Ash and Quill (Great Library, #3)

by Rachel Caine

[kimbacaffeinate]

After the suspenseful ending of PAPER AND FIRE, I was eager to jump back into the story. Because of the way this story is told, it is imperative that you read the series in order. Jess and his comrades barely escaped London and soon find themselves prisoners in a burner stronghold located in Philadelphia. Jess and Thomas soon come up with a plan to keep them alive by offering to build a machine that will undermine the Library. As they work on making the machine, the group formulates a plan to escape.

Caine had me flipping the pages as characters are injured, plans are made, and lives are put in peril. I love this group of characters, and Caine does an excellent job of highlighting each character's strength, sharing their fears and making me a part of their quest. They have each other's back and tender moments we witness remind me how courageous each of them is. All will sacrifice in the name of knowledge and their passion for books.

The world building is vivid from the terrifying Automations and brutal destruction to the intense action scenes. Philadephia burst to life showcasing just how intense the battle has become. We also spend time with Jess's loving father. (insert sarcasm) Caine continues to share news of battles across the sphere through codex messages and library archives at the beginning of each chapter. She also gives us a clear picture of all sides right down to the High Garda and their struggles with following orders.

Their rescue leads them directly into the arms of another whose greed will betray them all, and the cliffhanger ending had me screaming, "Nooooooo!!!!" as I quickly searched to find out how long until the next release.

ASH AND QUILL, was dark and gritty at times. We witness violence and heartbreak as Jess does what he must to protect his friends. We see Morgan use her abilities and it set the hairs at the back of my nape on end. With everything that is happening we do get glimpses into how much each character has changed, share intimate moments and watch them struggle internally. I continue to image these characters as beloved ones from Harry Potter. I cannot help it. Snape, Neville, Draco, and more. I will let you decide for yourself whose face and mannerism I have matched with whom. Our boy Thomas surprised me with his cleverness and fearlessness. It was rather brilliant, and I am quite fond of him. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer