Ink and Bone (The Great Library Book 1)

Book: Ink and Bone
Author: Rachel Caine
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars

This is second series that I have read by Rachel Caine-the other being The Morganville Vampires. I must say that Rachel has improved over the years and that this is probably one of my favourite books by her that I have read. I just hope that she doesn't drag the series out like she did with Morganville.

My first thought whenever I started reading this was wait...Is this going to be some strange mash up of Harry Potter and The Book Thief meets Ancient Egypt put into a dystopia? (Both of which are excellent books, by the way...) Um...Yeah...Sounds like a lot and sounds like no one will be able to pull it off. I also thought that there was no way that Rachel was going to be able to pull this one off. However, she proved me wrong and ended up creating an amazing world.

Another thing that this book had going to for it was diverse characters. We have characters from all over the world and Rachel does play into this. People have been asking to see more diversity in the world and they can get it in this book. One thing that I really liked about the diverse characters was no one really bashed anyone based on race. I do like diverse books, don't get me wrong on that, but the fact that Rachel makes everyone equal really does make it better.

Now, the book is not perfect. Hence, the four star rating instead of the five. It is very entertaining though. I did have a few issues. First off, I will admit that the first ten percent of the book almost broke it for me. I did, in fact, almost stop reading. I was bored in a couple of places. Other than that, nothing to complain about.

I do think that this book will interest a wide range of readers. First off, it does have a lot of the normal elements of young adult. Yeah, there is romance, but not a lot. Second, hello, male lead. Yeah, this book is actually told from a boy's point of view. Yup, we've got our classic dystopia with a war zone. And...drum roll...Let's add in The Great Library for all of you Ancient Egyptian lovers out there.

Overall, a good clean read. This would be an okay read for younger teens. I am looking forward to the second book.

This checks a lot of boxes for me:
-A prominent, strong, slightly rebellious female character (though she's not, at least in this first book, the main character). Morgan is intriguing, and I hope we get more of her perspective in the sequel due out this summer.
-General bibliophilia. References to the smell of ink, the feel of a book in your hands, even the cathartic power of journaling.
-International travel. We get to experience some of faux-historic (or alternate-historic) London and Alexandria.
-A bit of magic. Through "mirroring", which can be done only by a vanishingly small percentage of the population, a Library book can be "mirrored" into "blank" books at daughter libraries around the world.
-A truly creative, thought-out alternate world. In this world, the Great Library at Alexandria not only was never destroyed; it's more or less the world's only superpower. It has its own military (the Garda), treaties of neutrality with world powers (giving it a status something like the Vatican's, I think), and most interestingly, it basically controls all of the world's books. Which, in the 18th-century-like setting, is more of less control of the world's knowledge.

I really enjoyed reading this and will absolutely read the rest of the series as they come out. Highly recommended for fans of Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy (the first one of which, coincidentally, is called Shadow and Bone), as it has a similar feel.

*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I have been waiting for this book for a long time, ever since hearing Rachel Caine mention she had an idea for a book that rewrote the history of libraries. Ink and Bone met every single one of my expectations and then some.

Jess Brightwell is a reader, ever since he could he's read everything he could get his hands on, which could spell real trouble for him. Jess lives in a world controlled by the Library. They say which books should and shouldn't be read and their word is the ultimate law. Through a magical alchemic system they provide everyone in the world with a select number of books as well as journals for each individual person to record their life in. They also collect every original book they can get their hands on while simultaneously making it illegal for private citizens to own physical books, which is a problem for Jess- or rather his family.

Sent to the Library to work as a spy for his black market family Jess wants one thing- to be free of the constraints that have held him all his life. He believes that the Library is the way to do that. But once he's inside he begins to realize that the Library isn't what it seems and that sometimes no matter how hard you run, you can't escape fate.

As a reader and someone who's spent a considerable amount of time working at a library I go a little nuts every time I find a book about libraries. Ink and Bone is so much more than a story about a library. It's a tale of how absolute power corrupts absolutely and how good intentions can go very very bad. Jess's tale is one of discovering the fault with a system and the struggle to stop something that seems unstoppable.

I loved every word of this book, and I cannot wait for the next one. The storytelling and pacing is done in such a way that even during training scenes nothing was boring. The world-building was by far my favorite aspect of this book aside from its characters. The world Rachel Caine creates in Ink and Bone is one of magic, mystery, and a love of books. While there is wonder, there's also darkness and a sense of something not quite right. The world, while very modern with living automatons and tablet like books is also stuck hundreds of years in the past.

From Jess to Morgan to Scholar Wolfe the cast of characters in this book is delightful. Every one of the main cast is a vibrant fascinating character who readers will fall in love with. Even the grumpiest of the bunch, Dario, was endearing to me by the end.

That all to say if you can read, read this book. If you breathe read this book. If you have any kind of interest in seeing wrongs righted, or reading an amazingly well written book- read this book.

A world where the library is a huge presence in every single city. A world where the library decides what people have access to in the way of knowledge and information. A world where the library forbids the ownership of books… color me intrigued you guys.

Our main character Jess Brightwell has grown up in a family where books are a way of life… Stealing them from people who don’t take caution and smuggling and selling them to the highest bidders is how his family has earned a living, and a reputation. But Jess wants more out of his life and his father puts the wheels into motion by sending him to Alexandria and into the arms of the library itself to train.

Faced with trials Jess is entrenched in more than just a test to become a librarian…it’s a race to protect the friends he makes along the way and eventually uncover the secrets that those in power don’t want anyone knowing about.

Let me just get this out of the way, this started a bit slow for me. I don’t know what it was… if it was just laying the groundwork for the story, but it took a little bit for me to get engrossed. But let me just say that once I did, and I certainly did… I couldn’t put the story down.

This was my first book by Rachel Caine. I’m dying to get my hands on the rest of this series.

I think the best part of this book for me was the amazing and diverse cast of characters Caine has created. Of course we have Jess, but when he arrives at the library for his training, he’s among a huge group of students… some who he clicks with and some … not so much. Of course we have Wolfe and Santi who weren’t quite what I was expecting when I started reading. Wolfe in a way kind of reminds me of a version of Albus Dumbledore. There are a few reasons I say this… one, he’s incredibly protective of his students. Not in the same way Dumbledore was, but in enough of a way where looking back at his role in the story, I can see the similarities. Two, he’s not exactly who he appears to be… he’s got a very interesting past, of which we don’t know the full story but I’m excited to find out.

I also ended up really enjoying the crew of students that we get to know along the way. Kalila, Glain, Thomas, Dario – I can’t wait to see where book 2 takes us with each of them. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

I know some of you will wonder about romance… there is one. It’s very subtle and obviously not meant to be the main focus of this story, but it’s there none-the-less. It added the perfect layer of drama and even some intensely sweet moments.

I will say that I loved the way Caine chose to tell the story… and by that I mean, there are brief excerpts within the story that share some history as well as allude to some other things going on. I thought it was definitely a welcome addition to provide a bit of the backstory as well as share some additional information on characters we needed to know about.

With excellent world-building, an intriguing story and captivating characters, you’re definitely going to want to grab this one as soon as you can.

I for one am excited to see what Caine does in book 2 and where Jess and his friends will be when we rejoin them.

In this alternate timeline, The Great Library of Alexandria has survived, and become the center of all knowledge in the world. To avoid the dissemination of thoughts that aren't 'true', all books are controlled by the Library, through special Codexes. These are copies that through technology 'mirror' originals, but aren't unique or original in themselves. Owning hand written, original copies of books is forbidden.

Jess Brightwell's family deal in black market books, selling originals to wealthy collectors. Jess' father pays an exorbitant amount of money to get Jess a spot to take the test for going into service for the Library. Having someone inside the government entity would be invaluable; he'd know where all the rare books were, and when raids would happen.

Once Jess goes into training, a friend of his makes a discovery that could make the Library's technology obsolete. This brands him a heretic, and Jess quickly learns that those in the Library hold knowledge as far more valuable than human life.

I read this first book in The Great Library trilogy in preparation for reading book two, which is out later this summer. It's a good series that will appeal to book lovers and YA fiction readers alike; it's got action, suspense, and excellent world building. The characters are interesting and likeable, and the story is compelling enough to make the reader eagerly await what comes next.

It seems that Library + Magic + War= a bloody good read.... again

I read Ink and Bone directly after reading Air Awakens, which happens to follow the above formulae as well. How could two books with such similar building blocks be so completely different (yet awesome)? You'll have to see for yourself but I will stop the comparisons now and regale you with praise for the book at hand, Ink and Bone.

"There are three parts to learning: information, knowledge, and wisdom. A mere accumulation of information is not knowledge, and a treasure of knowledge is not in itself, wisdom. The Library holds itself to be the keeper of both knowledge and wisdom, but it is not true. So much should never be held in the hands of so few, for it is a natural, venal habit of men to hold to power. And knowledge is the purest form of power."

If you were wondering just what the deal is with The Library (one of the main Characters, Catalyst, Institution, Enigma) and the people who wield its power, you can't get any more spot on than the quote above. I won't expound too much for fear of spoilers. BUT I will say, to anyone who'll stand still long enough to listen, "I love books"! I know I know, it's absurdly evident and I am among great company with each and every one of you but it's not meant as a frivolous declaration...I mean I love them fervently! This book on the other hand takes bibliophilia to such an extreme that it straddles the border of supplication and obsession. Jess, the street wise, charismatic, scrappy male MC inhabits a world where books (and the vast store of knowledge they contain) are valued above all else. That means it is cherished above loyalty, honor and even Life itself. The only things slightly more apprized (thus far) are familial bonds. There are other types of people, considered to be perversions, coexisting in this world such as those who burn books for political statements (Burners) and those that eat original volumes (Ink Lickers), book thieves and black market sellers as well as those less obvious...ahem Archivists...anyway, you'll learn to hate the Establishment as much as I do after reading just what the postulants have to endure and as you find out the why(s) behind it all it will seem completely trivial. The hits the characters continually take are brutal. Rachel Caine has no qualms offing/excommunicating a favorite character so don't get too attached. She can turn a vile character into a hero by book's end so hold on tightly to your emotions and loosen your moral convictions because this book will have you rooting for the people you originally wanted eviscerated. The writing is simple but good. The world building is really well executed but the star of the show is by far the Characters, they are what makes this book so gratifying. This book wasn't life altering. It didn't grab ahold of me, demand my attention/affection/devotion straight through 'til the end but it did entertain me and I have been thinking about it for days now so there's that. Imho Ink and Bone is definitely worth the time and emotional investment.

This book had me at "Hello" / page 1. Honestly speaking, I don't know whether the effect would have been the same had I just read it instead of listening to the audiobook, but the narrator, Ben Allen was simply superb in making all the different characters come to life and the story to rock and roll.

As for the story in general, I think it was very well-written. It was tight-paced, tense, grim, inventive and exciting from beginning to end with some powerful, intriguing characters (Christopher Wolfe, Nicolo Santi, the horrible Artifex Magnus).
The world-building was jaw-dropping, the characters likeable, the romance convincing, but understated. It all came together in an amazingly strong start to a new series. I have fallen hook, line and sinker for it.

I went into this book expecting one thing and closed the cover experiencing something else entirely.

Rachel Caine has created a world both beautiful and terrifying. When knowledge is the ultimate power, will that power strengthen, weaken, or corrupt? In Ink and Bone, Rachel examines a world where books are controlled by a worldwide library system that is self governing.

Jess has a bit a problem. He comes from a family of book smugglers, and his father has decreed he take a test to work at the library system. As a spy from the inside, he should have the connections and accessibility to help. Jess doesn't think he'll ever pass both the test and the final cut.

What Jess sees is gleaming city, run by a system that reveres books and knowledge, alongside power. Soon, the purpose of his journey is less clear than ever. He grows close to some of his fellow classmates and learns to tolerate others.

As their numbers are whittled down, and the students are called to a warzone, they'll have to be prepared to defend themselves from friend and foe alike.

Knowledge is power, and we all know power corrupts.

I didn't quite know where to take my review. The book is so layered and complex that I can't even imagine how I'd explain it. Is it Steampunk? Well, no, but it has elements. Is it science fiction? Not entirely? Fantasy? Not quite. Does it compare to Hunger Games, The Divergent Series, etc? Not really. All the series stand alone very firmly.

What I can tell you is that I made room in an alerady packed day to day schedule to read this book in chunks. It was one of those magical books where life melts away and you're so absorbed in the concepts and world that you "come awake" with a jolt, disoriented. It was the sort of book that makes writers wish they could write with Ms. Caine's level of characterization and world building. It was the sort of book that made my chest tighten as I read "The End" and realized I would have to wake for the next installment.

It was phenomenal on all levels.

First off, this isn’t another dystopian: it’s an alternate universe, one in which the Great Library of Alexandria was never destroyed, books are unbelievably precious, and the library controls just about everything. And that’s not an exaggeration, either. I mean EVERYTHING.

