Time, Hiccups & Hopscotch: A Wild Ride in "The Tower at the End of Time"
- Kim Bartosch
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
“The Tower at the End of Time” by Amy Sparkes, published by Margaret K. McElderry Books after a successful "House at the Edge of Magic", is a wonderful second installment in the House series. I've heard so many good things about this book that it's a witty, imaginative journey that's well worth reading.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC and my honest review. Scroll on down to read what readers liked and learn more about the book.
About the book:
Title: The Tower at the End of Time
Author: Amy Sparkes
Pub. Date: June 17, 2025
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Genre: Middle-grade Fantasy
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Synopsis:
Nine and the other inhabitants must find a way to stop their magical house from uncontrollably bouncing from world to world in this wacky and whimsical follow-up to the middle-grade adventure The House at the Edge of Magic.
Nine and her friends have broken the curse on their marvelous, magical house and are free to travel the worlds once more! Their first stop: the Wizarding Hopscotch Championships. There’s only one problem: the house is nervous about traveling and gets the hiccups!
Bouncing from world to world with every hic!, they finally land at the championships, only for Flabberghast to have an unfortunate run-in with square number nine that leaves them all faced with the terrible Tower at the End of Time.
But their sinister new location may be just the place to cure the house’s hiccups and even uncover who left Nine her beloved music box as a baby and who Nine really is…
My Review of "The Tower at the End of Time" by Amy Sparkes
From the moment Nine and her eccentric travel companions escape the curse on their sentient House, Amy Sparkes invites readers into a rollicking, unpredictable universe. Book two in the series opens with a grand adventure: the House develops hiccups—literal, world-skipping hiccups—that quite literally flip their journey into chaos. Sparkes’ genius lies in treating mundane absurdities like the hiccups of a magical house with urgent stakes—both hilarious and tense.
At its core, The Tower at the End of Time is about that desperate quest for belonging, identity, and answers. Nine, once a cunning pickpocket orphan, now resides in this sprawling magical home among Flabberghast the befuddled wizard; Eric the warm-hearted, tea‑loving troll; and Dr. Spoon, a delightfully grumpy wooden alchemist spoon. Together, they journey to the Wizarding Hopscotch Championships—a bizarre twist that combines childhood nostalgia with fantastical peril.
Hopscotch in Sparkes’ world isn’t child's play—it’s life-and-death. Every square flirts with danger, every bounce forces the characters to think fast and act clever. This section is a standout for readers who love logic-driven episodes, unpredictable humor, and that breathless thrill of a high‑stakes game wrapped in silliness.
Soon thereafter, the plot shifts to the titular Tower at the End of Time—an enchanted construct that answers any question... for a price. What follows is an imaginative gauntlet of puzzles, cryptic logic challenges, and quirky tests of friendship and bravery under pressure. With each trial overseen by an ominous gamesmaster who keeps reminding the group of the stakes (and the specter of failure), Sparkes balances whimsy with suspense (and occasional heartbreak).
What readers adore—from school-aged kids to adult fantasy fans—is the depth of character bonds. Nine may harbor doubts and discomfort in this peculiar found-family, but her loyalty and growth shine. Mentions on Goodreads and NetGalley highlight how characters like Eric deliver tender, laugh-inducing moments that readers wish they could live next door to. Though some reviewers felt the character arcs weren’t deeply fleshed, the humor and resonance in the relationships make the ensemble feel sharp and memorable nonetheless.
One appreciated feature of this sequel: it rarely stalls. Many reviewers commented that despite being the second in a series, the story seamlessly catches the reader up and strikes an energetic, faster rhythm than book one, which keeps the momentum alive.
That said, there are some minor critiques. A handful of readers noted that the lighter tone and absurd humour might feel repetitive if you're expecting deeper lore or emotional drama. A few felt Nine reverted to old behaviors—particularly her pickpocketing habit—which wasn't fully addressed or redeemed within the plot. And dialogue quibbles—like the frequent use of whimsical curses (“blinking”, “blimming”)—have sparked mixed feelings about language choices for younger readers.
Still, most agree it works beautifully for its intended age (roughly 7–8 years and up), while still offering whimsical charm for older readers or adults revisiting childhood magic. The worldbuilding is vivid but not overbearing, characters are instantly engaging, and each magical trick—from tea cupboards to shifting toilets—feels like a joyful surprise.
Sparkes injects a comedic sensibility reminiscent of Pratchett-esque whimsy, but tailored snugly for middle-grade readers. There's a light-hearted absurdity in every room of the House, and despite unpredictable trials, an intelligence underlies the surprises—characters aren’t saved by luck but by wit.
The emotional core of the book rests on the question: Who is Nine? Why was she given that mysterious music box? As events unfold, the reveal offers a bittersweet but deeply satisfying payoff that ties her past into the present narrative—leaving threads open for book three’s adventures.
Final Thoughts:
This sequel isn’t just fun—it’s smart fun. It challenges young readers with logic-based puzzles, while delivering belly laughs and magical oddities at every turn. With a spirited mix of humour, camaraderie, suspense, and heart, Sparkes takes readers on a ride they won’t forget.
Though it may feel light compared to deeper YA fantasy, The Tower at the End of Time shines as an imaginative romp that will enchant families and independent middle-grade readers alike. Fast-paced, funny, and weirdly endearing, it sets the bar high for the series finale.
Here’s hoping the final book reveals more of Nine’s identity—and rewards readers for sticking through the hiccups.
About the author;
Amy Sparkes writes books for children of all ages. She was born in Eastbourne, England, and enjoyed a wild imagination when she was a child (which included thirteen imaginary friends). Amy lives in Devon, England, with her husband and five young children. When she’s not off on an adventure with them, Amy enjoys drinking tea, climbing trees, and dancing. She is yet to master doing all three at the same time. Learn more at AmySparkes.co.uk.
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