Play Book Tag discussion

The Invisible Library exists outside of time and space tied to multiple alternate worlds. Librarians within the library only age when in an alternate world. The purpose of the Library is to preserve specific and unique books obtained from any of the alternate worlds even it requires the book to be stolen. The alternate worlds exist on a continuum ranging between where physical laws operate to where magic or chaos predominate.

The novel's protagonist, Irene, a Librarian, is a compelling and resourceful character. She is skilled in the Language which allows her to manipulate reality within the restraints of what the object is capable of doing. She is aided by her apprentice, Kai, a dragon, which only presents itself in human form in this book. Much of the book focuses on their mission to locate a particular volume of Grimm's Fairy Tales, which contains one additional story than generally found on the others. They are aided by a Sherlock Holmes-like character on a Victorian steampunk world. They must find it before the antagonist, Alberich, a renegade Librarian, who wants to use the book for nefarious purposes.

This book blends fantasy, mystery, and adventure elements into a thrilling ride. The author demonstrates skill in world-building a series of alternate realities with the library as its nexus. The pacing of the novel is well-executed with plot twists that keep the reader turning the page for more. There are eight books currently in the series and I do plan to read them.

Great review John!

I read this for the Dragons tag as well, and really enjoyed it!