Scan barcode
weemargaret's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
leahsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.
CONTENT WARNING: emotionally abusive relationship, death of a parent, trauma, infidelity, death, violence, gun violence
I started reading this and got some serious Sorcery of Thorns vibes right away. The story takes place in a huge library, that’s magical, of course. The love of libraries and books comes through loud and clear, so naturally I was on board early. I liked the characters, and I was pleasantly surprised to see some dyslexia representation.
However, the dyslexia was erased partway through the book because … magic. As a person with a disability other than dyslexia, it irks me when a disability is magically fixed — it’s a form of erasure, and I think that it could have been represented better by keeping it. It means a lot to people with disabilities to see ourselves in a character, and it’s heartbreaking to see ourselves erased magically.
I enjoyed learning a bit more about the book binding process, especially since this is done in an old-fashioned way. Sophie genuinely loves books, and it’s a family business that she’s taken up. All along the way, there are hints and foreshadowing informing us that there’s more going on in the library, but I was always surprised by the plot twists that arose.
The story was a fast read, but there’s some action, some mystery, and some romance. The romance was a bit on the insta-love side of things, although Will and Sophie were reunited childhood sweethearts. Overall, the story was unique and intriguing, and I truly did enjoy it. I couldn’t put it down, and wanted to know what was going to happen next. Plus, the writing style was easy to process, and I liked how it was written. All I need is to find a library like Ayredale and I’ll be happy for life!
CONTENT WARNING: emotionally abusive relationship, death of a parent, trauma, infidelity, death, violence, gun violence
I started reading this and got some serious Sorcery of Thorns vibes right away. The story takes place in a huge library, that’s magical, of course. The love of libraries and books comes through loud and clear, so naturally I was on board early. I liked the characters, and I was pleasantly surprised to see some dyslexia representation.
However, the dyslexia was erased partway through the book because … magic. As a person with a disability other than dyslexia, it irks me when a disability is magically fixed — it’s a form of erasure, and I think that it could have been represented better by keeping it. It means a lot to people with disabilities to see ourselves in a character, and it’s heartbreaking to see ourselves erased magically.
I enjoyed learning a bit more about the book binding process, especially since this is done in an old-fashioned way. Sophie genuinely loves books, and it’s a family business that she’s taken up. All along the way, there are hints and foreshadowing informing us that there’s more going on in the library, but I was always surprised by the plot twists that arose.
The story was a fast read, but there’s some action, some mystery, and some romance. The romance was a bit on the insta-love side of things, although Will and Sophie were reunited childhood sweethearts. Overall, the story was unique and intriguing, and I truly did enjoy it. I couldn’t put it down, and wanted to know what was going to happen next. Plus, the writing style was easy to process, and I liked how it was written. All I need is to find a library like Ayredale and I’ll be happy for life!
readingtimeatthezoo's review against another edition
5.0
A fabulous 4.5 stars for this one. I was instantly drawn to this book when I saw it on NetGalley. A beautifully whimsical cover with a story set in a magical old-world library, what’s not to love.
Perfectly paced and beautifully written I was transported to Ayredale Library and surrounded by its collection of rare and mysterious books.
After a bitter break from her controlling boyfriend, Sophie leaves London and returns to her the home of her childhood, Ayredale Library after receiving a letter from her Uncle Edward. Sophie feels it’s the perfect time to not only work with her Uncle and take on the role of book binder but try and learn the truth about her past. Her mother was an intricate part of the library before her mysterious disappearance when Sophie was younger.
The library instantly comes alive through the writing and you feel as if you can almost reach out and touch the shelves.
Old feelings soon are reignited with Sophie sees her childhood friend Will again after all this time, but Will is keeping his distance, almost guarded around her. What isn’t he telling her about that day all those years before when her mother disappeared? What secrets are hidden behind the library’s walls?
