The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes

Nine is far from living her best life. With no comfortable home or family she has become one of several minions working for a local criminal, Pocket--stealing in return for food and board. When Nine picks the wrong woman to try to scam, she finds herself mixed up in quite a bit more than she bargained for as she tries to stay ahead of the law.  But when the opportunity presents itself to rob the same woman, Nine cannot help herself--but the results are rather surprising. A small trinket in the shape of a house fell from the purse of her intended target and...that's what you'll need to find out for yourself! 

What is set in motion is the most ludicrous adventure Nine has ever experienced. One involving non-humans, talking table wear, and a magician who has lost his magic touch. With the promise of riches beyond her wildest dreams, Nina gets sucked into trying to break a curse but it involves one of the hardest sacrifices she has ever had to make. 

The House at the End of Magic felt like a cross between Beauty and the Beast (book loving heroine, enchanted castle) and Oliver Twist (street urchin pickpocket working for local criminal). Children who enjoy a bit of mystery and magic will enjoy this story. I recommend it for upper elementary or middle grade readers. (Note: there is a somewhat scary scene with zombie-like creatures; parent discretion is  advised for sensitive readers).

I appreciated that the book brings most threads to a satisfactory conclusion while leaving a few uncertainties to draw readers into the second book (the first chapter of which is included at the end--nice touch). And kudos to the illustrator who created such a whimsical and enchanting cover! Would love the print copy to have illustrations sprinkled throughout the story as well. Grab your copy of The House at the End of Magic and get ready to be transported to worlds of imagination!

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of The House at the Edge of Magic from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing through NetGalley for review. No other compensation was received.