A review by nytephoenyx
The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu

dark reflective slow-paced

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

3.5

The Library Of the Dead was a tricky book because there are a lot of interesting things, but I struggled with the execution. The book is written in first person with a lot of slang, which is fine, but the protagonist rambles. It has a very “inner monologue” feel and it slowed down the narrative. Add to that: the library mentioned in the title only appears in a couple chapters, and the plot didn’t really get going until halfway through the book, and this was a struggle for me.

The magical concepts were interesting, but the system was infodumped and the protagonist’s explanation came off a bit impatient with the whole thing. I still haven’t nailed down the time period (futuristic but with loads of contemporary pop culture references?). The descriptions of magic were good and the plot was interesting, but delivery was simplified and overly lucky.

In general, the book was interesting to read, but a bit too messy to hold my interest for a re-read or continuation.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Death, Drug use, Body horror, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Kidnapping, and Death of parent

Moderate: Medical content, Violence, Torture, and Slavery

Minor: Excrement and Vomit

The main character is BIPOC and a supporting character uses a wheelchair. Characters experience poverty.