Enjoy!
January 16, 2023
3.5 stars
this one did lack a bit of the magical charm the first two books had. i can't explain it but it's how i felt. the ending was very lovely once again, leaving a cliffhanger to the next book
this one did lack a bit of the magical charm the first two books had. i can't explain it but it's how i felt. the ending was very lovely once again, leaving a cliffhanger to the next book
March 2, 2025
Best in the series by far. My 8 year old’s new favorite books 🧡
April 26, 2026
As we get closer the end of the series we are getting closer to finding out who Nine is and why she has ended up in the magical house and what she has to do with the central mystery in this magical world. In this installment they are trying to find Dish who has been separated from Spoon and they believe she is in the back of beyond so they go there to find her. The small details about this magical world that Sparkes has created is so fun. I love that once they get there they have to buy something or trade something from each of the shops before they are permitted to leave and all the things that are magical creatures like the talking candle that Nine brings back with her even after being told specifically not to, and of course we have the Witch who is following them for some unknown reason. Lots of fun and I can't wait to see how it ends in the last book. I love that as the story goes on Nine who was abandoned and alone has found some friends who she is coming to trust and care about and sees that perhaps she isn't alone and that together they can overcome anything.
September 10, 2024
Loved the third book. Onto the fourth!
July 31, 2025
Really funny, a great addition to the series! The talking candle was funny!
Jon gives this 4 stars, and says it would have gotten 5 stars if Dr. Spoon hadn't left at the end.
Jon gives this 4 stars, and says it would have gotten 5 stars if Dr. Spoon hadn't left at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2022
I love this series and this book was as chaotic, funny and magical as the others! Together with their friends, Nine, Wizard Flabberghast, and Eric travel to the Back of Beyond to find Professor Dish. But as ever, it's not as simple as it seems, and mayhem and magic ensue! This is a well-written, fun series for children of all ages that I highly recommend.
August 13, 2025
This continues to be a great series of books!
The concepts for the different shops were fun and interesting and once again there were little twists and reveals at the end that had me running to my child to talk about it.
The idea of an enchanted bookshop gone rogue is hilarious and was my favourite part of this one.
We've been listening to these on Audible and I cannot rate them highly enough. The accent choices and voice work really bring each character to life.
Onwards to the lighthouse!
The concepts for the different shops were fun and interesting and once again there were little twists and reveals at the end that had me running to my child to talk about it.
The idea of an enchanted bookshop gone rogue is hilarious and was my favourite part of this one.
We've been listening to these on Audible and I cannot rate them highly enough. The accent choices and voice work really bring each character to life.
Onwards to the lighthouse!
May 25, 2025
This book was a little more confusing than the 2nd book, because I haven't read the 1st book. 😅😅😅
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Anyways, this book was pretty good! I love Bones and his fluffy socks!
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Anyways, this book was pretty good! I love Bones and his fluffy socks!
November 13, 2024
Whimsical and fun.
April 23, 2026
I made a horrible mistake and read the third book first without realizing it, but I guess that speaks to how well the story explains itself as it goes.
June 5, 2026
Magical mystery fun and adventure. Love the progression of this series, the story evolves as well as the cast of characters.
November 12, 2024
Love this book! It takes you on a magical journey and brings back all the lovely childhood memories of just the right mix of magic and adventure!!
June 11, 2025
Characters: 3
Atmosphere: 4
Writing: 3
Plot: 4
Enjoyment: 4
TOTAL: 3.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Source: Audiobook
Atmosphere: 4
Writing: 3
Plot: 4
Enjoyment: 4
TOTAL: 3.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Source: Audiobook
May 4, 2024
Yet another fantastic addition to this series by Amy Sparkes. I find her books so well written and there are plenty of laugh out loud moments. Picked up The Lighthouse at Worlds End yesterday and really looking forward to reading it. Keep writing fantastic books Amy ☺️
September 6, 2024
so fun!
Read
September 6, 2025Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond by Amy Sparkes is the third person-POV continuation of the MG fantasy House at the Edge of Magic series. Nine, Eric, Flabberghast, and Spoon are back to finally find Professor Dish. But along the way, Nine believes she’s found a way to learn more about her mother and she is willing to do whatever it takes to get the answers she wants.
The worldbuilding is just as whimsical and cozy as last time and Nine’s narrative voice helps to support the cozier tone. The bookshop itself is full of small dragons, living candles who want candy, and more. Small illustrations at the top of each chapter give readers a visualization for what these fantastical elements are supposed to look like.
Flabberghast’s family once again throws a wrench in everything. His sister and his Aunt Ophidia both make an appearance with his sister somewhat on the side of the main cast this time as she is the one that they turn to in order to free Professor Dish from Ophidia. Considering that the first book culminated with Flabberghast apologizing to his sister in order to end a curse she placed on his home, this made everything come full circle and feel like we could get a bit of closure for their relationship in the next book.
