This month’s book recommendation is Ink & Bone, the first installment of Rachel Caine’s The Great Library series. I’ve only read the first two books in the series so far, and I loved both of them. But I’m going to just focus on Book #1 for now, because, well, that’s where the adventure begins.
But first I want to say a brief farewell. Rachel Caine passed away last year (2020). I didn’t know her personally, only followed her on Twitter and read her books. But as a fan, I am sorry to see her go.
Goodreads Synopsis for Ink & Bone
From Goodreads:
Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.
Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.
When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn…
Recommendation
First of all, who doesn’t love a book about books?
Second of all, this book is a delicious mix of alternate history, magic, and technology. What if the Great Library of Alexandria not only existed and survived the fire is supposedly suffered but also became the most powerful entity in society? And what if its intentions were questionable?
The Library is like a YA Fantasy version of George Orwell’s Big Brother and I am so here for it. Caine’s diverse cast was refreshing. The settings—London and Alexandria—inhaled and exhaled as their own characters. The mystery and action gripped me on every page. And I just can’t help rooting for a flawed protagonist who goes against the grain, especially when it would be in his best interest—and his general nature—to look the other way.
This book made me think a lot about how knowledge and information truly equal power in society and how the gatekeepers get to decide who advances and at what cost. Whose job is it to disseminate information? And why do they have the right to censor a people’s knowledge? Is there really a fine line between protection and control, or is it just an excuse to keep the status quo?
I’m excited to read the other three books in the series and see where Jess and his cohorts end up and what befalls the Great Library.
Check it out and let me know what you think! And if you have any favorite books about books/libraries, leave a comment or send me a note at author@kierstenlillis.com. I’m always looking for new recommendations!
