Unraveling Enchantment: 5 Reasons You’ll Love "The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine"
- Kim Bartosch
- May 15
- 4 min read
Magic is stirring once again inside the walls of the spectacular Number Nine Plaza, and middle-grade readers are in for a treat. In The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine, author Ben Guterson returns with the second installment in his twisty, puzzle-filled series—and it’s even more enchanting than the first. Whether you're new to the story or already a fan of Book One, this sequel delivers a captivating blend of brainy fun, heartfelt friendship, and high-stakes magical peril.
Thank you to the author and Christy Ottaviano Books for the book and my honest review. Book tour is sponsored by TBR and Beyond Tours. Scroll down to read my full review and enter my giveaway to win a hardcover copy of the book!
Title: The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine
Author: Ben Guterson
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Publishing date: May 13, 2025
Synopsis:
The #2 New York Times bestselling series returns!
Zander and Natasha must reverse an evil spell threatening the Number Nine Plaza’s very existence in Book 2 of this puzzle-bending mystery—for fans of The Swifts.
Summer is in full swing at The Number Nine Plaza, the world’s largest and most fabulous department store, and best friends Zander and Natasha are looking forward to weeks of discovery after thwarting the vengeful Darkbloom’s attempt to destroy The Nine. But has the danger truly passed? Store employees begin acting oddly, a long-lost clue to an ancient store mystery is uncovered, and Zander and Natasha themselves become targets for attack.
When a devastating magic spell places The Nine under new peril, the two friends find themselves in a race against the clock to solve the store’s ever-deepening riddles and preserve the world-famous Number Nine Plaza from destruction.Featuring word puzzles, clues, and black-and-white illustrations in every chapter, this enchanting, out-of-this-world mystery delivers an unforgettable read full of magic and adventure.
My 5 Reasons to Read "The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine" by Ben Guterson
Here's why this book is an absolute must-read for fans of mystery, clever clues, and all things wonderfully weird:
🧩 1. The Puzzles Are Next-Level
If you thought the riddles in Book One were clever, brace yourself. Guterson ups the ante in Book Two with brain-teasing puzzles woven right into the fabric of the story. These aren’t just little side quests—they’re essential to unraveling the larger mystery threatening the entire Number Nine Plaza. There’s even a riddle trail embedded in the margins of each chapter, making this a highly interactive reading experience. Think of it as a book-meets-escape-room adventure, perfect for curious young minds.
🧑🤝🧑 2. A Friendship Worth Rooting For
Zander and Natasha make an incredible team. Their dynamic is one of the heartbeats of this book, filled with witty banter, genuine support, and moments of vulnerability. As the duo confronts magical chaos and sinister secrets, their trust in each other deepens. Their friendship doesn’t just survive the mystery—it strengthens because of it. In a genre where friendship is often used as a backdrop, this one shines front and center.
🏬 3. A Setting That’s Practically a Character
The Number Nine Plaza is one of the most imaginative settings in recent middle grade fiction. It’s like if Willy Wonka designed a department store and added hidden passageways, ancient magic, and suspicious shopkeepers. Guterson brings this towering, labyrinthine location to life with exquisite detail. Every floor has its own flavor, from whimsical boutiques to mysterious archives. It’s a place readers will wish they could visit—and maybe solve a few riddles while they’re at it.
🧙♀️ 4. Perfectly Balanced Magic and Mystery
Some books are heavy on the fantasy but light on the mystery—or vice versa. The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine strikes a delightful balance. The stakes are high: a dangerous spell threatens the Plaza’s very existence, and odd behavior among employees signals deeper problems. As Zander and Natasha dig into clues and dodge magical threats, readers are swept into a page-turning race against time. Guterson masterfully layers suspense, humor, and heart, never letting the magical elements overshadow the emotional ones.
✍️ 5. Gorgeous Illustrations in Every Chapter
Ben Guterson doesn’t work alone in creating the magic—this book is sprinkled with black-and-white illustrations that add charm and visual flair to the mystery. These sketches enhance the whimsical tone of the novel and bring even more personality to the already vivid setting. Young readers, especially visual learners, will love poring over each page for hints and hidden meanings.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a puzzle fanatic, a mystery lover, or a fan of imaginative middle grade fantasy, The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine is pure magic. It’s rare to find a sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but builds a richer, more complex world on top of it. This book respects its readers’ intelligence while delivering non-stop fun, and it’s a stellar example of how middle grade fiction can be both playful and profound.
If you enjoy series like The Swifts, The Mysterious Benedict Society, or Greenglass House, this one will be right up your alley. It’s smart, suspenseful, and completely absorbing—everything you want in a middle grade mystery.
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 magical stars!)
Recommended For:
Ages 9–13
Puzzle lovers and mystery solvers
Fans of magical realism and enchanted settings
Readers who appreciate strong friendships and smart storytelling
Meet the author:
Ben Guterson is the New York Times bestselling author of The World-Famous Nine, which was a Barnes & Noble Young Reader Pick of the Month, as well as The Einsteins of Vista Point and the popular Winterhouse trilogy. Winterhouse was an Edgar Award and an Agatha Award finalist and an Indie Next List Pick. His books have been translated into eleven languages worldwide. Ben lives near Seattle and invites you to visit him online at benguterson.com.
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