Unlike the first five or so books in the series, Lord Sunday is not for the uninitiated. A working knowledge of Nix’s intricate universe, and the characters who people it, is required to keep the reader from getting lost in the plot, even though on the surface it is fairly simple; most of the action is essentially a manoeuvering of all of the key players into Lord Sunday’s Incomparable Gardens, for the final confrontation. The perspective shifts every chapter between one of three main protagonists, Arthur Penhaligon (our reluctant hero), Suzy Turquoise Blue and Leaf. This helps maintain momentum throughout.

In focusing on action, Nix has allowed some of the subtlety of his world-building to fall by the wayside, especially in regards to character. Certain dilemmas that have endeared readers to his characters are either ignored or glossed over. Still, for such a tightly controlled series, Nix manages to throw in a few genuine surprises that will doubtless delight his fans.