The Mortal Word (The Invisible Library, #5)

by Genevieve Cogman

[kimbacaffeinate]

While each book contains a clever, suspenseful mystery this series is best read in the order of its release. Complex story arcs, relationships and incredible world building are built upon in each title.

A couple of things you need to know. Worlds ruled by or where Dragons dwell tend to be filled with order. As one would expect worlds where the Fae live or dwell tend to be filled with chaos. The Librarians collect books that are dangerous or need protection to keep the balance between order and chaos. Dragons and Fae by nature are sworn enemies. There are many different alternate worlds to the one that you live in, each slightly different based on the level of order or chaos.

The Librarians, Dragon royalty and Fae royalty are holding secret treaty talks in a Neutral version of Paris and the Library is acting as overseers. When a dragon is found murdered, and both the library and Fae are suspects a team is put together consists of one librarian, dragon and Fae. Vale, a "Sherlock" investigator from Irene's current world is asked to investigate. Irene heads up their team.

Irene Winters, our brilliant protagonists is fearless and clever. A female Sherlock but one who is capable of working with the temperaments of the supernatural and navigating the political world. She is one of my favorite fictional characters. All of the secondary characters are developed and have unique personalities. As the series progresses we learn more about each. Kai, being a dragon is the most mysterious, but we know and understand the important things.

The stakes are high and the suspect list could tip the balance and end possible talks of peace. Oh, the excitement of it all. I loved the magic, the villains and even the creepy sweet princess of the Fae. Red herrings, twists and intense magic filled action-scenes held me captive. Cogman's stories are magic and she completely pulls me into the stories she creates.

I find the abilities of the librarians, Fae and Dragons most intriguing. The author has done an incredible job of putting her own twist on things. Without bogging the story down, Cogman brings the world(s) and action to life much like Rowling's Harry Potter Books but for adults.

Brilliant and addictive with a well executed murder-mystery, The Mortal Word left me hoping we will have more adventures with Irene and her motley crew. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer