Ahoy there me mateys!  It be no secret that I adore Garth Nix.  He was the first author featured in me Broadside No. 1 and I have re-read the Old Kingdom series many times over the years.  So I was super happy to finally read his newest standalone book.

I have to admit that this be different in what I was expecting.  It does not have Nix's usual complex world building or characterization.  The beginning was a bit rough in the sense that the main character, Susan, has no idea what is going on and no one will tell her anything.  So the first half of the book is Susan being dragged everywhere and things happening to her and no real explanation of anything.  In fact the booksellers and other world really never do get dealt with satisfactorily.  Also the book is set in 1983 but it could have been set at any time other than a few specific items.

That said, the second half picked up in terms of action and I liked it a lot more.  Susan finally takes a more active role.  There are delightful forays into British folklore and myth.  I enjoyed the playful word usage.  I enjoyed Merlin being gender fluid and having a wonderful relationship with his sister.  The ending was fun.  I have no regrets about reading this one but I am not sure I would ever read it again.  Arrrrr!

Side note: The story of how and why Nix chose to write this book were cute.