The beginning of a new series is an important one to get a reader engaged in the plot and characters. When it happens, they will anxiously be waiting for that next book. THE MAGIC LIBRARY OF WATERFALL WAY does exactly that and more.
The label every child receives in the The Alterran Empire can be a good or bad thing. Lyra Hunt, the main character and narrator, has the worst: Extremely Unremarkable. She’s also an orphan who wants more than anything to be accepted into a guild with a library. She loves books and learns from each story. Her label though has brought her nothing but bad luck.
Hope arrives when she finds the Guild of Scholars in Waterfall Way who have a magical library, but it is in disrepair after being destroyed by a fire.The halls are now cursed. To be accepted in the Guild Lyra must recover a Scholar’s crystal inside the library that is the source of the Guild’s magic. If she fails Lyra will be banished to The Mist, the worst possible existence.
With a fury new friend and help from two other young possible friends, Lyra bravely takes on the task so that she will finally have a place to call home. It’s a journey full of danger, magical keys, and fire breathing dragons.
Lyra is a memorable character and her emotions of never wanting to forget her parents while finding a new life shined throughout. The 33 chapters move along at a nice pace and having books as a main emphasis in the story is also a plus. With the world building at its best, this series is perfect for fantasy lovers.
If you get the hardback edition, a parade of books will be seen as the pages come together. Quite impressive.
PAGES: 240 BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 25, 2026
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE MAGIC LIBRARY OF WATERFALL WAY by Julie Abe
- When the true villain is revealed, what a surprise. A character arc you’ll never expect..
- Each chapter hints at what is ahead with an illustration and a quote from one of the library books. An enticing way pushing you forward to read one more chapter.
- Everyone has a chance to be remarkable in some way is the message you will gain from reading this adventure.
- Lyra is such a strong character and one you will not forget. The hurt that comes from her inner most thoughts and how she vowed to change those thoughts was handled beautifully.
- Wishlight is the furry friend that finds Lyra. They need each other and the results are magical.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie Abe writes heartfelt, whimsical stories for readers of all ages, including Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch, which was listed as a Best Middle Grade Book by Kirkus Reviews, NYPL, Bank Street, and Book Riot; Alliana, Girl of Dragons; Tessa Miyata Is No Hero; and Tessa Miyata Is So Unlucky, as well as the young adult novels The Charmed List and Our Cursed Love. www.julieabebooks.com @julieabebooks
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW
BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Always in the Middle... 