The thing I really liked about this book was that the books in the bookstore are all asking for attention and demanding that the cast buy them. There is something very fun and charming and almost Beauty and the Beast about that and it tickled the nostalgia part of my brain.
I would recommend this to fans of MG fantasy who have enjoyed the previous books in the series
The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond by Amy Sparkes is the third person-POV continuation of the MG fantasy House at the Edge of Magic series. Nine, Eric, Flabberghast, and Spoon are back to finally find Professor Dish. But along the way, Nine believes she’s found a way to learn more about her mother and she is willing to do whatever it takes to get the answers she wants.
The worldbuilding is just as whimsical and cozy as last time and Nine’s narrative voice helps to support the cozier tone. The bookshop itself is full of small dragons, living candles who want candy, and more. Small illustrations at the top of each chapter give readers a visualization for what these fantastical elements are supposed to look like.
Flabberghast’s family once again throws a wrench in everything. His sister and his Aunt Ophidia both make an appearance with his sister somewhat on the side of the main cast this time as she is the one that they turn to in order to free Professor Dish from Ophidia. Considering that the first book culminated with Flabberghast apologizing to his sister in order to end a curse she placed on his home, this made everything come full circle and feel like we could get a bit of closure for their relationship in the next book.
The thing I really liked about this book was that the books in the bookstore are all asking for attention and demanding that the cast buy them. There is something very fun and charming and almost Beauty and the Beast about that and it tickled the nostalgia part of my brain.
I would recommend this to fans of MG fantasy who have enjoyed the previous books in the series
February 16, 2024
The third instalment in Amy Sparkes' House at the Edge of Magic series continues the chaotic magic of the previous two books, but ventures more outside of the house and into the Beyond.
I loved returning to the characters I liked, and I really liked the shops and streets that Nine explores as an expansion to the world that Amy Sparkes has created, unfortunately, I personally don't care for the sister villain too much, so was disappointed that she showed up again, and I felt like this book lost some of the laugh-out-loud moments that the other books had, so it wasn't quite as enjoyable for me, but I know plenty of young readers who are excited to read this and they will love it, so will keep recommending this series!
I loved returning to the characters I liked, and I really liked the shops and streets that Nine explores as an expansion to the world that Amy Sparkes has created, unfortunately, I personally don't care for the sister villain too much, so was disappointed that she showed up again, and I felt like this book lost some of the laugh-out-loud moments that the other books had, so it wasn't quite as enjoyable for me, but I know plenty of young readers who are excited to read this and they will love it, so will keep recommending this series!
May 11, 2026
Słuchajcie, jeśli szukacie książki, przy której zapomnicie o Bożym świecie i o tym, że jutro trzeba wstać do pracy, albo to młodsze pokolenie, że jutro kartkówka z matmy, to „Księgarnia na tyłach Kresu” autorstwa Amy Sparkes jest totalnym sztosem. To już trzecia część serii i powiem wam szczerze, że z tomu na tom robi się coraz większy odlot i coraz trudniej się od niej oderwać. Z góry nakreślę, że tym razem moim zdaniem lepiej czytać po kolei dla lepszego zrozumienia pewnych progresów w książce, w bohaterach etc.
Tym razem, razem z Dziewiątką i jej przyjaciółmi, trafiamy do Kresu, miejsca tak dziwnego, że praktycznie wszystko może się tam wydarzyć. Po wydarzeniach z poprzedniego tomu bohaterowie ruszają na poszukiwania Profesory Miski, która była wspólniczką Doktora Łyżka i świetną alchemiczką. Szybko okazuje się jednak, że sprawa jest dużo bardziej niebezpieczna, niż mogło się wydawać. Profesora została uwięziona przez czarownicę Ohydię w tajemniczym sklepie To-i-Tamto, a czasu jest coraz mniej. I właśnie wtedy zaczyna się prawdziwa przygoda.
Najbardziej podobało mi się to, że książka nie opiera się tylko na samej akcji. Jasne, dzieje się bardzo dużo, bohaterowie ciągle wpadają w kłopoty, pojawiają się sekrety, magia i dziwne miejsca, ale pod tym wszystkim kryje się coś więcej. Ta historia pokazuje, że nie każdy jest całkowicie dobry albo całkowicie zły. Czasami trzeba zaufać komuś, kto wydaje się podejrzany. Czasami trzeba zmierzyć się z własnymi błędami albo przeszłością, którą najchętniej chciałoby się ukryć. I właśnie to było moim zdaniem najmocniejsze.