Our main character, Jess, comes from a family of book smugglers. There’s no such thing as a printing press, so no one actually owns original copies. Book smuggling is hugely against the law, so, naturally, book smugglers use children (called Cutters) to deliver the books. I mean, I understand using kids to an extent (they’re small and cute and are often looked over, and I wouldn’t think they’d be punished as badly as an adult), but they run across the city in packs. THEY RUN. IN HUGE PACKS. AND DRAW ATTENTION TO THEMSELVES. I mean, have two or three or four kids running after a ball or something, but don’t have a pack of twenty or thirty kids just bolting across the city. It practically screams, “WE’RE DOING SOMETHING MOST LIKELY AGAINST THE LAW, PLEASE ARREST US!”

Also, it was confusing because there was science that was possibly magic? Like they’ve got blank books that sound like tablets that the Scholars use, but there’s also this weird teleportation thing and also Obscurists? I really have no idea. Possibly science, possibly magic…maybe a later book will explain more.

Also, what was the purpose of Ink Lickers? Maybe it’ll come into play in a later book, but I really didn’t understand it. The Burners, too, seemed almost thrown in as an afterthought, but everything hints about having something more too it.

And the characters…Jess was an adorable little book lover, who had a strange feud with Dario, which is really unreasonable and also rather funny. There’s Thomas, who is a sweetheart and everyone likes and he’s basically a big, fluffy teddy bear who’s also super smart. Then there’s Khalila, who’s basically the smartest of the smart; she got 100% on a test that’s supposed to be super, super hard. There’s Glain, the Welsh girl who doesn’t really get along with Jess because of the whole “we’re from two countries that don’t like each other thing”. Morgan, who shows up late and is super mysterious and also Jess’s love interest. And, finally, Wolfe, the instructor who seems like he’s going to be a bad guy at the beginning of the book and is actually NOT.

There’s also war and blood and secrets and beautiful writing. But it’s not exactly a book you can read in a few hours: it took me a couple of days to read it even though I could have read it in a day. You never really get bored, you just kind of meander your way slowly through it.

But, basically, THIS IS A BOOK ABOUT BOOKS, which is like the greatest idea ever, and even if I did have a few problems with it, I still totally recommend it. Because BOOKS.

Jess Brightwell is a "runner": he smuggles rare books for his wealthy father, who is ostensibly an importer. This, of course, provides a perfect cover for the illicit nature of his real line of work.

In this reality, in the year 2025, it is not allowed for individuals to own original manuscripts. All are stored in The Great Library, in Alexandria. There are other, smaller, libraries in major cities, which are allowed to store books, but they are strictly controlled.

People are allowed to read, texts are delivered to the electronic "blanks" that everyone owns, but personal ownership of physical books is forbidden.

Thus, Jess's job is very dangerous. By the time he's sixteen, he's been doing it for over half a decade, hating every minute of hit. His greatest fear is that his father will expect him, as the older son, to take over the business.

Fortunately, Brightwell père recognizes that Jess does not have a flair for the business, and arranges (at some expense) for Jess to go to Alexandria and train to work in the Library.

Since private ownership of books is not allowed, working for the Library can be a hazardous occupation, something Jess doesn't fully comprehend until he's actually settled in the students' dorm.

This was another book I wanted to read through without stopping, yet at the same time I didn't want it to end.

The second book in the series, Paper and Fire, is due in July. It's going to be a long seven months.

Ink and Bone is about the love of books, and what happens when books get hoarded for their knowledge. In an alternate history where The Great Library of Alexandria exists, all the books in the world are stored and archived at libraries.

As fellow book lovers, what could possibly be wrong with a world where books are appreciated, hoarded, loved and archived by one of the most magnificent libraries of all time?

Well my friends, this is where Ink and Bone will shock and surprise you - knowledge comes at a price. Ink and Bone is set in a terrifying, bleak alternate history where The Great Library has an iron hold over absolutely everything - life, freedom, progress and livelihood. Having too much power has never been a good thing, and the Great Library abuses their power, by holding all of the knowledge to maintain control over its citizens. Books are the epitome of society, they are valued over innocent lives, and it is illegal to own one. Anyone found in possession of the contraband will be punished.

This is one of the most unique, genius high fantasies I have ever read, merging steampunk technology, magical abilities, in a dystopian setting. The world building does take a while to grasp your head around, as it's complex down to the minute detail of a lifestyle of citizens at war, the competing ideologies of library loyalists, the radical Burners who want to burn all the books (the horror) and the powerful Obscurists who have otherworldly abilities but are kept captive in an iron tower. In Ink and Bone, eating pages, defiling books and burning them is the worst horror that could happen - even worse than dying.

I found the plot to be really fascinating, as the book weaves and advances the story through the trial while simultaneously building up this dark, gritty world so different from our own. London and Wales are at the brink of a war. Great iron beasts or automatons guard the gates to the library, and the obscurists are bred and born with a magical ability (which isn't really explored all too deeply).

The complexity of the plot is expertly weaved into the tale of Jess Brightwell, book smuggler and contender for one of the most sought after places of all time - a role as a powerful Library scholar. Jess is a hero that I could really root for and get behind, he's intelligent and cunning, loves and appreciates the finery of books and what they offer, and is loyal to his family despite how they use him. Most importantly, Jess cares about people, and the bonds that he's built with his fellow students.

While the Great Library is set in London, the students are shipped off to the Library of Alexandria in Egypt for a time, showcasing the brilliant diversity in the story. They represent different cultures - French, English, Arab, Asian, Welsh and more. This is the diverse cast I've been looking for in a fantasy novel, and I loved how their personalities existed beyond their cultural identities. Each character is complex and although some are not immediately likable at the start, they're each surprisingly unique and brilliant in their own way.

Jess and his fellow students are part of a trial testing their wits, knowledge and suitability for dangerous and rewarding library work. The students are tested by Scholar Wolfe, whose methods will also surprise you - there will be pain. There will be death. There will be brutal consequences to disobedience. Wolfe is a complex man, also hiding his own secrets, and I found his tale to be absolutely riveting.

Ink and Bone is a sonata to books, if you will, creating a fantasy world where books, libraries and knowledge hold absolute power. Every character here loves, appreciates, and even fears the power of books. And Rachel Caine constructs an expertly crafted world, filled with steampunk, dystopia, and magical elements that really brings a library dictatorship to life. I loved this exciting and uniquely crafted high fantasy and I hope that book lovers everywhere will appreciate her genius too.

Check out Happy Indulgence Books at happyindulgencebooks.com for more reviews!

I loved this book! It definitely has it's faults; I found some of the world building to be lacking, such as no explanation for current world events (the war between the English and Welsh) and no explanation or fleshing out of the magic abilities of Obscurists, but honestly, I enjoyed this book so much I could let go of these issues for now. The characters were diverse and well-developed, the function of the Library of Alexandria was both interesting and sinister, and the writing was thoroughly engaging.

If the second book can expand and flesh out more of the world building and design, I'll be completely smitten with this trilogy. I hope it can live up to such an impressive beginning to the series.

My rating hesitates between 4 and 5 stars. Despite my qualms, this book is worth five stars just for being such a joy to read and become involved in its world. With a more critical eye, the weak spots in world building can knock of a star, leaving me unsure which way to lean, but in the end, enjoyment has my favor

4.5 Stars - Original Review at 125Pages.com

Ink and Bone is a spectacle of awesomeness. I really enjoy Rachel Caine, I have her Weather Warden, Outcast Season and Morganville Vampires series and have enjoyed them all. So when I heard she was starting a new series I grabbed the first book. Then I didn’t read it for three months, and now I am sad I waited so long to read it but happy that it pushed me a few months closer to book two (Paper and Fire). The world built was rich and dynamic and oh so captivating. Set in a world where the great library of Alexandria was never destroyed; it instead is the leading power. The Great Library pushes down what it considers subversive thought and controls all of the knowledge. Books are not allowed to be privately owned and strict punishment is handed down to those who are caught owning and running illegal books. Jess, the lead, is deeply conflicted and torn between his family and his future and is a character you can truly root for. The characters were vibrant and detailed, even the ones you know are going to end up as cannon fodder. The plot was very inventive and full of action. A lot of first in a series books are so focused on world building that they are light on the action and this was not the case. I was very glad that Ink and Bone was not a cookie cutter dystopian YA novel; it was a fresh take on an alternate time line and it was great.

First, when I requested this book there wasn't series information about it anywhere (at least not that I found), so I thought (silly, I know) that it was a stand-alone book. That thought probably had some effect on my final feelings and thoughts about this story.

This cover is gorgeous, beautiful, and works with the story. I'd love to see it in person and see if it has the texture that the image implies. Once seeing it and finding out that the story revolved around the Library at Alexandria surviving...I couldn't *not* request it.

And I'm glad I did. It gets off to a bit of a slow start, with a lot of things that confused me. There's names for people that do things that aren't really explained (you do start to get the feel for them as you get further in the story), and you're kind of tossed right in. Normally I like that. Here...well, it didn't work as well for me. The beginning felt slow. It was setting up the world and story, I know, but a lot of it simply doesn't make sense to me.

For example, in one of the earliest scenes in the book we find out that books are contraband. Owning a printed (hand-copied) book is illegal. So, of course, there's a flourishing black-market trade for them. Jess is the son of one of these black-market book experts, and because of that he's a 'runner.' Which basically means that he transports the books from his family's interests to the purchasers'. The problem I had with this is that he was RUNNING everywhere to do this. Not only that, but they run in a pack - like wild animals. Huh? Doesn't anyone understand that running draws attention to yourself? And running with a large group of other kids draws even MORE attention? Pretty damn good way to get the Garda after you, don'tcha think? Illogical actions didn't make me have a lot of faith in the author to make things more logical.

Fortunately, for me, she did manage to pull it around and I started to have faith in the storytelling and the characters' actions. The story is fascinating. A library - those that are supposed to allow knowledge to be at the worlds' fingertips - is actually oppressing ideas, progress and knowledge. I still have a little trouble with the premise, but it all comes down to power. Who has it, who wants to keep it, and what they're willing to do to meet those ends. The fact of the matter is that the Library is willing to do anything to keep their power. And that's exactly what the postulants - including Jess - start to learn as they're competing for positions inside the Library itself.

I definitely enjoyed this book. The story moved at a good pace, there was a lot of variety of places and things happening. There's definitely diversity in characters and world. There's a small romance (one that moved a bit too quickly for me even if it wasn't the main focus of the story). There's friendships that I hope stand the test of what's to come. And we're settled right on the cusp of change.

What I didn't love so much was the simplicity of things. Simplicity is maybe the wrong word, but instead of shocking with well placed hints and drawing out the revelations, they were almost shoved in my face immediately. I had no chance to speculate and be surprised by anything because it was all revealed almost as soon as it was a thought. And while that's not necessarily a bad thing, it did disappoint me a bit.

I did mention that I wasn't aware this was part of a series, so when I got to nearly 90% of the book and realized there was no way it was going to be able to wrap up satisfactorily...well I was irritated. I don't mind "cliff-hangers", or multi-part series. I enjoy them, and read quite a few of them (KMM, I'm still looking at you for ruining years of my life waiting on the next books in the Fever series). But this one just kind of stops. It's not a cliff-hanger. It's not a 'OMG! What's going to happen next?!' moment. It's just ... done. And while I *do* want to know what happens in the next book, I'm not anxious and on the edge of my seat for it.

That being said, I *am* going to be putting the next book on my list. I do hope there are some surprises in store for me (and all of the characters), and that - I can't believe I'm saying this: I get to see the Library fall.

In a world where books are religion.
What would have happened if the Library of Alexandria never burned down? That is the daydream of every hardcore book lover. This books give a very intriguing glimpse of what that world might have looked like.
The Library controls all access to knowledge, protects all original copies, and shares that wealth of knowledge with the world "unbiasedly", because of their control black market original books are very desirable. This is where we meet Jess who is the son of a predominant black market dealer. When his father finds out Jess doesn't have the heart to take over the family business he sends him to school, this is where we learn he qualifies for tryouts for one of the worlds most Elite jobs in The Library.
With a collection of others students they are put to the test, only 6 positions are available. The competition is cut throat as they delve deeper into the actual world of The Library. They make discoveries and start to question whether The Library truly stands for the greater good of humanity or for the papers they hold sacred.

It took a little while to get back into the mindset of reading a book about books, but once I was in it I found myself absorbed into the world! This is a book that ends on a cliff hanger which I normally don't enjoy, so I am looking forward to getting my hands on books 2.

Updated 6/20/2016

I listened to the Audible version of Ink & Bone (just a heads up)!

I honestly thought I'd love the book from the first page, considering it's blurb, but as time went on I began to regret using a credit to get this book. I mean, there's only so much exposition and "telling" I can stand; trust me, I can stand a lot! Maybe that patience is rooted in the strong beginning of this book, maybe even the hope that it would shape up, but that hope was misguided...

Until the last 45 minutes of the book.

