The Borderlands aren't like anywhere else. Don't try to smuggle a phone or any other piece of technology over the wall that marks the Border - unless you enjoy a fireworks display in your backpack. (Ballpoint pens are okay.) There are elves, harpies, and - best of all as far as Elliot is concerned - mermaids.
Elliot? Who's Elliot? Elliot is thirteen years old. He's smart and just a tiny bit obnoxious. Sometimes more than a tiny bit. When his class goes on a field trip and he can see a wall that no one else can see, he is given the chance to go to school in the Borderlands.
It turns out that on the other side of the wall, classes involve a lot more weaponry and fitness training and fewer mermaids than he expected. On the other hand, there's Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle, an elven warrior who is more beautiful than anyone Elliot has ever seen, and then there's her human friend Luke: sunny, blond, and annoyingly likeable. There are lots of interesting books. There's even the chance Elliot might be able to change the world.
'...A classic school story, a coming-of-age tale and a parody of Harry Potter. It's hilarious and sneakily moving. Elliot Schafer is Harry Potter if Harry had been abandoned instead of merely orphaned. Convinced of his unlovability, he wields sarcasm and braininess as weapons...Brennan subverts the familiar Y.A. love triangle in uproarious, touching, unexpected ways, and her commentaries on gender roles, sexual identity and toxic masculinity are very witty.' - New York Times Book Review
'Four years in the life of an unloved English schoolboy who's invited to a secret magical school and learns that even in fantasyland, real life is messier than books...But over the course of four years training among child soldiers, Elliot, unsurprisingly, grows up. His slow development into a genuinely kind person is entirely satisfying, as is his awakening to his own bisexuality and to the colonialism, sexism, and racism of Borderlands society...A stellar...wholly rewarding journey. - Kirkus Starred Review
'Amid shifting relationships, the threat of war, and substantial growth among the characters, Elliot's razor-edged wit and general inability to keep his mouth shut make for blissfully entertaining reading. Smart explorations of gender stereotypes, fluid sexuality, and awkward romance only add to the depth and delight of this glittering contemporary fantasy.' - Publishers Weekly Starred Review
The Borderlands aren't like anywhere else. Don't try to smuggle a phone or any other piece of technology over the wall that marks the Border - unless you enjoy a fireworks display in your backpack. (Ballpoint pens are okay.) There are elves, harpies, and - best of all as far as Elliot is concerned - mermaids.
Elliot? Who's Elliot? Elliot is thirteen years old. He's smart and just a tiny bit obnoxious. Sometimes more than a tiny bit. When his class goes on a field trip and he can see a wall that no one else can see, he is given the chance to go to school in the Borderlands.
It turns out that on the other side of the wall, classes involve a lot more weaponry and fitness training and fewer mermaids than he expected. On the other hand, there's Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle, an elven warrior who is more beautiful than anyone Elliot has ever seen, and then there's her human friend Luke: sunny, blond, and annoyingly likeable. There are lots of interesting books. There's even the chance Elliot might be able to change the world.
'...A classic school story, a coming-of-age tale and a parody of Harry Potter. It's hilarious and sneakily moving. Elliot Schafer is Harry Potter if Harry had been abandoned instead of merely orphaned. Convinced of his unlovability, he wields sarcasm and braininess as weapons...Brennan subverts the familiar Y.A. love triangle in uproarious, touching, unexpected ways, and her commentaries on gender roles, sexual identity and toxic masculinity are very witty.' - New York Times Book Review
'Four years in the life of an unloved English schoolboy who's invited to a secret magical school and learns that even in fantasyland, real life is messier than books...But over the course of four years training among child soldiers, Elliot, unsurprisingly, grows up. His slow development into a genuinely kind person is entirely satisfying, as is his awakening to his own bisexuality and to the colonialism, sexism, and racism of Borderlands society...A stellar...wholly rewarding journey. - Kirkus Starred Review
'Amid shifting relationships, the threat of war, and substantial growth among the characters, Elliot's razor-edged wit and general inability to keep his mouth shut make for blissfully entertaining reading. Smart explorations of gender stereotypes, fluid sexuality, and awkward romance only add to the depth and delight of this glittering contemporary fantasy.' - Publishers Weekly Starred Review
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES! OVER 2.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD, NOW IN GORGEOUS HARDBACK WITH UNIQUE FOILED JACKET, REVERSE FAN ART JACKET, EXCLUSIVE ENDPAPERS AND STUNNING FOILED BOARD.From the No. 1 international bestselling author...
Tiggy has a BIG imagination. She sometimes has BIG feelings too. But everything is A-Okay, because Tiggy has a very special secret …Whether she’s starring in a school performance, dealing with a wobbly tooth, or feeling nervous at a sleepover, Tiggy...
