This is the sequel and while it maintains the good humor and charm of the first book, I found it to be largely disappointing. Although this is the second book in the series, I haven’t read the first one. This book is so well written though that I had no problems keeping up with the plot, especially because certain things from the first book were referenced to and included. I'll still be around for whatever book comes next, but my expectations will be far lower, honestly I'm a bit disappointed with how different my experiences have been with book one and two. With at least a couple of Susan’s problems solved, for the time being, it’s not entirely clear if there will be a third volume. But surely there are yet more cities with more mysterious bookshops to be explored.

Someone pointed out to me that this series is actually YA - oops, not been one of them for many decades. I say bah to that - I'm in my 50s and I love it! Overall thoughts: a deeply complex world-building series with amazing characters. I especially appreciated that the characters ate, rested, and didn't forget about their more mundane responsibilities.

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The charm of these books is largely due to the irrepressible Merlin, who winds up in said strange and dangerous garden because he can’t resist a mysterious bee; he also happens to be wearing Elizabet Bennet’s outfit from a BBC Pride and Prejudice adaptation (he borrowed it from a wardrobe assistant, as one does): If you love all things British enjoy it with a fresh pot of tea, china teaware and a generous portion of lemon drizzle cake. You will need sustenance just in case (likely) you cannot put it down. The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life. If they do not stop her, she will soon kill again. And this time, her target is not an ordinary mortal.” It’s always an obnoxious character trope in fantasy and I’m disappointed to see this from Nix, who has previously always managed to write a relatively peaceful breed of fantasy that is YA appropriate without engaging in this level of sanctimony.

From the very first chapter there's danger and action which kept me so curious that I couldn't put this book down. The pacing was great and steady throughout the whole book too. The pace of the story is relentless. After plunging Merlin into mortal danger in the first few chapters, there is no let up, apart from the eating of many slabs of cake. The world building is excellent. The storyline not too convoluted and yet enough to keep you guessing. I've seen this described as YA fiction. The original book I bought was from the fantasy section. I'd label it a crossover book, can be read by all ages. Unless you have a nervous disposition 😉 And I need Merlin to just keep being his best self. (He is my sweet baby and he deserves good things, and honesty... his relationship with Susan is just not convincing me.)The pacing is really uneven, and that makes it difficult to invest in the action, particular in the middle of the book when things slow down considerably without any positive trade offs in terms of plot and structure. It should really go without saying that for a voracious book reader (like myself!) books about books, or libraries, or bibliophiles should be an automatic win. Susan, Merlin, Vivien and the lot lead us through a busy schedule in their crusade against a murderous magical entity. Bath is beautifully depicted, with never enough tea and buns. And in the run Susan will find out a few things about herself, while Merlin outfits keep you awed, surprised and entertained. I know that Garth can write. And I did say that I would want to read the next book in the series. And here it is!