Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
NAL (2016), 368 pages
Description
"In Ink and Bone, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine introduced a world where knowledge is power, and power corrupts absolutely. Now she continues the story of those who dare to defy the Great Library--and rewrite history.... With an iron fist, the Great Library controls the knowledge of the world, ruthlessly stamping out all rebellion and in the name of the greater good forbidding the personal ownership of books. Jess Brightwell has survived his introduction to the sinister, seductive world of the Library, but serving in its army is nothing like what he envisioned. His life and the lives of those he cares for have been altered forever. His best friend is lost, and Morgan, the girl he loves, is locked away in the Iron Tower, doomed to a life apart from everything she knows. Embarking on a mission to save one of their own, Jess and his band of allies make one wrong move and suddenly find themselves hunted by the Library's deadly automata and forced to flee Alexandria, all the way to London. But Jess's home isn't safe anymore. The Welsh army is coming, London is burning, and soon Jess must choose between his friends, his family, and the Library, which is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in the search for ultimate control..."--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member acargile
This novel is the sequel to the Lone Star novel, Ink and Bone. If you haven’t read book one, you must! You will find spoilers for book one if you continue reading this review.
The novel picks up right where book one ended, with the groups separated by where they were assigned at the end of book
Every character from book one has a part in this novel to find the truth. They are pitted against the Library, which is ruthless in its desire to retain power and control. As the novel progresses, they are pressed further and further into a narrow path that doesn’t appear to have an escape.
I loved this novel as much as the first one. I think Ms. Caine has built a great world in which the characters live with interesting characters. The only criticism I have is that the characters are a little forgettable. When a character isn’t in a scene, you tend to forget his/her characteristics. Glain is a strong character at the beginning with an important relationship to Jess, but she becomes background by the end. I like it because I like the characters and how they work together; I also like the pacing of the novel. I don’t get bored and I’m not tempted to read ahead because I’m enjoying every thrilling moment. There are twists and turns, lies, betrayals, and that’s only a small part of the novel, so dig in!
The novel picks up right where book one ended, with the groups separated by where they were assigned at the end of book
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one. Jess and Glain are soldiers, with Glain as his commander. Jess can’t bring himself to form relationships with these new trainees, so he keeps himself separate and searches for answers to the Library. What he finds is the catalyst for the novel. He doesn’t believe Thomas is dead; he believes Thomas is being held as Wolfe was held. Questions remain and finding the answers will be dangerous, maybe even cost them their lives.Every character from book one has a part in this novel to find the truth. They are pitted against the Library, which is ruthless in its desire to retain power and control. As the novel progresses, they are pressed further and further into a narrow path that doesn’t appear to have an escape.
I loved this novel as much as the first one. I think Ms. Caine has built a great world in which the characters live with interesting characters. The only criticism I have is that the characters are a little forgettable. When a character isn’t in a scene, you tend to forget his/her characteristics. Glain is a strong character at the beginning with an important relationship to Jess, but she becomes background by the end. I like it because I like the characters and how they work together; I also like the pacing of the novel. I don’t get bored and I’m not tempted to read ahead because I’m enjoying every thrilling moment. There are twists and turns, lies, betrayals, and that’s only a small part of the novel, so dig in!
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LibraryThing member bookczuk
On to book three (though I really thought I'd already posted a review on this, and have actually read book 3 already, so can no longer really say where one ended and the other began. But, this didn't suffer from middle book syndrome, and while it left this reader itching for more, it didn't leave
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me disappointed that I had to wait.) Show Less
LibraryThing member BookDivasReads
Imagine a world where the leading superpower isn't a national government or religion. In this world, there's one organization that has ruled for centuries and that organization is the Great Library. In this world, there's no such thing as bookstores. The Great Library allows you to read portions of
After our introduction to The Great Library in Ink and Bone, Jess and friends had finished their postulant training. Morgan had been forced into service as an Obscurist, never able to leave the Iron Tower. Glain Wathen had become a training officer in the High Garda, living to protect the Great Library no matter what. Khalila Seif and Dario Santiago had become Library Research Scholars. Jess is a low-level Garda-in-training and Thomas, an engineering genius, is reported as killed presumably for creating a printing press. Down, but never out, Jess is looking for answers to why the Library killed Thomas. With a little help from Morgan and a local book smuggling family, is that Thomas is still alive and being kept in a prison facility far away. Jess and friends must decide if they want to free their friend Thomas and if so, if they're willing to fight the might of the Library no matter the cost?
