Reviews

The Book That Wouldn't Burn is a mixed bag. On one hand, the world-building is top-notch. Lawrence creates this incredible, library-centric universe that's just brimming with fascinating details. It's a book lover’s dream and the narrator does a great job bringing it all to life.

But then there's the pacing. Oh, how it dragged at times. While the detailed descriptions and layered world-building are fascinating, they often slow the story down to a crawl. You might find yourself getting lost—not in the world Lawrence has built, but in the sheer amount of detail that bogs down the plot.

The narrator’s voice work is solid and helps keep things interesting, but even the best narration can't completely save a story that moves at a snail's pace.

So, if you're a fan of epic fantasy and love getting lost in intricate worlds, this one's worth a listen. Just be prepared for a slower ride. Overall, it's a solid listen that might test your patience but will reward you with a beautifully crafted universe.

bethan223's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Really good book!! Was very absorbed by it the whole way through, slightly confusing at times, but the best books always are!

I saw the Malar being the soldier coming very early on, but I will say that the Livira twist wasn’t something I was expecting!! Yute always had something odd about him so not surprised he’s like an assistant. Excited for the next book, want to learn more about Japseth and Irad.

wow's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.0

tschuulia's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense slow-paced

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

4.5

abbeyyyrosee's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

5.0

One of my new favorite books. Book magic. Refound civilization. Mythology, perception, and reality consistently battling each other. Wonderful world building. At no point did I feel like I actually knew where things were going - but in the best way. I like a book that leaves me wanting more and challenges my perception, and this book absolutely did that.

empyrealmelody's review against another edition

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3.0

I wanted to like this book so badly. How can a reader not like a book about books? I appreciate the world building and there were so many themes to explore: looking past one's appearances and backgrounds; the cycle of war; what knowledge can do to someone. I especially was NOT expecting any of the twists that came up. However, while the world building was definitely unique, there is a serious lack of fanart to help describe what we should be looking at. Like what the hell does an Escape and "Sabber" really look like? I'm done with the book and I still don't really understand. Some of the timelines were confusing. And also, what was the point of developing some of these friendships if they weren't going to be well explored? I didn't realize that this was a series but STILL, why even mention if certain characters had a thing for Livira? Doesn't do the storyline any favors.

All in all, I don't think this was a bad book. I'm glad I read it because it was certainly unique. I love Malar. But the execution could've been smoother overall.

*SPOILER at the bottom*
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The most confusing part for me was towards the end. In the war, we're seeing everything come together with the Assistant, the Soldier, Livira, and Malar. However, in the midst of the "change" there's a scene where Livira is with Evar again and they're floating about their world as a couple when there's a freakin WAR and the library is ON FIRE. So are they NOW living that part in the book that Livira didn't write yet with the boat rowing?? Like, where even are they? And is it just them taking their sweet time because time kinda stops and then they'll "go back when it's needed"? and they're gods in the library? Is that literal or...? I really feel like Mark Lawrence should have put locations in certain chapters, or time stamps, or italics, or SOMETHING to help distinguish the when/where we are in the book because seriously some of that was confusing as hell.

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