The library itself holds a great many secrets, as the world building and magic comes to life throughout the story. On reflection I wish a little more could have been given to some of the back-story and the characters but overall this was a really enjoyable read and one that I’m thankful I had the opportunity to experience.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Bookature for my copy of this wonderful book.
Perfectly paced and beautifully written I was transported to Ayredale Library and surrounded by its collection of rare and mysterious books.
After a bitter break from her controlling boyfriend, Sophie leaves London and returns to her the home of her childhood, Ayredale Library after receiving a letter from her Uncle Edward. Sophie feels it’s the perfect time to not only work with her Uncle and take on the role of book binder but try and learn the truth about her past. Her mother was an intricate part of the library before her mysterious disappearance when Sophie was younger.
The library instantly comes alive through the writing and you feel as if you can almost reach out and touch the shelves.
Old feelings soon are reignited with Sophie sees her childhood friend Will again after all this time, but Will is keeping his distance, almost guarded around her. What isn’t he telling her about that day all those years before when her mother disappeared? What secrets are hidden behind the library’s walls?
The library itself holds a great many secrets, as the world building and magic comes to life throughout the story. On reflection I wish a little more could have been given to some of the back-story and the characters but overall this was a really enjoyable read and one that I’m thankful I had the opportunity to experience.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Bookature for my copy of this wonderful book.
melaniesreads's review against another edition
4.0
I normally avoid fantasy books as I’ve never quite got along with them but the draw of a magical library and the mystery of her missing mother was so strong that I decided to take another chance.
I am glad I did as there was a lot I loved about this book plus it had a black cat and they are my eternal downfall. Want me to read a book, stick a cat in it.
Sophie was a great protagonist, her life isn’t making her happy except for her job and after the death of her father she only has her boyfriend Victor. He has been screening phone calls and not passing on letters so she is shocked when she receives an unexpected visit from a long lost uncle with a job offer at The Ayredale Special Collection, a coveted role prized by many and where her mum went missing. After leaving work early to think about it she catches Victor and his pa in a very compromising position and flees to a hotel. With nowhere else to go, her uncle’s invitation feels like destiny and she’s being pulled home again.
The author has managed to create an exquisite world for book lovers and her descriptive, lyrical writing brought it to life on the page. The mystery was like a shadow seen from the corner of your eye and every time you turn around it vanishes and you are left questioning if it was real.
The characters were wonderfully eccentric my only little quibble was the romance element with childhood friend Will. I personally would have preferred the book without it but that’s down to me and not the author and I know many fantasy readers will love it.
The star of this book though is the quality of the writing and the imagery it conjures is just magical.
I am glad I did as there was a lot I loved about this book plus it had a black cat and they are my eternal downfall. Want me to read a book, stick a cat in it.
Sophie was a great protagonist, her life isn’t making her happy except for her job and after the death of her father she only has her boyfriend Victor. He has been screening phone calls and not passing on letters so she is shocked when she receives an unexpected visit from a long lost uncle with a job offer at The Ayredale Special Collection, a coveted role prized by many and where her mum went missing. After leaving work early to think about it she catches Victor and his pa in a very compromising position and flees to a hotel. With nowhere else to go, her uncle’s invitation feels like destiny and she’s being pulled home again.
The author has managed to create an exquisite world for book lovers and her descriptive, lyrical writing brought it to life on the page. The mystery was like a shadow seen from the corner of your eye and every time you turn around it vanishes and you are left questioning if it was real.
The characters were wonderfully eccentric my only little quibble was the romance element with childhood friend Will. I personally would have preferred the book without it but that’s down to me and not the author and I know many fantasy readers will love it.
The star of this book though is the quality of the writing and the imagery it conjures is just magical.
floras_books's review against another edition
4.0
Thank to bookouture and netgalley for giving me a eARC in exchange for a honest review.
This book was exactly what I needed after my book hangover from a discovery of witches. Nice and essay read. interesting story line. This book is not like my normal reads. It is a nice and quick read. It was exactly what wanted to read. A shorter story that kept me guessing throughout most of the book.
