What fantastic adventure story! The story is about a 12 year old girl called Flick, finding out there is more to life than school and looking after her baby brother. After moving out of the city she starts to explore the new village, she is drawn to a shop down a side street of the high street, it is there her adventure begins. The shop is ‘The StrangeWorlds Travel Agency’ run by a young lad, John Mercator. They strike up friendship and John realises that there is reason for Flick to be there. It has been Flick dream to travel but this is no ordinary travelling we are talking other worlds and magic. From here it’s a rollercoaster of a ride of finding out truths, who can be trusted and friendship.
There are two plots in the book one which is resolved the other - I hope - will continue into a second book. There are also a few unanswered questions too, which I want to find out!
This is a perfect book for a confident 8+ year old reader, perfect for a class reading book or even a 40+ woman that enjoys delving into magical worlds. If you have read and liked Christmasaurs by Tom Fletcher or Time Hunters by Carl Ashmore you will definitely love this book!

Imaginative whimsical fun, travelling through suitcases. The style is light and engaging and it's sure to find an audience!

I had seen a lot of praise for this book on Twitter and was delighted to be approved by NetGalley and Hachette Children’s for an eARC to review.

Without delay, I have to say that I loved L.D. Lapinski’s world-building, protagonists and ability to combine an important message within a fast-paced contemporary fantasy for MG readers (thanks to blogger Lily Fae for the genre description).

The two main protagonists, Jonathan and Flick, are fully realised characters who fully engage your interest and sympathy from the moment you meet them. The progression of their relationship throughout the arc of the story is entirely believable and emotionally involving. Both characters are old before their time, with the weight of responsibility on their young shoulders. Jonathan, an eighteen year-old who dresses like a Victorian has been left as the sole custodian of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency since the death of his mother and the disappearance of his father. He is lonely, bewildered and mourning the loss of family. Meanwhile, Flick has been the archetypal latch-key-kid on an inner city housing estate whilst both parents worked long hours to keep the family afloat. The arrival of a baby brother, Freddy and a move to a house in the village of Little Wyverns has made Flick feel even more alienated and resentful that she has to take responsibility for many household chores.

Flick longs to travel and when she stumbles into the shabby, old fashioned Strangeworlds Travel Agency with its curiously stacked multitude of suitcases, her dreams come true, albeit in an unexpected fashion! Once she overcomes Jonathan’s passive-aggressive sarcasm and proves her previously undiscovered magical abilities she joins him on a quest to discover the whereabouts of Daniel Mercator, his missing father.

From the moment that Flick takes a leap of faith into one of the suitcases in which Jonathan’s great-great-great-grandmother Elara trapped magical schisms between worlds in the multiverse, the adventure takes off. Each suitcase has an individual destination and the author’s imagination conjures deserted beaches where you can taste the salty air; a forest world populated with forever-children; Coral City with its candy coloured landscape and extraordinary gravity, and the multiversal hub, the fragile City of Five Lights.

I don’t want to give away any plot spoilers, but the tension ratchets up as the plot races to its conclusion, with valuable messages about the devastating impact on a world of greedily exploiting its irreplaceable resources, and the power of “ resolve, wrapped in righteous ferocity and fear “ to achieve the seemingly impossible. I loved the way that the story ended on a cliff-hanger, and cannot wait to read the next instalment.

I will certainly be adding this book to my library shopping list when it is published in April, when I am sure it is going to be extremely popular with fans of Harry Potter, The Train to Impossible Places, Rumblestar and The Cosmic Atlas of Alfie Fleet.

I will be posting this review on my blog closer to the publication date.

This was a truly mesmerising, magical read which drew me into brilliantly imagined worlds with two wonderful protagonists whose relationship felt genuine and realistic. The sense of wonder, the intricate magical system and the pervading threat of danger enthralled me … I’m already eager to continue the adventure!
Twelve-year-old Flick Hudson has moved to Little Wyverns where it does not take her long to find the rather incredible Strangeworlds Travel Agency which does not have any of the usual accoutrements of a travel agency, but does have a large selection of suitcases … and the utterly, utterly brilliant Jonathan Mercator! Flick has a natural curiosity and a desire to explore, so it is no surprise that she is drawn to the Agency but, once inside, she makes an incredible discovery … a discovery that leads to her acceptance into The Strangeworlds Society, and the beginning of an adventure that will change her life …
Flick discovers that she has a magical ability that allows her to use the suitcases in the custodianship of Jonathan to travel to other worlds in the multiverse. Just imagine stepping into a suitcase and arriving in another world. The world-building is superb, and I absolutely delighted in these richly described magical worlds, each of which is unique from The Crystal Forest to the Coral City to the City of Five Lights.
Alongside the awe engendered by these worlds, there is also a timely and relevant warning to care for and respect these worlds. The consequences of not doing so have placed one of the worlds, the City of Five Lights, in grave danger, a danger that may well have disastrous consequences not only for that world but also other worlds in the multiverse, including our own.
Jonathan takes Flick to Five Lights on his own agenda but, once there, they find themselves drawn into a dangerous mission to save the City from collapse… a mission which requires ingenuity, courage and trust.
I adored both Flick and Jonathan, and the development of their friendship which felt really authentic. Both have to deal with a lot of responsibility: Flick has lots of housework and looks after her younger brother to help out her busy parents, and Jonathan has had to take on the custodianship of the Travel Agency. Flick is courageous, kind-hearted and empathetic. I loved her strong sense of fairness, her directness and her strength in standing up for herself when she needs to. Jonathan has an acerbic wit, a penchant for detail and is a stickler for rules. He is also lonely, dealing with loss and in desperate need of a friend. My heart really went out to both of them, and I am so glad they found each other, and that they learn the true value of friendship … I really hope they have more amazing adventures through The Strangeworlds Travel Agency.

