The 113th Assistant Librarian: Lost in a Book by Stuart Wilson

Title: The 113^th Assistant Librarian: Lost in a Book

Author: Stuart Wilson

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Penguin Australia

Published: 30^th September 2025

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 288

Price: $19.99

Synopsis: The exciting sequel to The 113th Assistant Librarian is here!

Oliver has settled into his life as the 113th assistant librarian. He loves his job – even though it sometimes includes battling giant crabs or fending off firedrakes – and his new friend, the mostly-human Agatha, is always on hand to help.

But when he discovers a rare edition of a history book with unique wording, he realises the slightest misinterpretation could endanger the entire kingdom. Determined to solve this mystery, he and Agatha leave the library – with the help of an unpredictable transporting book – to establish the truth. But can they prevent Annabel Clowritch, the esteemed Member for Upper-Lower Tumbledown Barrows, from using the text to her own advantage . . . and stop a war?

~*~

Oliver Wormwood, the 113^th Assistant Librarian in Blackmoor-upon-Wyvern, without a teacher for his Trade, is back. As is Agatha, his friend suffering from garnet band disease, where she is living on borrowed time. The only way to deal with it is to turn into nine cats. But only eight have revealed themselves so far. However, that’s not quite what Oliver needs to solve this time. Or at least, it’s not the only thing he needs to solve. In the sequel, Oliver has received a whole library of books from a resident who has just died. Including a rare edition of a history book. However, it doesn’t match the history books everyone else knows, nor does it match the record everyone else understands is official.

The single line that alters the wording and misinterpretation has devastating implications for the kingdom. Especially when MP for Upper-Lower Tumbledown Barrows, Annabel Clowritch gets involved, and tries to get her hands on the book. She’s got an agenda that could change people’s lives, and she’s willing to do anything to get the book. But who will end up with egg on their face, and will Agatha survive this adventure?

Well, between the library patrons turning up between the stacks, the rioting, needing a lawyer and the potential war, Oliver has his hands full again. Who would ever have thought that being a librarian could be so dangerous, or filled with threats and adventure? Without them, there’d be no books in this series. The celebration of reading and knowledge coupled with the impending wars, riots and whatever else Oliver has to face as a librarian make this a magical series. It also shows the varying opinions of jobs and pastimes in this book. What people value, how they value it and why they value something. Like reading. It is important and shows people what knowledge they have to gain. But when people devalue it, or like Oliver’s family, either don’t understand it or think being a librarian is a soft Trade where nothing happens, it highlights how people value reading in the real world as well. And in doing so, shows the importance of reading and literacy in navigating our world. This is one thing I love about books that feature books, bookshops and libraries. They spread the love and joy of books, and also highlight the importance that books can play in our lives.

For Oliver, they’re knowledge and a calling, and a way to get around at times. Or maybe they do odd things. But for Oliver and the library patrons, they are always there, ready to be read and shared. Of course, a fantasy library wouldn’t be complete without the cats, who are a fantastic aspect of the series, and I hope to see more of them, and Agatha. What makes this book work is its understanding of magic and quests, and it just pops and vibrates, building the tension slowly and then scurrying along to the end, where hopefully, everything will be okay. But rare books, or any books, in this world can be dangerous. Which reflects the way some people in our world see books and knowledge. Dictators have always tried to control the flow of knowledge.

Anyone would think a rare edition of a book would be awesome, but not when it causes so much havoc, and almost starts a war. Especially when all Oliver wants to do is verify what has been written so the information isn’t used by the wrong people for nefarious means. And as usual, it’ll be all up to Oliver to solve in his bookish way. Books can change history and lives. Changing a war shouldn’t be any different. The second book in this series is a great addition and follow-up to the first book, and I am eager for book three when it comes out.