Jednym z ważnych elementów tej serii, części jest fakt, że nasi bohaterowie są pewnym odzwierciedleniem nas samych, choćby nasza Dziewiątka dalej jest bohaterką, której bardzo łatwo kibicować. Nie jest idealna, czasami się boi, czasami nie wie, co zrobić, ale mimo wszystko działa i nie poddaje się nawet wtedy, kiedy wszystko zaczyna się walić. Bardzo lubię takich bohaterów, bo wydają się prawdziwi. Czuć przyjaźń, lojalność i to, że oni naprawdę są dla siebie ważni. Nie są tylko grupą ludzi wrzuconych razem do jednej historii.
Według mnie ogromnym plusem tej części (ale i pozostałych też) jest klimat. Kres jest miejscem trochę mrocznym, trochę dziwnym i momentami wręcz creepy, ale jednocześnie strasznie ciekawym. Tajemnicze piwnice, osobliwe sklepy, alchemia, magiczne przedmioty i sekrety ukrywane przez bohaterów sprawiają, że cały czas chce się czytać dalej. Nawet kiedy książka robi się bardziej niepokojąca, nadal ma w sobie taki ciepły klimat przygody, który przypomina najlepsze historie fantasy dla młodszych czytelników.
Zauważyłam, że autorka naprawdę szanuje młodych czytelników. Nie robi z tej historii czegoś banalnego ani przesłodzonego. Pokazuje, że dzieci i nastolatki też mają swoje lęki, swoje trudne emocje i czasami muszą podejmować decyzje, które nie są łatwe. Ta książka mówi dużo o odwadze, ale nie takiej filmowej, że ktoś nagle staje się bohaterem bez strachu. Bardziej o tym, że odwaga to działanie mimo strachu. I myślę, że właśnie to jest najważniejsze przesłanie tej historii. Bardzo fajnie pokazany jest też motyw sekretów. Bohaterowie przekonują się, że ukrywanie prawdy często tylko pogarsza sytuację. Niektóre tajemnice siedzą w człowieku tak długo, aż zaczynają go niszczyć od środka. To mocny temat, jak na książkę dla młodszych czytelników, ale został pokazany w prosty i naprawdę dobry sposób. To historia o przyjaźni, zaufaniu, rodzinie i o tym, że czasami trzeba zmierzyć się z własnymi demonami, nawet jeśli są dużo straszniejsze niż magiczne potwory. Nie dziwię się teraz, że na stronach czytelniczych i bookstagramie tyle osób zachwyca się tą serią. Ma wszystko, czego potrzeba dobrej książce fantasy dla młodszych czytelników: humor, świetnych bohaterów, emocje, przygodę i świat, do którego chce się wracać. A najgorsze jest tylko to, że książka kończy się zdecydowanie za szybko. Krótka informacja dla rodziców. Kolejnym plusem jest też fakt, że druk książki jest wystarczający dla początkujących czytelników. Czcionka nie jest mała, przez co oczka naszych pociech nie będą się za bardzo męczyć.
Tym razem, razem z Dziewiątką i jej przyjaciółmi, trafiamy do Kresu, miejsca tak dziwnego, że praktycznie wszystko może się tam wydarzyć. Po wydarzeniach z poprzedniego tomu bohaterowie ruszają na poszukiwania Profesory Miski, która była wspólniczką Doktora Łyżka i świetną alchemiczką. Szybko okazuje się jednak, że sprawa jest dużo bardziej niebezpieczna, niż mogło się wydawać. Profesora została uwięziona przez czarownicę Ohydię w tajemniczym sklepie To-i-Tamto, a czasu jest coraz mniej. I właśnie wtedy zaczyna się prawdziwa przygoda.
Najbardziej podobało mi się to, że książka nie opiera się tylko na samej akcji. Jasne, dzieje się bardzo dużo, bohaterowie ciągle wpadają w kłopoty, pojawiają się sekrety, magia i dziwne miejsca, ale pod tym wszystkim kryje się coś więcej. Ta historia pokazuje, że nie każdy jest całkowicie dobry albo całkowicie zły. Czasami trzeba zaufać komuś, kto wydaje się podejrzany. Czasami trzeba zmierzyć się z własnymi błędami albo przeszłością, którą najchętniej chciałoby się ukryć. I właśnie to było moim zdaniem najmocniejsze.
Jednym z ważnych elementów tej serii, części jest fakt, że nasi bohaterowie są pewnym odzwierciedleniem nas samych, choćby nasza Dziewiątka dalej jest bohaterką, której bardzo łatwo kibicować. Nie jest idealna, czasami się boi, czasami nie wie, co zrobić, ale mimo wszystko działa i nie poddaje się nawet wtedy, kiedy wszystko zaczyna się walić. Bardzo lubię takich bohaterów, bo wydają się prawdziwi. Czuć przyjaźń, lojalność i to, że oni naprawdę są dla siebie ważni. Nie są tylko grupą ludzi wrzuconych razem do jednej historii.