I found Paper and Fire to be just as riveting a read as Ink and Bone. I'm somewhat enamored with a world that still has the great Library at Alexandria, but this is definitely tempered by the notion that bookstores are nonexistent and I could only read and own approved "books" via the library. (No these are printed books that we're used to be a cross between printed books and digital books.) Ms. Caine has crafted a believable dystopian world based on a desire for control and power and the Library is powerful beyond anything we could possibly imagine. She provides romance, dysfunctional family drama, and tons of internal and external conflict for all of the characters to deal with. The head of the library, the Archivist, and his assistant, the Artifex Magnus, are willing to do anything to ensure their world view continues. There are people fighting against the Library and its control, but they are just as blinded by their vision as the Archivist and Artifex Magnus. It was disheartening to learn that the Obscurist as forced into service and treated no better than slaves. The female Obscurists are even raped in order to perpetuate the Obscurist line. (No, I won't tell you if this has been Morgan's fate or not...read the book!) There's a lot happening in Paper and Fire and I could go on and on about everything, but if you've read Ink and Bone I'll simply say "read this book." If you haven't read Ink and Bone, start there; you'll probably want to binge read both books so make sure you have a few days to read and enjoy. I eagerly await the next addition to The Great Library Series to find out what happens next.
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books and anything that doesn't fit with their agenda is banned. Any library scholar or affiliate that comes up with ideas that may minimize the Library's power is deemed an enemy and arrested. This is the world that Jess Brightwell and friends live in. Jess and friends must decide if they're willing to adhere to strict Library guidelines or think for themselves in the second book in The Great Library Series by Rachel Caine, Paper and Fire.After our introduction to The Great Library in Ink and Bone, Jess and friends had finished their postulant training. Morgan had been forced into service as an Obscurist, never able to leave the Iron Tower. Glain Wathen had become a training officer in the High Garda, living to protect the Great Library no matter what. Khalila Seif and Dario Santiago had become Library Research Scholars. Jess is a low-level Garda-in-training and Thomas, an engineering genius, is reported as killed presumably for creating a printing press. Down, but never out, Jess is looking for answers to why the Library killed Thomas. With a little help from Morgan and a local book smuggling family, is that Thomas is still alive and being kept in a prison facility far away. Jess and friends must decide if they want to free their friend Thomas and if so, if they're willing to fight the might of the Library no matter the cost?
I found Paper and Fire to be just as riveting a read as Ink and Bone. I'm somewhat enamored with a world that still has the great Library at Alexandria, but this is definitely tempered by the notion that bookstores are nonexistent and I could only read and own approved "books" via the library. (No these are printed books that we're used to be a cross between printed books and digital books.) Ms. Caine has crafted a believable dystopian world based on a desire for control and power and the Library is powerful beyond anything we could possibly imagine. She provides romance, dysfunctional family drama, and tons of internal and external conflict for all of the characters to deal with. The head of the library, the Archivist, and his assistant, the Artifex Magnus, are willing to do anything to ensure their world view continues. There are people fighting against the Library and its control, but they are just as blinded by their vision as the Archivist and Artifex Magnus. It was disheartening to learn that the Obscurist as forced into service and treated no better than slaves. The female Obscurists are even raped in order to perpetuate the Obscurist line. (No, I won't tell you if this has been Morgan's fate or not...read the book!) There's a lot happening in Paper and Fire and I could go on and on about everything, but if you've read Ink and Bone I'll simply say "read this book." If you haven't read Ink and Bone, start there; you'll probably want to binge read both books so make sure you have a few days to read and enjoy. I eagerly await the next addition to The Great Library Series to find out what happens next.
