The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
Review by Lauren
Source: copy from e-library; all opinions are my own
Review: I remember when this book first came out. It was one that I really wanted to check out, but it tends to take me awhile to read books if I’m not reviewing them. Hence why I’m finally reviewing the first book in the Invisible Library series. This book is stated to be “Doctor Who with librarian spies” and I have to agree that that’s a pretty accurate summary. The book follows Librarian (yes, capital L) Irene as she goes on a mission from the Library. These missions take Librarians to alternate worlds where they are asked to retrieve, or steal if you will, a certain text that only exists in that world.
Doctor Who with librarian spies? Yes, please! Book review #ontheblog #bookbloggers Share on XThis time Irene is sent with an assistant, Kai, to an alternative London where they are expected to retrieve a Grimm book that contains a story only published in this book, in this world. It’s a fascinating premise and I certainly admired Irene. I thought she was a bit naive in terms of not ever really questioning aspects of the Library, but having grown up around it her whole life, it did make sense. Her parents were Librarians, and so she always knew she would become one as well.
The Invisible Library is full of mystery and suspense – I didn’t always know who to trust, but it made the book just that more exciting! The alternate London was a fun place to explore alongside Irene and Kai, and I loved their burgeoning friendship throughout the book. I always thought this was a YA series, but it’s apparently categorized under Adult. Regardless, I find it fairly suitable for older teen readers. There isn’t too much mentioned that isn’t featured in YA books. I suppose it’s more adult because Irene is not a teenager. None of this detracts from the book in any way; it’s simply something I wanted to mention.
What a great concept! I am surprised that it is not a YA series, too. I will have to give it a try one of these days. π
This sounds awesome – I love Doctor Who AND librarians!
OMG! This sounds like so much fun! I can’t wait to check it out!
I am always a fan mystery and suspense!
This sounds really good! Reminds me a little of Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookshop. I am adding this to my list!
Oh yes a friend gave me this one but I haven’t read it.
I agree, if itβs one I have to review Iβm usually really slow to get to it. I wish I had more time to read, Iβm going to definitely try to pick up the pace.
An interesting concept. This definitely sounds like a fun read. Glad you enjoyed it.
Why yes, I need to add this to my coronavirus reading list! Thanks for sharing π
This is one I didn’t get to when it first came out either. I need to give it a try if you liked it so much!
I love the title of this one! The cover is also delightfully old school.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This sounds like a book my son might like, he’s more into mystery and suspense! Thanks for sharing!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
I have this sitting on my shelf right now and really need to make time for it. It sounds like such a great premise for a series.
This is the first I’ve heard of this book, but it sounds really good! I’m definitely going to have to check it out.
I’ve heard about this book. It sounds quite fascinating. Thanks for the review, Lauren. I had just the opposite experience recently. I read a book that I thought was a regular adult book but it was YA. I quite enjoyed it. π
This is one of those books I always planned to get to, but never quite did (woops!) Dr who with librarian spies is the perfect tagline!
It really is the best tagline!!
I’d so follow a library guide! I loved the summer reading programs we had when I was a kid. I read better in summer than the school year. Is that odd?
Your review has my interest piqued. Will check it out. Gotta love that title, right?
This sounds like such an interesting premise!! π Definitely adding it to my to-read list!
The concept sounds really intriguing! I love books about libraries and books, and this one seems like it takes it a level higher with a dose of fantasy! Thank you for sharing this π