Yes, this book went from a 2/3 star book to a 4 star book in 20 minutes! I was disenchanted with his book after being promised one thing in the blurb, and then delivering a completely different thing in the actual book. This is common these days, the publishing switch and bait, but I've never seen one this blatant (or maybe I have, but I can't remember at the moment).

A story filled with random deaths, shoddy world building and lack of substance turned into a masterpiece right as the book ended!

So let's break down my "stars":

1 star for such an original concept.

1 star for Thomas who grew on me!

1 star for Wolf, who was annoying, but amazingly multi-faceted.

1 star for female characters that are strong and capable.

1 star for an ending that saved the ENTIRE book!

I HIGHLY recommend this book if you're interested in An Ember in the Ashes (I didn't finish that book, but this book does remind me of it), Shadow & Bone, and Snow Like Ashes!

This is the first book I've read by Rachel Caine and I picked it up as a filler for something to read while waiting for the sequel to my new favorite series to come out--and without warning this went right up there as one of my favorite new series! Stories involving magic interwoven with a modern setting (whether alternate or real) tend to be hit or miss, but this is one you DO NOT want to miss! The book picks up really quickly with a unique, original plot that keeps you on the edge, rooting for the beloved main character. Even the so called "side characters" tug on your heart strings as you get involved with their past, talents, dreams and aspirations--all without slowing down the exhilarating main storyline.

Just when you think you have everyone and everything figured out due to what you learn about the Great Library of Alexandria, sudden plot twists will leave you smiling and ready to read more! The mysterious natural magic that can be unlocked within the pages of authentic, original books is captivating and extremely tastefully done. I also want to point out that this book does not use an excessive amount of unnecessary foul language, which can be extremely annoying like some other books in the genre.

The ending was amazing and left me totally ready to pre-order the sequel that comes out this year: Paper and Fire! The Great Library Series all starts with this book, Ink and Bone, and is definitely tied for top spot as my new favorite series. As a guy who was originally unsure if he'd enjoy this series by an author with so many chick/vampire novels, I can honestly say I'm glad I discovered Rachel Caine's newest work. Read this book, you will not be disappointed!

Rachel Caine never ceases to amaze with the vivid realistic and sometimes horrific worlds that she creates.

Ink and Bone is one such world. Terrifying and imaginative, dangerous, and astonishing, the futuristic world that Caine came up with is not only beautiful descriptive but every bit as imaginative and believable as I have come to expect from her writing.

Even with a slightly slow start, it didn't take me long to become immersed in the story and into the very heart of the city and library itself.

I love the very futuristic but yet archaic world that Caine created. Like I said, it was both so believable and fantastic that is was hard not to get swept up in the story and very diverse cast of characters.

I devoured this book, way more than I was expecting but right up with my hopes that it would be everything all the reviews I read said it would be. I was no in the least bit disappointed.

So many emotions while reading this, especially towards the end and while this didn't necessarily end on a cliffhanger, it did leave the reader wanting more and eager for the next book. I will be on edge waiting for it. I can't wait to jump back into this world.

I have had such a good a feeling about this book since I read the synopsis way back when in January! I have been drooling over the cover since then. My lovely friend Amber traded me her arc and I was thrilled! I would also like to thank Penguin/NAL for sending me a finished copy since it was one of the most gorgeously designed covers I have ever seen! This unique piece of literature ended up being all I wanted and some.

I was a bit hesitant at first since the story begins with a young boy running a dangerous errand. I was concerned it would be another tale about the struggling orphan forced to steal to get by in life. I am very pleased that after the initial opening scene, the book then jumps forward to Jess Brightwell’s teen years. The pacing takes a bit to pick up with most of the early book describing Jess’s family business which happens to be book smuggling. Personal ownership of books is a huge no no! All knowledge is held by the Great Library. Through a mixture of alchemy, books are “mirrored” onto each person’s “blank” which in my head was something like an ipad. Only approved material can be shared and everything is monitored by the Scholars, those who work for the Library itself. The belief is that knowledge in the wrong hands could be dangerous. Oh and if you get out of line, each daughter library has these crazy automaton guards that look a bit like this and are powered with more alchemy.

lion robot

Jess is an amazing character. He is extremely clever and willful yet, smart enough to also pick and choose his battles. He has a major struggle with the moral dilemma of keeping with the family business of smuggling books since he knows that can sometimes be delivered into the wrong hands, or with actually doing striving at being a postulant and eventually gaining employment by Great Library. That is if he can make is through the daunting schooling.

Cain masterfully tackles the touchy subject of the power of control by cleverly entwining it with an alternate reality. She answers the daunting questions of what would happen if the freedom of knowledge was taken from us. There are multiple missives throughout this book that are written by great historical figures and some prominent Scholars. They provide the perfect amount of insight to the corruption that is going on behind the scenes. The supporting cast is also quite brilliant. Each comes from a different background and their personal beliefs not alone lend how they were raised but also gives some major context clues into what the future holds for them. Like all my favorite books, nothing is quite black and white, they are many shades of gray.

There is nothing that falls short in this book! The setting is incredible, the characters are multifaceted and intriguing, the plot behind everything is enough to get your wheels turning. Please I beg you to read this and I dare you not to love it!

Title: Ink and Bone

Author: Rachel Caine

Age Group: Teen/Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Great Library, book one

Star Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

Can you imagine a world, in which the Great Library of Alexandria didn't get razed to the ground?

I'd like to start this review with simply this: I've never in my life imagined a world in which a library could be a bad thing. This book scared the crap out of me. I couldn't imagine living in Caine's brutal, frightening world, and yet.. I could. I imagined myself in Jess's place, smuggling precious books across a beautiful, frightening version of Alexandria, populated by automatons and Scholars, who scour the huge metropolis of the city, sniffing out books the way rats sniff out food.

This book was like something out of a dream, and honestly, I loved it. Every frightening, emotional moment of it. The worldbuilding was excellent, near flawless, and the prose seduced me from the first page. This book is nothing less than a triumph, especially for those, like me, who sometimes have an unhealthy obsession with books, and words.

One of the reasons it was so compelling was because I could picture myself in this brutal, terrible world, in which words and printed paper are worth more than a human life. The book begins with Jess Brightwell, a book smuggler, struggling to make a place in a cutthroat family, whose war against the hold of the Library, is more important than lives. Jess gets sent by his own father into the Library's stronghold, where he begins to learn the secrets of the organization.

Unfortunately, Jess's love for words has him caught between a rock and a hard place, as the secrets and danger that the life of a Postulant of the Library begin to mount. Forced into a corner, Jess has no idea where or to whom his loyalties lie, and he and his fellow students must decide to bend to the power of the Library, or find their own way, and fight for their own future.

The characters of this novel were compelling and real; Jess especially was my favorite. From the brutal Scholars (including the proctor, Wolfe, who clearly has more than meets the eye), to the students themselves: gorgeous Khalifa, snarky, entitled Dario, sweet, gentle Thomas, the German giant, Glain, the harsh Welshwoman who is fierce and fiery, as per her heritage, and Morgan, who, like Jess, is hiding secrets of her own.

The only real problem I had with this novel was just that there wasn't any more of it. Could I have the sequel, please? Right about now? I can't wait! The bottom line: A thrilling departure from Caine's popular hit Morganville Vampires series, Ink and Bone is a promising, hard-hitting debut, that is a true tribute to lovers of words--I need more! Next on deck: Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson!

I am in love with Egypt. I have been in love with Egypt for ages. At least since the first or second time I watched Anne Baxter, Yul Brenner and Charlton Heston waltz across my parent's television on the night before Easter. MOSES! MOSES! MOSES!

I can tell you a brief history of Akhenaten, and Hepshesut. Or about how I nearly refused to finish Margaret George's Memoirs of Cleopatra because I didn't want to lose Cleo. Or about that time I nearly missed my flight in Detroit because of my concern for Princess Selene. Needless to say I have high expectations for my Egyptian Historical Fiction.

I was excited when I was approved for Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine via the Penguin FirstToRead program. Cait over at PaperFury.com alerted me to this book and I knew from the cover and description that I had to get my grubby little hands on this book. Egypt...magic...intrigue and the Great Library! OOOOO!

I was not disappointed with Ink and Bone. I was sucked in from the first pages of the story which provide a glimpse into the world the might exist if the Great Library in Alexandra may have survived its unfortunate demise. This book "forced" me to stay up late to finish it. The last few chapters are gut wrenching, revelatory and the perfect setup for a sequel.

Most bookworms believe that the loss of the Great Library in Alexandra is once of the greatest tragedies mankind may have ever experienced. However, in Caine's world, the Library welds power over the people and governments that might make readers thankful that the Library did not survive. As I read, I was questioned if there should be a single source for all knowledge. I marvel at the wonders of what I can find on the internet and how we openly share what we know and love. The good and bad of everything is available for all who are willing to search and participate in the conversation. But what if all of that was gone? What if that smart phone or eReader you carry only gave you access to books and knowledge sanctioned by the Library? *queue the freakout*

There is so much more I want to say, but I don't want to spoil the book. This book is definitely for fans of historical fiction, but it does take place in the future. This book is for lovers of steampunk as the future world exists in sort of a Victorian Era (it's starts in grimy London!). This book is for bookworms and lovers of knowledge as the questions it asks do lead to great discussions. You have to get your hands on Ink and Bone. It's an excellent adventure that asks some deep questions about how the world does and should share knowledge.

The Big Picture:

I admit that I'm a little disappointed. I thought this book would be extravagant. I mean...look at what it has. Books? Check. Awesome magic and alchemy? Check. Friendship? Check. Family? Check. A MC who is a THIEF? Check.
So where did it go wrong?
I felt like the MC could have had more to him. He was an average, intelligent guy. He was a jack of all trades. Which was terrible for him really.
The first half of the plot was lacking. It was mostly training, and I thought it was dull. The second half was more interesting with more action scenes and more tension.
The romance wasn't really needed. It was cute, though, to my utter surprise.
The world building was a bit lacking, but the world was creative and unique.
The friendships made me smile. The bond between all the Postulants was admirable and sweet.
By the end, I started to long for the sequel. And I wanted to find out what happens to Jess and Morgan and everyone else.
Travel Companion:

If we traveled with the main character Jess Brightwell, he would be:
The Scholar

He would be reading books and writing research papers for his classes at some nationally-recognized university. He would be on the track for a research position at a university or a teaching position. He would work at a bookstore on the weekends, but he wouldn't be the best at the job because he would mostly just sit and read.
We would meet him in a library. He would accidentally trip one of us. He would apologize, of course. We would join him for lunch, his treat. He would describe his research. We would ask him to join, and he would join because he wanted to explore and research the world first-hand.

Jess wasn't anyone special. I felt like he was average. Sure, he was smart. Sure, he was kind. But he wasn't extraordinary like Thomas or Khalila. He was pretty ordinary. I felt like I could be Jess. I felt like anyone could be Jess. Smart but not extremely so. He was kind. I didn't mind that. He treated his friends well. And he had a determined spirit that wouldn't back down from a challenge. (Sounds like Barney Stinson to me.）Some will love Jess. I didn't.
The one thing I liked about Jess was his past. His thieving past. It was interesting, and his family connections got him in and out of trouble during his time as a Postulant. His knowledge from those days changed things. I felt like Jess was sneaky. It made me a little intrigued to see what he would do with his connections.

Read more at http://booksinmysuitcase.blogspot.hk/2015/07/review-ink-and-bone-by-rachel-caine.html

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine is the first in a new YA fantasy/sci-fi exploring the possibility of the Library of Alexandria surviving past the modern day and into 2030! Ink and Bone ended up being much darker than I was expecting, but it is full of adventure, diversity, friendship, and cool technology too :D. If you’re looking for a fun new series to start and can’t resist the siren’s call of The Library of Alexandria, go get yourself a copy!
Note: I received an advanced copy of Ink and Bone from the publisher. Some things may have changed in the final version.

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine (The Great Library #1)
Published by NAL on July 7th, 2015
Genres: Fantasy, Genre-bender, YA
Length: 368 pages
How I got my copy: NetGalley

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 he 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.…
4 Stars

Strengths:
The world of Ink and Bone is not at all what I was expecting and therefore I loved it ;-). Ink and Bone sort of defies a genre category because it has a fantasy feel, but there are also tablets and e-readers that work with “alchemy” which is NOT magic, but is pretty close :-P. The world of Ink and Bone is also not nearly as nice as you might expect the Library of Alexandria to be, though if you look at their habits historically, it does rather fit.
Ink and Bone has some great friendships. The story follows a favorite set-up of kids starting at a school and of course making new friends before going off on an unexpected adventure, but I really liked the positivity that filled the relationships between the students, even the ones who didn’t particularly like each other.
There are a lot of dark secrets to discover in Ink and Bone, both from the Library of Alexandria and pretty much every student it seemed. I was quickly hooked trying to figure out what was true and what was deception all around.
Ink and Bone does have a bit of romance, but it is delightfully slow and subtle and lets the plot continue to do its thing. This is just the way I like my romances in a series because now I’m excited to see where things continue to go in book two!
The diversity in Ink and Bone is really awesome to see. There are students from all over the world, including a Muslim girl who scored top of the entrance exam. There is also a homosexual romance that takes a bit to become clear, but once it was confirmed I just wanted to run up and hug the characters ;-).
The ending of Ink and Bone is one that has a solid conclusion but nicely sets up for the sequel so you will be preordering it as soon as it appears! This will be a great series to binge-read I’m sure.

