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A review by mary_soon_lee
The Secret Chapter by Genevieve Cogman
4.0
This is the sixth volume in The Invisible Library series. Repeating my comments on earlier installments: I find the series, its recurring characters, and the central conceit of the mysterious Library to be a delight. The books have a light touch that renders most of the threatening moments into entertainment rather than menace, at least for this reader. Book four, The Lost Plot, remains my favorite installment so far(*), but this sixth book was a pleasure.
Minor spoilers ahead.
(*) Medium spoiler ahead.... While overall I like the lightness of tone of these books, it was when the fourth book stepped out of that mode toward something with greater heft, with loss, that it captured me entire. I'm seeking out lighter entertainments at the moment, but I am open to a book changing my mind and taking on weight. I've noticed that there are also such moments in Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series, which is generally light in tone. Perhaps I like a little gravity even in my entertainments?
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
Minor spoilers ahead.
Spoiler
This installment is a heist story, and, as has become customary, the fate of worlds hangs in the balance. I was pleased to see Irene's parents make their first appearance, and I came to like the character of Ernst introduced in this book. I hope he recurs. My principal petty gripe is that throughout the series, Irene gets hurt by using the Language in emergencies, but recovers quickly and without significant inconvenience. For me this is beginning to feel perfunctory. But that is minor, and, as usual, I highly recommend this book.(*) Medium spoiler ahead.... While overall I like the lightness of tone of these books, it was when the fourth book stepped out of that mode toward something with greater heft, with loss, that it captured me entire. I'm seeking out lighter entertainments at the moment, but I am open to a book changing my mind and taking on weight. I've noticed that there are also such moments in Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series, which is generally light in tone. Perhaps I like a little gravity even in my entertainments?
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).