Doesnt like people of color. I decided to visit this store to create content and post a review. He did not greet me. He assumed that I would know a penciled 3 on the 1st page was a price tag. He did not hand the book back to me even though I let him know I wanted to purchase the book. He acted as if 31 cents was too much for my budget on a $3 used book. When the transaction was successful he commented “it worked”. Why wouldn’t my card work? I asked PERMISSION to get content he explained its fine as long as people arent in my content. The moment I pulled my camera out to say good things about this used book store he started being passive aggressive. I asked the refund policy because I do not spend where I am not welcomed. Of course he wouldnt give me my money back! But I cant afford state mandated taxes? He needs the money more than I do. As a black woman, I did not feel safe and I would not recommend other people of color to shop there. I was so upset I forgot my wallet and had to return. Terrible 1st experience.
Apparition Books
Apparition Books at a glance
Google reviewers rate Apparition Books 4.8 out of 5 based on 94 reviews, with the owner not responding to any feedback. Customers frequently praise the store's curated selection of unique, vintage, and eccentric titles, noting reasonable prices and friendly, knowledgeable service that avoids being pushy. However, several low-star reviews describe negative interactions where staff ignored customers or reacted rudely to price negotiations, while others cited limited variety.
- Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 94 reviews (91% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 94 Google reviews (70 with written comments, 10 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
- Most recent review: September 25, 2026.
- Service: Bookstore serving Kent, Washington.
Data from Google, last updated October 27, 2026.
Photos
Customer reviews
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
What customers talk about
We read 70 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“…esting finds, the ownership and people who work here are always very friendly, helpful and informative.…”
“A great little bookstore in the heart of old renton, they have a great selection of poetry at a very good price.”
“It’s easy to take for granted what it takes to make a book store truly unique without being insanely overpriced.”
“Not only do they do a great job of curating amazing used books that are all very interesting finds, the ownership and people who work here are always…”
“If you have great books that you want to donate, I definitely will recommend you to visit Apparition book store!”
“…was wrapped with such care and attention plus it arrived surprisingly quickly.…”
“I asked PERMISSION to get content he explained its fine as long as people arent in my content.”
“Honestly, i judged this book by its cover.”
People customers mention
- Renton 10 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Small, quaint bookstore in downtown Renton. Good selection for a smaller store. Reasonable prices. Strong sci-fi, fantasy and horror sections but has other genres as well.
This is such an awesome book store. Not only do they do a great job of curating amazing used books that are all very interesting finds, the ownership and people who work here are always very friendly, helpful and informative. It’s easy to take for granted what it takes to make a book store truly unique without being insanely overpriced. Apparition Books is a true book collector’s gem.
Awesome place... A good mix of great popular authors and rare weird craziness
Love this bookstore. It has many cool books, comic books, and collections. If you are in the area, do come by and take a look.
A fine classic ghost story style book store.
I ordered a book online from Apparition and I wasn't expecting to write a review, but my book was wrapped with such care and attention plus it arrived surprisingly quickly. Thank you and keep up the great work! Your physical book store looks amazing and I'd definitely stop by and browse your collection when in WA!
I found some amazing books here! Could spend hours looking around!
I come from Seattle just for this bookstore. The prices are great and the selection is so thoughtfully curated. So much quality stuff in such a modest space!
A great, tidy bookstore with interesting collection of new and used books alike! It had a clean, crisp, and eccentric vibe. Picked up a couple memoirs. Would certainly return!
Business details
- Address: 814 S 3rd St, Renton, WA 98057
- Phone: (425) 271-2811
- Website: instagram.com
- Service area: Kent, WA