An entertaining romp, the author delivers fantasy worldbuilding and storytelling at its finest. Art student Susan and magical fighting booksellers, Merlin and Vivien are swept up yet again in a dangerous adventure against Old World entities. The use of language is masterful in creating a strong sense of place, for both the real and fantasy worlds.
The 1980s Bath setting is vividly brought to life through detailed descriptions of clothing, objects, food and places, clearly demonstrating a wealth of research but delivered in a charming, humorous and entertaining manner. The fantasy world building is just as richly described, referencing local mythology. The meeting between Susan and Sulis, the goddess of the thermal springs that feed the spa baths, evokes an unnerving, dreamlike sense of otherness and danger. This book would appeal to the readership which enjoys a sophisticated myth-based fantasy adventure with a splash of romance and authentic historical details.