tanve_18 's review for:

The Reader by Traci Chee

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The Reader by Traci Chee is a book-lover’s dream: a richly layered fantasy about the power of stories in a world where reading is forbidden and nearly forgotten. It follows Sefia, a girl on the run after the brutal murder of her father, armed only with a mysterious object — a book — that she doesn’t know how to read. As she teaches herself, she unravels secrets about her family, her past, and the nature of the world around her. It’s a story that blends mystery, magic, and metafiction in a really unique way — like a fantasy novel that knows it’s a book and leans into that. 

The world-building is intricate and sometimes a bit dense (you definitely need to be in the mood to pay attention), but it's also rewarding once it clicks. The story jumps across timelines and perspectives, which can feel disorienting at first, but ultimately ties together into a narrative about fate, loss, and the literal power of words. Sefia is a thoughtful protagonist, and her bond with Archer — a mute boy with a violent past — adds a strong emotional thread to the plot. It's definitely not a fast-paced fantasy, but it's original and atmospheric, with a lot to say about storytelling and truth. For fans of books that are a bit cerebral, mysterious, and beautifully written, The Reader is a satisfying start to a unique trilogy.