THE MAGIC LIBRARY OF WATERFALL WAY, by Julie Abe, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Aug. 25, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)
An Unremarkable girl with a remarkable destiny must save a magic library to find her forever home in The Magic Library of Waterfall Way, by Julie Abe.
The Alterran Empire hasn’t seen an Unremarkable in centuries . . . until Lyra Hunt. All Lyra wants is a guild to call home–preferably one with a library full of storybooks–but because she is cursed with horrible luck, nearly everyone has rejected her.
Then Lyra stumbles upon the secretive Guild of Scholars in the cozy village of Waterfall Way. With their tight-knit community and magical Library, this might finally be the perfect place for her. However, to be accepted, she must recover the Scholars’ crystal, the source of their magic that was lost in a terrible fire. With the help of a mischievous furry friend, Lyra must brave the Library’s cursed halls.
Lyra may have an Extremely Unremarkable past, but she’ll do whatever it takes to find a home where she belongs. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
The Magic Library of Waterfall Way is a charming entry into fantasy.
The story follows Lyra who has been labeled Unremarkable in a world where being Unremarkable is in itself remarkable. No one wants Lyra to join their guild or even live near them. She’s essentially cursed. So, when she’s given a chance to join the Guild of Scholars, she’s willing to do anything they ask of her.
Lyra is bright and independent, though she dreams of belonging to something/someone like she used to. As she sets out to become a member of the Guild of Scholars, she gets a taste for what life could be like.
In The Magic Library of Waterfall Way author Julie Abe has crafted a cozy read that is both charming and entertaining. Abe’s writing is warm and comfortable. Her magical system is accessible and her world-building is strong. Abe doesn’t spoon feed her audience, rather she leaves room for readers to use their imaginations.
The Magic Library of Waterfall Way is the first book in a planned series. I can’t wait to read more.
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