Paper and Fire
Author: Rachel Caine
Reviewers: Gikany and Una
Rating: A/A-
What We’re Talking About:
Gikany and Una have really enjoyed this new series, The Great Library. The first novel, Ink and Bone, was a captivating and thrilling page-turner. Paper and Fire ramps it up even more, with an unexpected twist at the end.
As with our review of Ink and Bone, it is very difficult for us to do our normal discussion type review. From the beginning of Paper and Fire, the plot begins to twist and turn, revealing some truths while hinting at other plots. It would be far too easy to spoil this novel. So we apologize for this terse and vague review.
Jess continues to be the central character. We follow him in the new chapter of his life as part of the Library. As a bottom-rung cadet, he has very little power, but if the Library thinks they can control him, they are very wrong. Jess continues to seek answers, find out the truth of his friends, and search for a way to change the brutal dictatorial nature of the library. Although he never is completely sure whom he can trust, Jess knows he will never be able to free Morgan without help.
This series continues to mesmerize us. Although it can be argued whether this is a young adult series or fantasy, there are topics that are strictly for the more mature reader: torture, rape, and war. The nefarious plots of the different factions all weave around each other, and all seem to be against Jess. It is overwhelmingly and incredibly addicting. We especially enjoyed the painfully clear depiction that no matter how gilded the cage is, it is still a prison.
The end came as quite a surprise to us as the novel goes in a completely unexpected direction. But it is one that makes sense and holds an intriguing possibility. We eagerly look forward to the next book in this series. If you haven’t picked it up yet, you are seriously missing out on a well crafted, addicting, and suspenseful world.
Our Rating: A/A- Enjoyed A Lot
About the Book:
With an iron fist, The Great Library controls the knowledge of the world, ruthlessly stamping out all rebellion, forbidding the personal ownership of books in the name of the greater good.
Jess Brightwell has survived his introduction to the sinister, seductive world of the Library, but serving in its army is nothing like he envisioned. His life and the lives of those he cares for have been altered forever. His best friend is lost, and Morgan, the girl he loves, is locked away in the Iron Tower and doomed to a life apart.
Embarking on a mission to save one of their own, Jess and his band of allies make one wrong move and suddenly find themselves hunted by the Library’s deadly automata and forced to flee Alexandria, all the way to London.
But Jess’s home isn’t safe anymore. The Welsh army is coming, London is burning, and soon, Jess must choose between his friends, his family, or the Library willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in the search for ultimate control…
Release Date: July 5, 2016
Publisher: NAL
Series: The Great Library #2
ISBN: #978-0451472403
Genre: Young Adult (Fantasy)
Format(s): Hardcover (368 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Amazon http://amzn.to/29IjKTl
Reviews in the Series:
Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine (The Great Library #1)
Libraries rock! 😉
If you haven’t heard of this one, take a look. Libraries hold the power in this series and it’s terrifyingly awesome.