"In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.…
Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.
Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.
When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn…"
Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.
Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.
When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn…"
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'Vita hominis plus libro valet!'
Spoilers.
I stumbled across this book on my first trip to The Book Loft in German Village. I'd never heard of it before, but the premise seemed very intriguing, especially since the Library of Alexandria tragedy is something I am still not and will probably never be over. Seriously, I tear up just thinking about all of that lost knowledge.
I stumbled across this book on my first trip to The Book Loft in German Village. I'd never heard of it before, but the premise seemed very intriguing, especially since the Library of Alexandria tragedy is something I am still not and will probably never be over. Seriously, I tear up just thinking about all of that lost knowledge.
First the good!
The intro, in my opinion, was the perfect set up for the story. you jump right into the action without making it seem abrupt or forced. I liked that, and it was the perfect way to draw a reader in. It kind of reminded me of Aladdin. The characters were amazing as well, and I am constantly praising the diversity of the cast. Jess, the main character, wasn't a flawless hero; he was just a normal kid with flaws and problems of his own thrust into problems that go way beyond what any kid should go through as they realize, rather harshly, that the world is nowhere near black and white.
The character development is nothing to scoff at as well, and I loved how seemingly minor characters end up playing such a big roll and become so lovable even when they're rarely seen. The world building was alright; there weren't any info dumps and I enjoyed how Ms. Caine incorporated some of the world building into Jess' emotions or past experiences with them, like the automatons in the beginning of the book that chased him. It helps me remember the landmarks and relate to the character.
The writing was very fluid, and Ms. Caine did an amazing job with making sure the reader could feel and envision everything that was going on around the characters; (SPOILERS) the awe they felt when they got to the Library, the pain and devastation of Thomas' death, and the constant wake up calls Jess is smacked in the face with. It's raw and powerful each time, and I find myself loving and dreading those moments simultaneously. I also loved how Jess came to see the light at the end, while also realizing that it's going to be a hard road ahead for him now.
Now the bad!
While the world building was indeed unique in it's portrayal, it was very difficult for me to determine the time period. I assumed it was sometime in the past, but I honestly could not pinpoint it. Also, I never understood why the Library was so resistant to change. Is it because they don't want to lose their control over the citizens? I assumed that but I was never sure.
Conclusion.
Despite the tiny, nitpicking comments, this book is amazing. It's not just a book about books, it's a book about how sometimes you have to go against everything you know to do what's right, and that there's always something more to learn about the people who rule you.
5/5 stars.
-Books and Trust,
Pixie Dust~
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