Weaknesses:
Ink and Bone’s pacing confused me a bit because the climax is a bit early and then the ending that seems like it should have been the actual climax fizzled in comparison. Once things started wrapping up, it just felt like everything dragged since we already knew the major resolutions but still had a decent chunk of reading to get through.
From Ink and Bone’s cover, I honestly thought it was middle grade (and it sounds like a lot of people have gotten a similar impression). It is NOT middle grade. Ink and Bone tackles some pretty serious issues such as suicide and war zones and there are a number of deaths. I foresee some parents being rather surprised at the content since I’ve been seeing it in the young juvenile fiction sections….

Summary:
Ink and Bone is a great start to a new series featuring the Library of Alexandria, though not what you probably imagine! While it is darker than I expected, once you know what to expect, Ink and Bone is an addictive adventure with great characters and a very cool world. Be prepared to be dying for the sequel as soon as you finish ;-).

I work at a library, which is why this book drew my attention.

In Ink and Bone, the library rules the world. No governments or politics. It's the Great Library that holds the only books and is present in every major city. They govern the flow of knowledge that the people obtain. Once just can't go out and buy a book anymore. Jess Brightwell's family are book smugglers, an illegal black market trader where original rare copies of books are bought secretly. Jess's father is a grumpy angry man and his twin brother is shy and stays in the shadows. It's Jess that his father sends to the Great Library to spy and he couldn't be more thrilled with helping the cause and being around so many books. Soon Jess finds that those that control the Library will do anything to keep hold of the wealth of knowledge and power, even if that means killing.

The first couple of pages are suspenseful and the reader gets the idea that the Library is in control. You can't help but worry for Jess.

The book is written in third person following Jess through his trials as a spy. Jess is intelligent and you can't help but like ably who loves books! He grows throughout the book and has to make difficult decisions. There are other students who play a role in this book. There is slight romance in the book. For most of the book it's not there. The romance is not a plot mover or the main focus, which I like. Sometimes romance can drag the story but this subtle romance was refreshing. No love triangles!

The world building was fantastic. I could visualize the setting and characters right away. There wasn't too much info dumping that kept the story down. There was just a right amount that gave enough information of the world.

The plot was somewhat slow but dark. I found that sometimes I would put the book down and pick it up later. But I'm glad I kept reading. There are plenty of twist and turns. I recommend this read because it's such a different type of book. And a book about books is definitely one that should be read!

Thank you NAL for the review copy. In no way did this affect my opinion.

Disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like if the Library of Alexandria was still around and was a great power today? Imagine a library with so much control, that they determined what information and knowledge was for public consumption. And the unthinkable, that it was illegal to own physical, original printed books. Well, that is exactly what Ink and Bone is…in a nutshell.

The year is 2031 and it is illegal to own books. Instead, the public is all given ‘blanks’ a book with exactly that, blank pages that are filled with texts using alchemy. With the outlawing of original book possession, it has become an expensive commodity thus the upsurge of the black market for it; which brings us to our main character, Jess Brightwell a 16-year-old runner A.K.A book smuggler. Jess has been running books since he was 10, and now at the age of 16 his father think his usefulness to the family has come to an end and the only way he can still be beneficial to the family is if he gets a job…inside the Great Library of Alexandria. After taking a test, Jess wins a spot to be among the 30 candidates to fill 1 of 6 library positions. In order to snag an once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity, Jess and the other contenders are given a series of test and missions till the numbers dwindles down. It is during his teaching and training that Jess finds himself conflicted between his family and his love of books and that the Library of Alexandria isn’t as altruistic and magnanimous as it seems.

This is my first Caine book, and all I can really say is WOW. The book design, the title, the setting, the story, the characters...are all just perfect. When I first read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book. But I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. The idea is very unique and nothing like anything I’ve ever read before and it just blew me away at how utterly amazing it was! There were so many things to love about the world building; from the concept of blanks and alchemy, a codex in which all citizen are ‘encouraged’ to write in daily to document their every waking moment so that they’re immortalized when they past and their codex are housed within the library, a resistance group dubbed burners because they make it their mission to burn originals…I can go on and on. Then there’s the location, how cool is it that it’s set in Egypt of all places?! And in a Library! This is a book lover’s dream come true…this book! Caine did an excellent job at describing the hot and humid landscape of Egypt and the lush details of what the Library of Alexandria might have look like with its many rooms and hidden chambers. I was enchanted with it all.

On top of all that awesomeness we have going on, there are the characters. Jess is a great main protagonist; I was instantly drawn to Jess when readers first meet 10-year-old Jess running through the streets of London smuggling the most important book in the world. Jess is pragmatic, clever, honest and a leader sort of veiled as an underdog. That last bit might sounds weird or confusing but that’s the best I can describe Jess. What I mean is, anyone can see early on that Jess comes from the poorer side of London. The test needed to get to the Library of Alexandria is usually only possible for the upper-class rich folks but then again Jess’s father own the territory on book smuggling….so it definitely didn’t come cheap in securing him a test spot. And comparing Jess to his fellow postulates he was seriously lacking in the hierarchy and education department. While he was being groomed in the family business, other kids were getting prepared for a position in the library. But like I said, Jess may be lacking in status but he’s a natural born leader, which will become more evident as he progresses through the library-life challenges. As Jess learns the way of the library, the truth about the library, and the misconception about Burners; he begins to question everything he thought he knew…and readers will see his character develop greatly by the end of the book. Then there’s the supporting cast. Jess is surrounded by very strong and fully fleshed out characters that made lasting impressions from: Khalila, an intelligent poised girl that has a making of a Scholar, Glain whom I’d call G.I. Jane, Dario the obnoxious roommate, Thomas the gentle giant, Morgan the mysterious, and my most favorite character of all, Proctor Wolfe whom is always dour and oh, so misunderstood. I don’t want to say too much about Wolfe but he was constantly surprising me throughout the book and the ending revelation…was like whoa, that's his family!

I’ve mentioned this before; those that follow the blog know how picky I am when it comes to the YA genre. I don’t read many YA for that reason, and if you noticed, only 25% of the books I review are YA. I’m very selective when I choose to read/review a Young Adult book. So, it is with great pleasure to say that my expectations of Ink and Bone were beyond exceeded. Ink and Bone is by far the best Young Adult novel I’ve read all year and the most imaginative YA I’ve read in a very, very long time. I wasn’t a fan of Caine before, but after Ink and Bone…I absolutely am now and will be checking her back-list! I highly recommend this book to everyone…all you book lovers out there; you need to pre-order this book A.S.A.P! I ‘m already dying for the next book…and this book isn’t even out yet! Read it, you won’t regret it!

Ink and Bone is an exhilarating, brilliantly crafted read that will grab you by the throat and not let go. The world of Rachel Caine’s Great Library is both beautiful and sinister, a place where knowledge seems free but costs the ultimate price, where the shining example of mankind’s greatest achievements hides a rot that has spread for millennia.

In the world of Ink and Bone, the Great Library of Alexandria was never destroyed. It now operates as its own powerful entity, separate and above nations, with a Serapeum in every major city. People are free to download books instantly, but they can never own them. The Library controls the dissemination of knowledge, stifling progress through deadly forms of censorship. Few truly see the rot within, but those who do are considered terrorists who must be eliminated.

Jess Brightwell comes from a family of black market book dealers. He loves learning, loves books, and when he’s sent to train to be in service to the library, he’s thrilled. Even knowing he’s meant to be a spy to help the family business doesn’t do much to derail his excitement. But from the first moment of his training, Jess can see that all is not right in Alexandria. I absolutely loved uncovering the secrets of the Library alongside Jess. A world where libraries are everywhere and knowledge is easily accessible sounds amazing, doesn’t it? But what if those in power from the start decided that humanity had to be guided, to be told what to learn. What if innovation was carefully monitored and things we take for granted – like the printing press – were destroyed before they could be shown to the world? Ms. Caine asks all these questions and more. Each step of Jess’s journey has surprises, and each new facet of the Library uncovered is intriguing. I hesitate to say too much about the plot of Ink and Bone because so much of what I loved about the story was watching the twists and turns of the book unfold. Suffice it to say that Ink and Bone never lacks for intense action coupled with emotional punches that will resonate with readers.

Though Ms. Caine’s gorgeous worldbuilding would make Ink and Bone well worth the read on its own, it’s the characters who are the heart of the story, the ones who take the tale from excellent to exceptional. Jess is a smart, cautious teenager who ages before his time right before our very eyes. His intelligence, inner strength, and caring make him a compelling hero, one who is easy to root for. Jess is our eyes and ears in the Library, but his fellow postulants are just as engaging. Ink and Bone is a culturally diverse novel, which adds richness and depth to the world and makes the characters all the more interesting and unique. Khalila’s incredible brilliance, Morgan’s quiet bravery, Thomas’s inventiveness, Glain’s straightforwardness, Guillame’s secrets, and even Dario’s tempestuousness drew me to them, keeping me on the edge of my seat as each of them faces danger alongside Jess. It’d be remiss of me not to mention the two adults who play the biggest roles in their lives. Niccolo Santi, a High Garda commander, is as loyal as they come and will risk anything for those he cares about. And then there’s Scholar Christopher Wolfe, the postulants’ teacher, a mysterious man who seems cold and calculating, but is no two-dimensional authority figure. Wolfe just might be my favorite character in the book; the more I learned about him, the more compelling the story became. The intertwining relationships of all these characters makes Ink and Bone shine. Where the Library is cold, hard reason, they are life, emotion, and hope.

Love, friendship, and tested loyalties complement the action in Ink and Bone, making it a truly well-rounded story. The only problem I had with the book is that I finished it wanting to know what happens next. The Library must change, but will Jess and his friends live long enough to see that happen? I can only hope so, for Ms. Caine definitely keeps you guessing. I absolutely loved Ink and Bone and I cannot wait to see where Ms. Caine takes our beloved heroes next!

Kimberly
Review courtesy of Wit and Sin

Caine always delivers an amazing story and fascinating characters but she truly wowed with Ink and Bone. An alternative history with the stunning setting of the Library of Alexandria. A group of young teens put through the paces in hopes of becoming the next generation to protect The Library and all of the world's original written works. It's full of scary new beginnings, trials, death and hope. It's one you really must read since I don't think any review would do it justice. But I shall try. So. 5 reasons you need to read this book. Posthaste.

1. For starters...the concept. This is an alternative history where a library burned taking thousands or original works with it. So The Library (yes capitalized) was put into place to protect all original written works from disasters, war, accidents, etc and to make all of the knowledge in those pages available to the world via "blanks". Think e-readers and how ebooks are loaned. An amazing concept of cherishing words and ensuring they're protected. But it all went horribly wrong as years passed and the concept was taken to twisted extremes. It's illegal to own an original book. They belong to The Library. They have soldiers that will do anything to get those books out of the hands of the individual and into the safety of The Library. You can be fined, jailed or worse if you're found with a real book. They also eliminate or hide anything that could compromise The Library as it stands now. Any thoughts they deem a threat are quickly eliminated.

There's unrest and a divided too with The Library who is pretty much on a power trip, smugglers who trade in black market books and Burners who would rather burn books or die than let The Library have them. It's a dangerous world.

2. The setting. Holy freaking make a reader girl pant! The Library of Alexandria. It didn't burn! It's the center of...everything and where the kids are training, where every original book is protected, etc. I've not read one set in Egypt and while it wasn't discussed at length you got the feel of it. The buildings, the heat, etc.

3. The characters were fantastic. A group of young kids who have come to train and compete for acceptance into service with The Library as scholars, guards, etc. Thousands applied, 30 tested, 6 spots available. A Scholar there to test them. I loved the characters. They're from all different countries and lifestyles. They're each others competition but also their only comfort. Grueling days and the constant fear of being eliminated and then when things leave the classroom a very real fear of death as they're sent into a war zone in the name of The Library. Their instructor was a hard man that had hidden sides to him and that really grew on me. The guarda who helped train them. I really just loved them as a group. They're not ones to get attached to though. Not if you can help it because there are forces inside the library that have sinister intentions where they're concerned.

4. It's dark. This is NOT an easy light read. It's dark and twisted and gritty. These kids are put through a horrible experience. There's bloody brutal war, deaths, betrayals and manipulations. They went in innocence and shiny but day after day their training beat that out of them and slowly see the ugly side of The Library. The part that's taken over the original concept and tainted it. One that stifles and controls instead of flourishing and encouraging original thought. It was fascinating but not light and easy.

5. The ending. This one. Caine is known for her cliffhangers. Some are horrid (in an amazing way) but this one was mild from my experience with her. The storyline of their training and acceptance into service concludes but there's open threads that I can't wait to see play out as this group is scattered into their areas of service and hopefully will fight those who have turned The Library into the opposite of what it should be.

Caine has an incredible talent and a brilliant mind when it comes to creating stunningly unique worlds. Ink and Bone proved that once again. The concept, the location, the characters. This is a Young Adult—the kids are around 16ish—but it's very much a read for adults as well and one that should not be missed.

Ink and Bone is the first book in the new Great Library series and it is such an interesting premise, rewriting history in a way that is absolutely intense for anyone who truly loves the written word.

In this world, knowledge, or too much of it, is seen as almost a disease, the foundation of ruin if put in the wrong hands. It is the prevailing belief that too much knowledge can cause corruption so it must be contained and controlled, the function of the Great Library of Alexandria and its satellite libraries around the world. In keeping with that, it is illegal to own a physical copy of any book. The Great Library employs a paramilitary army that seeks out anyone that breaks that law, along with the help of automaton who will destroy anyone and anything in their path.

But this doesn't mean that ordinary people have no access to books. They do. Each person has what is called a blank on which they can read approved material, much like an e-book. In fact, knowledge is so important to the Library that each person is given journal in which they write everything about their own lives. At death, those journals are kept and maintained by the Library, an eternal record of that person's existance.

The protagonist of the story is Jess, a postulate new to the Library and coming from a questionable past. His family's livelihood is smuggling, the black market trade of books... people for whom the very organization he is now a part of is the enemy. He is torn, loving the written word and wanting it preserved for the future, but also understanding the value of having that knowledge available for everyone. The control of the Library is so complete that even the idea of mass production is considered heresy.

I love that books were given such significance in this world, expressed in the value not only the Library placed on them, but in the booming black market trade to own physical copies. The control of knowledge is horrifying to me and the extremes that the Library took to maintain that equally frightening. But the reality is that, although it was exaggerated and extreme in this book, this kind of attempted control is not a new concept even in our world. All the time, books are challenged in school systems and other institutions, calling for bans and removals from school reading lists.

My Recommendation: I loved this book so much! There were scary moments right along with the happy and funny moments. And it is a book that makes you think, which I love! A definite must-read for lovers of books and free access to them! I gave this 4.5 mugs!

This book had somewhat of a slow start, and the setting and new terminology took a little bit of work to keep up with, but the concept was brilliant! Caine developed what I imagine was probably just a fleeting thought (what if the Great Library of Alexandria had survived?) into a layered, complex world and culture. I found "Ink and Bone" to be thoroughly enjoyable, and full of good twists that were hinted at just enough that I started to catch on and they weren't out of the blue, but not too much that I could call the plot twists.
Caine also took this opportunity to discuss some really deep themes. Her teenage characters were believable, and many of them were strong women and accurately portrayed the variance that can exist between different people, especially in groups. The characters underwent character arcs, and, although I felt at times there were quite a few to keep track of, Caine handled it well. Each character had their own chance to grow in complexity, thus more realistic and relatable, which I appreciated.
I also love Caine's decision to include messages/letters between characters; they were a genius method of foreshadowing the plot and providing other subtle clues to conflicts yet to be explained.

Ink and Bone was such an awesome read. I loved everything about this book. Rachel Caine has created a world, set in 2025, in which The Great Library of Alexandria controls everything. There are no printed books, except in the daughter libraries, and the people can read only what the library allows them to. Everyone has a "codex," which to me sounded like a tablet, on which they communicate and read from. The Codex system was neat and I liked that aspect of the story.

It follows that in a world where printed books are scarce and tightly controlled (by magic, nonetheless!) that book smuggling would be a big deal. No, a huge deal. And Jess, our main character, well, his family are some of the greatest smugglers in London. But Jess has a secret: he loves books. He often reads the bound books before running them to their recipients. Jess steals away his own copies because he recognizes their value: not in dollars, but in history. He longs for a world where everyone can read 'real' books, whatever they want, not what The Library allows.

Considering all of this, Jess is a most unlikely candidate for Libarary service. And yet, he is selected after making a high score on his entrance exam. Jess and 29 other applicants make their way to Alexandria where only six of them will be chosen to become Library workers. And Jess is no ordinary trainee, he is expected to be a smuggler inside the Library. In fact, his father gives him a 'job' the same week he arrives in Alexandria.

Ink and Bone was so full of suspense. I loved the fact that I never knew what was going to happen next. The training had a Hunger Games feel to it: it was that intense. And the premise of the Library controlling everything was much more realistic than I'd expected. Ink and Bone was extremely thrilling and very hard to put down.

The characters were developed so perfectly. I loved that this was a longer book so I really got to know the characters well. I grieved the loss of certain characters (whether by elimination from the competition or death) right along with Jess.

I really loved Ink and Bone. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

To be one of the chosen few, to be a librarian is a gift. But being a librarian is not just about checking out book and filing book, it is about protecting the books at all costs and so much more. For Jess, this job is not what he expected his father to lean him towards, as his family’s activities tended to sway towards the opposite direction. Being a runner, Jess was used to eluding authorities as he smuggled books out to awaiting individuals who were willing to pay for original copies which his father supplied to him, as Jess was fast. Father had alterative motives for this assignment but Jess had to pass the tests before being admitted. Failure to do so and he would lose out on his future with both his family and this new position. As the subjects fail a lesson, they take a tile to see if their number will be called, it’s the luck of the draw and the numbers of subjects are dwindling. You have to keep your wits about you as the Proctor is a sly guy who really doesn’t want to be there. The confrontation between the subjects is part of the challenge as the subjects learn about how to be a successful librarian and how to manage themselves. Oh, it was so much easier being a librarian when you just had to stamp the books, read stories and shelf the materials. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this novel, the authors colorful descriptive words played with me as she moved the characters; I especially enjoyed their time in the war zone. The flies buzzing in my ears and rotting flesh underneath my feet made me more than ready to close out that chapter and get the characters behind the gate. “Just one more book!” I found myself chanting to the characters as I leaned over my own book reading the words as fast as they could come, urging the characters because we all know this works.

INK AND BONE is one of those books I always wanted, but I never knew it until I read it. There are so many good ideas and it’s such a great story that I’m still thinking about INK AND BONE a month after finishing it. With the amount of books I read, about 20 per month, it’s rare that a book sticks with me.

Jess lives in a world where owning personal copies of books is illegal. The Great Library has survived since the days of Alexandria and now exists in every city. The Library controls access to book and knowledge, functioning with as much power as a country. Jess’s family makes a living selling books on the black market, and seeing an opportunity, his father sends him to the Library, with the intent of having a spy on the inside.

But joining the Library isn’t that easy. There are 32 postulants and 6 available spots. The competition is fierce and dangerous. Jess must navigate a murky world, one where disagreeing with the Library’s policies and politics can be deadly. For example, when Jess is in the middle of a war zone, he could call on his family connections to survive, but doing so would expose his book smuggling background. What to do?

Imagine the greatest texts of the world surviving through the centuries thanks to the Library. But at the same time, imagine the same Library controlling which of those texts the public can see. Imagine a world where you can’t own your own books. It’s every book lover’s nightmare, right?

Rachel Caine explores those ideas and others in INK AND BONE. It’s a very thinky book, but enjoyably so. Jess’s time as a postulant for the Library is the best sort of dangerous adventure, one that’s fun to read but left me thinking. I cannot wait to return to the world the author’s created — bring on the next book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I picked this up because Rachel Caine's The Great Library series is supposed to be somewhat similar to Genevieve Cogman's Invisible Library series. I was not disappointed. It was a totally lovely journey. We get to know our ensemble cast on the Hogwarts Express, meeting the sour McGonagall/Snape character once we arrive in Alexandria. Wolfe is tyrannical, yes, but he's also really knowledgeable. Doing experiments with Santi is really good. I liked the twists and turns, and I read all the subsequent books when I had finished.

I both love and hate this book for a number of different reasons. The hated stems more from how much Rachel Caine made me care for her characters and the horrible situations they find themselves in. They are all beautifully crafted and well-rounded to the point that they really do seem like someone you've met before.

The book opens with our hero Jess running through the streets of London in order to deliver an illegal manuscript. In this alternate reality, the Great Library is the ruling governmental force providing protection, education, and knowledge to its population. The catch? It is forbidden to personally own a copy of a book. That makes the blackmarket of this world rife with first edition books and illegal copies of well known and obscure literary works.

The Library controls all personal copies of books but allows for the "downloading" of literary works onto devices known as Blanks. That's all well and good but for some it isn't enough. That's where Jess's family of underground book runners come into play. Not being cut out for the shady side of the family business, Jess is sent to complete the training necessary to become an acolyte of the Library. In doing so, he'll be able to gain access to any books the Library may come across and redirect them towards his family.

As all Jess wants to be able to continue to read and learn, this is a fantastic opportunity. Until it isn't. When knowledge is power, those who have it will do anything to keep it. The Great Library is hiding something and unfortunately Jess finds himself right in the thick of it.

This world is amazingly complex and truly hurts my heart at times. It definitely has a bit of a 1984 "big brother is watching" vibe that disturbs me as much as it intrigues me. There were honestly a few times where I needed to stop reading so I could fully process what was happening. The moral dilemmas presented and various subplots drive this book along beautifully. I can't wait to get my hands on book 2.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.

What a interesting and incredibly unique world! When I read the blurb for this new series, I knew I would have to read it as I fell in love with the premise. What's even better than a really interesting premise? When the book more than lives up to it. It's a dystopian world revolving around the Library having all the power and control. It's a truly horrifying concept, the idea that books could be limited. Reading this book made me truly appreciate the freedom to read that we have. Between that and the fact that I love a good dystopian read, I was really hooked from the start.

I really enjoyed Jess's character and how much he grew even over the short course of the book. He's rather lost, and trying to balance responsibilities and loyalties. Everyone in his entire life has always used him, and while he's trying to carve his own path, he still has so many tethers tying him down and pulling him in different directions. It's really admirable how well he's held up and I couldn't help rooting for him from the very start. I can't wait to see how he grows even more over the series as I predict he will become a force to be reckoned with.

After reading INK AND BONE, I'm happy to report that Rachel Caine has kicked off her new series with a bang. You have a great cast of characters, an incredible premise, stellar world building, and a great plot. In fact, the only thing keeping me from rating this a full five stars is a bit of pacing issues, but otherwise a fantastic read. If you're looking for something fresh and unique that will suck you in from the start, look no further than INK AND BONE.

I tore through this story, not quickly, but with this hunger to be in the middle of Jess's world, to be inside his head and know the people around him. From the beginning your heart will pound. Even as a young kid his introspection crawled into my heart and took over. The world is an alternative here-and-now with this all-seeing, all-knowing Library that controls all information, even controls how, when, and where you have access to it. You can imagine not everyone liked that plan for society. So there are your activists, the Burners. Then you have the black market traders who like that plan because it's their bread and butter. The idealists are a danger to everyone, especially themselves. The bad guys range in degree. But throughout there was this creeping dread that no one had it right yet. The Burners have some thoughts on the right track, but mostly they are a bunch of crazies. The Library scholars live in golden towers far removed from the real world. The young idealists who desperately want to become scholars fight to serve the Library, but fight even harder to hold onto their long held vision of an ideal run amuck.

Rachel Caine's Ink and Bone had a very Orwellian vibe all the way down to the feeling that this could have been performed over the radio with static and voices that drew you in. There was also a steampunk slash hopeless dystopian feel. The world building was phenomenal. The characters will be with me...forever. I'm hooked.

I'm a bit of a bibliophile, so a book about books makes me giddy with excitement. However this story of an alternate timeline where the library at Alexandria never got destroyed is pretty much every dystopian YA book that's popular right now. You have your hero who skirts the law and goes to the capital to infiltrate the Library. The Library turns out to be censoring everything and rules with an iron fist. They even have a luxury high speed train from the capital (sound familiar?)The hero then....well I won't give it away in case you want to find out for yourself. I found myself disinterested, but forced myself to finish it in case it got better, it didn't. The plot is a bit predictable and the writing is short on details and descriptions, which makes it difficult to picture the characters, or the imaginary futuristic/steampunk setting. All in all, I'd say skip it.

First off... kudos for the author for bringing back the Library!! If you do not know what they means, read this story. Second, this book is one of the best I have read this year. In fact, I am so looking forward to book 2. Now that's been said... here is my review.

Imagine one of the greatest tragedies to befall books never happened... Instead this beautiful place has become a place of real magic and of a secret society Now comes the bad part... books are only owned by the Library and to own a book is illegal. What more is that the heretics value books and knowledge even more than humans... Maybe the Library surviving isn't such a great thing...

As I said before, this is a great book. Jess is our main character with a great personality and a passion for books that mirrors my own. His devotion to his friend is amazing and the twists and turns in the plot keep you up all night wondering what's in store for us next. One of the best series this year.... read read read.

Wonderfully brilliant this book takes us to a time and place in the not to far of future but where the Great Alexandrian Library was never destroyed. A place where the library controls all books, where knowledge is freely available, yet strictly controlled, and where to own private books, is against the law.
The main character Jess, is a black market book smuggler's son. when an opportunity to compete for a position as a scholar arises, Jess gets sent to compete for the position. Knowledge and books is something he's always loved, and with the burgeoning friendships he's making all should be good, except as he finds his true gifts he also uncovers dark secrets of the greatest and most revered institution in the world. Where those who control the library control everyone, and everyone is at risk when power corrupts those who believe books are more valuable than human life.
I found this book seriously addictive, and slightly scary as you can see this power happening, in the wrong hands. Rachael Caine is one of my favorite authors, and this book just proves why I adore her writing so much. I honestly can't wait for the next book in this sublimely brilliant brand new series.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! I thought it would take place in a stuffy library and be filled with hidden secrets and highly intellectual snobby people that would drag the story down, instead I got a story filled with lots of action, suspense and romance with a touch of steampunk thrown in. It has shades of the book Illuminae with it's scenes of war and heartbreak, this is not a fluffy fantasy. I highly anticipate reading the rest of this.
Pros: lots of suspense where I didn't know what was going to happen, a likable hero who isn't a saint, intrigue that makes you want more, relationships and friendships that you love, diversity
Cons: tons of info we still don't know yet so you will need to keep reading this is definitely not a stand alone, if you don't love books you won't get the drama of this, the Brightwell family is kind of an afterthought, the romance could have been developed more

I can't even explain how excited I was that Rachel came out with another book. I loved her Morganville Series beyond words. So naturally, I just had to read this book. And Rachel so did not disappoint with this one!

So Jess believes in the Library. The power in knowledge. He gets everything he knows from books, however they are illegal. You just can't own books and well, I just don't like that idea. Jess would love to be a part of the Library and once he gets in, things aren't going to be so easy. He's supposed to be there as a spy for the family, but Jess isn't exactly into the family business.

Well Jess gets accepted, and heads off. And things are so not what he expected. Yes knowledge is great, but at what cost? Is knowledge really more important than a human life? Well it is according to the Great Library.

This book brings everything you could expect. The writing is on point, the feels are there, the suspense, and just everything! Rachel's new series is awesome and I can't wait for the next book!

This is a great book. It is set in an alternate reality where all the world's knowledge is controlled by a Great Library. There is a mix of magic and a bit of steampunk to this worldbuilding. The story is told from the point of view of a book smuggler's son. Real books are rare and valuable, hunted by the wealthy the way great art is today. Unlike Google, which spits out information, like an invisible debutante regurgitating dinner to stay thin, this hoarder of knowledge collects and controls what the people get to see. The Great Library is closer to a cross between Big Brother and the NSA, than an institution that treasures books as something to preserve for humanity. This adventure story becomes as much about the characters learning about their own strength as it is about their discovery of the corruption at the heart of the system they once believed in.

This book was everything I want in a novel. Heroes and villains, and rivalries and friendships, and books, lots of books. If you've been looking for something to fill that black hole in your life left by the Harry Potter series then look no further. This book will give you very similar feelings to reading J.K Rowling's masterpiece, and there are so many fun similarities! Just replace magic with alchemy, and Hogwarts with the Great Library of Alexandria. This novel is a fast paced adventure with twists and turns around every corner. The characters are fantastic and likable, and the world is so expansive and well built! I know I compared this book to Harry Potter but even though there are similarities the story lines are VERY different. I cannot sing the praises of this book enough. I loved every minute of this adventure and I cannot wait to jump into the sequel.

Ink and Bone is a steampunk/fantasy novel for teens but I think adults would like it too. It is in a world where it is ok to read books but not own them. The value of books is higher than human life. The main character is Jess who we meet as a young boy illegally running a stolen book to a paid buyer and almost getting caught. Later in life, he goes to THE Library to be a mole to steal ancient books for his family. This is where his love for books and his family loyalties are tested. He meets some interesting characters and has strange experiences there. Truths are revealed while he is there about others and the Library. The characters are certainly well developed and are easy to picture. The plot is different and I usually love her books but this one didn't grab me like all the rest of them did. All her others I would give a 5 but this one just didn't go there and I don't know exactly what was missing. It was good but I would not read the next book in the series.

OMG, y'all. Words fail me. Not really, but how can I do justice to this book?

Having never read anything by Rachel Caine before, I didn't know what to expect. Now that I've finished INK AND BONE, I want to read everything she's ever written. How did this happen? I blame everyone who has ever read one of her books for not smacking me across the head and forcing one of them into my hands.

The pacing is dynamic, effortless, and I couldn't put it down. The story is brilliant, complex, and perfectly executed. The layers of character and conflict are so well handled that I'm in awe. Speaking of characters, I love them all. Each and every one of them is alive on the page. The book has everything. I plowed through it at warp speed, because I had to know what happened next, and now I want to read it again to savor the details. And I will read it again. It's going on my keeper shelf. INK AND BONE is the book by which I will judge all future books!

This one gets ALL THE STARS ***** and I need extra stars. I want to cover it in STARS.

I loved the premise of this book: Instead of the Library of Alexandria disappearing, it becomes the "impartial" reservoir of all knowledge. Written books are supposed to be handed over to the Library, which leads to an extensive black market trade. There was a lot to like about this book, and I'm glad the author's already working on book 2!

Pros:
Diverse characters, full of personality
Bits of ephemera between chapters to flesh out back story
Main character learns to accept himself as an individual
Just enough description, great world-building
Homosexual relationship presented as accepted

Cons:
Sometimes the pace seemed distracted or slowed
Character deaths, there were logical mostly, I just hate when named characters die :(

This is definitely something everyone should read and share with their friends as soon as possible!
I received this galley in exchange for an honest review through AceRocStars.

I wanted to read this and love it so bad. The whole concept of this book is what drew me to it, I mean it's a book about books, forbidden knowledge, and the library runs the world basically, who wouldn't want to read that. Sadly I could not get into the book. The chapters are long and it just never seemed to connect with me. I tried for an entire month to read this book and it got to the point where I didn't even want to look at it. I feel bad for rating this so I'm just leaving that out since I DNF at only 80 pages

This was a hard book for book for me to pin down. At first I was a bit confused about the premise and I had to read about 100 pages before really diving in. I think it is because this book seems to be part dystopian/part fantasy. It is so much more than exploring the idea of a still surviving Library of Alexander. There is an oppressive government and constant monitoring, as well as magic that is used to update and catalogue the Library.

I think this book does a great job of setting the scene for future books in the series. We learn about Jess’ character and his initial trials that will push him towards his future decisions. We meet the characters that are likely to both help and harm Jess’ efforts and we are introduced to the world that all of this will take place in. With this solid base established, I am interested to see where Caine takes the series in future books.

Good book with an interesting premise. I liked the idea that the ancient Library of Alexandria became all powerful and set the rules for the future of society. Kind of like Fahrenheit 451 crossed with Hunger Games crossed with some kind of Harry Potter-ish school of wizardry type of book. It gets pretty graphic at times, though, and even though I was fine with it, it would be hard to imagine recommending this for say an 11 or 12 year old. It was also plodding and frustrating to read at times, even though the overall plot and ideas being presented were fairly interesting. Thus, the 4 stars. It kind of spans several genres and should appeal to a wide range of fans: sci fi, fantasy, mystery lovers, etc. Also seemed to end a bit abruptly but guess the author also had to set up the next book in a series.

In an alternative reality, the Great Library controls all knowledge and learning. Original books are extremely rare, and illegal to own. Jess family has made their living running illegal books. Now, he has been sent to the Library, a true test of his loyalty. Jess quickly meets the other applicants, and makes both friends and enemies.

I have to admit that it took me a little while to get into this story but, once I did, I was hooked. The book was well written and engaging. The world setting was fairly interesting. I absolutely loved that the author provided a music playlist at the back of the book. I only wish that it was at the front, so I could have played it while reading. Overall, a great series.

Love this. Seriously newest favorite. I'm getting major Harry Potter vibes from this, but more grown up. Wolfe is very Snape like, it's hard to tell if he is a Dick or not but you so are hoping he is really not. And then sometimes he is also a little Dumbldor, but the 5th book one that didn't talk much. And the ending of this first book had me feeling like that time Harry didn't get made a Prefect. Frustration. I love this book, can't wait for the next. I'm literally starting right now.

Wonderful book. Great world building and character development. Plenty of action and surprises along the way. I did not have a dull moment reading this novel at all. This novel is great for book lovers because it is about books - what a great way to make us all appreciate the real books just a little bit more since so many of us are reading on e-readers these days.

My only disappointment is that I have to wait until July to read the second installment. There are multiple cliff hangers and unknowns which are bound to continue in the second book and I just can't wait to continue the reading adventure of the Great Library.

This books is great for mature middle schoolers and older.

Happy Reading!

It's funny. Sometimes you read a book or even a series that, while good, doesn't stay with you. Other times you read just a few chapters of something and it leaps off the page and grabs you. This book is firmly in the latter camp.

It's a coming of age story in a world that feels both familiar and alien; Ms. Caine's trademark. In this world books are revered above all, including human lives. And the great library of Alexandria makes the Catholic church of the Borgias look innocent and pure.

This book was absorbing. It made me laugh and cry. And it broke my heart and made me angry.

Read this one. You won't regret it.

Thanks to Net Galley, I had a copy to read of this book. A world in which it is illegal to own books! This is not a world I would survive in very well, but somehow Jess manages to do just that. The author works her magic through the Alexandria Library lost works, by bringing in fantasy. technologies we don't have, ideas of futuristic ideals and action.

Jess' dad has an illegal business, so he is very surprised when his father wants him to take the exam. This will put Jess rigging central housing of books and not sure how to cope. The book drags a bit, but still think YA would get pulled into Jess's world, love of books, and cast of characters and intrigue.

I love Rachel Caine's writing style on a normal day. This book, however, went above and beyond my expectations. This is not just a 'good' book, or a book with 'great' characters. This is a book that I felt deeply, rooted in my mind and that core place behind your heart where you feel the soul must lay. I have not connected to or felt characters, other than my own nattering in my head, as deeply as this since my last reading of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series.

This is a first book that makes you mad to have found it before the rest of the series was printed, because now you have to wait.

Don't wait though, Read the book. Read it now. Read it slowly.

For full book review please visit: https://alaynabellesmom.wordpress.com/2015/10/07/ink-and-bone-review/

Glad I checked it out of the library... I usually like Rachel Caine but I just couldn't connect with this book. I got almost 40% through it (Chapter 5) and, to tell you the truth, I felt I was forcing myself to read it and wasting my time because I wasn't enjoying it or even that interested in finding out what was going to happen. And I never connected to the characters.

From the reviews people either love this book or they can leave it. Unfortunately I'm in the second category and I won't be going after the rest of this series.

Ink and Bone was a great story told by a terrible storyteller. The whole time I kept waiting for the moment where something amazing would happen, the story to click, and for me to feel like a part of the book. This first half was pretty painful- very slow and I had a difficult time caring about what happened. I wanted to stop reading so bad, but it really takes a lot for me to stop reading a book. After the half-way mark some action started to pick up and things got going, but I still felt like I was reading a book rather than a part of the story.

All of the book in the world are controlled by the Great Library and people read books on "blanks," which are books that are blank until you "check them out" from the Great Library. It is way illegal to have a real, physical copy of a book. Jess Brightwell, our main character, comes from a family of runners. Runners procure physical copies of books for very wealthy people and take great risk in getting them to the buyers. Jess is very smart and his father arranges for him to apply to work for the Great Library. He is accepted into the program and travels to Alexandria in the hopes of landing a job.

Though I had a hard time getting into the story, the idea behind it and many of the scenes and events are great. There needs to be more, especially in the beginning, and there needs to be more really good and really bad, not so much ambiguity. The Library is supposed to be a decent institution but the reader knows the whole time that it isn't quite good but we don't yet know what's on, and the characters don't realize anything until the end. I feel like this could be a metaphor for the government but it falls flat on it's face.

This book is filled with wonder and adventure. When I learned about the synopsis I knew it would be a great book and I was not disappointment. This is a book about books and meant for those that love it. I also liked the relationship between the characters and how they developed throughout the story. Like the main character and his roommate who doesn’t see eye to eye. I also like the power of knowledge and what length people would got to prove a cause. Another cool thing about book is that at the end Rachel Caine a soundtrack for the book so you can listen to the music. That is cool. For those that want to check out the book click on the link below and until next time keep on reading.

for more book reviews by Stephanie check out wherestephaniereads.com.

