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catpingu's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ultimate magic library cult. The library vibes are somewhat similar to [book:The Starless Sea|43575115] while the cohort is dark academia like [book:The Atlas Six|50520939]. But in an overall comparison, the unveiling of the dark side of standardized book protection is disturbingly similar to [book:Babel|57945316]. I think the cover art of this book is slightly misleading because, well, I'm not even sure what it's supposed to represent. Libraries sound boring but this one's a super cult so come on, be interested.
The Great Library in Alexandria spawned off daughter libraries all over the world, with a dedicated system of librarians, scholars, and others faithfully preserving printed original copies of books to digitize them into the Codex for universal sharing. Owning a printed book outside of the Library's control is a crime, so naturally, book collectors and the black markets are on very familiar terms. Jess Brightwell is the son of a book smuggler, sent by his father to the Library's program to make use of his cleverness and potentially help as a new connection behind enemy lines. Competing against others for a chance to work for the library, Jess thought he'd already experienced the dark side of the institution. The Library has more enemies than book smugglers, and he's about to learn about how its members deal with the offenders.
Not sure if this qualiifies as dark academia, but it certainly involves a lot of Great Library history. Following Jess and uncovering the lies and truth of the institution is definitely a lot like The Atlas Six, where we have a nice mix of naive sheltered students and jaded street-wise students competing for these prestigious positions. Like Babel, we see the downsides to standardization of book copies and systems, persisting even in war zones, because somehow the preservation of ink on paper matters just that much when they have magic.There's also a plot where like concerns about the United States' National Security Agency, the Library is secretly spying on everyone or persons of interest via their personal journals, in which everyone is required to record everything.
I'm not doing a good job of reviewing this, arguably because the actions that happen I shouldn't go into detail with, and because everything else...well, nothing else too too much happens. Just follow the character and undermine this cult. And also personally I want to get a better handle on his family; I think there's something fishy about their motivations. And I hope he's able to save his girlfriendMorgan from being an Obscurist broodmare in the Iron Tower because they're running out of alchemists. I hope Morgan learned the truth about why Jess betrayed her. I hope they can make up .
The Great Library in Alexandria spawned off daughter libraries all over the world, with a dedicated system of librarians, scholars, and others faithfully preserving printed original copies of books to digitize them into the Codex for universal sharing. Owning a printed book outside of the Library's control is a crime, so naturally, book collectors and the black markets are on very familiar terms. Jess Brightwell is the son of a book smuggler, sent by his father to the Library's program to make use of his cleverness and potentially help as a new connection behind enemy lines. Competing against others for a chance to work for the library, Jess thought he'd already experienced the dark side of the institution. The Library has more enemies than book smugglers, and he's about to learn about how its members deal with the offenders.
Not sure if this qualiifies as dark academia, but it certainly involves a lot of Great Library history. Following Jess and uncovering the lies and truth of the institution is definitely a lot like The Atlas Six, where we have a nice mix of naive sheltered students and jaded street-wise students competing for these prestigious positions. Like Babel, we see the downsides to standardization of book copies and systems, persisting even in war zones, because somehow the preservation of ink on paper matters just that much when they have magic.
I'm not doing a good job of reviewing this, arguably because the actions that happen I shouldn't go into detail with, and because everything else...well, nothing else too too much happens. Just follow the character and undermine this cult. And also personally I want to get a better handle on his family; I think there's something fishy about their motivations. And I hope he's able to save his girlfriend
lashaundaloves's review against another edition
3.0
If I could give Ink and Bone another half star, I would. This book has pretty much all the things I LOVE all wrapped into one story. There's MAGIC, action, fighting and explosions, betrayal, love, friendship, and so much more. It's all done so eloquently, which is refreshing. There's no love triangles or instalove, Hallelujah! I adored the characters. I love how well-written and fleshed out they are. I love when characters have flaws and they aren't the obviously swoony characters that are prevalent in YA. Ugh so much goodness. The only reason I give this 3.5 stars is because it was slow at times when the author focused too much on technical descriptions--it almost starts reading like a textbook at points. Also, I'm still a little confused about the Library and how or why it now exists. I'm hoping it makes more sense in Paper and Fire.
akewalramani's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-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
4.5
demigods's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
this book was amazing I could not put it down. so excited to continue this series I cannot express this enough — words cannot describe the enjoyment this gave me
bubski_mcboo's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
5.0
directorpurry's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-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? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Confinement
Moderate: Body horror and Slavery
libraryofdreaming's review against another edition
5.0
Ink and Bone is sooo clever and very well written! I am just blown away by the genius of the premise! The Library of Alexandria still exists! And controls the world through the power of knowledge! No one is allowed to own books - they are only allowed to check out Library approved "blanks". Writing is controlled. History is manipulated. This is a world where inventing a printing press is a heresy and a crime. Instead of technology, the Library uses alchemy to control its catalog. Librarians are protecters of knowledge in the literal sense. The Library is always watching.
This book is basically a YA cross between Farenheit 451, Harry Potter, and perhaps, Divergent. While the characters could use a little work, the world is so darn brilliant I am willing to forgive a lot! It's just sooo good. I can't even describe how much it thrills my little bookish heart. I am quite sad I didn't come up with it myself! I am pretty much desperate for the sequel to come out so I can see if Rachel Caine manages to carry the series in the wake of the great introduction! I am excited to see where it goes!
My YA fantasy fans out there - I think it would be worthwhile to check out this book! It's not perfect for sure but the premise is super original and I think it's worth of a look purely on that basis alone!
This book is basically a YA cross between Farenheit 451, Harry Potter, and perhaps, Divergent. While the characters could use a little work, the world is so darn brilliant I am willing to forgive a lot! It's just sooo good. I can't even describe how much it thrills my little bookish heart. I am quite sad I didn't come up with it myself! I am pretty much desperate for the sequel to come out so I can see if Rachel Caine manages to carry the series in the wake of the great introduction! I am excited to see where it goes!
My YA fantasy fans out there - I think it would be worthwhile to check out this book! It's not perfect for sure but the premise is super original and I think it's worth of a look purely on that basis alone!
pinkalpaca's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Violence
Moderate: Death and Torture
Minor: Confinement
amandamarie04's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0