Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
New York : ROC, 2017
Pages
356
Description
"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 to 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 somewhere close--from someone she never expected to betray her. . . "--… (more)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2016-12-13
Physical description
356 p.; 8.3 inches
ISBN
9781101988688
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User reviews
LibraryThing member richardderus
The Publisher Says: Librarian spy Irene and her apprentice Kai return for another “tremendously fun, rip-roaring adventure,” (A Fantastical Librarian) third in the bibliophilic fantasy series from the author of The Masked City.
Never judge a book by its cover...
Due to her involvement in an
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...
My Review: Irene Winters is, comme d'habitude, in the stinky stuff up to her modest pseudo-Victorian neckline. We join Kai, the elegant and toothsome dragon prince and Irene's apprentice Librarian, as they receive desperate new instructions from the Powers That Be. The Library is not aligned in the power struggle between the orderly dragons and the chaotic Fae, officially anyway, but it seems that the battle is joined...many worlds not safe for Librarians (a combination of spy and thief and bibliophile...I want to be a Librarian so bad I can taste it) to traverse. Something is clearly up. Irene and Kai are damned near killed by the Something, in fact, as a door into the Library from their current assignment literally bursts into flames as they try to use it.
Well, I ask you, is there any more exciting a way to bring a reader into the book's world?! And to set the stakes as high as they can be (personal survival)? I was prepared for a rollicking good time. I got one.
Vale, Irene and Kai's good friend in the alternate London where they are stationed as Librarians in Residence, is a relatively high-chaos world...magic works, there are werewolves all over, that kind of thing...whose life is analogous to Sherlock Holmes's in Conan Doyle's novels. The poor man, in the last book, was exposed to an EXTREMELY high-chaos world while rescuing Irene and Kai. (He nurses Feelings for...well...I suspect for both of them.) As a result his morphine addiction is in high gear. Since he's using the drug to self-medicate his inner demons, it makes sense that a chaotic world would cause his turmoil to reach a boil. It does...and in the universe of these novels that means he's literally, physiologically infected with chaos, to his severe detriment. Irene and Kai are desperately worried about him, but forced to focus on their Librarian issues.
It seems that the Big Baddie of the series, Alberich, has his sights on Irene again. He wants her to join him in his war to replace the Library with his own Chaotic sphere. Failing that, he wants her dead, because she's just too adroit and clever to allow to continue opposing him. He even takes on the bodies of others, killing them in the process, to reach her.
He swept her round another turn, his hand warm on the small of her back, gloved in a dead man's skin.
*shiver*shudder*twitch*flinch*
Their battle runs across multiple dimensions, includes innocent and not-so-innocent bystanders, and causes Irene to do something...a desperate survival tactic in the face of imminent death...that will cause her endless nights of grief and remorse.She has to set all the books in Alberich's Library alight! She destroys all the unique and irreplaceable volumes he's stolen from across the multiverse!! It comes close to ruining her, which I *totally* get.
Kai, in this story, turns himself into his draconic form for the first time. He's magnificent as one would expect. Author Cogman describes his dragon form in lavish, luxurious terms though not at any great length. The real focus is that he has the power to fly across the multiverse! This is new, or it was to me. He takes acrophobic Irene into the space between the worlds where she can see alternate realities as if she was in a jetliner. It's horrible for her, but amazing for the reader. It becomes urgent for Kai to do this multiple times and in some very high-stress situations.
Vale, meanwhile, is sinking fast. His save-the-day actions in [The Masked City] are reaping the whirlwind of his addiction. He spirals deeper and deeper into depression. Vale's best friend Inspector Singh of Scotland Yard (how you can tell it's an alternate London, South Asian inspectors?! Yeah, not so much in reality) is frantic with worry. He and Kai and Irene are locked in conflict about how to save their friend, with no good options appearing and the bad ones piling up. Ultimately, the problem of how to help someone in self-destruct mode is resolved...but having known self-destructive people well, I don't entirely buy it. The ultimate resolution is one I truly wish we had a way to implement in reality.