I was beyond excited when I was approved on Netgalley for a proof copy of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency. It has been one of my most anticipated books since the moment L.D. first announced they were writing a children's book. It opens with the line: "There have always been places in our world where magic gathers", and this book is one of those places.

It tells the story of Jonathan and Felicity (Flick) and their adventures into other worlds through the Travel Agency suitcases. I absolutely loved the idea of a quiet, unassuming little shop filled with suitcases to take you to magical worlds. Bonus points for Jonathan's recording books and all the rules included about travelling to other worlds, because I love rules and records. Sign me up and take me there immediately.

I adored the two main characters in this book. Jonathan is witty and delightfully snarky, and I am all here for his attitude. He appears very serious at first, but it soon becomes apparent that he is dealing with an awful lot of responsibility at the Agency, as well as some personal issues. Responsibility is a big theme in this book. Felicity (Flick) also has a lot of responsibility, having to look after her younger brother. She is resentful of this aspect of her life, and as the oldest of four children, I really identified with a lot of Flick's feelings around having to care for her younger sibling. I could really see how having magic made her feel special and unique, and how the suitcases swallowed her whole with promises of adventures to worlds that were just for her and not something she had to share with her family. Underneath all the heaviness she feels from having to do so many grown up things, Flick has a real sense of adventure, and Strangeworlds speaks to this. She hesitates only briefly before diving headfirst into Jonathan's world and all that that entails, and I admired her bravery.

L.D.'s world building is immense and brilliant. Their descriptions are so unique and unusual, and they bring the magic of the worlds to life and really stick in your head long after you've closed the last page. Each different suitcase world is so unique, so unlike anything I have ever seen or read about before, but still made me feel like I had travelled the worlds with Flick and shared in her wonder and amazement. I highlighted so many things whilst reading this book, just because the writing is so gorgeous.

The Crystal Forest was my favourite world, I think. I'll be honest I kept changing my mind as I read. But, a world made of crystals with geode butterflies? What could be more perfect? L.D. comments a lot on caring for the world and how you cannot take things from these worlds and expect that world to continue to thrive. This is, for me, one of the key messages of the book and it is really well written in a fun way that I think young readers will appreciate. After reading, I know that it would be so very wrong to take one of those butterflies, but my gods do I wish I had one in my life.

There is so much to love about this book, that I could talk about it all day. There is a really great mystery at the centre of the book that's a little bit dark and dangerous and adds a real edge and thrill to the book. There were times when I genuinely worried about the safety of our two main characters, and moments that had me on the edge of my seat, frustrated that my eyes couldn't read any faster. I was thankful for a long train ride that meant I didn't have to put this book down.

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency is a truly magical middle grade read. It has everything that I could ever want from a book, and I cannot wait to get hold of a finished copy to share with my little one, because I know he's going to love it. Also, is it time for book two yet?

A complete and utter ride. Just everything I needed in a book: magic, friendship, laughter, snark and adventure. I think this is gonna be something huge. Bloody loved every second. There’s something for everyone here and I can’t wait for the world to read it. The characters are amazing; the worlds are just exceptional and the writing is lush. I want to be part of this world!

This was a really fun read that I would recommend to ages 8 and up. The premise is that there are links to different worlds, which can be reached through suitcases, stored at the travel agency. There is so much scope for using this in class, describing the different worlds and making your own suitcases! The main character, Flick, is ignored at home, with her parents birth working and looking after a new baby. She meets an older boy who also feels abandoned, as his dad has disappeared and his mum had died on an adventure, all to do with this strange traveling. The book was a good mixture of classic magical adventure, a bit like the Faraway Tree, but in a realistic, modern setting. Thrills, peril and a happy ending, with our heroine realising she has magical powers, and lots of chance of a follow-up!

