The Library of the Unwritten by A. J. Hackwith

The Library of the Unwritten (Novel from Hell's Library, #1)

by A. J. Hackwith

In the first book in a brilliant new fantasy series, books that aren't finished by their authors reside in the Library of the Unwritten in Hell, and it is up to the Librarian to track down any restless characters who emerge from those unfinished stories.

Many years ago, Claire was named Head Librarian of the Unwritten Wing-- a neutral space in Hell where all the stories unfinished by their authors reside. Her job consists mainly of repairing and organizing books, but also of keeping an eye on restless stories that risk materializing as characters and escaping the library. When a Hero escapes from his book and goes in search of his author, Claire must track and capture him with the help of former muse and current assistant Brevity and nervous demon courier Leto.

But what should have been a simple retrieval goes horrifyingly wrong when the terrifyingly angelic Ramiel attacks them, convinced that they hold the Devil's Bible. The text of the Devil's Bible is a powerful weapon in the power struggle between Heaven and Hell, so it falls to the librarians to find a book with the power to reshape the boundaries between Heaven, Hell….and Earth.

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

5 of 5 stars

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I received a copy of The Library of the Unwritten in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A.J. Hackwith's novel, The Library of the Unwritten, is the first in a new series called Hell's Library. I immediately knew that this was a novel I had to read – as it revolves around well, unwritten books!

Claire is the Head Librarian of the Unwritten Wing, conveniently located in Hell itself. What does that mean? Every book that has been dreamed up, but not written, belongs in her domain. She keeps the books in check, protecting both the books, and their delicate authors (not authors) with everything she has.

Something which is easier said than done, when the characters within the books can come to life. As evidenced by her latest series of events, all of which starts when a Hero wakes up, leaves their book, and makes a run to the mortal world. If only the adventure had stopped there, even that would have been an ordinary day for Claire. Too bad it kept on going.

“Forgiven doesn't mean no regret. We'll always regret the wrongs we've done. It just means you're not punishing yourself for it.”

Why did it take me so long to getting around to read The Library of the Unwritten?! This was an amazing read! One of my favorites this year. I know, I tend to love every book that features a library, but I really did adore this read.

It was shockingly unique, despite the core magical library concept. Everything Clair did as head librarian, for one thing. Then there's the whole unwritten part of the library, which in itself is quite fascinating.

The adventure itself quickly threw caution to the wind, raising the stakes way beyond what I would have expected, especially for the first novel in a series.

“Nothing burns up humanity as thoroughly as eternity.”

I loved the sass and the use of tropes and literary techniques within this book. It was clever, and at times quite funny. Which is fortunate, as that helped to balance out the heavier elements that were woven into this story.

Honestly, I really am kicking myself for not reading The Library of the Unwritten sooner. I adored it, and I am absolutely going to run out and buy The Archive of the Forgotten so I can start reading it ASAP.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 1 February, 2021: Finished reading
  • 1 February, 2021: Reviewed