Paper and Fire

July 1, 2016

The Great Library regulates all the knowledge of the world. Rebellion is fought to the ground, and book ownership is tantamount to treason. Jess Brightwell (Ink and Bone) is now a member of the Library's army, but it is not the service he dreamed of doing. His best friend Thomas has been convicted of heresy against the institution and is gone, and his girlfriend Morgan is in the Iron Tower. Still, he is determined to go to task for the Library, and on a mission in Alexandria, Jess and his squad learn something that forces them to step out on their own, putting them in the crosshairs of the Library's automatons. They flee to London, where Jess hopes some of his family will support him. However, London is no safer than Alexandria; fires are overtaking the city and the Welsh army is on its way. Jess may have to choose among his family, friends, and the Library, which is willing to destroy anything in its pursuit for total control. VERDICT This exciting, fast-paced adventure from the prolific Caine (Prince of Shadows) will appeal to fans of fantasy with a sense of camaraderie.--KC

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.