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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
I'm a sucker for books featuring librarians and library settings. Sometimes it's successful, sometimes not so much. Luckily, The Archived is one of those examples where it works well. Schwab imagines the afterlife as a library (the Archive), where copies of dead people (Histories) are stored, sleeping in drawers, tended by Librarians capable of reading the Histories' memories. The Archive is connected to the world of the living (the Outer) by a shadowy limbo made out of corridors, called the Narrows. It is the job of Keepers, like protagonist Mackenzie, to patrol the Narrows and return Histories that have woken up back to the Archive where they belong.
I really enjoyed this book. It starts as a slow burn, and it was fun to build on my knowledge of the Archive as the book progressed. Although the pace felt slow in the first half, I was happy that I stuck with this one because the second half takes off and was difficult to put down. Recently I've read a few so-so books, and it felt so good to get wrapped up in Mackenzie's story and to find myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading the book. It even made me want to start writing again.
Hopefully the sequel lives up to this one.
I really enjoyed this book. It starts as a slow burn, and it was fun to build on my knowledge of the Archive as the book progressed. Although the pace felt slow in the first half, I was happy that I stuck with this one because the second half takes off and was difficult to put down. Recently I've read a few so-so books, and it felt so good to get wrapped up in Mackenzie's story and to find myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading the book. It even made me want to start writing again.
Hopefully the sequel lives up to this one.
4.5/5 stars
I loved this book and the atmosphere I felt it put me in. It was so eerie and addicting and I loved all of the characters. It is such an unique story and I adored it.
I loved this book and the atmosphere I felt it put me in. It was so eerie and addicting and I loved all of the characters. It is such an unique story and I adored it.
I really liked the premise about the Histories and the Archive. I liked how real the emotions were and the range they were portrayed. The world building was not just paragraphs of explanation, and we learned about it the same time the characters did. The plot twist, I didn't see coming at all! I was so surprised but thinking back, it all made sense, so well done!
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
I usually love V Schwabs books, but just didn't quite hit the mark for me. 3.5 stars
I did like the story generally, especially Wesley, he's my favorite!
But I guess I didn't find it quite believable, all that happened. I understand Mac's grief and all, but..
The problem is that I did generally like all of it, but it felt.. too slow, I got bored hoping something would happen finally. I usually like character-driven books, so maybe it's just Mac I don't quite like, I'm not sure.
So I hope that I will like The Unbound better, not givin up just yet!
I did like the story generally, especially Wesley, he's my favorite!
But I guess I didn't find it quite believable, all that happened. I understand Mac's grief and all, but..
Spoiler
just kissing Owen/letting him kiss her? I found it weird, even if it made her not think (which yes she desperately needed). And not suspecting what's-her-name who opened Ben's drawer for her?? It's like the top rule, I don't see anybody just doing that.. they understand after all, the Librarians.The problem is that I did generally like all of it, but it felt.. too slow, I got bored hoping something would happen finally. I usually like character-driven books, so maybe it's just Mac I don't quite like, I'm not sure.
So I hope that I will like The Unbound better, not givin up just yet!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4 Stars!!
“Lying is easy. But it's lonely."
"What do you mean?"
"When you lie to everyone about everything, what's left? What's true?"
"Nothing," I say.
"Exactly.”
Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.
What an interesting unique idea for a book!! I didnt think at first I would like this as much as I did. BUT I loved it! I loved the idea of it and the writing transported me right through it. There are portals and mysteries woven throughout that keep you hanging on until the end!
Lets talk characters. Mac is the MC and she was like an onion... so many layers and took some getting use to - Da her grandfather... from Louisiana so that gives him extra credit since thats where I am from. But I loved his role in this book and his ability to answer every one of Macs questions no matter what they were, he always had an answer for her. Then there is Guyliner AKA Wes- *Swoon* what a sweetheart he was always trying to keep Mac focused on what mattered.
I dont want to say too much about the story bc its really something you just gotta read this book is a whole experience in my opinion! Highly recommend if you are looking for something a bit different and unique!
Oh my. I liked it. I really, REALLY liked it. 4.5 stars, easy.
There's not much to be said that hasn't already been said in other reviews, so I'll stick with the basics: the plot is compelling and the novel is well written. It's different. And I fell in love with the characters. All of them. (That never happens.)
Seriously, if the summary tempts you at all, pick up this book. Right this minute!
There's not much to be said that hasn't already been said in other reviews, so I'll stick with the basics: the plot is compelling and the novel is well written. It's different. And I fell in love with the characters. All of them. (That never happens.)
Seriously, if the summary tempts you at all, pick up this book. Right this minute!
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes