The Lost Book of Magic

By Amelia Mellor

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Amelia’s debut novel The Grandest Bookshop in the World, inspired by Melbourne’s real Cole’s Book Arcade was an original mix of detailed history and fantasy and was shortlisted for the 2021 ARA Historical Novel Prize. She followed that with a prequel The Bookseller’s Apprentice, inspired by Melbourne’s first version of the iconic Queen Victoria Market. The Lost Book of Magic is the conclusion of this historical fantasy trilogy, set during Melbourne’s great hardship of the mid-1890s.

While her parents are away, looking for ways to avoid closing the grandest book shop in the world, 12 year old Pearl meets a spirit, who she thinks is fairly innocuous, a bit like Lord Fauntleroy. However, she is soon taken over by the creature who calls himself Autonymous Wraith. He is violently opposed to the Obscurosmith, the magical arch enemy encountered in the previous two books. Her brother Vally in a determined bid to save her embarks on an intricate and dangerous quest to find the keys that will open a lost book of magic.

 Amelia knows her historical Melbourne well.  Told from alternative points of view, Vally and Pearl hurtle from one danger to the next covering meticulously described famous landmarks, thus adding a degree of verisimilitude to the fantastic action.There are two opposing villains, both devious, evil, and heartless complicating the action. While Autonymous is really creepy, the Obscurosmith is a masterpiece of selfish megalomania. I do enjoy a book where the villains are serously bad, not just nutters trying to take over the world.

The bones of this story is a basic rescue/hero/quest here enriched with lovingly researched historical detail, carefully drawn characters, and spiced up with puzzles and drama. Pearl is almost painfully vivid as is Vally’s desperation to save her. Many of the characters from the previous two books have important roles to play but it is not essential to have read these to enjoy this story, although readers familiar with the earlier books will enjoy reconnecting with them. Its a long read but engrossing in its historical detail and unusual and orginal magic.

For readers aged 9+

Affirm Kids 2024

Amelia Mellor