Według mnie ogromnym plusem tej części (ale i pozostałych też) jest klimat. Kres jest miejscem trochę mrocznym, trochę dziwnym i momentami wręcz creepy, ale jednocześnie strasznie ciekawym. Tajemnicze piwnice, osobliwe sklepy, alchemia, magiczne przedmioty i sekrety ukrywane przez bohaterów sprawiają, że cały czas chce się czytać dalej. Nawet kiedy książka robi się bardziej niepokojąca, nadal ma w sobie taki ciepły klimat przygody, który przypomina najlepsze historie fantasy dla młodszych czytelników.
Zauważyłam, że autorka naprawdę szanuje młodych czytelników. Nie robi z tej historii czegoś banalnego ani przesłodzonego. Pokazuje, że dzieci i nastolatki też mają swoje lęki, swoje trudne emocje i czasami muszą podejmować decyzje, które nie są łatwe. Ta książka mówi dużo o odwadze, ale nie takiej filmowej, że ktoś nagle staje się bohaterem bez strachu. Bardziej o tym, że odwaga to działanie mimo strachu. I myślę, że właśnie to jest najważniejsze przesłanie tej historii. Bardzo fajnie pokazany jest też motyw sekretów. Bohaterowie przekonują się, że ukrywanie prawdy często tylko pogarsza sytuację. Niektóre tajemnice siedzą w człowieku tak długo, aż zaczynają go niszczyć od środka. To mocny temat, jak na książkę dla młodszych czytelników, ale został pokazany w prosty i naprawdę dobry sposób. To historia o przyjaźni, zaufaniu, rodzinie i o tym, że czasami trzeba zmierzyć się z własnymi demonami, nawet jeśli są dużo straszniejsze niż magiczne potwory. Nie dziwię się teraz, że na stronach czytelniczych i bookstagramie tyle osób zachwyca się tą serią. Ma wszystko, czego potrzeba dobrej książce fantasy dla młodszych czytelników: humor, świetnych bohaterów, emocje, przygodę i świat, do którego chce się wracać. A najgorsze jest tylko to, że książka kończy się zdecydowanie za szybko. Krótka informacja dla rodziców. Kolejnym plusem jest też fakt, że druk książki jest wystarczający dla początkujących czytelników. Czcionka nie jest mała, przez co oczka naszych pociech nie będą się za bardzo męczyć.
August 27, 2024
Avec ce troisième tome de la série La Maison à l'orée de la magie, Amy Sparkes nous entraîne encore plus profondément dans son monde fantastique, où l'imagination et l'émerveillement sont rois. Ce nouvel opus, intitulé La Librairie aux confins d'Au-delà, propulse les lecteurs dans une aventure palpitante et pleine de mystères.
Tout commence lorsque Neuf et ses amis découvrent que la clé pour sauver Assiette, la complice du Dr Cuillère, se trouve dans un lieu énigmatique appelé Au-delà. Selon les prédictions de la Pierre savante, c'est là-bas qu'ils pourront la retrouver. Mais Au-delà n'est pas un endroit ordinaire. C'est un monde où chaque échoppe cache des merveilles inattendues : un magasin de bonbons aux couleurs de l'arc-en-ciel, une animalerie où sommeillent des dragons, et, surtout, la mystérieuse Librairie aux confins d'Au-delà.
Dans cette librairie, qui semble tout droit sortie d'un rêve, chaque livre renferme des secrets et des indices cruciaux pour la quête de Neuf. Mais l’endroit est aussi dangereux qu'intrigant, et il est facile de s'y perdre.
Amy Sparkes continue de développer ses personnages avec finesse. Neuf, courageux et déterminé, reste au cœur de l'action, entouré de ses amis, chacun apportant sa propre force et personnalité à l’équipe. Leurs interactions sont riches en émotion, et les jeunes lecteurs apprécieront particulièrement la manière dont leur amitié et leur solidarité sont mises en avant tout au long du récit.
L'écriture de Sparkes est fluide, vivante et pleine de détails qui stimulent l'imagination. Elle parvient à créer une atmosphère à la fois magique et immersive, rendant chaque page difficile à quitter. Les descriptions des lieux sont particulièrement réussies, transportant les lecteurs dans un univers visuel et sensoriel riche, où l'étrange et le merveilleux se côtoient constamment.
Conclusion : une aventure incontournable
La Librairie aux confins d'Au-delà est un ajout brillant à la série La Maison à l'orée de la magie. Ce troisième tome ne déçoit pas et offre une aventure riche en surprises, en mystères et en émotions. Amy Sparkes signe ici un roman qui ravira les jeunes amateurs de fantasy, tout en leur offrant une leçon de courage et d'amitié. Une lecture incontournable pour tous les fans de la série et pour ceux qui aiment se perdre dans des mondes où tout est possible.
