The Nowhere Emporium

Written by Ross Mackenzie

Narrated by Monty d'Inverno

When the mysterious Nowhere Emporium arrives in Glasgow, orphan Daniel Holmes stumbles upon it quite by accident. Before long, the 'shop from nowhere' and its owner, Mr Silver, draw Daniel into a breath-taking world of magic and enchantment. Recruited as Mr Silver's apprentice, Daniel learns the secrets of the Emporium's vast labyrinth of passageways and rooms - containing wonders beyond anything Daniel has ever imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: W. F. Howes Ltd
• Release date: Aug 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781510003699

Ross Mackenzie

Ross MacKenzie has been writing stories since he was seven years old, when he created an illustrated short story about a hungry crocodile named Crunchy Colin in a smuggled school jotter. His novel The Nowhere Emporium won the Blue Peter Best Story Award and the Scottish Children’s Book Award. He is also the winner of the Scottish Teenage Book Prize 2021. He now splits his time between writing, his day job as a graphic designer and his wife, daughters and cocker spaniel, with whom he lives near Glasgow.

Reviews for The Nowhere Emporium

[swingdancefan · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

While not the biggest, splashiest book to feature orphans and magic, this is a pleasant read. The characters are well-developed, with understandable motivations. Of course, naming a character “Vindictus Sharpe” is a bit of a giveaway that he’ll be the antagonist.Some of the most interesting characters are ones that can’t leave the Emporium. The Emporium itself almost becomes a character, with its almost un-ending array of mysterious and magical rooms. Indeed, if you can imagine it, it becomes real in the Emporium. The descriptions of these rooms are vivid. And the idea of it being fueled by imaginations leeched away from the customers is interesting, because imagination is something that has no finite limits.For me, the resolution was a bit hurried, a bit too neat and tidy, though the defeat of the antagonist (this should not count as a spoiler; you know how these stories have to go) is satisfying.Possible Objectionable Material:If you don’t like the idea of magic, this isn’t for you. Some violent or scary scenes. A girl whom no one from outside can see—is she a ghost? Someone gets shot and killed. Bullying.Who Would Like This Book:Those who like magic and coming of age. It should read equally well for boys or girls. Approximate Lexile: 810Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

[hope.sloper · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel delivers so much to its readers, it’s a must read for both children and adults who appreciate stories of adventure and magic. At two chapters a night, Laila and I sat on her bed, whisked away by this alluring story. The Book of Wonders is marvelous, and the Emporium is fascinating. Daniel, Mr. Silver, and Ellie, they are all great characters that we both grew attached to, and supportive of. There are so many incredible elements to this story; it is hard not to adore it. To say we were sad to turn the last page is an understatement. This is recommended for ages 8-12, and that is totally spot on, but I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t enjoy it (possibly even more) than Laila did. I recommend this book for not only children, but for adults that can appreciate and enjoy the imaginative worlds of fantasy. Without any doubt, we both give this novel 4 stars. It’s totally on our "read again" list.

[muzmuz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A nice little book of what would happen if you let you imagination overflows while still respecting that there are certain boundaries that should never be crossed.... and that evil will never wins in the end.
would recommend for the person who always have their head in the clouds thinking of a million and one places to be.

[inky_fingers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In the beginning, i thought it would end up being like all the other books about magic shops, but it took a turn after about 50 pages and ended up very compelling. An enjoyable read that pulled me all the way through to the end, waiting to see what would happen.

[melaniehope · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a fantastic, magical books that is perfect for grade 4 and up, although I enjoyed it so much as an adult! The Nowhere Emporium arrives in Glasgow and orphaned Daniel finds the shop quite by accident. Before long, the 'shop from nowhere' -- and its owner, Mr Silver -- draw Daniel into a breathtaking world of magic and enchantment. The books is just the right length. I also have read the Night Circus and this book was compared to it quite a bit. Too me, it was a bit similar, but it definitely has its own plot with twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this book. It was full of imagination, colour and fantasy. A definite recommendation to read! I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley.com.