 Series: The Great Library #3 Written by: Rachel Caine Published: July 11, 2017 by Berkley (Penguin Group) (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: The unforgettable characters from Ink and Bone and Paper and Fire unite to save the Great Library of Alexandria from itself in this electrifying adventure in the New York Times bestselling series. Hoarding all the knowledge of the world, the Great Library jealously guards its secrets. But now a group of rebels poses a dangerous threat to its tyranny.... Jess Brightwell and his band of exiles have fled London, only to find themselves imprisoned in Philadelphia, a city led by those who would rather burn books than submit. But Jess and his friends have a bargaining chip: the knowledge to build a machine that will break the Library’s rule. Their time is running out. To survive, they’ll have to choose to live or die as one, to take the fight to their enemies—and to save the very soul of the Great Library.... |
*** I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thais fact has not changed my opinion. ***
I absolutely LOVE this series and this book proved it even more. It's a book and a series that is full of action and adventure, complex and likable characters, an amazing world, and such a thrilling plot. It's seriously everything I want in a book and more.
One of the things that continues to impress me about this series is the world building and atmosphere of the series. In Ash and Quill, the author was able to further develop the world with the trademark atmosphere and darkness. In this book we are first taken to Philadelphia. I was super excited to see what the US is like in this alternative reality I was not disappointed. Philly is controlled by the Burners (hey Burners, stay away from my part of Pennsylvania). As the political intrigue of the series continues it was fascinating to see a group of people and a place that rejects Library control for similar reasons but very different ways. It added a lot of interest and drama.
But honestly, most of the drama and amazing world building comes from The Great Library itself. Normally a library would be an amazing part of the world of a book. It's the place where our book loving protagonist finds knowledge and people who also love books. And yes, that happens here but The Great Library is the main antagonist. And as crazy as this sounds, it is a brutal antagonist. It is super hardcore and one of the most brutal dictators I have ever seen in a dystopian. It makes for a really interesting story to hate the library. And the more we learn about it and the more we see in this book, the more I do just that.
And with a brutal antagonist like this, you know there is going to be an exciting plot. And Ash and Quill had a really amazing plot. As the series develops, the stakes become even higher and was how it was here in Ash and Quill. This is a book that is full of action, adventure, and mystery. From the first page to the last the action didn't stop. It took you on a wild ride full of daring escapes, thrilling fight scenes, and plenty of surprises. Rachel Caine's writing gives it a really cinematic quality. I am not the kind of person who often visualizes what is happening but here I can't help it. It really built to an exciting conclusion that had me absolutely in need of the next book. I even found myself attempting to turn the pages at the end of my e-ARC because I needed more and I needed it ASAP.
However, I think what really connected me to this book was the characters. Over the past three books I have become so attached to each and every one of them. This is one of those book that has a group of diverse people from different walks of life that come together to make an unlikely team. And what a great team they make. I loved seeing them interacting throughout the book. There's fantastic banter, shippable romances, great friendships, complex family dynamics, and a brilliant mentor/mentee relationship. And it handles all these relationships beautifully. Caine doesn't take it easy on these characters though. Every time I found myself thinking how much I loved a character something else would happen to them. But they are all so smart, tough, and resourceful especially our main character Jess. The way this book ended I am incredibly worried about what is going to happen to them next, but I can't wait for that ride.
Because if these three books have been any indication we are going to be in for one amazing ride in the next two books in the series. Ash and Quill was an amazing read and I loved every second of it. It's a truly thrilling adventure novel with a fascinating dark world, amazing characters, and a great plot.
I give Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine 9.5 out of 10 stars
Buy/Borrow/Bypass: BUY! If you read the first two books and loved you need to read this book. If you haven't have read them and you are looking for a unique dystopia or alternative history or book with a ton of action then check this series. Everyone should read it and then talk to me about it because I am OBSESSED!
Have you read Ash and Quill? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!
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