Thank you to Netgalley, The Book Guild! and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
==============================================================================
Stephen DG Frame’s Inquisitive introduces readers to a world where hidden gates are portals to faraway worlds, and fate is a game played by mysterious Makers. At the heart of the story is Lottie Bingham, a college student whose life takes a surreal turn after she wanders into a mysterious bookshop filled with ancient tomes who to await their destined owners.

What begins as a curious detour quickly spirals into a cosmic conflict. She’s guided through unknown realms by the shop’s cryptic keeper, Payge, and his companion Jackdaw, whose efforts to shield her often lead her deeper into danger. Lottie is swept into a secret war between the Makers and those who resist their control.

Among the many worlds Lottie encounters, the forgotten realm once ruled by the Elders stands out as a place that demands deeper exploration. Though little is known about them, their knowledge remains accessible through a mystical object called the “touchstone.” As Lottie connects with this world, she discovers her rare ability not only to see the portal gates that link dimensions—but to alter them. This gift makes her a target of the Makers, who seek to enslave her and claim her power for themselves.


Despite its imaginative scope, Inquisitive struggles with pacing and cohesion. The story is packed with action, however events feel disjointed, and the threads that tie the story together are fragile. Lottie, though central to the plot, often reads younger than her age, and her backstory is only lightly sketched, leaving her motivations and emotional depth underdeveloped.

One of the more puzzling aspects is that the non-human characters’ racial identities (trolls, goblins, elves, etc) aren’t revealed until two-thirds into the book, creating confusion rather than suspense. The antagonists remain vague for much of the story, with the Makers only taking shape in the final chapters. Mr. Steals, a shadowy figure allegedly orchestrating Lottie’s protection, is another missed opportunity—his motivations shift from guardian to manipulator, but we only meet him near the end, where he opens up a whole new can of "plot" worms—or should I say eels.

That said, Frame’s world-building is often atmospheric and inventive. The bookshop is a standout setting, and the concept of books as sentient, fate-bound objects is both eerie and enchanting. The Elders’ world and the touchstone are fascinating additions that deserve more page time. In fact, the final act introduces so many new ideas that it feels like the beginning of a second book rather than the conclusion of the first.

Verdict: Inquisitive is bursting with creative ideas and supernatural intrigue, but its ambition outpaces its execution. With more space to breathe—perhaps in a sequel or expanded edition—this story could truly shine. As it stands, it’s a whirlwind of potential that leaves readers intrigued, if not entirely satisfied.