A review by ineffablebob
The Dark Archive by Genevieve Cogman

adventurous tense medium-paced

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

4.25

The Dark Archive has Irene dealing with her enemies from previous adventures - including some from beyond the grave. Even if I didn't know this was the penultimate book in the series, it would be pretty clear that things are heading toward a climax. Prior books mostly sent Irene on some mission, but in this one the mission is largely just to stay alive and thwart her enemies. Which she does, of course, but just barely, in part due to a long-foreshadowed revelation about Irene herself. It's not exactly a cliffhanger ending, but it's certainly clear there's work yet to be done in the final volume.