Tout commence lorsque Neuf et ses amis découvrent que la clé pour sauver Assiette, la complice du Dr Cuillère, se trouve dans un lieu énigmatique appelé Au-delà. Selon les prédictions de la Pierre savante, c'est là-bas qu'ils pourront la retrouver. Mais Au-delà n'est pas un endroit ordinaire. C'est un monde où chaque échoppe cache des merveilles inattendues : un magasin de bonbons aux couleurs de l'arc-en-ciel, une animalerie où sommeillent des dragons, et, surtout, la mystérieuse Librairie aux confins d'Au-delà.
Dans cette librairie, qui semble tout droit sortie d'un rêve, chaque livre renferme des secrets et des indices cruciaux pour la quête de Neuf. Mais l’endroit est aussi dangereux qu'intrigant, et il est facile de s'y perdre.
Amy Sparkes continue de développer ses personnages avec finesse. Neuf, courageux et déterminé, reste au cœur de l'action, entouré de ses amis, chacun apportant sa propre force et personnalité à l’équipe. Leurs interactions sont riches en émotion, et les jeunes lecteurs apprécieront particulièrement la manière dont leur amitié et leur solidarité sont mises en avant tout au long du récit.
L'écriture de Sparkes est fluide, vivante et pleine de détails qui stimulent l'imagination. Elle parvient à créer une atmosphère à la fois magique et immersive, rendant chaque page difficile à quitter. Les descriptions des lieux sont particulièrement réussies, transportant les lecteurs dans un univers visuel et sensoriel riche, où l'étrange et le merveilleux se côtoient constamment.
Conclusion : une aventure incontournable
La Librairie aux confins d'Au-delà est un ajout brillant à la série La Maison à l'orée de la magie. Ce troisième tome ne déçoit pas et offre une aventure riche en surprises, en mystères et en émotions. Amy Sparkes signe ici un roman qui ravira les jeunes amateurs de fantasy, tout en leur offrant une leçon de courage et d'amitié. Une lecture incontournable pour tous les fans de la série et pour ceux qui aiment se perdre dans des mondes où tout est possible.
September 18, 2025
** “Having had experience of wandering the realms of magic, Nine had learned to no longer trust her eyes, but to trust her instincts — instincts which were screaming that there was, without question, someone behind them.” **
Amy Sparkes takes us back into the magical world of The House at the Edge of Magic with “The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond.”
Former pickpocket Nine and her magical band of friends are now on the quest to find the area known as Beyond. They hope to find kilt-wearing Dr. Spoon’s alchemy partner Professor Dish, so that they may finish their formula to make gold. And Flabberghast, a wizard, hopes to find the secret to regain his magical powers taken away by his evil sister.
It’a a big quest. Will they succeed? And what other troubles will they find themselves facing?
Sparkes yet again creates a fun and sweet story that’s filled with humor, drama and mystery. She develops quirky and zany characters, including a sweet housekeeping troll named Eric, a gargoyle with attitude, and a skeleton excited about fluffy socks. She also includes some good themes, like when we are not willing to rely on others or seek help; trusting our instincts; curiosity can be both a blessing and a curse; secrets and their consequences; and the desire to be useful.
Fans of books like “The Extraordinary Curiosities of Ixworth and Maddox” by J.D. Grolic, “Field Guide to the Supernatural Universe” by Alyson Noel and “The International House of Dereliction” by Jacqueline Davies will love “The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond,” which is due out Sept. 30.
Five stars out of five.
Margaret K. McElderry Books provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Amy Sparkes takes us back into the magical world of The House at the Edge of Magic with “The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond.”
Former pickpocket Nine and her magical band of friends are now on the quest to find the area known as Beyond. They hope to find kilt-wearing Dr. Spoon’s alchemy partner Professor Dish, so that they may finish their formula to make gold. And Flabberghast, a wizard, hopes to find the secret to regain his magical powers taken away by his evil sister.
It’a a big quest. Will they succeed? And what other troubles will they find themselves facing?
Sparkes yet again creates a fun and sweet story that’s filled with humor, drama and mystery. She develops quirky and zany characters, including a sweet housekeeping troll named Eric, a gargoyle with attitude, and a skeleton excited about fluffy socks. She also includes some good themes, like when we are not willing to rely on others or seek help; trusting our instincts; curiosity can be both a blessing and a curse; secrets and their consequences; and the desire to be useful.
Fans of books like “The Extraordinary Curiosities of Ixworth and Maddox” by J.D. Grolic, “Field Guide to the Supernatural Universe” by Alyson Noel and “The International House of Dereliction” by Jacqueline Davies will love “The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond,” which is due out Sept. 30.