It's an exciting ride to get to the ending, and the fact is that it's a middle book so that's not as easy as one might think. I felt that this book was a step UP from its predecessor in action and excitement. That's a good, good thing. Series reads are deeply satisfying, as I've said elsewhere. I'm a happy boy when I'm among familiar faces doing fun things while thinking interesting thoughts, and that's how series reads are at their best. I was pleased enough with the last book to read this one, but it suffered from a, well, a bagginess at the knees that wasn't a good omen. This book didn't have that issue. The action was well-grounded in the reality of the series and the characters weren't Playing Parts...which might have been the point of the last book but wasn't to my taste.
Irene and Kai and Vale emerge from this entry in the series as a stronger team and a better bunch of individuals. Their interdependence is coming clearer and making them all stronger. I'm thoroughly hooked on these reads and can't wait to get to The Lost Plot.
Never judge a book by its cover...
Due to her involvement in an
Show More
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...
My Review: Irene Winters is, comme d'habitude, in the stinky stuff up to her modest pseudo-Victorian neckline. We join Kai, the elegant and toothsome dragon prince and Irene's apprentice Librarian, as they receive desperate new instructions from the Powers That Be. The Library is not aligned in the power struggle between the orderly dragons and the chaotic Fae, officially anyway, but it seems that the battle is joined...many worlds not safe for Librarians (a combination of spy and thief and bibliophile...I want to be a Librarian so bad I can taste it) to traverse. Something is clearly up. Irene and Kai are damned near killed by the Something, in fact, as a door into the Library from their current assignment literally bursts into flames as they try to use it.
Well, I ask you, is there any more exciting a way to bring a reader into the book's world?! And to set the stakes as high as they can be (personal survival)? I was prepared for a rollicking good time. I got one.
Vale, Irene and Kai's good friend in the alternate London where they are stationed as Librarians in Residence, is a relatively high-chaos world...magic works, there are werewolves all over, that kind of thing...whose life is analogous to Sherlock Holmes's in Conan Doyle's novels. The poor man, in the last book, was exposed to an EXTREMELY high-chaos world while rescuing Irene and Kai. (He nurses Feelings for...well...I suspect for both of them.) As a result his morphine addiction is in high gear. Since he's using the drug to self-medicate his inner demons, it makes sense that a chaotic world would cause his turmoil to reach a boil. It does...and in the universe of these novels that means he's literally, physiologically infected with chaos, to his severe detriment. Irene and Kai are desperately worried about him, but forced to focus on their Librarian issues.
It seems that the Big Baddie of the series, Alberich, has his sights on Irene again. He wants her to join him in his war to replace the Library with his own Chaotic sphere. Failing that, he wants her dead, because she's just too adroit and clever to allow to continue opposing him. He even takes on the bodies of others, killing them in the process, to reach her.
He swept her round another turn, his hand warm on the small of her back, gloved in a dead man's skin.
*shiver*shudder*twitch*flinch*
Their battle runs across multiple dimensions, includes innocent and not-so-innocent bystanders, and causes Irene to do something...a desperate survival tactic in the face of imminent death...that will cause her endless nights of grief and remorse.
Kai, in this story, turns himself into his draconic form for the first time. He's magnificent as one would expect. Author Cogman describes his dragon form in lavish, luxurious terms though not at any great length. The real focus is that he has the power to fly across the multiverse! This is new, or it was to me. He takes acrophobic Irene into the space between the worlds where she can see alternate realities as if she was in a jetliner. It's horrible for her, but amazing for the reader. It becomes urgent for Kai to do this multiple times and in some very high-stress situations.
Vale, meanwhile, is sinking fast. His save-the-day actions in [The Masked City] are reaping the whirlwind of his addiction. He spirals deeper and deeper into depression. Vale's best friend Inspector Singh of Scotland Yard (how you can tell it's an alternate London, South Asian inspectors?! Yeah, not so much in reality) is frantic with worry. He and Kai and Irene are locked in conflict about how to save their friend, with no good options appearing and the bad ones piling up. Ultimately, the problem of how to help someone in self-destruct mode is resolved...but having known self-destructive people well, I don't entirely buy it. The ultimate resolution is one I truly wish we had a way to implement in reality.
