The Invisible Library [Review]

If you enjoy TNT's series The Librarians or steampunk this book is for you. (If you enjoyed The Invisible Library I would recommend checking out the series, it can be seen on Hulu). While there is not Flynn, Irene takes this place nicely and shows that a female librarian can do everything as well. I was excited to read this book, though not certain of what to expect. This is the first installment in Cogman’s The Invisible Library series featuring librarians who are spies, dragons, Fae, and much more. Cogman has included brilliant storytelling and adventure to make a book that I simply could not put down.

Cogman introduced readers to a group of librarian-spies who attempt to protect literature and preserve it, though not without difficulty and risk. The key character is Irene, a lower level librarian, who is sent out by her superior to retrieve a book from a world filled with chaos and Fae. However, unlike previous missions, she will not travel alone but with a trainee named Kai. Kai and Irene are thrown into a near impossible situation and uncertain of who to trust when their only contact turns up dead. Not only to they have to search for the book but worst of all Alberich is there, an evil former librarian who is also seeking the book for reasons of his own. Now they must decide what to do and who they can trust, can Irene even trust Kai, who is hiding secrets of his own.

The vibrant world created by Cogman uses elements of both Gothic and Steampunk tradition to envelop readers in the perilous story of the Library. Every page is filled with action or intrigue. This fantasy/sci-fi novel shows Cogman’s ability to pull readers into the world. Reading the book is like being there alongside the characters. One cannot help being drawn into this page turner, excitement awaits in the Library!

References

Cogman, G. (2015). The invisible library. New York: Tor.

Goodreads. (2017). The invisible library [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21416690-the-invisible-library

TNT. The librarians [TV series]. Retrieved from https://www.hulu.com/the-librarians 

High Druid of Shannara: Tanequil [Review]

The second chapter of Terry Brooks’ High Druid of Shannara trilogy Tanequil continues the journey of Pen, Khyber, Tagwen, and Cinnaminson to save the Ard Rhys, Grianne Ohmsford. They have traveled far to escape from the Druids who are searching for them and hope they can find the Tanequil to form a dark wand.

Interwoven with this adventure are the dangers faced by Pen’s parents, Grainne, and the elves on the battle front. Brooks tale is a wild fantasy adventure that takes the reader into a world that is well loved by many. However, this tale may disappoint because of the similar feel to the story line in The Elfstones of Shannara with the saving of the Ellcrys and the sacrifice made by Pen and Cinnaminson. [Spoiler Alert] The ending with Pen was a disappointment, so much time was spent trying to save Cinnaminson from the monster just to have her “die” was awful. Brooks used the similar trope of finding and losing a love in many of his other books in the series, such as Ahren losing his love on the voyage of the Jerel Shannara and the loss of the Ellcrys/Amberle. This finding of the dark want could have been handled differently with a new way of retrieving a necessary piece to save the world save the loss of a love.

The writing style is good, though with so many adventures it can confuse some. I did not feel as attached to the Elves fighting and did not want to see their story play out. The disjointed tale between the Druids, Federation, and Free Born continues over from the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara. This story seems simply to be a back drop in the first book in the High Druid trilogy suddenly takes precedence in this book. It simply could have been left out and the story would still have been good.

I would recommend this book but only if you have read others in the world of Shannara, it is not as good as the others. Start with The Sword of Shannara for a great book in the series, I might even suggest simply reading the first four books the Shannara books if you do not desire to read multiple series about similar themes/stories. 

References

Brooks, T. (2004). High druid of Shannara: Tanequil. New York: Del Rey.

Goodreads. (2017). Tanequil (high druid of Shannara #2). [Cover image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15552.Tanequil

Terry Brooks' High Druid of Shannara: Jarka Ruus Summary/Review

I recently found Terry Brooks’ Sword of Shannara series, as one who enjoys fantasy and magical adventures I was excited. I have now read many of his books and am starting the High Druid of Shannara trilogy beginning with the first book Jarka Ruus.

Jarka Ruus begins twenty years after the return from the Old World by the remaining crew of the Jerrle Shannara.

Voyage of the Jerele

In the previous adventure the descendant of the original bearer of the Sword of Shannara, Bek Ohmsford, must find a way to save the world and his sister Grainne now known as the Isle Witch. This adventure is faced with many perils, not including the fact that the Isle Witch wishes to kill Bek and his companions. [Spoiler] In the end the Druid Walker charges Grainne, who has been rescued from the clutches of the Morgawr (her captor/mentor) to take up the Druid cause.

Jarka Ruus

Map of the World of Shannara
[Brooks, 2017 Endpapers]

Grainne has risen as the Ard Rhys of the new Druid order but not all is as good as it appears. She still has many enemies who she wronged while the Isle Witch. The dark path which those who hate her have chosen take them to an even darker place. A group led by Shadea plot to remove her from power and take over the order. The plan works and carries Grainne beyond the Forbidding (where evil is kept at bay, check out the other books in the world of Shannara to learn more). Hope seems lost except for one boy Penderrin (Pen), Grainne’s nephew. Grainne’s faithful servant Tagwen goes in search of her brother in hopes of saving her after all, Bek has magic too. When Bek is nowhere to be found, seeks Pen’s help. As they go they meet both friends and foes in their search to help Grainne. Each of the companions has their own strength and misgivings. The adventure is continued in the second book Tanequil following Pen and his companions to help Grainne.

Review

This book is for those who enjoy adventures and fantasy. I enjoyed the book because I had read the other books in the World of Shannara. I would recommend this book for those who like fantasy but only after reading at least The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy where Grainne and Bek are introduced. For a fuller understanding of the world began with Shannara then read The Heritage of Shannara followed by the Voyage and this book.  [for a full list of reading order suggestion check out Brooks’ website]. The writing style moves the reader into the world. Each character can stand on their own. While the book is made better by understanding the world it can stand alone if you want to read this story alone. Another interesting point is the Steampunk/modern elements present in this world through the airships alongside the Druid magic. Each story has been more exciting than the previous.

References

Brooks, T. (2003). High Druid of Shannara: Jarka Ruus. New York: Del Rey.

Brooks, T. (2017). Reading orders. Retrieved from http://terrybrooks.net/books/reading-orders/  

Goodreads. (2017). High Druid of Shannara: Jarka Ruus [Image]. Retrieved from