Reviews

The Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander

allicatca's review against another edition

2.0

DNF. The two stars are for the bits of information I learned while listening to this book.

At first I thought the reader was what annoyed me about the book but there was more than that. The book is too long. I keep getting bored.

I could imagine kids liking this book but this isn't one I'm going to read to my kids.

janahain's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious 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

4.0

c_loves_books's review against another edition

It just wasn't my thing.

gallagirlreads's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.75

amyteurhour's review against another edition

2.5

I feel like the writing was very descriptive and I can see how younger kids could have a lot of fun imagining what everything would look like. I would recommend this book to my friends with elementary-aged kids, especially as a family/bedtime book, with the caveat of reading one "mission" at a time max. Although there is an overarching villain of the story, every few chapters there's a new goal that Leona works towards with a pretty clear end once she's accomplished it. I listened to it pretty casually, and I think that took away from the experience. I can see how multiple missions at a time might get a bit boring--especially for the kids who might be on the older side of middle-grade. 

I did feel like the moral of the story got a bit heavy handed, especially when explaining what/who the villains were with a lot more telling than showing at that point. But overall, it was entertaining.  

I listened to the audiobook. If possible, I'd recommend either the book or ebook because what the heck was going on with the accent of the "forgotten" librarian??? That was pretty icky to have to listen to. 

mbenzz's review against another edition

5.0

This was SUCH a great book!!! Lenora is such a fun and intelligent little girl! I loved reading about all her adventures in the Library of Ever. And because of the ending, we KNOW there will be a sequel, which I already can't wait for. I would absolutely recommend this to middle grade readers. The message of the importance of knowledge is wonderful for young readers, and there's nothing overtly scary or sinister about this story. Yes, the men in the bowler hats are creepy, but they're not gonna give anyone nightmares (most likely).

I can't recommend this book enough. I'm sure adults will struggle a bit with how fast everything happens, the lack of character development and the question of Lenora's missing parents will be in the backs of their minds, but for the children in which this book was written for? It's just one amazing adventure, and I highly recommend it.

laura_cs's review against another edition

5.0

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Join Lenora in the Library of Ever in her quest to become a librarian, help patrons, and discover more about herself and everything else!

When Lenora's parents leave her with a nanny to travel the globe, book loving Lenora is frustrated with the adults who dictate her life. When at the library (so her nanny can get a book for the sole purpose of impressing someone), Lenora stumbles into the Library of Ever and is hired as a fourth assistant apprentice librarian. Soon, she is going on adventures in looking for information and answering questions that take her through time and space, as well as around the world. I can't wait to see what awaits Lenora on her next adventure!

shi2147's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious tense

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

libwinnie's review against another edition

5.0

This book grabbed me from page 1. Of course I really appreciated the knowledge is light theme and the black bowler-hatted crew trying to control the flow of knowledge--if that's not a metaphor, I don't know what is. It was fast-moving with lots of action, plus some really cool visuals like the tubes running all over and the giant globe that she had to traverse. I wanted more of the framing story (her wealthy, but ignored, life) and I'm hoping to see more of that in the next book. I think her background adds a depth of character that we wouldn't have seen otherwise.

dreaming_book_witch's review against another edition

5.0

This was such a clever book and what an amazing adventure! It is a book about asking questions gaining knowledge and searching for the truth in everything. As a librarian myself, I found it extremely admirable that Lenora was willing to do anything to help people find the knowledge that they were looking for. It also delves into the darkness of those that want to leave people in the dark without knowledge. Knowledge is power, knowledge is strength, and knowledge is a light.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series.