I have always loved Rachel Caine's work. I have read all of her adult and young adult work. I did not think I could love another series of hers as much as Morganville. I was wrong. I am depressed that I can not immediately read the next book in the series. Creating a world where original books are held "hostage" in the Great Library and people can only read 'blanks' which are blank books that will fill in magically with what you want to read is a amazing premise. I fell in love with the characters. It was filled with action and emotions, treason and conspiracy and completely left me with a sad desire as I searched the internet for when the next one will be out! Once again, Rachel Caine has created a world we want to jump into and never leave.

Ink and Bones by Rachel Caine
5 out of 5 Stars

Very infrequently you find a book/author that truly speaks to every part of you, this amazing story did just that. The entire story, from the opening line to the last sentence, is seen, felt, heard, and absorbed in such a way that the characters are real, relatable people that you have to keep alive by reading just one more page. Full of variety, love, sorrow, deciete, and thickening plot Caine's story truly grows like a wisened narley live oak tree, branching out slowly with fluidity and finesse.

One of my top 5 for the year! I hope I am given the privelage to read an advanced copy of Book 2.

*A complimentary copy was given in exchange for an honest review*

Pippa, My Secret Book Spot

I received an advance copy from the publishers at Comic-con, happily, because I'd heard buzz about Ink and Bone and wanted to read it.
Imagine that the world's famed library at Alexandria survived. Not only survived but gained a following which would develop a political system which would insure its survival for centuries. Would it be glorious or become a tyrant? Rachel Caine has created Jess Brightwell and a company of other, brilliant, characters who live within this new world order in which knowledge is indeed power. I devoured this tale of friendship, love, betrayal and mystery which left me aching with the wonder of it and waiting for more. Brightwell's family are book smugglers of original tomes, rare books in a world where originals belong only to the Library and are illegal outside of it. Jess is ordered by his family to become a Scholar at Alexandria, to be their spy and smuggler from within. What he finds out about himself, his precious books, and the wondrous Library makes for an adventure not to be missed.

Ink and Bone is the first book in the new Great Library series. It is YA and fantasy with historical elements. The world building is rich and intricate. It took me a little while to figure out the world but once I did, I was hooked. Jess is a boy from London who lives in a world where original copies of books cannot be privately owned and everything is controlled through a library system. His family are smugglers who sell original books and he is sent to study for a position at the library in an effort to gain more information. In this book, we get to know Jess' classmates. I am excited to see where this story goes. 

I'm torn, I liked this book but I also stopped halfway through and read several other books so that has to mean something. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mindset at the time. That being said, I did read the last half in less than a day so it definitely got my attention again. I am excited and a bit scared to see what happens in the next book. I am way too attached to these characters.

Never before have I read a book like this. Where the concept that books are thee most important things in the world. Books are worth protecting with one’s own life. Or that true knowledge is power and to own a book is utter treason.
There was not a single character in here who’s guts I absolutely detested. My favorite characters would have to be Khalila and Thomas. There are a few relationships that begin to form. The relationship between Jess and Morgan (main characters) felt forced. I didn’t feel anything about them together except that maybe it didn’t really flow. Trying to connect to them was like trying to connect to a rock, it was cold and unmoving.

I’ve read books by this author before. Her Morganville Vampire Series was a huuuge part of my high school life. Reading this book was a real treat. It’s been several years since I’ve picked up one of her books. Her writing style was familiar and comforting. The author has this unique way of bringing to life a world I’ve never been to. It isn’t the same as every other YA Fiction or Fantasy book. Her writing is more mature.

Over all I loved this book. I can not wait to read to the next one!

The first book of a truly engaging series, populated by vivid characters tracking familiar literary archetypes and solving mysteries across alternative realities. The plot is set in a universe where agents of a secret interdimensional Library collect unique versions of literary works from related worlds, competing with forces of order and chaos. I heartily recommend this series as a natural successor to the classics of the genre , such as Zelazny's AMBER collection .

I am not sure I will take the time to finish this book. I find it derivative in structure: "the library" idea seems relatively new, but the "crew of bright students" vs the "evil-vengeful bright students" has been done better elsewhere (you know some examples), with more overall logic. I find that i don't have time in my life to read novels that don't bring me anything that hasn't been done better elsewhere. I'm leaving this review at this moment because I'm busy looking for something else.

I received an ARC of Ink And Bone by Rachel Caine from AceRocStars in exchange for an honest review. I want to start by saying this was the first work I have ever read by this author, and I was blown away! Right on the cover it says "knowledge is power". What could be truer? In the book, this power is hoarded, coveted, and controlled by the Great Library. People very rarely come in contact or see an original printed book. Instead they are shown "mirrored" copies on a blank (I picture today's e-readers when I try to imagine what they are like). But some works are never shared at all. They are locked up tight, the information they contain to radical and dangerous to be seen. That knowledge is owned by a rare few in the library, and that tight control is what has kept the library in power for so long. But there are those in the world who would like to see this power overthrown and to bring change in the world. The extremist are called burners, and they do exactly as their name says. They burn books and try to destroy the library piece by piece. But there are others too who just want to make things better. To not need "obscurists" anymore so they could all be free to live their lives. Jess, Wolfe, and Morgan may all have a hand in books to come to make this change occur. I hope so.

I truly enjoyed this book. I felt connected with Jess, Morgan, Thomas, and Wolfe the most. The moments of actions in the book read very intensely and often had me on the edge of my seat. Ink and Bone definitely had a steam punk feel to it, but with a little magic, or alchemy, included. The ending left me right where it should have, with a healthy mix of uncertainty, excitement, and with Morgan's last written words to Jess, a dash of hope. I suggest fans of YA, fantasy, and steam punk alike read this book. You'll be glad you did!

I was in the the store bookstore and saw a note saying that this book was a must-read for that year. I was immediately put off by the genre for Rachel Caine's other books, so I held off reading this book. What a mistake! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, enjoyed the premise for the plot, and the characters came to life in my mind's eye. I would highly recommend this book, but be prepared to have a desperate need to continue reading the story in the next book.

I really enjoyed this book...well maybe "enjoyed" is not the correct word here! This was a mean go getter kind of book. Loved all the characters, seems they all had good spirits, under minded with a touch of the hard life they came from. Grabbed from the beginning (which I repeatedly say I really need or really like) and held on tight until the end.

I also kinda liked the way the Author "Rachel Caine" lets you know what is going on behind the scenes with the "big Bad guys" of the Ruling Librarians before the characters realize what is happening.

Good job, Good Book! (less)

The Library controls everything. The world thinks it is what is best for society but as Jess Brightwell and other students train and test to enter into service for the Library they start to find that things aren’t always as they seem.

This was a brilliant story that we well thought out and original. I was expecting a similar sound and writing style to Caine’s other works but this was different and really made me think as I read. The story kept me guessing all the way to the end and could be used to relate to discrimination throughout time. I will definitely be watching for book 2 to come out.

I don't usually read YA, but this was recommended to me by a friend, and I'm so glad I listened! I read it in two days (couldn't stay awake long enough to finish it the first night lol), it starts out with Jess at ten years old, then skips ahead to right before he takes the library exam. While it's not non-stop action, there is a great deal of it. At first the Library seems like a benevolent dictator, but it soon starts to show the rot underneath. It is a gripping read, I can't wait for the next installment.

Got this book without realizing it was a Young Adult title. However, I was still intrigued and, since I have a 12 year old, decided to read it anyway. It has a feel of Harry Potter with the interaction of main characters. The setting is interesting and the premise of the library itself is not what you'd expect. It is the first in a series and the second one doesn't come out til mid-2016, so if you don't like to wait, read it a little closer to the newest one's publication date. Parents might want to investigate the relationship between the two authority figures in the novel.

Rachel Caine has always given readers entertaining and interesting books both YA and adult. She's always on my auto-buy, and I have to say I loved Ink and Bone. The main character comes from a family of book smugglers, there's an evil(ish) library and the cast of characters is varied and adds depth and really makes the book shine. Fans will fall in love with Jess and want the next book out immediately!

Head over to the HEA Blog to see a mini interview with Rachel, she talks about the romance, her brave hero and what she's currently working on!

So, this book is like a steampunk combination of Farenheit 451, Harry Potter, Hunger Games and Les Miserables. Jess, has grown up in a steampunk, Dickensian London, son of a book smuggler and he has been sent to become a spy within the great Library of Alexandria, if he can survive as one of the students who receives a position there. Together, he and the other students fight to survive and are sent on a dangerous mission. This is the first book in the series and I think that teenagers will enjoy it.

This distopian/steampunk/alternative universe book may be aimed at the YA audience but it works for adults, too. The Library is the governing body of the world but that is not a good thing. Regular people are not allowed to own 'real' books. Instead they have Kindle-like "blanks" that download whatever book they want to read. A group of young adults go to Alexandria to become "librarians" but they discover that not all is how it seems. I've already started the sequel.

As a librarian this really appealed to me since it is centered around the library. The idea that the library at Alexandria was not destroyed and is now in control of all the books and it's illegal to own one is a shocking idea. People have to pass tests and train to be able to work for the library but they can be thwarted by others who want to bring down the library by burning books. What a concept! Such a great story line. The characters are great, the adventure is fun and fast paced and it's an all around great story!

The characters all have depth and relatable backgrounds, with a little splash of magic. Discovery, pain, learning, laughing, death, treachery, and deceit fill these pages with a story that sucks you in and changes you by the end. A story of what could be and how important it is to never give up, to "reset the board and keep playing".

I really enjoyed this title though I almost put it down. It was slow going at the beginning and I almost hit the point of tossing it aside and putting it on my never to be finished list, but something told me to go a few more pages. About 1/4 into the book it clicked and I started to really get into the story and characters. Can't wait until the next one comes out, already on hold for it at my local library!

As a person who needs books as much as oxygen, the thought of a world where the ownership of books is illegal horrifies me - almost like my own personal hell. So I had to read this book.

First, this is a beautiful cover and it immediately caught my eye and made me want to know what kind of story lived inside, though I have to admit, it took me quite a while to be hooked. I even considered not finishing the book, but other reviewers had mentioned a slow start, and encouraged the reader to stick around and they would be rewarded. The story really didn't take off for me until around the 50% mark, but then the pacing was nearly break-neck and I didn't want to stop reading. Based on other reviews I've seen, I'm in the minority as far as having issues with the pacing.

The characterization in this book is outstanding. I liked Jess and the world he lives in and seeing him evolve from someone who never quite fit in with his family to a brave, confident, and persistent young man who sticks to his beliefs was so satisfying. This book contains an extensive and diverse list of characters, although some of them weren't what they initially seemed and I enjoyed the way the author gradually reveals different facets of their personalities.

Much was said about the Obscurists, but I still don't feel like I have good grasp on what they are exactly. I went back through the book again but, although they're referenced numerous times, only bits and pieces of their function are revealed.

Although I had a difficult time getting into this book, I'm glad I stuck with it and I definitely plan on continuing with this series. Thanks to Penguin First to Read for the digital ARC.

Having already read author Rachel Caine’s Morganville Vampires series years ago, I was excited to get reading her newest series The Great Library. If the cover wasn’t enough to hook your attention and tell you that some serious business was about to go down, the novel’s premise will. Imagine a world where the Great Library of Alexandria survived. What would humanity look like? What would the world be if all of those books had been saved and maintain through the ages? Ink and Bone tackles these questions and introduces readers to a unique, immersive world unlike any other.

Set in the year 2025, the Great Library stands in Alexandria, with its’ respectful daughter libraries located all around the planet in the form of Serapeums. Jess Brightwell’s family is dedicated to running books from the Library—original pieces that have withstood the test of time—to the highest bidder. Now in his late teens and having faced the horrors associated with running, Jess’s father manages to get him an opportunity that will make his entire bloodline proud. Jess will become a spy within the Library, by training to join their ranks. But as it turns out, joining the Library’s ranks of scholars is a more daunting task than Jess once believed. Danger lingers at every corner and there’s no knowing just how far he will have to go to become one of them.

What I loved most about Ink and Bone was the world that Caine has created. It is incredibly well-made and is easy to picture in the reader’s mind. Admittedly, I was a bit nervous about the novel’s setting. A future where the Great Library lived? What would that entail? So far, it meant a somewhat dystopic future where alchemists still exist in the form of heretics and where the ownership of a truly original book is outlawed.

All in all, the plot itself wasn’t at all what I anticipated based on the description given on the novel’s jacket. I imagined that the story would be all about Jess running books somehow while within the Library and while that does come in (as it’s essential to Jess’s character) there’s so much more to the story. The majority of the novel is nothing but Jess and his fellow Postulants being graded by their Proctor and going through various ‘gauntlets’ too earn their placement within the Library. Very Divergent with less fighting and more problem-solving oriented challenges.

The characters in Ink and Bone are all very diverse in both personality and ethnicity, and I feel that many readers will be able to find characters who they adore and characters who they despise. Personally, I enjoyed Jess’s character and the character Khalila. The two of them had great interactions that just felt so real to read. They’re both head-strong, stubborn and incredibly sassy when need be.

