Reviews

The Grandest Bookshop in the World by Amelia Mellor

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luluwoohoo's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

The Grandest Bookshop In The World by Amelia Mellor
☀️☀️☀️☀️🌤️

▪️A triumphant, impeccably written middle grade fantasy full of whimsy, adventure and love
▪️The historical backdrop of (a much more progressive) 1890's Melbourne presents a bookshop that actually contains several incredibly detailed and fascinating worlds within it, all held together with an intricate but easily understood magic system. Mellor does well not to get too bogged down in the details, but provides just enough to keep you informed and eager for more
▪️Our two protagonists are both well developed, as are the entire Cole family and the villain Maximillian - each character is given moments to shine within the well structured plot. These characters, but particularly Pa, provide a wonderful exploration of grief, loss and love as the story progresses
▪️The tension of the games was really well balanced with humour and heart, and I thoroughly enjoyed playing along with the children as the endeavoured to solve each puzzle against the ticking clock
▪️I loved reading this from start to finish and it is difficult to find fault - what a lovely, face paced story for young and old.

"In moments like this, Pearl was the most afraid of him. The nonchalant charm slipped, revealing a glimpse of something manic and destructive and hungry inside him. When he grinned instead of smirked, when he laughed instead of chuckled, she could see that wild inner thing breaking through."

becreally's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

3.5

loubles93's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

gattolinos_nerdy_nook's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I thought the book was filled with wonder, magic and lessons that a lot of children from all ages could enjoy.
This book was whimsical and never had a dull moment in he book making it very pleasant to listen to and makes you creative this magical and imaginative world in your head as the story progresses. Makes me wish this bookstore was real and something that I can visit today.

I thought all the characters were unique and interesting. Each clearly have a flaw that younger readers can identify and see how the characters can embrace and over come those flaws in different situations. I love how Peral and Vally had the most character development and how they were able to work together in the challenges.

Content Warnings

fionab_16's review

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

sarelle24's review

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4.0

I normally don't write reviews, but for this one I have to! I enjoyed reading this gorgeous little book. And I had no idea that it was loosely based on truth. This astounds me, and makes this story even more enthralling. A must read especially if you live in Australia!