Book Review – The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers
The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers
Fantasy | Adult | 374 pages
Published on 18 November 2025 by Hodderscape
Synopsis
Below the streets of London, a secret network of magical bookshops has existed for millennia. But they’re slowly disappearing, and no one knows why. Only one dishonoured bookseller can uncover the truth and rewrite her story – in this spellbinding standalone fantasy novel from the author of The City of Stardust.
If you want a story that will change your life, Chiron’s bookshop is where you go. For those lucky enough to grace its doors, it’s a glimpse into a world of powerful bargains and deadly ink magic.
For Cassandra Fairfax, it’s a reminder of everything she lost, when Chiron kicked her out and all but shuttered the shop. Since then, she’s used her skills in less ethical ways, trading stolen books and magical readings to wealthy playboys and unscrupulous collectors.
Then Chiron dies under mysterious circumstances. And if Cassandra knows anything, it’s this: the bookshop must always have an owner.
But she’s not the only one interested. There’s Lowell Sharpe, a dark-eyed, regrettably handsome bookseller she can’t seem to stop bumping into; rival owners who threaten Cassandra from the shadows; and, of course, Chiron’s murderer, who is still on the loose.
As Cassandra tries to uncover the secrets her mentor left behind, a sinister force threatens to unravel the world of the magical bookshops entirely…
My rating:
Review
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I always love books about books and bookshops, and the premise of this sounded so intriguing! The concept of magic coming from books and bookshops via the river? Sign me right up!
I enjoyed the world and the atmosphere created, but found that the world building left me with questions, as the book throws you into the middle of things. I wanted more on the magic as we don’t see it being used enough to understand it (for me). I also wanted more on the background of the river, as I found that really intriguing. All that said, I still happily listened along enjoying the story because the vibes really fit with what I was after! Possibly because I always love a ‘magical reality’ book and also by setting it in London (and Cecil Court no less!) it felt more real to me.
I took quite a while to connect with Cass. She seemed so back-and-forth on things. She did grow on me, and I especially liked watching her relationship with Lowell evolve. I liked Lowell more from the start, despite Cass’s views on him, but actually found his characterisation less consistent. How is it that the man that turns his nose up at Cass over her failing the bookshop is also the man flirting so publicly? That felt like quite a leap in their relationship at the time too.
The narrator, Gabrielle Nellie-Pain, did a great job, and I would highly recommend the audio edition if you’re planning to try this book.
Overall, I would have liked more from this on reflection, but still had a good time while I was reading it which is the important part! 3.5 stars.
Buy The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers from Waterstones or Blackwells.
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One Comment
Kelly
Ahh this is on my tbr because, like you, I thought the premise sounded really fun. Glad you enjoyed the London setting (it’s so fun when you recognise the places being mentioned!)