Review: Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine

Paper and Fire (The Great Library #2)
   by: Rachel Caine

Publication Date: July 5, 2016
Publisher: NAL
Genre: Fantasy
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 357 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Ink and Bone introduced a world where knowledge is power, and power corrupts absolutely. Now, the story of those who dare to defy the Great Library—and rewrite history—continues. . . .

With an iron fist, The Great Library controls the knowledge of the world, ruthlessly stamping out all rebellion, forbidding the personal ownership of books in the name of the greater good.

Jess Brightwell has survived his introduction to the sinister, seductive world of the Library, but serving in its army is nothing like he envisioned. His life and the lives of those he cares for have been altered forever. His best friend is lost, and Morgan, the girl he loves, is locked away in the Iron Tower and doomed to a life apart.

Embarking on a mission to save one of their own, Jess and his band of allies make one wrong move and suddenly find themselves hunted by the Library’s deadly automata and forced to flee Alexandria, all the way to London.

But Jess’s home isn’t safe anymore. The Welsh army is coming, London is burning, and soon, Jess must choose between his friends, his family, or the Library willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in the search for ultimate control. . . .

 

 

This series! I can't get enough of it! I completely fell in love with the concept of this world, where the Library holds all the power and knowledge is censored and controlled. I also adore the characters Caine has created. Wolfe, Santi, Glain, Dario, Morgan, and Khalila... they all have roles to play and support Jess. After finding out some shocking information about their friend Thomas, the gang groups back up and I just loved seeing them work together. Things get quite crazy for them and they are caught up in a wild, dangerous ride to pursue the truth and do what's right. Just when they get out of one fix, they land in another. Alliances are formed, allegiances tested... major props to Jess for not freaking out and staying so level-headed.

 

Jess is one of my favorite heroes. He has so much thrown at him and is looked to as a leader amongst his peers. He has to make difficult decisions that ultimately hurt the people he loves. It's not an easy role to assume and he does it brilliantly. I love how he fights for Morgan, even when he knows she may never be able to forgive him. He refuses to let her fate lie in the Iron Tower and it just endeared him to me all the more.

 

This is definitely a great continuation to the Great Library series- full of action, adventure, betrayal, friendship, and love. I am so excited for the next book in the series, as Jess and the gang are transported to a completely new place.... with some new challenges to face.