Ajax Penumbra 1969

Not as good as “Mr. Penumbra's 24-hour bookstore,” but quite fun nonetheless. The core ideas are there but aren't as developed as in the “main” book.

It is a quick read that somewhat lays the groundwork for the story and characters we come to know in the later book.

If you've heard about “Mr. Penumbra's 24-hour bookstore” and haven't read it yet, I believe that reading this one first will enhance the experience and set the scene for the main book. Since it is around 70 pages, it's a fast-paced read, and you have literally nothing to lose.

I hope that Sloan, in the future, may write more stories in this setting. However, if I'm being sincere, I would prefer something more developed like “24-hour bookstore” than a “short story” like this one.