Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Book Review: Paper and Fire (The Great Library #2) by Rachel Caine

Paper and Fire (The Great Library #2)
by Rachel Caine
July 5th 2016 by NAL

Hardcover, 368 pages
In Ink and Bone, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine introduced a world where knowledge is power, and power corrupts absolutely. Now, she continues the story of those who dare to defy the Great Library—and rewrite history…

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.


So, after reading the 1st book in this series, I was a little disappointed in the pace of the first part of this story. All my favorite characters were here and trying to save one of their own from the manipulative leaders of the Library but I was anxious to get to a more "let's get 'er done" script! Now, don't get me wrong I still enjoyed the continuing saga but fighting the same automatas, burner's and the malicious Archiver was becoming a little monotonous.

I think the original storyline drew me in because I thought it was novel. Protecting and securing written word for...well...forever, gave me goosebumps. As a book lover I would love to have worked in that environment. But as with most things, someone becomes greedy for power and spoils the altruistic endeavor. Times, they are a changing in this story and the cast of characters are undertaking the challenge.

The second half of the read was well worth the wait! A couple twists and revelations kept me eager for more. I love this "band of brothers" storyline and the development of the characters' attributes and backgrounds. Their loyalty to each other and their mission are tested to the max but they must persevere or die trying!

Reading between the lines (or maybe being a conspiracy theorist at heart) gives you pause to wonder if all our written history and/or discoveries have been shared with the general public!

Pick up the first book "Ink and Bone" (5 stars from me!) and continue the journey with this read. I don't think you will be disappointed!


Getting 4.5 "translation" sheep.





Jeanie G

About the Author:
Rachel Caine is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 45 novels to date, and many short stories, including fantasy, urban fantasy, science fiction, young adult fiction, mystery, thriller, and horror. Her notable series include The Morganville Vampires, Weather Warden, Revivalist, Red Letter Days, and Outcast Season novels. She graduated from Socorro High School in El Paso, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Her first short story was published in 1990, and her first novel in 1991.

After a long career in business (including working as an office manager, payroll manager, insurance investigator, web designer, graphic designer, and corporate communications executive) she began writing full time in 2009.

She and her husband, artist R. Cat Conrad, live and work in Fort Worth, Texas.

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