katie
Written on Sep 23, 2016
Full review to be posted at kaitgoodwin.com/scintillatingreads
In this exhilarating 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. 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 his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn....
- ISBN10 0451473132
- ISBN13 9780451473134
- Publish Date 5 April 2016 (first published 7 July 2015)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc
- Imprint Berkley Publishing Corporation,U.S.
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 384
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780451473134
Reviews
Full review to be posted at kaitgoodwin.com/scintillatingreads
Quirky Cat
Written on Aug 10, 2016
In a world where alchemic libraries exist, the private ownership of books has become illegal. Here one can go to a library and get any book they desire instantly – but they can never bring it home with them.
This is the world that Jess Brightwell grew up in. He’s an avid book lover, and even supports the Library itself. Which is ironic, given that his father runs a black market book trade. Jess is one of the many runners, and he’s about to be sent on his biggest mission yet.
“The lion rose from its haunches, shook itself, and padded down the steps, soundless and beautiful and deadly. The other beasts woke, too, their eyes flickering red, bodies stretching.”
Ink and Bone was a brilliant start to what is sure to be one of my favorite series. It’s beautifully written, and obviously we all know that I’m in love with the core concept in this telling. The idea of an alchemic Great Library is fascinating. Adding complications, corruption, and politics is just icing on the cake in my book (no pun intended).
So, let’s talk about the Great Library. This series is based on the premise that the Library of Alexandria survived (if only). No, more than that – it thrived. It turned into a complex system of Libraries, all thanks to Alchemic interference.
But now the Library has taken on a weight of its own, taking over the rule of one country and time. And prioritizing knowledge over human lives. There are arguments to be made on both sides, of course. But thanks to the adventures and trials that Jess was forced through in this book, it’s clear how we’re meant to feel by the end.
Speaking of Jess, I found him to be a fascinating character. His introduction in this world immediately caught my attention, and then promptly held it. He was the ideal perspective for this novel, knowing enough about the world to get by – but still needing to learn so much.
I’m actually a bit ashamed of how far behind I am in reading this series. I’ve read Ink and Bone once before (years ago), but for whatever reason, I never made it on to the next book in the series. That’s why I just reread Ink and Bone – I wanted to start over fresh, and hopefully finish the series in short order. Wish me luck!
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
readingwithwrin
Written on Apr 28, 2016
See reviews first on my blog
I wasn’t really sure what to expect with this book, because it is a book about books, and I’ve not read to many of them. This isn’t just about the library of Alexandria though, it’s about war, technology and using technology to keep things hidden from the rest of the world.
Jess Brightwells is from a family that has an illegal business that deals with selling original books. Now you wouldn’t think this would be such a bad thing, but with the Library of Alexandria having survived it is in charge of all of the books, and it doesn’t want anyone to have original copies. Instead they have a typing of cloning device (reminded me of library e-book loans from overdrive), that they want everyone to use instead. But of course the richer people in Jess world want originals and will pay top dollar for it, and there are also people who will do awful things to the books, and burners as well.
But one day Jess dad tells him that he will be taking an exam to try and work for the great library. Once into the program Jess meets the other students and their teacher Wolfe. While of course the students don’t like each other at first, after a few tests and the number of student’s drop and the remaining students start to get closer a new student is allowed in, making the other students upset. Before they can get to upset, they are given a mission that involves getting books out a war zone without dying and very little help from any other adults besides a few soldiers and Wolfe. This was very nerve racking to read, not only because there sending teenagers into a war zone over books, but also because by this point we’re learning that the library might not be as good as we first thought.
Overall I really loved this book, I flew through it and I didn’t want to put it down. I really liked the friendships between the characters and how they grew as time went on. I was a little worried when a love interest got thrown into the mix, thankfully it wasn’t insta-lovey, I do think it will play a part in book two so that will be interesting to see considering what happened between them in this one. The ending for this book, is now one of my favorites for an ending to book one in a series. It was a nice finish and didn’t leave on huge cliffhangers like they like to do. It is set up nicely for book two which made me even more excited for it.
If you haven’t read this book yet, then please do because it does not disappoint.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
e_rodz_leb
Written on Sep 24, 2015
lizarodz
Written on Sep 24, 2015
Kelly
Written on Aug 30, 2015
Made it just over 80 pages. Incredibly dry and pretentious.
Giving up before I'm lulled into a coma.
kimbacaffeinate
Written on Jun 26, 2015
- Let us start with the world building and Caine’s impressive imagery. From London to Alexandria the world came to life in vivid Three-D. Caine did an excellent job through notes, characters and descriptions of explaining this future world. The concept alone gave me chills. Unlike, other dystopian novels whose society’s downfall was a virus or war, knowledge was the catalysts here and thus the Great Library was formed. Knowledge is infectious and must be controlled and contained. Eek gads is that not scary? Wait, it gets worse. In fact, you may want to sit down. Owning a book is illegal! Friends we are all going to jail!!! I should point out that the library provides folks with a blank. A Blank is a piece of technology that allows them to view approved works and recommended reading. The world is filled with those who resist creating conflict, danger and some of the most intense action scenes. I drool just imagining this novel as a major motion picture; the special effects would be phenomenal.
- Gadgets and magic fill the pages in Caine’s world. From teleports to automations and it is riddled with alchemy. Ink and Blood has been compared to Harry Potter and the Book Thief. Surprisingly they were not too far off the mark. Fans will have "ah ha" moments, but Ink and Bone holds its own. The automations, Blanks, weapons, archives and transportation were both fascinating and brilliantly described.
- Caine's cast of characters will draw you in. Delivered in third person limited, Caine shares the tale through our protagonist Jess Brightwell. Jess’s family works in the black market selling illegally obtained books. Jess loves books and as a book lover, many of his feelings and actions endeared him to me. He is strong, compassionate and quite clever. He has street smarts making him the perfect hero. When he first arrives for training at the Library, there are twenty-one students but six of them you will come to know and love even if they occasionally annoy you. Jess meets Thomas on the train and the two become fast friends. Thomas is a tinkerer and I liked this soft-spoken clever young man. His passion is engineering. I loved some of his creations. Dario, Jess’s roommate reminded me of Malfoy from Harry Potter. A jerk to be sure but the banter between these roomies added some fun to another wise intent plot. Glain, is a strong, outspoken Welsh girl. She is a bit awkward and not to be messed with. Khalila, comes from privilege and is perhaps the most intelligent of the group. (Hermione anyone) Morgan is our Luna Lovegood. She arrives late and is quite mysterious. Scholar Wolfe their teacher is cold and stern. I absolutely adored Wolfe. I imagined him as Professor Snape from his personality to what lies beneath the surface. Last but certainly not least is Captain Santi. He guards both Wolfe and the students.
- For those who need romance, we do see several develop and one that might surprise you. All of these developments remained in the background, but served to connect us to the characters and them to each other. I loved how the characters interacted from being competitive to working as a team and finally to becoming inseparable friends.
- Ink and Bone had a wonderful pacing as Caine allowed the world to unravel before us. The tale ebbed and flowed between character interactions and intense action scenes. She quickly drew me in to the world and had me vested. Foreshadowing and connections were perfectly executed allowing for “I knew it moments” and outbursts from me the reader as I tried to warn the characters. The balanced plot rewards the reader giving them details, well-developed action scenes and characters they will not soon forget. The tale wrapped up fairly well and we have a strong sense of where this series will be headed.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Terri M. LeBlanc
Written on Jun 3, 2015
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.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
Kim Deister
Written on May 29, 2015
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!