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The Magic Library of Waterfall Way
What to expect
In this delightful cozy fantasy, an Unremarkable girl with a remarkable destiny must save a magic library to find her forever home. Perfect for fans of Greenwild and Kiki’s Delivery Service!
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.
Critics Review
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A captivating love letter to both the power within books and the power within ourselves, this fantastical adventure is nothing short of Extremely Remarkable.
Justine Pucella Winans, award-winning author of THE OTHERWOODS and WISHBONE
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A magical adventure that opens the door into a brilliant new world!
Jessica Day George, New York Times bestselling author of TUESDAYS AT THE CASTLE
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An enchanting love letter to libraries, magic, and anyone who has ever felt ordinary in an extraordinary world. . . . Sure to delight avid and reluctant readers alike. Fierce bookdragons, magical mysteries, and a heroine that's a joy to root for meant I inhaled this whimsical adventure in one sitting. I'm already eager to return to Waterfall Way!
Rebecca Mix, New York Times bestselling author of The Mossheart's Promise duology
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Julie Abe’s signature warmth sparkles in this cozy adventure about the power of stories and their fearsome ability to shape the world. Filled with lovable characters and bursting with ingenuity and wisdom, THE MAGIC LIBRARY OF WATERFALL WAY will circle three times and settle deep into your heart. Enchanting.
Kamilla Benko, bestselling author of THE UNICORN QUEST
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A wonderfully imaginative magical world that shimmers with heart and hope. Courageous Lyra and her charming sidekick are unforgettable, and this can't-miss tale dives even deeper with questions of belonging, truth, and who holds the keys to both.
Tracy Badua, author of GHOUL SUMMER
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An utterly charming, magical tale of a book that will pull readers into a fairy tale world of quests and mystery. Full of whimsy, found family, and most importantly, an adorable sable, this book whisked me along from the very beginning as I followed Lyra on her adventure to find the true meaning of home.
Van Hoang, author of AUNTIE Q'S GOLDEN CLAWS NAIL SALON
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A spellbinding adventure with magic, heart, and a determined heroine you can’t help but cheer for. This book belongs on the shelf of every middle-grade reader who dreams of finding their place in the world!
Karina Evans, author of MILLIE OF THE MANOR
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A whimsical and fun story set in an enticingly original world. Lyra’s journey is a timely reminder that though the world may underestimate us, we should never underestimate ourselves.
Alyssa Colman, author of THE GILDED GIRL and WHERE ONLY STORMS GROW
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Filled with heart and sprinkled with magic, . . . a love letter to those wishing to belong or who have ever doubted themselves. Lyra Hunt’s determination shows that heroes aren’t simply born but shaped through our everyday choices and quiet acts of courage. . . . An enchanting adventure that reminds us that, no matter where we come from, we all have the power to be extraordinary!
Tiffany Chiang, @readbytiffany
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An enchanting, heartfelt story centered on self-discovery and belonging. Truly a cozy, magical read that will make you never want to leave Waterfall Way!
Janna Mae, @janna.em
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A daring and wondrously cozy middle-grade fantasy. . . . Features accessible world-building, profound emotional shifts, and a protagonist who lets her hope guide her. It's an excellent read for budding fantasy fans.
Shelf Awareness
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Whimsical worldbuilding and an endearing protagonist distinguish a winning adventure that celebrates curiosity and personal exploration.
Publishers Weekly
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A richly imaginative love letter to libraries, found family, and a child’s curiosity.
Kirkus Reviews
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The magical world is a wonder, bursting with colorful characters and fantastical details. . . . There’s a particularly wonderful emphasis on the value of books and words, and the underlying reminder to avoid letting labels dictate self-worth is a welcome one. Happily hand it to any young fantasy lover who longs to get lost in a library.
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Details
- Author
- Julie Abe
- Narrator
- Sura Siu
- Duration
- 5 hours 48 minutes
- Release Date
- 25 August 2026
- ISBN
- 9781547619535
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Genre
- Children’s / Teenage fiction: Fantasy, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Friendship stories
Synopsis
Bloomsbury presents The Magic Library of Waterfall Way by Julie Abe, read by Sura SiuIn this delightful cozy fantasy, an Unremarkable girl with a remarkable destiny must save a magic library to find her forever home. Perfect for fans of Greenwild and Kiki’s Delivery Service!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.
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