It's an exciting ride to get to the ending, and the fact is that it's a middle book so that's not as easy as one might think. I felt that this book was a step UP from its predecessor in action and excitement. That's a good, good thing. Series reads are deeply satisfying, as I've said elsewhere. I'm a happy boy when I'm among familiar faces doing fun things while thinking interesting thoughts, and that's how series reads are at their best. I was pleased enough with the last book to read this one, but it suffered from a, well, a bagginess at the knees that wasn't a good omen. This book didn't have that issue. The action was well-grounded in the reality of the series and the characters weren't Playing Parts...which might have been the point of the last book but wasn't to my taste.
Irene and Kai and Vale emerge from this entry in the series as a stronger team and a better bunch of individuals. Their interdependence is coming clearer and making them all stronger. I'm thoroughly hooked on these reads and can't wait to get to The Lost Plot.
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LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
These books are always fun romps ... we find a bit more about how the Invisible Library works, explore a world where the Russian Czars hold charge, and of course she has to battle Alberich.... who wants her to join him in his Chaos Creations...;
Of course, these books are fun, fluffy. Perfect for
Of course, these books are fun, fluffy. Perfect for
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what it is. The characters are a bit more than stereotypical, the outcome of the story is predictable, and I'm fairly certain who Irene is. So, its fun, solid writing. Worth reading if you need something light. Show Less
LibraryThing member jmchshannon
Irene is back! After the adventures in Venice (The Masked City), Kai and she are stuck with routine book retrieval missions as their punishment. However, knowing Irene, routine never lasts. So when an acquaintance shows up in London and informs her that several people are trying to kill her, it is
With this third novel in the Invisible Library series, Ms. Cogman provides a few more answers while hinting at future areas of conflict for Irene and her beloved Library. Lines become blurred, and political machinations make themselves known for the first time in Irene’s career. It makes for an interesting drama, more than the formulaic adventure the story could so easily become. In this way, the entire series reminds me of Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden series. Each book is relatively stand-alone with a clear conflict and resolution, but there is overlap among the books in the cast of characters, the answers Irene uncovers, and the mysteries she finds. Plus, there exists an overarching drama of which we are only now catching glimpses. It is going to be fun watching all of this potential unfold.
The Burning Page is a fun addition to Irene’s adventures and one that adds some depth to the series as a whole. Irene and Kai make for great partners. Plus, it is satisfying to watch Irene begin to lean on others and come out of her shell a bit more. Watching her work through her fears and ideas is always interesting as her mind does not necessarily follow the most rational paths. Irene’s love of books is equally satisfying, making her the type of character you wish you knew in real life just so you could discuss books over brandy. I am already eagerly anticipating book four!
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just one more day in Irene’s life. This time though, the one nemesis who fills Irene’s nightmares is among the list, and things get serious quickly. This time, Irene must use all of her knowledge to defeat the Library’s biggest threat.With this third novel in the Invisible Library series, Ms. Cogman provides a few more answers while hinting at future areas of conflict for Irene and her beloved Library. Lines become blurred, and political machinations make themselves known for the first time in Irene’s career. It makes for an interesting drama, more than the formulaic adventure the story could so easily become. In this way, the entire series reminds me of Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden series. Each book is relatively stand-alone with a clear conflict and resolution, but there is overlap among the books in the cast of characters, the answers Irene uncovers, and the mysteries she finds. Plus, there exists an overarching drama of which we are only now catching glimpses. It is going to be fun watching all of this potential unfold.
The Burning Page is a fun addition to Irene’s adventures and one that adds some depth to the series as a whole. Irene and Kai make for great partners. Plus, it is satisfying to watch Irene begin to lean on others and come out of her shell a bit more. Watching her work through her fears and ideas is always interesting as her mind does not necessarily follow the most rational paths. Irene’s love of books is equally satisfying, making her the type of character you wish you knew in real life just so you could discuss books over brandy. I am already eagerly anticipating book four!
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LibraryThing member marysneedle
I really love the Invisible Library books and I am really hoping there will be another one in the near future.
