When I saw Rachel Caine had a new book…and series…out, I was super excited and couldn’t wait to read it. I loved the Morganville Vampires series and the premise of Ink and Bone and the whole Great Library series really piqued my interest. Sadly, I couldn’t finish it which makes me sad.
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.…
I knew when I requested to read Ink and Bone that it would be dysptopian, but the premise (did you see THAT blurb…holy WOW, a series based on a library’s power…YES PLEASE) sounded so good; I figured I could get past my usual dislike of dystopian as this was also post-apocalyptic and I do occasionally like that kind of book. Sadly, I could not. After about 60ish pages in, I wasn’t connecting the the story and I couldn’t really find that emotional bond needed with Jess to push on through.
Do not let the fact that I DNF’d Ink and Bone deter you. Caine’s writing is awesome and she weaves a great tale. Expect a lot of world building since Ink and Bone is the first in a brand new series and a brand new world. I enjoy her style of writing, but sadly it was just my distaste of dystopian that prevented me from really getting to the meat of the story. I have no doubt that Ink and Bone gets really good and maybe I’ll try again at a later date.
What I did like about Ink and Bone is the feel of 1920s Prohibition….except rather than alcohol, the ban is on ALL books. So, you have people running smuggle routes for books. It’s sad in some ways (who could live without books) but undeniably intriguing all at the same time.
So, for any dysptopian, post-apocalyptic and fans of Rachel Caine, you really ought to give Ink and Bone a try. How could any reader pass on a book/series whose premise is about a Great Library?