Throughout the novel, you can’t help but wonder if what’s been deemed just in this world really is. The question of morality pops up throughout Ink and bone and leaves readers wondering what they would do if they were in this society. The novel does end on a bit of a cliff-hanger that should leave many readers eager to find out what happens next. My only issue with this book that I can think of, was the instances where high-intensity scenes would have their pace slowed down by unnecessary detailing. Other than that, it was a very entertaining read.

I would recommend this novel to any readers who are looking for a novel where a group of teen protagonists are faced with multiple challenges in order to achieve an end goal (i.e. the Hunger Games, Divergent, etc.). Any readers who are looking for a novel that is all thrilling action with instances of a romantic side-plot should also give it a go. Any readers looking for a well-written, unique setting should also give Ink and Bone a read.

As I started the book I was unsure whether I was going to like it. During the start of the chapter I was very confused. The premise was different from what I read from this author. I'm glad I stuck with it as I grew to like the different characters and story line can't wait for book two.

This is WONDERFUL. I certainly hope Rachel Caine has a few more ideas up her sleeve involving Jess Brightwell and his compatriots!! Reminiscent of Philip Pullman and Cherie Priest, but also a great "alternate reality" in which the omnipotent Library rules all printed books. It is almost comparable to Alena Graedon's The Word Exchange (another excellent book.) HIGHLY recommend.

Ink and Bone was a great novel that I enjoyed reading very much. I highly recommend this book for genre fans and for folks looking to experience the fantasy genre. A great start to a very promising series!

I would truly rate this 3.5 stars. The writing is good and the plot is interesting enough that I want to read the next book in the series. That said, there wasn't anything about the book that made me want to rate it as excellent or outstanding.

This was an incredible read. Fans of hunger games, divergent, and Harry Potter will be sucked into this immediately. So very creative and well written. Don't let the 'young adult' label turn you off of this one. I especially liked how it focused on books and knowledge being the things these young characters are seeking. There's no way to explain that that doesn't make it sound a bit nerdy but it's not. The well developed, diverse characters are far from nerds and are, instead, very real and identifiable. Loved this book and hope and pray it gets made into a movie!

Such a good book, I'm very picky about books in general and always do extensive research on a book before I purchase it. This is a must read the whole series is great and I love it one of the few I'll read! It gives you a bit of history and real world aspects with great characters that you can relate to.

I could not put this book down! I read it in two sittings, only because I fell asleep in the middle. This is the best book Rachel Caine has written. This book is beautifully written and plotted. I love the characters as well. There is not one critical thing I can say. Run to the computer and order this today. You won't be sorry!

I did read it all. I like fantasy and science fiction. Usually I like steam punk books too. But I thought there were too many characters and too much plot. The characters were not well developed. Exactly what was the theme? How bad the evil Alexandria Library system is? Coming of age? Adventure? There was even a gay sub-plot. It was as if Ms. Caine decided to throw everything into one book (or series.) I won't read the sequel.

I loved the book, and loved many of the characters.

I couldn't post my full review so find them here:

MY REVIEWS:
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1238035007

What an interesting book, concept, etc...

I can't wait so see where she will take us in the second book, but considering that it just came out two months ago, I guess I will have to.

Young Adult, but with a lot of heavy stuff dumped on these teens.
VERY GOOD

This is a wonderful and many layered universe. I found myself sucked in by great writing and intriguing characters. As with her other books the back stories for each character are deep making then believable. I recommend to anyone to read this and I can't wait for the next book.

This story is amazing! I love how books are intertwined into the story, the originals outlawed! It has an old European world feel, yet there are unusual circumstances where high-tech advancements create worry, havoc, or even death. Kudos to Rachel for another brilliant read!

If you're one of those readers that dislikes cliffhangers at the end of a book, this is not for you. For those who don't think of that as a letdown, I highly recommend this book. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I felt like the author got the idea from the fact that we "do not own" digital media we just read it, along with the free digital books via the gutenberg project. You even "checked" the books out from the Great Library via blank books, kindle anyone :) ?? Then she took the idea and spun in some dystopia, steam punk world and said POOF I have a book. I say poof you have a boring disjointed book. Glad I got it from the library, pun intended :) Will not bother with the next book even for free.

I gave her two stars instead of one because there were a FEW fun moments but they were just moments.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine
Book One of The Great Library series
Publisher: NAL
Publication Date: July 7, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Review copy sent by the publisher

Summary (from 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 he 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.…

What I Liked:

My first Rachel Caine read! Isn't it pretty?! Take a look at the spine, if you have a print copy (hardcover especially) - so gorgeous! It reminds of how the spines of old books used to be. Not flashy with the book's title printed across, but very much like an old bound book's spine! Excellent work there, NAL, with the book's spine and cover! And excellent work, Caine, for writing a very intriguing novel, which I enjoyed!

Jess comes from a family of book smugglers, in a time in which it is illegal to own printed novels. Everything can be accessed from the Great Library in Alexandria, but owning books is against the law. Jess is sent by his father to the library to train with other students to get a position in the Great Librarian - but also to be a spy for his family, and get books his family to smuggle. But soon Jess realizes that much more is at stake than his family's business, and that the Great Library isn't what it seems. His loyalties will be tested in many ways, and Jess will be forced to choose a side.

This book is so OMINOUS. Right from the start, I was slightly worried for Jess. The entire book has a suspenseful and dark tone - I was always wondering when Jess would get caught, or when the next person would die, etc. I was on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out what would happen next. This book moves a bit slow, but the mood is very dark and ominous. Someone was always being killed or worried about it. Scary! Not that the book is scary. But dealing with print books and hiding who you are (a print book smuggler) would make anyone uneasy (to say the least).

This book is written in third person limited, to Jess. Jess is a very intelligent boy, who really appreciates print books. His father is very hard on him, and sends him on deliveries all the time, instead of his time brother Brendan. And then Jess's father pays to have him take the exams to receive education at the Great Library. With about twenty other students, Jess goes to Alexandria. Jess is quiet yet clever, nimble and street-smart. A jack-of-all-trades. I think I like him, though I struggled a bit to connect with him initially.

The supporting characters are one of the best and most well-written part of this book. Jess is the protagonist, but there are several other students that play critical roles in this novel. There were twenty at first, but only six spots are open. Dario, Jess's roommate in Alexandria, is a handful, but I think I like him when he was first introduced (but he's a handful). Khalila is a poised and intelligent girl. Thomas is a friendly giant with a very creative engineering mind. Glain is a cold Welsh girl. Morgan is a late arrival, mysterious and odd. Wolfe is the Scholar who is in charge of the students, and he is ruthless and a bit scary. Captain Santi keeps guard of the students and Scholar. Wolfe might be my favorite character! He's an interesting one, once you get to know him. All of these characters are. You might start out disliking one or two, but will fall for all of them by the end!

There IS romance in this book! And I love it because for about 80% of the book, the romance is pretty much not important. It doesn't really start arising until about 50% of the book, but even then, it's just there. It's not a plot-mover, it's not all-encompassing or consuming. It's sweet and I love watching Jess fall for the girl. It's a subtle romance, though you know it's coming when the characters meet. No love triangle! And to make things better, there are other pairs of characters involved in their own romances in the book as well. One made me particularly happy - one the train is when we/Jess makes the discovery (you'll know which I mean when you read the book) - I KNEW IT!

Speaking of I KNEW IT! - there was something else in this book that I had my suspicions about from the beginning - AND I WAS RIGHT! I'm very paranoid and suspicious and as soon as I read about this one thing in the book, I was like, hmmm, but couldn't they be doing this with this... and I was right! Very vague, I know, but I'm feeling triumphant. Good instincts will catch it!

The characterization is really good - Jess grows a great deal in this book. He has to choose sides and paths and decisions again and again, over and over, and he proves his intelligence and perceptiveness and maturity over and over. I personally thought he developed quite a bit as a character, and not just him. He reminded me a bit of Darrow from Pierce Brown's Red Rising.

The world-building is amazing! Caine is a painter with words - the setting and imagery and descriptions are captivating and lovely. There are many different scenery/landscapes in this book, and Caine makes each one unique in its own way. The world-building is very well-written - Caine definitely did a good job of creating this world and story! Though I can't wait to dig deeper in the next book(s).

The plot is slow. I will say that as a negative below - the story moves slowly. It's an interesting story, and I was anxious while reading (I see this as a good thing), but the plot is slow. There is plenty of scheming and deaths and betrayals and twists and true natures revealed and all kinds of shenanigans. The ending had me sad and angry and scared and wanting much, much more. In a positive way, if that makes sense.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book! I'm looking forward to the next volume in this series - I need it! So many things to be fixed!

What I Did Not Like:

Like I said above, this book's pacing is slow. It took me longer than usual to read this one, and obviously it's not due to the book's length (this book is short), or genre (it's a futuristic fantasy type, which I do love). The story is very interesting and I was never bored, but it's a slow-moving book, in my opinion.

Would I Recommend It:

Yes! I would! Fantasy fans, contemporary fans, basically anyone who likes books... try the book about books! This book was pretty impressive, and definitely got me thinking about books in general. I could not live without my print books! Anyway, this is a Young Adult book, but it is highly suitable for adults. It almost reads like an adult book! Younger teens could read this one, the content isn't too bad (the violence is the heaviest stuff, and it's not bad).

Rating:

4 stars. My first Rachel Caine book, a successful! I'm not sure I'll ever read her vampire series, but I know I'll be continuing with this one!

This was utterly engaging, from start to finish. I had great difficulty in putting this book down and I am most eager to read the next book. The initial premise that the Library survived was intriguing, but the price that was paid for it was absolutely horrifying. I look forward to what shall happen next and what Jess and the others will accomplish.

Terrific book, for adults as well as teens. Can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.

As good as, if not better, than the Hunger Games, with interesting and well-written characters, a perfectly fleshed out world, and nicely paced plotting.

I really, really enjoyed reading Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine. I give it five stars and it now has a place in the top 5 of my favorite books for 2015.

I found the premise of Ink and Bone to be uniquely creative and intriguing. The books was very well written, the characters realistic and the dialogue was great. Just imagine a world where the Great Library of Alexandria was never destroyed and grew to be the leading world power.The Great Library portrays themselves as a benevolent monarch while behind the scenes they condone and perform sinister acts "for the good of the library". They value books and knowledge above human life. It's such a great basis for a story!

Personal ownership of books is against the law? In this book it is! I have to say that stunned me a bit. I love my local library and use them frequently; I could not afford to fill my passion for books without it! But still ... what would I do without my personal stash of books? I would be devastated if I couldn't have books (physical books) around me and scattered throughout my home! I enjoy my e- reader but my first love is reading real, physical books and I enjoy having a personal TBR pile that I can go to at any time of the day.

I came away from this book thinking about how some of the underlying concepts of Jess Brightwell's society can be "mirrored" (sorry - no pun intended!) with some of our technology and societal issues. Needless to say this book kept me on the edge of my seat while reading it. It has mystery, action, fantasy and history all rolled into one great read!

Rachel Caine is an accomplished writer who has done it again. Ink and Bone was a great read. Characters were well developed. Fact & fiction intertwined together to make the time & place work. Suspense & the readers own desires to have questions answered kept your attention. Who are your friends, who do you trust, what is the meaning of all this. Find the beginning answers to these questions & wait with suspense for the more complex ones to emerge. I can't wait to read the second book in the Great Library series.

I had hoped for something along the lines of the librarians or warehouse 13 based on the description. I started reading and it felt too steampunk which is not for me. It may be a good book if that is something you enjoy but I don't.

This was my first Rachel Caine novel and I was not disappointed. Now I'm thinking I should try the Morganville vampires series. I read 2 books about books and powerful libraries simultaneously! This and The Invisible Library. But both quite different books. This was not as fast-paced but had a deeper story. I liked the characters and their character flaws. I liked the backstory of the Great Library though I did not understand the first "Ephemera" chapter at all. I don't feel like the end of it had -anything- to do with the story itself. But maybe I missed something or it's still to come in the next book? I'm not sure. The whole women in the library thing. This book was very Fahrenheit 451-ish with a twist and I LOVE Fahrenheit 451. I bought this book solely because I received an ARC of the second book, Paper and Fire, and I'm glad I did!

a most intereting concept of how the universe is managed and all the lore and information is handled. in a remote little town, children were removed from thier families when they were young and then trained to become "librarians" in various disciplines. a concept i hadn't read before. there is a bit of graphic violence in this tome, so if this is offensive you may want to reconsider this book.

i will not share much on the plot, others have described it well in thier reviews! it is a good well written book and Ms. Caine does this genre proud. if you like neil gamian you will enjoy her book

I had hoped for something along the lines of the librarians or warehouse 13 based on the description. I started reading and it felt too steampunk which is not for me. It may be a good book if that is something you enjoy but I don't.