Five stars out of five.
Margaret K. McElderry Books provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
December 7, 2022
I received an eARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
THE BOOKSHOP AT THE BACK OF BEYOND is another tale of magic and mayhem. The travelling house has arrived at Beyond to look for Professor Dish (Dr Spoon's partner in alchemy), but unfortunately there are witches and a wizard with grudges after them.
Beyond is probably the worst shopping experience you can imagine. You have to shop in every shop, buying something, which would be horrible enough on its own, but you don't really get good customer service. There are candle shops where the candles talk and flash on and off. There are grumpy shop keepers and books that attack you to make you buy them. Not to mention that not all the bookshops are open...
It's is also a story about secrets and lies, Nine and Flabberghast and the witches holding secrets of their own, withholding information they know others would like to know and making plans that will hurt others. And at it all, the plans of the worst witch of them all are slowly becoming clear...
I love love love the names people get in this world. "The Unpredictable", "The Indubitably Dubitable". They're not your usual heroic names (no "the Brave" for example) and they just add to the off-kilter feel of the world.
It's fun and quirky and very much a book to gobble down with laughter. It was nice to get the resolution to the Dish and Spoon story line that's played out over the past two books, while introducing another bizarre and wonderful world. Plus there is more set up for an inevitable big show down with Flabberghast's aunt.
THE BOOKSHOP AT THE BACK OF BEYOND is another tale of magic and mayhem. The travelling house has arrived at Beyond to look for Professor Dish (Dr Spoon's partner in alchemy), but unfortunately there are witches and a wizard with grudges after them.
Beyond is probably the worst shopping experience you can imagine. You have to shop in every shop, buying something, which would be horrible enough on its own, but you don't really get good customer service. There are candle shops where the candles talk and flash on and off. There are grumpy shop keepers and books that attack you to make you buy them. Not to mention that not all the bookshops are open...
It's is also a story about secrets and lies, Nine and Flabberghast and the witches holding secrets of their own, withholding information they know others would like to know and making plans that will hurt others. And at it all, the plans of the worst witch of them all are slowly becoming clear...
I love love love the names people get in this world. "The Unpredictable", "The Indubitably Dubitable". They're not your usual heroic names (no "the Brave" for example) and they just add to the off-kilter feel of the world.
It's fun and quirky and very much a book to gobble down with laughter. It was nice to get the resolution to the Dish and Spoon story line that's played out over the past two books, while introducing another bizarre and wonderful world. Plus there is more set up for an inevitable big show down with Flabberghast's aunt.
February 25, 2023
If "Cover Buy" could be book-personified, this is what it would look like. The publishing industry is killing it, absolutely killing it, with covers recently but this is probably my favourite middle grade one.
This is the third book in this chaotic, colourful and fun series with another tale infested with witches, wizards, alchemy and all things funny named! You have to give credit to Amy Sparkes, she knows how to name her characters!
This time, the travelling house is in the Beyond and the hunt is on for Professor Dish. I had so much fun exploring Beyond with the characters - you couldn't pay me to take a shopping trip there, but it makes for a really enjoyable and sometimes hilariously imaginative experience - it's about as quirky and creative as it gets and I love it!
If you've previously enjoyed this series, you'll enjoy this story too - it finally ties up some loose ends and gives you just a taste of what could come next. My only complaint is that this series leans towards feeling quite same-y; despite the apparent creativity, there are undeniably formulaic and repetitive ideas within each of them. This doesn't bother some readers, particularly if you love the formula, but it did bother me a little.
Otherwise, this looks beautiful on my shelves and I love the story enough to stick with it to see where Nine takes us next!
ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in this chaotic, colourful and fun series with another tale infested with witches, wizards, alchemy and all things funny named! You have to give credit to Amy Sparkes, she knows how to name her characters!
This time, the travelling house is in the Beyond and the hunt is on for Professor Dish. I had so much fun exploring Beyond with the characters - you couldn't pay me to take a shopping trip there, but it makes for a really enjoyable and sometimes hilariously imaginative experience - it's about as quirky and creative as it gets and I love it!
If you've previously enjoyed this series, you'll enjoy this story too - it finally ties up some loose ends and gives you just a taste of what could come next. My only complaint is that this series leans towards feeling quite same-y; despite the apparent creativity, there are undeniably formulaic and repetitive ideas within each of them. This doesn't bother some readers, particularly if you love the formula, but it did bother me a little.
Otherwise, this looks beautiful on my shelves and I love the story enough to stick with it to see where Nine takes us next!
ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2023
The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond is the third book in The House at the Edge of Magic series by author Amy Sparkes and the second book from that series that I have read – Note to self to remember to go back and read book one.
