The Lighthouse at the World's End
By Author / Illustrator
Amy Sparkes
Genre
Magical Realism
Age range(s)
9+
Publisher
Walker Books
ISBN
9781529512632
Format
Paperback / softback
Published
04-04-2024
Synopsis
Adventurous, magical and brilliantly funny final book in the House at the Edge of Magic series.
Nine and her friends are headed to the mortal realm in search of the only thing that will shake a very tricky witch off their tail: a priceless stargold locket. It lies hidden in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures, guarded by Nine's old foe - the formidable gangmaster of all the thieflings in London.
Even if Nine can get her hands on the locket, the friends must find a way to release its power - and for that they must travel through the World Between Worlds to the lighthouse on the Isle of Illusion, where nothing is quite as it seems...
See also: The House at the Edge of Magic (book 1); The Tower at the End of Time (book 2); The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond (book 3); The Lighthouse at the World's End (book 4)
Reviews
Hayley
The Lighthouse at the World’s End is the final instalment of the hilarious and magical series by Amy Sparkes. This book is a real treat that brings the magical series to a very satisfying end.
Nine and her magical housemates are back and they are heading for the mortal realm under the duress of Flabberghasts sister - the witch. They are heading back to the mortal realm in search of an ancient relic that is made from Stargold. When they arrive, the familiar streets of London offer Nine some sanctuary and they allow her to escape the witch's hold for a short time. The witch desperately wants the locket and will not leave until she has it in her possession.
Nine visits Mr Downes in the old bookshop and discovers that the locket was entrusted to him by her Ma many years ago before she had stolen it; the locket has a past linked to the next destination in their magical quest - The Lighthouse at the World’s End.
I have loved every book in this series and the final book was a perfect conclusion to the series. Children will be captivated by the storyline and will be emotionally drawn to the characters: laughing out loud and holding their breath in the moments of intensity. This book is about the sense of belonging and knowing that family is what you make, and not always what your related to.
The book also highlights key PSHE themes of redemption and embracing your differences. Children will gain a lot of pleasure from reading this book.
240 pages / Reviewed by Hayley Summerfield, teacher
Suggested Reading Age 9+