I’ve been looking forward to reading this book since its announcement, so thank you Netgalley and Hachette! Travel via suitcases, yes please. Strangeworlds was a fun dive into a new fantasy world; I especially loved the various locales within the suitcases, and the city of Five Lights - very, very cool. I would have loved to spend more time in the city, with a certain Guild that appears in the book. The aforementioned was so unique, and well formed, I wish we’d met them earlier so we could have spent more time seeing the city through their eyes, and enjoying the pace they brought to the plot, as well as fun discoveries about the magic and what was alluded to about the past. This book felt like we just touched the surface of the author’s world and plans for the series, and I await book 2 to satisfy that craving.

A great debut book by L.D Lapinski about a young called called Flick who, when she moves house to a strange new town where she knows no one, is strangely drawn to an old shop. Once inside, she meets Jonathan and after looking through a broken spy glass, her life changes forever.

The descriptions of the worlds that Flick and Jonathan travel to are sublime, you can see and picture in your minds eye the vivid bright colours, the crystals, the forest as well as the names of the worlds really help with the visualisation.

As the story centres on Flick and Jonathan’s quest to try and find Jonathan’s father or at least get answers as to where he disappeared to, as it isn’t resolved by the end it really sets things up nicely for another adventure

The idea of having a multiverse which you can travel to through suitcases is a brilliant idea. I mean, who doesn’t take a suitcase on holiday with them, just not as their mode of transport.

A great read for lovers of the Train to Impossible places and the Great Brain Robbery.

When Flick and her family move away from their flat in the city so they have more space, Flick thinks she's in for a long and boring summer looking after her little brother whilst her parents are at work; however, whilst exploring the new town, Flick stumbles across a shabby little shop full of suitcases and meets Jonathan Mercator whose family own the place, and her summer suddenly looks far more exciting. With a huge desire to travel, Flick is thrilled to learn that there are hundreds of other worlds waiting to be explored and each one can be reached by simply stepping into a suitcase. But what is Jonathan not telling her and why is Five Lights in danger?
This is an exciting book that fizzles with magic and expectation! I loved the idea of the suitcases being used as a device to travel to other worlds and the thrill of what would be waiting there ... the elements of danger help to build the tension and excitement.
The shop conjured up images of Diagon Alley whilst the worlds brought back wonderful childhood memories of The Faraway Tree but with the pleasure of added tension and adventure to get stuck in to.
Flick is a lonely but determined young lady whose sense of adventure drives her ever onwards from the beginning of the book; whilst, in Jonathan, we see the burden of responsibility weighing on him and this gives him a bit of darkness which I enjoyed reading.
A book about friendship, family, fun and excitement - sign me up now for membership to the Strangeworlds Society!

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency is a truly magical read and an adventure I will certainly be recommending to my class. Flick and Jonathan, the protagonists, are well-crafted characters and it was wonderful to see the growth in their friendship on the page.

The writing is superb: every world is unique and described in enough detail, so you feel transported to every corner of the multiverse. I can’t wait for a sequel. An excellent read - thank you!

I was so excited to have my NetGalley request to review this accepted. It sounded absolutely brilliant and I couldn't wait to dive in. Here are three things I loved about The Strangeworlds Travel Agency (and why you should definitely be buying it for the MG readers in your life).

1. The world (worlds?) building was so imaginative and such a delight to read. The descriptions had a cinematic quality that made them easy to picture and each world was more fun and amazing than the last. It made me think of the Diagon Alley/Hogsmede sections in Harry Potter, but woven through the whole story, rather than just the odd scene.

2. The concept of Strangeworlds was really unique and interesting. There's so much scope for creative writing tasks inspired by the story and it's an idea that will have children peering hopefully into every suitcase they come across.

3. Flick was an interesting and endearing character who I think a lot of young readers will relate to. I liked her reluctance to dive head first into the travel agency, even though she was so excited by the idea and desperate for adventure. I can't wait to find out more about her in the second book!

{This review will be posted on my blog at the beginning of April}

This is so much fun! The Strangeworlds Travel Agency is the first in a series of world jumping adventures of Flick Hudson, who discovers a strange shop in the small town she and her family have moved to, a shop full of suitcases that are the portals to other worlds. But this isn't just a Faraway Tree kind of 'flitting through things for fun' kind of series, these worlds are connected and there is trouble afoot. For the guardian of the agency, Jonathan Mercator, is looking for his father, a world jumper who has gone missing. When Flick and Jonathan join forces to try and find him, they find a whole lot more mischief and magic waiting for them...

I was excited to read this because I know the author and I love what she's already achieved with this, the first book in the series. The details of each world are delightful, packed with humour and observation but there is a serious tone and messages for our world that resonate without being preachy. In Flick, we have a great heroine, one that is brave and adventurous, but loving and occasionally self-doubting and, as such, she feels real - a real person acting as we might. I'm looking forward to reading this to my daughter who I think will love it.

Really enjoyed this magical tale - funny, thoughtful, & exciting. More than a few nods to Pratchett particularly made me smile 😊 #UKMG
Amazing opening lines.

This was a highlight for me! I was so impressed when it came up on Netgalley. Proof copies are incredibly hard to come by sometimes and I was squealing with delight to get approval to read the ebook.

2020 is set to be a bumper year for children’s fiction and this will be leading the way.
The Strangeworlds Travel Agency looks neglected, lonely and forgotten. Jonathan Mercator is the young successor owning the shop and he is sarcastic, sad and lonely, until he meets Flick.
Flick has an incredible urge to travel the world, she wants to visit as many places as possible, but she isn’t sure how she will ever do it. Her map sits empty of pins for places she has been. Exploring her new town, Flick feels a sense of curiosity when she glimpses The Strangeworlds Travel Agency. Picking up a broken piece of magnifying glass, Flick can see glittering and a crack in the air. Jonathan quickly grabs the opportunity and welcomes her to the Society. Here begins an incredulous adventure and the start of a new friendship.

Flick and Jonathan are on a quest to find out what happened to Jonathan’s father. They must visit each place contained within a suitcase. Once you open a suitcase, there is another world waiting for you, with people, currency and towns. However, you must be careful and follow the strict Society rules. Flick needs to learn these quickly or else they could become stuck in a suitcase.

As with any brilliant book, there are plot twists and turns, courageous moments and baddies! This book has it all and I so wish I could step into another world via a suitcase! Flick and Jonathan are fantastic, well written and thoughtful characters. We learn just enough to keep us guessing through this book and know we will learn more in the second and third in the series.

I won’t post any spoilers but if you are a fan of MG books, then add this to your wishlist now or just pre-order and wait for it to arrive.
You won’t be disappointed.

Ever imagined being able to open a suitcase, step inside and end up in a completely different world? Well, I can tell you what this feels like because I had the privilege of exploring a fascinating multiverse alongside the charming duo, Flick and Jonathan, in a reading time which took me less than 24 hours! First thoughts after finishing: I NEED MORE OF STRANGEWORLDS.

This debut is simply a middle-grade magical marvel which is going to take the shelves by storm in April 2020. Lapinski has done an excellent job at creating an array of worlds which not only act as a nod of recognition to traditional fantasy tropes, but opens schisms into brand new ones! Each world is carefully crafted with lush environments, some of which are full of wonder and others which leave a prickly feeling on your skin: there is definitely something for everyone’s tastes.

I really adored Flick and Jonathan’s characters, and the friendship they share on their quest to save Five Lights before it collapses into nothingness. Aside from the main story arc, Lapinski neatly weaves in subplots and world building that leaves enough unanswered questions that you just know this is going to be one of many in a gripping series. I personally think this is one of the most alluring aspects of Strangeworlds because Lapinski gives you a taste of the worlds, as well as the characters and their stories, but it is enough to leave you invested in what has yet to unfold. It sets a great framework, quite alike to other existing huge middle-grade fantasy series’ out there, where the reader will develop such an attachment and familiarity with Strangeworlds, each return to these worlds and character arcs in later books will be comparable to the warm comfort of meeting an old friend you haven’t seen for years.

There is plenty of exploration of themes around companionship, family and loss (among others) throughout the novel, which are handled with maturity that is relatable for both children and adult readers. Strangeworlds is an original story with love, humour, excitement, and even fear, running through its magical core. Lapinski has certainly laid out the groundwork for us to continue exploring this rich setting for years to come and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Thank you to both Netgalley and Orion Children’s Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this smashing debut.

This was a great read from the beginning, with the scenes being set well and plausible characters developing throughout the books as their adventures tested their new friendship. Using a new means of transport, they travel to new worlds, try to solve a family mystery and delve into the history of the Strangeworlds Society. This was a an intriguing story reminiscent of Diana Wynne-Jones and would probably appeal to fans of Harry Potter. The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the reader wondering what will happen next, and how long until the sequel will arrive!
I am delighted to have had this opportunity to read and review this book which, as a teacher, I will be recommending to my pupils aged 8-13.

All the words in the multiverse cannot describe how joyful and magical this book is.

L. D. Lapinski has somehow managed to bundle magic, adventure, hope and family into a quaint little suitcase that smells of tea and biscuits and in the process opened up a whole universe of adventures for children(and adults) everywhere.

Flick is instantly loveable and she and Jonathan make a truly brilliant duo as they dive through the multiverse in an effort to save it.

Filled with peril, adventure, magic and friendship, The Strangeworld's Travel Agency will, without a doubt be an instant classic.

I cant wait to see what L. D Lapinski has in store for us next!