In the beginning, i thought it would end up being like all the other books about magic shops, but it took a turn after about 50 pages and ended up very compelling. An enjoyable read that pulled me all the way through to the end, waiting to see what would happen. ( )

While not the biggest, splashiest book to feature orphans and magic, this is a pleasant read. The characters are well-developed, with understandable motivations. Of course, naming a character “Vindictus Sharpe” is a bit of a giveaway that he’ll be the antagonist.

Some of the most interesting characters are ones that can’t leave the Emporium. The Emporium itself almost becomes a character, with its almost un-ending array of mysterious and magical rooms. Indeed, if you can imagine it, it becomes real in the Emporium. The descriptions of these rooms are vivid. And the idea of it being fueled by imaginations leeched away from the customers is interesting, because imagination is something that has no finite limits.

For me, the resolution was a bit hurried, a bit too neat and tidy, though the defeat of the antagonist (this should not count as a spoiler; you know how these stories have to go) is satisfying.

Possible Objectionable Material:
If you don’t like the idea of magic, this isn’t for you. Some violent or scary scenes. A girl whom no one from outside can see—is she a ghost? Someone gets shot and killed. Bullying.

Who Would Like This Book:
Those who like magic and coming of age. It should read equally well for boys or girls. Approximate Lexile: 810

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC. ( )

This was a fantastic, magical books that is perfect for grade 4 and up, although I enjoyed it so much as an adult! The Nowhere Emporium arrives in Glasgow and orphaned Daniel finds the shop quite by accident. Before long, the 'shop from nowhere' -- and its owner, Mr Silver -- draw Daniel into a breathtaking world of magic and enchantment. The books is just the right length. I also have read the Night Circus and this book was compared to it quite a bit. Too me, it was a bit similar, but it definitely has its own plot with twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this book. It was full of imagination, colour and fantasy. A definite recommendation to read! I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley.com. ( )

The publisher presents The Nowhere Emporium as being written for 8 to 12 year-olds. But I’m in my 50s, and The Nowhere Emporium is one of the most delightful reads I’ve come across in a long time.

Daniel Holmes, an orphan, is recruited as an apprentice to Lucian Silver, the proprietor of the Nowhere Emporium. The Emporium is a storefront, moving about in location and time, that opens into an infinite number of magical rooms. People enter it, are awed, then leave, forgetting all they’ve seen, but retaining the sense of wonder the Emporium inspired. The Emporium is created from a powerful blend of magic and imagination, and the aging Mr. Silver can no longer hold it intact on his own. Can Daniel be trained in time to keep the Empoium whole and save it from its great enemy?

I find myself comparing this book to the Harry Potter series, something I hadn’t thought I’d ever do, since Rowling’s series is pretty much the sacred text of my reading life. The Nowhere Emporium parallels the Potter books in many ways: the hero is an orphan longing to bring his dead parents back to life; it takes place in a magical setting with moving staircases; it warns of the way that doing wrong to others can rip a soul to pieces. Despite these similarities, The Nowhere Emporium is very much its own creature, not a rehash of another work.

Reading The Nowhere Emporium has got me thinking about the nature of fantasy. One the one hand, by definition fantasy should be infinitely varied. On the other hand, fantasy is populated by recurring motifs. Think of fairy tales—pretty much without exception they focus on a young, lonely, unappreciated or ill-used heroine/hero who must overcome a great evil in order to set the world to rights, and who carves out a magical existence for her/himself in the process. And we—readers, children, humans—have an endless appetite for such tales. One satisfying fantasy tale leaves one hungry for more.

The Nowhere Emporium is such a book, making what could be familiar themes fresh and engaging. Ignore the ages 8 to 12 recommendation and give yourself the pleasure of reading this particular bit of magic. ( )