This book was exactly what I needed after my book hangover from a discovery of witches. Nice and essay read. interesting story line. This book is not like my normal reads. It is a nice and quick read. It was exactly what wanted to read. A shorter story that kept me guessing throughout most of the book.
natalier3's review against another edition
3.0
This book sounded right up my street! A magical library you say? Count me in.
Sadly, this one took me AGES to get into, with me having to replay the prologue and first chapter countless times so I could get a handle on the characters and plot. Whether that's the narrator or the plot, or my own attention span, I'm not sure.
It did then hold my attention for the majority, but I don't think it had a memorable quality to it.
Having said that, it was an enjoyable book, just not what I expected and hoped for,
Sadly, this one took me AGES to get into, with me having to replay the prologue and first chapter countless times so I could get a handle on the characters and plot. Whether that's the narrator or the plot, or my own attention span, I'm not sure.
It did then hold my attention for the majority, but I don't think it had a memorable quality to it.
Having said that, it was an enjoyable book, just not what I expected and hoped for,
tightgenes's review against another edition
2.0
ARC from Netgalley
The premise of this book is amazing, but the execution was lacking for me. I was ready for a lot of magic, a lot of mystery, and a dope library. But I was left with a confusing notion of what magic was in this book, the mystery basically being spelled out, and not enough description to really paint me a picture.
I thought Sophie was incredibly annoying and weak. There were so many instances of her knowing what she should do and just not doing it because she was timid or scared and it got very tiresome. The romance was mediocre and rushed, and I either needed more of that or more of an explanation of what the hell was going on with the magic.
The premise of this book is amazing, but the execution was lacking for me. I was ready for a lot of magic, a lot of mystery, and a dope library. But I was left with a confusing notion of what magic was in this book, the mystery basically being spelled out, and not enough description to really paint me a picture.
I thought Sophie was incredibly annoying and weak. There were so many instances of her knowing what she should do and just not doing it because she was timid or scared and it got very tiresome. The romance was mediocre and rushed, and I either needed more of that or more of an explanation of what the hell was going on with the magic.
janettedv's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It’s not particularly quick moving but it gradually draws the reader into the world of the Ayredale Library, home to some of the most special books ever written. It’s set in present day London and then moves to the library where Sophie returns after a period of 15 years having lost most of her memories of her previous life there. Her loss of memory means that she isn’t sure about her past and especially what happened to her mother. The reader finds out the answers to the questions along with Sophie.
I really liked the whole concept of the library and the tree. I also really loved the historical context for the book and the inclusion of characters such as the mysterious Dr Dee. The idea of creativity being born of chaos and let into the world as the leaves of the tree are bound into books. I thought was a really interesting one. I have really enjoyed Jessica Thorne’s previous books and this was just as good although very different.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for letting me read this advance copy.
I really liked the whole concept of the library and the tree. I also really loved the historical context for the book and the inclusion of characters such as the mysterious Dr Dee. The idea of creativity being born of chaos and let into the world as the leaves of the tree are bound into books. I thought was a really interesting one. I have really enjoyed Jessica Thorne’s previous books and this was just as good although very different.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for letting me read this advance copy.
rachelleoliver's review against another edition
4.0
I got this as an ARC from Netgalley and loved it. I hadn't realized it was fantasy before I started but it was creative, interesting, and had great build up at the end. There were a few things about the magic world that were confusing, but not enough to abandon the story. Would definitely recommend giving this one a read if you enjoy clean fantasy reads.
jjv84's review against another edition
3.0
The magic throughout this book took me away to another place along with Sophie and Will. The emotions were so raw and I could feel that undying love that they had for each other. Yet there was always something go on in the background, but I couldn't put my finger on it. This story about a bookbinder's daughter lets you escape the real world and join in the fantasy land of Ayredale. The characters you meet along the way all play an important role throughout and lead you more into the library.