In a world where the ancient Great Library of Alexandria was never destroyed, knowledge now rules the world: freely available, but strictly controlled. Owning private books is a crime.
Jess Brightwell is the son of a black market smuggler, sent to the Library to compete for a position as a scholar... but even as he forms friendships and finds his true gifts, he begins to unearth the dark secrets of the greatest, most revered institution in the world.
Those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life - and soon both heretics and boooks will burn...
More info on Goodreads.....
Review:
Ink and Bone is the latest release by best-selling author Rachel Caine and introduces audiences to a unique and carefully detailed world that is unlike anything I’ve really seen.
Imagine a world where the Great Library of Alexandra was never destroyed. Where knowledge is everything and those who control the Great Library have almost complete control over society. Books are highly valued but strictly controlled, and though freely accessible, anyone caught with private books face the harshest of punishments. For Jess Brightwell, this world is a reality. And as the son of a black-market book smuggler, he knows the dangers that come from owning books better than anyone. Yet in a world on the brink of war, Jess finds himself being sent to the Library to vie for a converted position as a scholar and soon discovers that the Library holds more than vast knowledge; it also holds dangerous secrets that those in power will kill to protect……
In all honesty, Ink and Bone is a difficult book for me to review. Though I found it incredibly detailed, well thought out and clearly very complex, I also struggled heavily with it at times; especially in the beginning. Ink and Bone starts out very slow, but slowly begins to pick up about halfway through. I never found myself completely sucked into the story, but I did plod along and mostly enjoyed the book.
Rachel Caine has created a very unique world within Ink and Bone. Set in an alternate world of 2025, the world within the story is a mix of ancient and futuristic times. Featuring an aura that brings to mind Ancient Egypt and Victorian London on occasion, Ink and Bone takes readers through many different locations. Vividly described, after the initial difficulty I had, I did enjoy learning about this unique world Caine has created.
I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t think I fully comprehend everything Rachel Caine has introduced within Ink and Bone but I understood enough to read the book without too much trouble. The world of the Library is very detailed and complex. There is a range of different positions, terms and devices unlike anything I’ve seen before that give Ink and Bone a real edge. I think you need to persevere with this novel and concentrate to understand; especially in the beginning. However Caine does increase the pace as time goes on.
Maybe I’m coming along as too harsh, because despite the misgivings I had, there were times when I found myself very involved with Ink and Bone. Caine does a solid job writing through the eyes of main character Jess. His voice reads well and I actually really liked him as a character and individual. Those Jess meets during his time at the Library were really intriguing. Those vying for a place as a scholar really appealed to me and even Wolfe (who remind me as Professor Snape if I’m being honest!) began to win me over. Personally I think the characters were the real saving grace for me as I began to struggle with this novel.
Ink and Bone races towards an unexpected, but exciting ending, that actually has me wanting to read more. For all it's faults Ink and Bone steadily progresses to become a novel worth reading and I do look forward to seeing what will happen to Jess and those he knows next!
Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Allen & Unwin (Thanks guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: If you're looking for a fantasy tale with a twist, this is it!
Cover: I think our Aussie cover is very pretty!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes. I'm actually looking forward to more.
You have to give it up for that beautiful cover! :)
ReplyDelete