Review: Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine

Paper and Fire (The Great Library #2) by Rachel Caine 5/5

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.

Thanks go to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Paper and Fire is due for release on July 5th 2016.

Review:

Book one, Ink and Bone, introduced us to a world where the Great Library of Alexandria was never destroyed and knowledge is governed and seen as power. But with power comes corruption. Book two, Paper and Fire, kicks off with Jess, who is still dealing with the loss of his best friend, and knowing that the girl he loves is locked away in the Iron Tower against her will.

Caine’s ability to write believable, diverse characters is just divine. I enjoyed coming into book two and feeling like I was reuniting with old friends. I knew the dynamics and the respect and trust between the characters from book one. I love love love the intimate relationships in this book- Wolfe and Santi, Jess and Morgan, even Khalila and Dario. There is something so honest and unique in each.

The narrative starts with a welcome revelation. Book one leaves us thinking one thing and book two blows it out of the water, setting the ball rolling for this epic novel. This revelation also proves all the main character’s loyalty and bravery within a few chapters. The story was well paced and action packed.

The concept is still as original as ever, never verging on the ordinary with imaginative and innovative world building. What more do you want?

You must read this series.

I need book three, like, yesterday!!

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The opinions expressed here are those of K.J.Chapman and no other parties.

All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman

K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review.

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