The Characters are really well developed as well as the relationships between them. This was a very fast read and kept me on the edge of my seat though the whole book making it very hard
The Characters are really well developed as well as the relationships between them. This was a very fast read and kept me on the edge of my seat though the whole book making it very hard
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to put down. Needless to say I had my nose in it every spare moment I had, and was very sad when it came to the end. I cannot wait for the next adventure in the wonderful universe that the author has created. Show Less
LibraryThing member lauriebrown54
This is the third of the Invisible Library series (please let it be as series and not just a trilogy!), and in it, the Library itself is under attack. Portals are bursting into flame when opened, killing Librarians. Librarians are being called into the Library to try and solve this. Meanwhile,
This is the best of the books so far; not only have the characters grown, but Cogman has grown as a writer. There are side plots, new mysteries introduced, Irene is NOT a Mary Sue, and Irene is learning a lot more about the power of the Language. There are plot strands that still need to be tied up, such as the matter of Irene’s parents, what became of the Horse from book two, and just who built the Library, anyway? If you want a fast, fun read, try this series.
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Irene and her assistant, Kai (who is a dragon in human form), are on probation after the events of book two, stuck with retrieval jobs that no one else wants. But then rouge Librarian Alberich turns out to be the cause of the attacks and everything changes. After numerous problems (a flat full of poisonous giant spiders, horrible giant wasps, werewolves with drugs, and more), Irene finds herself in Alberich’s territory, his own library in a twisted dimension, battling to save the Library. This is the best of the books so far; not only have the characters grown, but Cogman has grown as a writer. There are side plots, new mysteries introduced, Irene is NOT a Mary Sue, and Irene is learning a lot more about the power of the Language. There are plot strands that still need to be tied up, such as the matter of Irene’s parents, what became of the Horse from book two, and just who built the Library, anyway? If you want a fast, fun read, try this series.
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LibraryThing member Pat2011
I received this as a review copy. This is the 3rd book in the Invisible Library set. It is interesting as a stand-alone read but would be better read in order as part of the series. It is the tale of librarian spy Irene. Irene is on probation, so she is tasked with simple "fetch and retrieve"
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projects. Nothing seems to go smoothly for Irene and her apprentice, Kai (a dragon) An old nemesis, Alberich, reappears to make trouble and to destroy the library. The Librarians shift between worlds to retrieve items deemed important or rare by the mysterious Library. Irene's new task goes haywire from the start. There are dragons, Fae, werewolves and other fantastical beings. The alternate universes or worlds are ruled by Faes, dragons or some other entities. This will definitely need to be re-read in sequence in order to establish who is who. Still all in all it was a good book. Show Less
LibraryThing member rivkat
The Library is under even more direct assault from Alberich, while Irene struggles with a local plot to kill her and the continuing illness of her dear friend Peregrine Vale, the morphine-abusing consulting detective, whose resemblance to a certain icon is part of his illness—he’s contaminated
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with chaos and if it goes too far he will lose his free will and instead embody the archetype. The plot advanced nicely and Irene’s dragon apprentice Kai tells her he’s totally down for a poly relationship, yay. Alberich lets slip a crucial piece of information that helps explain why neither he nor Irene seems to have figured out a plot point that seems obvious to the audience, though I’m still not sure I’m convinced that neither of them would twig to the possibility. Show Less
LibraryThing member EvaW
The final book in the trilogy. Irene, Kai and Vale face off with Alberich, who is out to destroy The Library.
LibraryThing member dono421846
It's impossible to overstate how much I enjoy this series. The concept is rich and engaging, and the execution is flawless. Events seem to flow naturally, with very little of the contrived coincidences that so often drive a novel's plot. Character development is strong and consistent; everyone acts
The thing I like best is the Language. Neil Gaiman once wrote that "Science is a way of talking about the universe in words that bind it to a common reality. Magic is a method of talking to the universe in words that it cannot ignore." This is really brought home in the Library's Language, a secret way of speaking that compels actions. Its use isn't costless, which makes it all the more credible. But I love this metaphor of the power of language, and of speaking with precision.
What is surprising is that despite having written several books of high quality, the author must still maintain a day job. I suppose that speaks depressing volumes about the state of the book publishing industry today.
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just as one would expect given what we know and have seen of them. Threads remain dangling for several more books to come. Can't wait!The thing I like best is the Language. Neil Gaiman once wrote that "Science is a way of talking about the universe in words that bind it to a common reality. Magic is a method of talking to the universe in words that it cannot ignore." This is really brought home in the Library's Language, a secret way of speaking that compels actions. Its use isn't costless, which makes it all the more credible. But I love this metaphor of the power of language, and of speaking with precision.