Nine and the rest of the gang are looking for Professor Dish. They believe that Dish is in Back of Beyond but unfortunately so is Aunt Ophidia, a horrid witch who wants Professor Dish for her own gain. The race to find the professor is now on.
The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond is a magical, adventurous, and amusing story featuring characters like you will have never met before. The plot is unusual and if you haven’t read the first two in the series I wouldn’t bother with this one as you won’t understand it. This is a series that needs to be read in order.
The characters are so much fun and I loved the unusualness of everything, especially the shopping village of Back of Beyond and the must buy something from each shop or you can’t leave rule.
This series is perfect for middle-grade readers who want to step outside the norm. The book is enthralling and hard to put down. For those that like magical strange places, people, and situations, this is a book for you.
Nine and the rest of the gang are looking for Professor Dish. They believe that Dish is in Back of Beyond but unfortunately so is Aunt Ophidia, a horrid witch who wants Professor Dish for her own gain. The race to find the professor is now on.
The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond is a magical, adventurous, and amusing story featuring characters like you will have never met before. The plot is unusual and if you haven’t read the first two in the series I wouldn’t bother with this one as you won’t understand it. This is a series that needs to be read in order.
The characters are so much fun and I loved the unusualness of everything, especially the shopping village of Back of Beyond and the must buy something from each shop or you can’t leave rule.
This series is perfect for middle-grade readers who want to step outside the norm. The book is enthralling and hard to put down. For those that like magical strange places, people, and situations, this is a book for you.
July 31, 2026
Libby/audio
I always enjoy these books. I love these characters, i love the wacky new adventures they go on in each book, and all the imagination used to think up these places. I love the book covers. I love the found family.
I just wish the FMC was a little more of a harmonizer, and less a rude, grumpy, difficult, lone wolf. She is slowly growing and changing, and she definitely grows on the reader and has a certain charm to her. She is brave and she is selfless when pushed. She is just more guarded and prickly than i prefer. She is usually focused on whatever scheme she is hiding from all her friends, rather than finding out how to help her friends and the reasons behind the problems they have. Which just personally bother me a lot.
The story is pure chaos most of the time. Which is both frustrating and wildly fun in turns.
Anyway, i have a fun time reading these. I love the ideas. I just wish i had a stronger love for the MC and that the story spent a little more time and energy on strengthening the relationships between the characters. They are all such unique and interesting characters.
Cant wait to read the next book!
I always enjoy these books. I love these characters, i love the wacky new adventures they go on in each book, and all the imagination used to think up these places. I love the book covers. I love the found family.
I just wish the FMC was a little more of a harmonizer, and less a rude, grumpy, difficult, lone wolf. She is slowly growing and changing, and she definitely grows on the reader and has a certain charm to her. She is brave and she is selfless when pushed. She is just more guarded and prickly than i prefer. She is usually focused on whatever scheme she is hiding from all her friends, rather than finding out how to help her friends and the reasons behind the problems they have. Which just personally bother me a lot.
The story is pure chaos most of the time. Which is both frustrating and wildly fun in turns.
Anyway, i have a fun time reading these. I love the ideas. I just wish i had a stronger love for the MC and that the story spent a little more time and energy on strengthening the relationships between the characters. They are all such unique and interesting characters.
Cant wait to read the next book!
April 7, 2023
‘Nine and her friends have cured the house’s hiccups and are off to the strange and utterly unpredictable Back of Beyond in search of Professor Dish – Spoon’s best friend and partner in all things alchemy.
When they find Dish trapped by the greedy witch Ophidia in the basement of a particularly marvellous shop, it soon becomes clear they’re going to need something more than Flabberghast’s dicey magic and Nine’s quick thinking to triumph this time. What they really need is a rather clever witch – one particularly good at curses.’
This book was magical.
This is the third book in The House At The Edge Of Magic series; it was actually the first book I brought and the reason I started this series, so I was excited to finally read this book. So I am happy to say it was everything I hoped it would be and so much more.
I loved that we got to learn more about and explore the magical world in this book. Reading about other magical people and all the magical shops was thoroughly entertaining. I also found that all these new people, places, and experiences made for a wonderful opportunity to see the character learn and grow both independently and together.
Amy Sparkes has done a fantastic job with this book. The characters are so well developed now that it feels like catching up with old friends while reading this book. The plot of this book is twisty and turning, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. As for the writing; it is perfectly paced and full of emotion and drama.
I honestly do not have a bad word to say about this book and now that I have finished it I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this fabulous series.
The Bookshop At The Back Of Beyond by Amy Sparkes is the perfect addition to The House At The Edge Of Magic series.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
When they find Dish trapped by the greedy witch Ophidia in the basement of a particularly marvellous shop, it soon becomes clear they’re going to need something more than Flabberghast’s dicey magic and Nine’s quick thinking to triumph this time. What they really need is a rather clever witch – one particularly good at curses.’
