Ink and Bone (The Great Library #1): A Review

Goodreads:

In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time...

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…
My Review:

Jess is a teenager who has grown up in a world of really rich thieves. He has an immense love for books in a world where books are outlawed. If I lived in his world, I would probably be in his line of work as well. Stealing books.

He is sent by his family to become part of the Great Library of Alexandria (to steal books and stuff). Yes, that library. This book is one that occurs in a world where the Library never burned down. It's a fascinating world. The technology is advanced and yet people don't read actual books (they read them, just on fancy tablets). It's clever.

I found Jess to be relatable and a good person. He makes choices based on what he believes to be right, not necessarily what his deranged father has led him to believe. In this book, he has a lot of growing up moments as he learns to make friends in a highly tense situation. His friends are great too. Rachel Caine was able to invent believable and loveable characters who were full of life. It was as if I could reach out and touch them.

I know the whole outlawing books sounds like Fahrenheit 451, but the lesson continues to be an important one. Our ability to write what we believe as well as the discoveries we have made is something worth fighting for. And oh, do Jess and his friends fight for it.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy alternate universes based in the real world, and science fiction.

I do have to say this book made me think about what the world would be like if we hadn't lost all that knowledge from the Library.

I rate this book 4.5 out of 5!