Once again, I enter the world of the Invisible Library picking up where we left Irene, Vale, and Kai. Cogman spins a wonderful tale and creates a world that draws the reader in. I was excited to finally have the time to read this exciting new installment in the series. Each book has further developed the characters and provided exciting new plots and settings for them to learn and grow.
Favorite Characters
In this volume, Irene has returned to her post, alone this time, in the world of Vale as a librarian-in-residence. She has time to work on missions for the library and occasionally assist Vale in his pursuits. Cogman truly develops the independent nature of Irene focusing on her abilities as a Librarian to help save herself and possibly the worlds.
Kai, Irene’s former apprentice, and love interest, is now seen still in the same world where he just happens to also be assisting Vale. The book begins with a letter from Kai to his father explaining what has transpired in the last book, specifically his loss of ties to the Library because of an assassination (this all plays a role in the story later). Cogman demonstrates Kai’s desire to protect Irene while also pleasing his father, each aspect impacts what he is willing to do in the peace talks which are the center of the conflict. Kai is a skilled dragon, though not exactly notable as a younger son of the eldest king, he has mostly been left to his own.
Summary
Along with Vale and a host of new characters, Irene and Kai must once again set out to save a world, themselves, and the Library. The Dragons and Fae have agreed to a peace conference in a neutral world with Library mediation, however, something is afoot. A murder leads the Library to call on a special team to investigate, notably Vale a mortal who has assisted Irene before. The sides agree to allow him to seek out the murder with the help of Irene, Silver (from previous books) and Mu Dan, an independent Dragon judge-investigator. Together the team is sent to search for clues and find who has set out to destroy the peace. Of course, Kai will not be left out and has gone to his Uncle Ao Ji’s side to assist in any way he can.
This plot is only complicated when a powerful Fae is unearthed. The Blood Countess, as she is called, has a penchant for torturing and killing maidens to bathe in her blood. Both sides seem to think it auspicious to blame her for the killing and be done with the peace. But will she stay away and allow it? Irene, Vale, and Kai must figure out what is happening before too much damage take place or they are killed in the process.
Review
Cogman’s tale is exciting and action-packed. I felt connected to the characters and while excited to see the end was sad that it had to. I hope to see more from this delightful world(s). Each new story reveals more about the universe of the Invisible Library and the characters which inhabit it. The Mortal World introduced many new aspects and ends with a possibility for more. The book is well written with suspense, action, and passion. Each new twist entices the reader in for more.
Reference
Cogman. G. (2018). The mortal word. New York: ACE.
Cover image is taken of my copy of The Mortal Word by myself.
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