This book was magical.
This is the third book in The House At The Edge Of Magic series; it was actually the first book I brought and the reason I started this series, so I was excited to finally read this book. So I am happy to say it was everything I hoped it would be and so much more.
I loved that we got to learn more about and explore the magical world in this book. Reading about other magical people and all the magical shops was thoroughly entertaining. I also found that all these new people, places, and experiences made for a wonderful opportunity to see the character learn and grow both independently and together.
Amy Sparkes has done a fantastic job with this book. The characters are so well developed now that it feels like catching up with old friends while reading this book. The plot of this book is twisty and turning, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. As for the writing; it is perfectly paced and full of emotion and drama.
I honestly do not have a bad word to say about this book and now that I have finished it I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this fabulous series.
The Bookshop At The Back Of Beyond by Amy Sparkes is the perfect addition to The House At The Edge Of Magic series.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
December 1, 2024
Un tome 3 qui m'a réconcilié avec cette saga.
Vous le savez, j'ai adoré le tome 1, et j'ai un peu moins apprécié le deuxième tome. Mais celui-ci, je l'ai littéralement dévoré.
On retrouve notre petite bande dans la maison qui va atterrir dans l'au-delà pour trouver Pr. Assiette. Mais au-delà de cette quête, Neuf va elle-même enquêter pour en apprendre plus sur son passé et sa mère qui l'a abandonné au pied de cette maison magique.
Malheureusement, dans cette quête, ils devront affronter le sorcier Gazillion et la tante de Sidero, ainsi que sa sœur Ophidia qui recherchent eux-mêmes Pr Assiette pour fabriquer de l'or. Le final de ce roman se passe dans une bibliothèque spécifique où les livres attaquent les clients. Neuf va également en apprendre d'avantage sur une personne de son monde d'origine.
Dans cette histoire, Amy Sparkes développe et fait évoluer ces personnages avec habilité. J'aime beaucoup cette histoire jeunesse. Chaque tome a une belle morale, que ce soit pour les plus jeunes ou les moins jeunes.
Et toi booksta, il y a une saga jeunesse que tu aimes particulièrement ? Tu as déjà lu celle-ci ? Tu aimerais ?
Collaboration non rémunérée – livre offert.
Vous le savez, j'ai adoré le tome 1, et j'ai un peu moins apprécié le deuxième tome. Mais celui-ci, je l'ai littéralement dévoré.
On retrouve notre petite bande dans la maison qui va atterrir dans l'au-delà pour trouver Pr. Assiette. Mais au-delà de cette quête, Neuf va elle-même enquêter pour en apprendre plus sur son passé et sa mère qui l'a abandonné au pied de cette maison magique.
Malheureusement, dans cette quête, ils devront affronter le sorcier Gazillion et la tante de Sidero, ainsi que sa sœur Ophidia qui recherchent eux-mêmes Pr Assiette pour fabriquer de l'or. Le final de ce roman se passe dans une bibliothèque spécifique où les livres attaquent les clients. Neuf va également en apprendre d'avantage sur une personne de son monde d'origine.
Dans cette histoire, Amy Sparkes développe et fait évoluer ces personnages avec habilité. J'aime beaucoup cette histoire jeunesse. Chaque tome a une belle morale, que ce soit pour les plus jeunes ou les moins jeunes.
Et toi booksta, il y a une saga jeunesse que tu aimes particulièrement ? Tu as déjà lu celle-ci ? Tu aimerais ?
Collaboration non rémunérée – livre offert.
December 30, 2022
This is the third book in this magical middle grade series and I enjoyed this one as much as the others. Nine is back and joined by the child wizard, Flaberghast, and the entire menagerie of odd and unique characters who live with them in the house at the edge of magic.
This time, Nine and the others are in the magical town of Beyond, where they need to buy wonderful and strange objects and escape the wrath of Flaberghast's Aunt. Nine is hiding a guilty secret as she tries to free her friends.
This world is always a delight to enter. The characters are bizarre yet truly believable and I'm enjoying seeing how the character of Nine develops as she goes through the books. Once more, there is warm humour on each page and touches of the strange that make this a wonderful world.
This is a fantastic book to share wit
This time, Nine and the others are in the magical town of Beyond, where they need to buy wonderful and strange objects and escape the wrath of Flaberghast's Aunt. Nine is hiding a guilty secret as she tries to free her friends.
This world is always a delight to enter. The characters are bizarre yet truly believable and I'm enjoying seeing how the character of Nine develops as she goes through the books. Once more, there is warm humour on each page and touches of the strange that make this a wonderful world.
This is a fantastic book to share wit
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