What is surprising is that despite having written several books of high quality, the author must still maintain a day job. I suppose that speaks depressing volumes about the state of the book publishing industry today.
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LibraryThing member Shrike58
In which our heroine Irene, being somewhat on "probation" with the "Library" after the events of the previous novel finds herself confronting her most existential enemy in the course of events. If you've read the previous two books that sentence will make perfect sense to you, if not, go read the
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first two books in this series! I can honestly say that this is the best book yet in this series. The first I had some sense that I was supposed to like because I was a fan and thought I was being pandered to. The second I had some issues with because I wasn't in the right frame of mind to generate the enthusiasm it probably deserved. This time around it all came together and I whole-heartedly enjoyed it. One learns more about Alberich, the great enemy of the Library and what makes him tick. One also learns more about the metaphysics and politics that run this universe. And Irene and her associates continue to develop as characters. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
This was a great book! The whole series has been wonderful so far. Librarian spies, dragons, and alternate worlds are just some of the things that make this series great. This book gave me exactly what I have come to expect from this series. There was so much going on and I couldn't wait to see how
This book starts shortly after the events of the previous book. The action starts right away and I knew that this story would be a lot of fun to read. Irene and Kai are in trouble again and things look pretty serious. The library is in danger and a lot of that danger seems to be aimed directly at Irene. To make matters worse, someone is trying to kill Irene and Vale is in danger of losing his mind. There is no shortage of excitement in this book but there is an equal amount of smart problem solving that adds a nice element.
I love the characters in this series. Irene is smart and isn't afraid to make decisions. She is tough and can quickly analyze a situation to figure out the best option to achieve her goals. Kai is amazing. I mean he is a dragon so of course he is amazing just because of that. He doesn't hesitate to follow Irene's lead. He is highly competent and sometimes add the key piece to their plans. Each of the characters in this series are well developed and quite colorful.
The world building in this series continues to be top notch. We get to see some parts of the reality that Irene and Kai spend most of there time in that we haven't had a chance to see before. We also get a chance to see how some of these realities are connected in a way that I had never imagined. One of the best things about this series is that every time Irene and Kai go on a new assignment, we get a chance to see a unique world.
I would highly recommend this book to others. This is the third book in The Invisible Library series and I do recommend that this series be read in order. This book does have its own plot but so much is built upon events from the earlier books that I think readers new to the series will be at a disadvantage if they haven't read the earlier books. I can't wait to see what happens to Irene and Kai next!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.
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things would turn out.This book starts shortly after the events of the previous book. The action starts right away and I knew that this story would be a lot of fun to read. Irene and Kai are in trouble again and things look pretty serious. The library is in danger and a lot of that danger seems to be aimed directly at Irene. To make matters worse, someone is trying to kill Irene and Vale is in danger of losing his mind. There is no shortage of excitement in this book but there is an equal amount of smart problem solving that adds a nice element.
I love the characters in this series. Irene is smart and isn't afraid to make decisions. She is tough and can quickly analyze a situation to figure out the best option to achieve her goals. Kai is amazing. I mean he is a dragon so of course he is amazing just because of that. He doesn't hesitate to follow Irene's lead. He is highly competent and sometimes add the key piece to their plans. Each of the characters in this series are well developed and quite colorful.
The world building in this series continues to be top notch. We get to see some parts of the reality that Irene and Kai spend most of there time in that we haven't had a chance to see before. We also get a chance to see how some of these realities are connected in a way that I had never imagined. One of the best things about this series is that every time Irene and Kai go on a new assignment, we get a chance to see a unique world.
I would highly recommend this book to others. This is the third book in The Invisible Library series and I do recommend that this series be read in order. This book does have its own plot but so much is built upon events from the earlier books that I think readers new to the series will be at a disadvantage if they haven't read the earlier books. I can't wait to see what happens to Irene and Kai next!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.
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LibraryThing member m_mozeleski
The third installment of this fabulous series is really interesting and lovely. More Fae, more Dragons, and more intrigue! A quick but thrilling and fulfilling read!
LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
With the previous book in this series ending in a bit of a cliffhanger, I was happy to have this book open with Irene and Kai together again and on the job of stealing books from alternative realms. Things quickly go awry (of course), Irene seems to be having a problem with people trying to kill
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her, and the rogue librarian Alberich is back in the picture. All of which makes for a compelling and fast-paced read as well as being incredibly enjoyable. I'd like to see more happen in the relationship between Irene and Kai, but there are more books to read, so I don't mind if their relationship develops slowly. Show Less
LibraryThing member EmpressReece
3.5 stars...
So I'm going to vent about a couple of things...
One, I absolutely can not believe Irene kissed %$! I totally did not see that coming! I guess I should have though since she's a huge fan of "The Great Detective." She just couldn't resist that storyline. Lol Sorry I'm a Dragon fan myself.
Second, I found it completely unbelievable that Irene did not realize Zayhanna's 'role' from the moment she showed up unannounced. Now that I did see! It came across as hasty and weak plot construction.
And what's up with Albreicht- is he or isn't he?? I'm sure I already know the answer to that but his story is starting to get old to me.
Lastly, what happened to Bradamant and the rest of the Librarians that were off preventing ways to stop Albreicht. They never did make an appearance at the end.
Also just to note, I switched from listening to the audio book to just reading the book because I didn't care for Susan Duerdon's performance in this one. Surprising a little because, I really liked her in The Rook but she just didn't do it for me in this one.
So I'm going to vent about a couple of things...
One, I absolutely can not believe Irene kissed %$! I totally did not see that coming! I guess I should have though since she's a huge fan of "The Great Detective." She just couldn't resist that storyline. Lol Sorry I'm a Dragon fan myself.
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: )Second, I found it completely unbelievable that Irene did not realize Zayhanna's 'role' from the moment she showed up unannounced. Now that I did see! It came across as hasty and weak plot construction.
And what's up with Albreicht- is he or isn't he?? I'm sure I already know the answer to that but his story is starting to get old to me.
Lastly, what happened to Bradamant and the rest of the Librarians that were off preventing ways to stop Albreicht. They never did make an appearance at the end.
Also just to note, I switched from listening to the audio book to just reading the book because I didn't care for Susan Duerdon's performance in this one. Surprising a little because, I really liked her in The Rook but she just didn't do it for me in this one.
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LibraryThing member MickyFine
Irene is on probation at The Library after her last adventure and is thus stuck with many less desirable book retrieval assignments. However, when Alberich makes another appearance and targets The Library as a whole, Irene and Kai, plus their entourage of friends and acquaintances, must work to
Another thoroughly enjoyable romp in Cogman's universe. The subtle humour, the high stakes adventure, and the bookish-ness of it all make for an utterly delightful read. If you're a bibliophile of any stripe who enjoys fantasy, you simply must give this series a try.
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save the place Irene loves more than any other.Another thoroughly enjoyable romp in Cogman's universe. The subtle humour, the high stakes adventure, and the bookish-ness of it all make for an utterly delightful read. If you're a bibliophile of any stripe who enjoys fantasy, you simply must give this series a try.
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LibraryThing member whatsmacksaid
The ending was a little abrupt, but the climax was so exiting! I'm reading them really fast, one after another, so they're starting to blur just a pinch, but this one was really well plotted and lots of characters and bits of worldbuilding from the earlier books made an appearance as well. I
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enjoyed it a lot. Show Less
LibraryThing member kevn57
Absolutely loved this book, the more I read of the series the more it reminds me of another favorite of mine, Zelazny's Amber Series, with multiple alternative worlds. In this book Zayanna wwalks across worlds just like the first Amber book and the Dragons Fae conflict is also like Amber a battle
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between order and chaos. I was very sorry to see Zayanna killed off but it is a fantasy world perhaps Cogman will resurrect her in a coming volume I certainly hope so. I like the chaos characters, they make the story interesting and do it with style. Show Less
LibraryThing member Belana
I had listened to The Invisible Library (book #1) and The Masked City (book #2) a while ago, and was waiting for the third volume. It was well worth the wait. The story unfolds nicely. Librarian Irene is on probation after she had gone to rescue Kai from a highly chaos-contaminated world. Her
The story as such is closed, but I could imagine that there'll be a fourth book, because there is potential for another story about Irene, Kai, and Vale, among other known characters. If so (and after I just read the author's website I am led to believe there will be a fourth book), I'll definitely listen to that one, too. I enjoyed this book immensely, not least due to Susan Duerden's excellent narration. Her voice is like a friend now, along with the friends (i.e. characters) from the book.
