Ink and Bone

Starred review from June 22, 2015
In a magical, near-future world where the library at Alexandria never fell and stands as the parent for the Serapeum, or daughter libraries, a supremely powerful body known as the Great Library closely controls all knowledge. Sixteen-year-old Jess Brightwell, born into a family of book smugglers, loves to immerse himself in the rare, forbidden, original volumes, though he doesnât have the heart for the family business. Jessâs father finds another way for him to be of use: Jess is allowed to test for a coveted position in the Library but must agree to help out the family in return. Thus begins his descent into the dangers of discovery, the politics of power, and the wastes of war. Stylistically familiar fantasy elements (an elite school reached by train, magical automata) immerse readers in a world where survival often comes with a steep price. Caineâs (the Morganville Vampires series) elegantly detailed descriptions bring Jessâs world to vivid life in a fast-paced, action-oriented plot that will leave readers breathlessly anticipating not just the next page but the next book in the Great Library series. Ages 14âup. Agent: Lucienne Diver, Knight Agency.