A review by jhbandcats
The Dark Archive by Genevieve Cogman

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book has our intrepid Librarian spy Irene and her friends saddled with two obnoxious  and obstreperous newcomers to the group: Shan Yuan, Prince Kai’s brother, and Catherine, Irene’s Fae apprentice. I find annoying characters quite annoying - a little goes a long way - but luckily for Irene (and this reader), they become less ornery and more helpful, especially in the final act. 

As in the earlier books, it’s almost agonizing to see beloved characters in danger and distress. I’m about to read the last book in the series and I don’t want it to end because I’m so fond of Irene, her dragon lover Kai, and the Holmesian detective Vale. In this story they’re threatened by repeated assassination attempts and the appearance of Alberich, Irene’s terrifying nemesis. 

This series is a good reading companion - entertaining, tense, and gripping, plus a mirror to our own world. 
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