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assignments are dangerous, and she is somewhat annoyed. Still, she does as she is told -- up to a point, because Alberich threatens to destroy the library, and she has to act quickly -- but whom can she trust? Somebody is out to get her, and she has more than one enemy. The story as such is closed, but I could imagine that there'll be a fourth book, because there is potential for another story about Irene, Kai, and Vale, among other known characters. If so (and after I just read the author's website I am led to believe there will be a fourth book), I'll definitely listen to that one, too. I enjoyed this book immensely, not least due to Susan Duerden's excellent narration. Her voice is like a friend now, along with the friends (i.e. characters) from the book.
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LibraryThing member IanMoyes
Can't wait for more!
LibraryThing member catseyegreen
Irene confronts her nemesis Alberich. Vale suffers from his chaos contamination. Not much character development but plenty of action.
library book read 5/3/2023
library book read 5/3/2023
LibraryThing member jdifelice
3.5/5 stars
This was another great adventure in the Invisible Library series. I really am enjoying the overarching plot in this series, and this novel really moved it along. Irene is coming into her own, and Kai is just kind of annoying. I liked how things came into play, and how we learned a bit
This was another great adventure in the Invisible Library series. I really am enjoying the overarching plot in this series, and this novel really moved it along. Irene is coming into her own, and Kai is just kind of annoying. I liked how things came into play, and how we learned a bit
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more about the world and the Library itself. The stakes were raised and it really improved the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member passion4reading
Irene Winters, still on probation after rescuing her assistant Kai from captivity a few months back, is in trouble: tasked with retrieving a book from an alternate world, the Traverse to the Library malfunctions and is destroyed, and Irene and Kai barely escape with their lives (again). They learn
This is the third volume in The Invisible Library series and the author is showing no signs of running out of ideas or steam. Though not plotted as tightly as the previous two in my opinion – though parts still left me breathless – this book focuses a lot more on personal relationships and character development, and we see Irene at odds with both Kai and their friend Vale, among others, while also getting physically and emotionally a little closer to each of them. This makes the whole suddenly a lot more interesting as I have no idea as to how the author will pursue each strand in subsequent volumes (I hope there are at least two more). I read the book in under 24 hours and felt completely drained after turning the last page, and am now facing the bleak prospect of having to wait at least another year to find out how the story continues. I did find that familiarity with the first two volumes is, if not essential, then at least desirable, and I will have to return to The Invisible Library to remind myself of a few facts so that motives for characters in become that little bit clearer for me. Great fun.
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that the Library's arch-enemy Alberich is back and intent on destroying the Library. To strengthen the Library’s position, each Librarian in the field is given assignments to retrieve books, and Irene and Kai’s takes them to an alternate St Petersburg, where their mission is promptly running into difficulties, and they realise that someone close to them has betrayed them to Alberich. Can Irene and Kai somehow prevent the destruction of the Library?This is the third volume in The Invisible Library series and the author is showing no signs of running out of ideas or steam. Though not plotted as tightly as the previous two in my opinion – though parts still left me breathless – this book focuses a lot more on personal relationships and character development, and we see Irene at odds with both Kai and their friend Vale, among others, while also getting physically and emotionally a little closer to each of them. This makes the whole suddenly a lot more interesting as I have no idea as to how the author will pursue each strand in subsequent volumes (I hope there are at least two more). I read the book in under 24 hours and felt completely drained after turning the last page, and am now facing the bleak prospect of having to wait at least another year to find out how the story continues. I did find that familiarity with the first two volumes is, if not essential, then at least desirable, and I will have to return to The Invisible Library to remind myself of a few facts so that motives for characters in become that little bit clearer for me. Great fun.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Irene is still on probation and trying to keep herself and Kai, her assistant out of trouble. Her nemesis Alberich is meddling with the gates and several are malfunctioning, she has a lot to sort out, as well as to keep her friends close and possible enemies closer.
There's a lot of bookish humour
There's a lot of bookish humour
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and I'm enjoying this series, I could barely put this one down. Show Less