Scan barcode
isisbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jacob818's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
4.0
_aoibheann_'s review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
asreadbykat's review against another edition
5.0
Objective Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Personal Rating: 5/5 Stars
Content/Trigger Warnings: Violence, mild body horror, references to incest (not mains), mentions of drug use
My Thoughts
"Dead was still dead, whether the killer was exotic, professional or amateur. Getting killed was incredibly easy. Anyone could do it. Staying safe and alive was much harder."
The only thing that's stopping me from buying every book in this series and binge-reading them is the fact that I'm broke, and buying the physical copies while living in a non-English speaking country is very expensive. But it doesn't stop me from wanting to do exactly that. "Cozy fantasy" has been a buzzword (buzz category?) for the last year, and everyone has their own personal opinion of what it means. This series is MY PERSONAL idea of a cozy fantasy: something that still has some action and plot, but that isn't trying to do too much more than give you a good time.
I will admit, the second book (The Masked City) did disappoint me a bit, mostly because there was less Kai. I felt like it was too soon in the series for that particular plot point, and to be honest his dynamic with Irene was one of the best parts of the series. So the fact that we have Kai back and helping Irene stop (or cause) chaos thrilled me.
In this third novel, Irene is still suffering her probation by getting the worst jobs: either extremely boring, extremely dirty, or extremely dangerous. On one such job, her entry to the Library is destroyed, and she eventually discovers this is happening among many other alternates. Alberich, the infamous rogue librarian, isn't bothering to hide his involvement, and it's no surprise that he's got a personal interest in Irene. Combine that with a rogue fae, Dragon royalty, and giant spiders, and this might be Irene's most dangerous mission yet.
It's so nice to read an author who knows the voice and style of their characters and work and continues to stick to it. This book had me playing detective alongside Irene as well as making a few of my personal fears come alive. Just like the previous two installments, this book is very fast-paced. Even when there's no actual action, the dialogue is sharp and witty, and almost none of it is wasted. If two characters are talking, then we very much need to take note of what they're saying. We also get to see some of the fallout from the previous book among Irene's associates, from Kai's new overprotectiveness and Detective Vale's issues from visiting a high chaos world.
If I had one complaint, it's that the romantic aspect in this book felt very shoehorned in. We get one scene, and then it's never mentioned or referenced again.
Despite that one blip, I really did have a blast reading this book and I can't wait to get to the next one.
Personal Rating: 5/5 Stars
Content/Trigger Warnings: Violence, mild body horror, references to incest (not mains), mentions of drug use
My Thoughts
"Dead was still dead, whether the killer was exotic, professional or amateur. Getting killed was incredibly easy. Anyone could do it. Staying safe and alive was much harder."
The only thing that's stopping me from buying every book in this series and binge-reading them is the fact that I'm broke, and buying the physical copies while living in a non-English speaking country is very expensive. But it doesn't stop me from wanting to do exactly that. "Cozy fantasy" has been a buzzword (buzz category?) for the last year, and everyone has their own personal opinion of what it means. This series is MY PERSONAL idea of a cozy fantasy: something that still has some action and plot, but that isn't trying to do too much more than give you a good time.
I will admit, the second book (The Masked City) did disappoint me a bit, mostly because there was less Kai. I felt like it was too soon in the series for that particular plot point, and to be honest his dynamic with Irene was one of the best parts of the series. So the fact that we have Kai back and helping Irene stop (or cause) chaos thrilled me.
In this third novel, Irene is still suffering her probation by getting the worst jobs: either extremely boring, extremely dirty, or extremely dangerous. On one such job, her entry to the Library is destroyed, and she eventually discovers this is happening among many other alternates. Alberich, the infamous rogue librarian, isn't bothering to hide his involvement, and it's no surprise that he's got a personal interest in Irene. Combine that with a rogue fae, Dragon royalty, and giant spiders, and this might be Irene's most dangerous mission yet.
It's so nice to read an author who knows the voice and style of their characters and work and continues to stick to it. This book had me playing detective alongside Irene as well as making a few of my personal fears come alive. Just like the previous two installments, this book is very fast-paced. Even when there's no actual action, the dialogue is sharp and witty, and almost none of it is wasted. If two characters are talking, then we very much need to take note of what they're saying. We also get to see some of the fallout from the previous book among Irene's associates, from Kai's new overprotectiveness and Detective Vale's issues from visiting a high chaos world.
If I had one complaint, it's that the romantic aspect in this book felt very shoehorned in. We get one scene, and then it's never mentioned or referenced again.
Despite that one blip, I really did have a blast reading this book and I can't wait to get to the next one.
zngzag's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sarahthereadingaddict's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a good series. I'm hooked. Its mystical and about a library, what more could you want. Its total escapism and sometimes we all need it.
I have a feeling I'm going to miss this series when I've finished it.
Brilliantly narrated too, I love listening to audiobooks and the person who reads this one has a voice that is so fitting to each character.
I have a feeling I'm going to miss this series when I've finished it.
Brilliantly narrated too, I love listening to audiobooks and the person who reads this one has a voice that is so fitting to each character.
beecycling's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
missnatalieann's review
4.0
I enjoyed the action in this one, it felt reminiscent of a few wizard battles from a popular magic school series. I also feel more connected to Kai and Vale now, the amount they care for Irene has become more prevalent & feels a bit more genuine. This book definitely left questions to be answered, but it also arrived at a comfortable end point for this installment in the series. On to the next!
100percent_cotton's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.25