Tiggy has a BIG imagination. She sometimes has BIG feelings too. But everything is A-Okay, because Tiggy has a very special secret …Whether she’s getting a new pet, going to her first day of school, or solving a birthday party problem, Tiggy knows her...
Learn to read with this hilarious story about noisy singing from the best-selling School of Monsters series! Can Bill and Ben learn to sing in harmony?Bill and Ben both love to sing,
but each one sings a different thing!Welcome to the School of...
From award-winning and beloved author Jane Yolen, this delightful picture book is a funny and endearing field guide to the unique world of mermaids. Would you like to spot a mermaid? If so, you will need a few supplies and a great deal of patience. As we...
The jaw-achingly funny children’s book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams – a deliciously daft Tall Story of a child who had everything, but still wanted more. Illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross.
Meet the Meeks!Myrtle Meek has...
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES! OVER 2.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD, NOW IN GORGEOUS HARDBACK WITH UNIQUE FOILED JACKET, REVERSE FAN ART JACKET, EXCLUSIVE ENDPAPERS AND STUNNING FOILED BOARD.From the No. 1 international bestselling author...
Tiggy has a BIG imagination. She sometimes has BIG feelings too. But everything is A-Okay, because Tiggy has a very special secret …Whether she’s starring in a school performance, dealing with a wobbly tooth, or feeling nervous at a sleepover, Tiggy...
Tiggy has a BIG imagination. She sometimes has BIG feelings too. But everything is A-Okay, because Tiggy has a very special secret …Whether she’s getting a new pet, going to her first day of school, or solving a birthday party problem, Tiggy knows her...
Learn to read with this hilarious story about noisy singing from the best-selling School of Monsters series! Can Bill and Ben learn to sing in harmony?Bill and Ben both love to sing,
but each one sings a different thing!Welcome to the School of...
From award-winning and beloved author Jane Yolen, this delightful picture book is a funny and endearing field guide to the unique world of mermaids. Would you like to spot a mermaid? If so, you will need a few supplies and a great deal of patience. As we...
The jaw-achingly funny children’s book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams – a deliciously daft Tall Story of a child who had everything, but still wanted more. Illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross.
Meet the Meeks!Myrtle Meek has...
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES! OVER 2.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD, NOW IN GORGEOUS HARDBACK WITH UNIQUE FOILED JACKET, REVERSE FAN ART JACKET, EXCLUSIVE ENDPAPERS AND STUNNING FOILED BOARD.From the No. 1 international bestselling author...
Tiggy has a BIG imagination. She sometimes has BIG feelings too. But everything is A-Okay, because Tiggy has a very special secret …Whether she’s starring in a school performance, dealing with a wobbly tooth, or feeling nervous at a sleepover, Tiggy...
BookLoop is your trusted local Australian destination for books, games, toys, puzzles, tarot cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, offering a huge range of carefully curated products for curious minds of all ages. As a proudly Australian-owned bookstore, we are passionate about connecting our community with inspiring reads, creative play, and unique finds that bring joy, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're shopping for bestselling fiction, children’s picture books, educational resources, or non-fiction titles that encourage mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, our ever-expanding book collection has something for everyone—including titles from local Australian authors that celebrate homegrown talent and storytelling. But we’re more than just a bookstore—our diverse range includes engaging puzzles for solo or family fun, educational and screen-free toys designed to develop skills and creativity, and family-friendly board games that bring people together. If you're looking for something with a little extra meaning, our beautifully illustrated tarot cards and oracle decks are perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike, with options chosen for their artistry, symbolism, and accessibility. We also carry a range of gifts and stationery, from handcrafted journals and high-quality pens to bookmarks, greeting cards, candles, and calming tools, making it easy to find the perfect present for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because. Every product on our shelves is selected with care, quality, and purpose, making BookLoop a one-stop shop for thoughtful, meaningful shopping that supports creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the value of small business and community connection, which is why we’re committed to sourcing products that reflect our values and offering the kind of friendly, personalised service that big retailers can’t match. When you shop with us, you’re not only choosing beautifully curated items—you’re supporting a local Australian business that genuinely cares. We ship Australia-wide with a flat rate to keep things simple and affordable, and every order is carefully packed and quickly dispatched by our small, dedicated team. Our online shopping experience is safe, easy, and user-friendly, making it convenient to explore our wide range of books, gifts, and games from the comfort of home. We’ve seen a growing demand for titles and toys that support mental health, especially in children and teens, and we’re proud to stock a growing number of books on ADHD, emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-esteem, as well as calming puzzles and sensory-friendly gifts that are both fun and supportive. Whether you're looking to inspire a young reader, encourage imaginative play, find your next favourite novel, or gift someone something truly special, BookLoop has you covered. Thank you for choosing to shop local and support a business that believes in the power of stories, creativity, and connection—explore our full collection today and experience the difference of thoughtful, heart-led retail with BookLoop.
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