LEGO Bookshop 10270 Review – A Decent Start to My Modular Obsession
When I decided to take the plunge into LEGO Modular Buildings, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I just thought, “One set won’t hurt, right?” (Spoiler: I was wrong.) My first step into the world of modulars was the LEGO Creator Expert Bookshop (10270), and while it’s a solid set, I quickly realized that LEGO had far greater things to offer.
Would I say the Bookshop is a must-have masterpiece? Not exactly. Would I say it was the perfect entry point into the modular rabbit hole? Absolutely.
Let’s break it down in my LEGO Bookshop 10270 Review.
📦 First Impressions: A Charming, Yet Modest Modular
At first glance, the LEGO Bookshop (10270) looks fantastic. The split building design adds variety, the color scheme is inviting, and the small-town bookstore concept is downright cozy. It’s quaint, charming, and has personality—but it’s also missing the wow factor that later modulars deliver.
Still, as my first modular, I was hooked. The building techniques were clever, the details kept me engaged, and I felt like I was constructing something truly special. But looking back, now that I own more modulars, I can’t help but see the flaws.
🏗️ Build Experience: Fun, But Nothing Groundbreaking
✅ The Good:
✔️ Split Modular Design – Two separate buildings (bookshop + townhouse) make for an interesting display.
✔️ Some Fun Details – The spiral staircase and chameleon add a bit of life.
✔️ A Relaxing Build – No overly complex techniques, making it great for beginners.
❌ The Not-So-Good:
❌ Lack of Depth – Compared to other modulars, the interior feels a bit empty.
❌ Less Innovative Build Techniques – Nothing mind-blowing, especially when stacked against sets like the Fire Brigade (10197) or Boutique Hotel (10297) for example.
❌ Forgettable Minifigs – The included characters feel generic and lack personality.
I wasn’t bored while building, but I wasn’t blown away either. It’s a decent build that gets the job done—a great starter set for modular collectors but not the most exciting in LEGO’s lineup.
🏡 Design & Aesthetics: Cute, But Not Iconic
On its own, the Bookshop looks adorable. The teal townhouse is the star of the show, while the bookstore itself feels like an afterthought. The signage is simple, the bookshelves are a bit sparse, and the overall structure feels small compared to other modulars.
Would I call it an iconic LEGO Modular? No. Would I call it a nice display piece? Sure.
🏆 Display Rating: 7/10
Looks great in a lineup but doesn’t stand out.
🔎 Hidden Details & Easter Eggs
While the Bookshop doesn’t have as many fun hidden details as, say, the Detective’s Office (10246), it does include a few cute surprises:
📚 The Printed Tiles as Book Covers – A nice touch, but I wish there were more of them.
🦎 The Chameleon – A small but fun addition that makes the set feel a bit more alive.
📖 The “Moby Brick” Reference – LEGO’s classic wordplay makes an appearance.
Easter Egg Rating: 6/10
A few fun details, but nothing too deep or exciting.
👥 Minifigures: The Definition of “Meh”
Let’s be real—LEGO Modular minifigs are rarely the highlight of a set. That said, the Bookshop minifigs feel particularly uninspired. You get a shop owner, a child, and a few random townspeople, none of whom stand out.
They do their job, but after building sets with more character-driven minifigs (like the Police Station’s donut thief), these feel forgettable.
Minifig Rating: 5/10
They exist. That’s about it.
⭐ Final Verdict: A Respectable Start, But Not a Must-Have
I’ll always have a soft spot for the Bookshop—it was my first modular, after all. But looking at the bigger picture, it’s far from LEGO’s best work. It’s a great beginner modular, but if you’re deep into the LEGO Modular lineup, you won’t miss much if you skip this one.
🔹 Final Ratings:
🏗 Build Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Enjoyable but nothing revolutionary.
🏡 Design & Aesthetics: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Looks nice, but not a standout.
📖 Easter Eggs & Details: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) – Some nice touches, but not enough.
👥 Minifigures: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) – Just… bland.
📌 Overall Score: 7/10 – A solid modular, but not a showstopper.
Would I Recommend It?
👉 For Beginners: YES! It’s a fantastic first modular and a great introduction to LEGO’s architectural sets.
👉 For Hardcore AFOLs: Ehh… maybe. There are better modulars out there, but if you’re collecting them all, go for it.
👉 For Display Enthusiasts: Only if you love the townhouse aesthetic—there are better display pieces.
What Do You Think?
Do you own the LEGO Bookshop? Do you think I’m being too harsh—or not harsh enough? Let’s discuss in the comments! ⬇️
