Thursday, January 5, 2017

#Thursday Review - The Burning Page by @GenevieveCogman #Fantasy #Science Fiction @AceRocBooks

Series: The Invisible Library # 3
Format: Paperback, 336 pages
Release Date: January 10, 2017
Publisher: Roc
Source: Publisher
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction


Never judge a book by its cover...  Due to her involvement in an unfortunate set of mishaps between the dragons and the Fae, Librarian spy Irene is stuck on probation, doing what should be simple fetch-and-retrieve projects for the mysterious Library. But trouble has a tendency of finding both Irene and her apprentice, Kai—a dragon prince—and, before they know it, they are entangled in more danger than they can handle...   Irene’s longtime nemesis, Alberich, has once again been making waves across multiple worlds, and, this time, his goals are much larger than obtaining a single book or wreaking vengeance upon a single Librarian. He aims to destroy the entire Library—and make sure Irene goes down with it.   With so much at stake, Irene will need every tool at her disposal to stay alive. But even as she draws her allies close around her, the greatest danger might be lurking from somewhere close—someone she never expected to betray her



The Burning Page is the third, but not final installment in author Genevieve Cogman's The Invisible Library series. The series follows the exploits of Librarian spy Irene Winters as she travels to various alternative realities to hunt down dangerous books for the secretive interdimensional Library. Irene has been in so many life or death situations, that you can't help but pick up the next story to see what she'll do next. 

As the story picks up, you can tell that things are going to be unlike the previous installments. First, there are dire warnings from a half a dozen alt-realities that let's readers know that this won't be just another story. That the author has upped her game to a whole new level of intensity, action and adventure. Second, Irene has suffered a rather inconvenient displeasure from the Library over her actions in the last installment which has seen her and her apprentice Kai sent on errands that not only dangerous, beneath her talents. 

Especially after Irene & Kai are nearly killed trying to return to the Library after a successful mission. The other storyline is that of Peregrine Vale, who is obviously this series version of Sherlock Holmes. Vale is feeling the after effects of a high chaos reality, and finding a cure is high on her Irene's list of things she must do. This causes all sorts of consternation
and implications for Irene who is trying to keep a low profile. 

Irene has annoyed a number of people over the course of this series. Werewolves, Secret Societies, Fae Masterminds who are convinced that they are the heroes of their own stories, while humans are supporting cast members. The same Fae who kidnapped Fae which forced Irene to travel to Alt-Venice where she met Zayanna. But, the most dangerous adversary to catch Irene's attention is the notorious traitor to the Library Alberich.

There are those who are clearly on her side. From Kai, to Vale, to certain Dragons who owe a whole lot to Irene for her actions in saving Kai, even the rather blustery Inspector Singh from Scotland Yard who blamed Irene for a slew of problems she's caused since arriving in his reality. Irene can't afford to make any further waves with those in charge of the Library for fear of being permanently grounded. But, with a fight clearly on the horizon, and another agent provocateur causing more trouble, it's time for Irene to show her true character.    

The Burning Page is a story that takes a more in depth look into the Library itself, and we get to meet a group of Librarians who have heard of Irene's exploits.
Readers get a taste of the politics at play within the Library itself. Politics which truly make Irene wish she was just chasing books again. It is a story that asks whether or not Irene can really trust those like her mentor Coppelia, or if they each have their own agendas that will make Irene's life even more challenging & dangerous.

I was happier than a clam at high tide when I heard that there will be two more books in this series. Even though the book ends on a high note, and you would think that this is the end, don't believe your eyes, or your brain. That means more Irene, Kai, Vale, and more adventures. This is a good thing for those like me who eagerly wait Cogman's next story.





No comments:

Post a Comment