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Synopsis (from Goodreads):
The corrupt leadership of the Great Library has fallen. But with the Archivist plotting his return to power, and the Library under siege from outside empires and kingdoms, its future is uncertain. Jess Brightwell and his friends must come together as never before, to forge a new future for the Great Library . . . or see everything it stood for crumble.
Review:
I have a slight confession to make: when I requested Sword and Pen, by Rachel Caine, on NetGalley, I hadn't realized there were FOUR previous books in the series! Of course, I read the first book, Ink and Bone, and I thought I may need to read one more book before moving on to the book I requested. So I spent the summer reading the entire series. And I am so glad I did.
This series has been so fun, filled with a diverse group of characters, and enough action and romance to keep me on the edge of my seat for all five books. The fifth and final book is a fitting send off.
What I Liked:
Setting:The Great Library is set in a kind of alternate reality, steampunk version of the world. All knowledge is controlled by the Library (a clear allusion to the Roman Catholic Church), so owning any original copies of books is forbidden. There are many layers to this societ. Most of the main characters are soldiers in the High Garda, but others are scholars, magicians (called Obscurists) or criminals. The book is set in the middle of a revolution, so there are lots of rebels, as well.
Each book gives us more of the mythology of this world. In Sword and Pen, we learn about how the very foundations of the society were formed. Themes of personal and intellectual freedom are highlighted, as well.
Characters:
The group of friends (Jess, Morgan, Glain, Khalila, Thomas, and Dario) are back. While some characters, such as Jess and Dario are your standard YA heroes (reckless, with a heart), others are really unique. Glain, although it's not specifically stated, is asexual. Thomas, the genius inventor, has to work hard not to give in to violence. And Khalila is a devout, hijab-wearing Muslim.
While I love every single young person in this book, I also appreciate that the author took the time to have characters with a variety of ages. And they aren't simple background characters. Wolf and Santi are very complex men in a deeply committed relationship. The students look up to both of them. Each is smart and has different strengths and challenges.
Story:
The story is action-packed as the team tries to finally put a stop to the Archivist's hold on power. All the planning in the world doesn't prevent various roadblocks to victory. It would be a pretty boring book if it was easy.
I appreciate that the author took the time to wrap up everyone's story. And, fair warning, not everyone gets a happy ending.
What I Was Mixed About:
Although I did really love the story, the action was a little too non-stop! How many close calls can Jess get in in a day? He has the most amazing luck to get out of sticky situations time and time again.
Rating:
Release Date: September 3rd, 2019
Author: Rachel Caine
Publisher: Berkley Books
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 368 pages
Source: NetGalley
Format: E-book
Recommendation: A fitting finale to the series. Do read all the other books first (and preferably just before reading this book).
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