Reviews

Das dunkle Archiv by Genevieve Cogman

mary_soon_lee's review against another edition

5.0

This is the fourth book in The Invisible Library series. Paraphrasing my comments on previous installments.... I find the series, its characters, and the central conceit of the mysterious Library to be a delight. All those comments still hold true. Major spoilers ahead.

Spoiler

I found the ending especially strong, partly because of the way it handled the characters of Qing Song and Hu (introduced in this fourth book), but mostly because of how much I like both Irene and Kai, and therefore how much I care about what happens between them. I know that the ending won't affect all readers the same way. Indeed maybe it will only affect a few readers strongly. But, for me, as I read the ending, everything except the book became secondary -- the book became the world and I wanted to stay in it forever. And because of that ending, I am giving the book a fifth star.

About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).

jazijaz's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

geekcliche's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

patchworkbunny's review against another edition

4.0

It's a sign of how much I adore Irene and company that this book when straight from doorstep to the top of my groaning TBR. For those that don't know, Irene is a Librarian who collects books from alternate worlds in order to strengthen The Library's connections to those worlds. Her apprentice is a dragon, Kai, who spends most of his time in human form.

The Library prides itself on its neutrality, not getting involved in fae or dragon politics (the fae thrive in high chaos worlds, and the dragons prefer high order). So when Irene is approached by a dragon with news of a Librarian helping a bid for the throne, she knows she must act fast to prevent the downfall of The Library. They cannot be seen to be for hire. And she'd be a handy scapegoat if anything went wrong...

This instalment takes Irene and Kai to an alternate prohibition America, where gangs and illegal alcohol are not hard to find. I loved this setting! A case of mistaken identity gives Irene a suitable disguise as they hunt down the rogue Librarian.

These books are loads of fun and they poke fun at tropes as well as being pacey fantasy adventures. There are cab chases, gangsters molls, speakeasies and a lot of books. Whilst the other books have focused a little more on the fae, here we learn more about the dragons, and how some of them go about their courts. I liked that Alberich didn't suddenly reappear this time and the story could go in a different direction, although I suppose he *could* still be alive...

scoobysue's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

Really the only thing holding me back from giving this book 5 ⭐️ is because of the increase in foul language in this book compared to the others. Several uses of sh*t and 1 F word. Others wise I love seeing more of this world it’s truly one of my favorites I’m obsessed with the way she writes dragons 

hazelfizz's review against another edition

REGARDING THE ENDING:
Okay, I must have "lost" the entire character-"plot" from the previous series, because in my head, she was kissy-friends with the other guy.

read4coots's review against another edition

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

ih8janeausten's review against another edition

4.0

If I had to describe this book in 3 words... Gangster Urban Fantasy.
It was a nice change of pace from the three previous books but I can't wait to see what happen's next to Irene.

gabbyjoy's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

rachelelizabethlee's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0