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LibraryThing member BrendaKlaassen
This book was full of back-stabbing adventure. I am really amazed that objects and people in this series are transported by translations. I really did not foresee all the escapes that happened in this book. The author did a good job with the romance, just enough and no sappiness. It is fun to think
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of books and automatons as being alive. I enjoyed this story a little more than the first book in the series. I am looking forward to book three. Show Less
LibraryThing member infjsarah
I loved the first book in this series and I loved this one too. I am far beyond the age group I suspect it is aimed at, but I really enjoyed it. Great characters and great ideas. In fact I liked it so much, I went and read the free short chapters on the author's website too. Recommended.
LibraryThing member DCarlin
A sequel to Ink and Bone, Paper and Fire maintained the pace set in book one. In this case, Paper and Fire could be read as a standalone novel, however, it is far better to read Ink and Bone first. These two books really are a series and I can't wait to get a copy of book three. Aimed at young
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adults, I have enjoyed both books and look forward to reading more of Rachel Caime's novels . Show Less
LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine is the second book in The Great Library series. Paper and Fire picks up where Ink and Bone ended. Jess Brightwell and his friends find out that their friend, Thomas was not killed (as they were told). He is rotting in prison, and they are determined to help him. The
Paper and Fire is a good book, but a little slow in places. It gets bogged down in details and descriptions (helped establish the world but also slowed down the pace). The writing is good (as with all of Rachel Caine’s books) and there is a lot of action (fighting scenes and running). I give Paper and Fire 4 out of 5 stars. I liked it, but did not love it. Paper and Fire ends with a cliffhanger. We have to wait for the next installment (which means we will have to wait a year) to find out what happens to Jess and his friends. Will they ever be free and can they change the Library? I am not sure if I will read the next book in the series. I probably will just to see how the series ends (if they can change the Library’s ways).
I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
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group sets out to find his location and rescue him. It means that all of them will be forfeiting their positions within the Library. They are willing to risk their lives and positions to help Thomas. The Artifex Magnus is out to stop them and he will do whatever it takes. Will they succeed in rescuing Thomas and what price will they pay?Paper and Fire is a good book, but a little slow in places. It gets bogged down in details and descriptions (helped establish the world but also slowed down the pace). The writing is good (as with all of Rachel Caine’s books) and there is a lot of action (fighting scenes and running). I give Paper and Fire 4 out of 5 stars. I liked it, but did not love it. Paper and Fire ends with a cliffhanger. We have to wait for the next installment (which means we will have to wait a year) to find out what happens to Jess and his friends. Will they ever be free and can they change the Library? I am not sure if I will read the next book in the series. I probably will just to see how the series ends (if they can change the Library’s ways).
I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
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LibraryThing member musichick52
What a terrific adventure tale! Jess works for an organization, the Library, that controls and preserves all the knowledge of the world. He is dispatched on a mission to rescue one of their own, but rapidly falls into the hands of the evil ones including the Library's guardians who are automated
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killers. Fans of the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series should be attracted to this series too. Absolutely no disappointments here. My thanks to the author and the Penguin First to Read program for a complimentary copy. Show Less
LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
"Ink and Bone" was one of my favourite reads for 2015, so I was eager to read the sequel. "Paper and Fire" started slowly for me, more my fault than the author's as I struggled to remember the details of the first book. However, once it all started falling into place, I thoroughly enjoyed the
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action, intensity and darkness of this book. It was a pleasure seeing Jess develop as a character, I just wish the others showed the same growth. As for the ending - what a cliff-hanger! It is with great regret that I now have to wait such a long time for the next instalment. Show Less
LibraryThing member mariananhi
Uhm, wow... THIS BOOK IS SO AWESOME I THINK MY BRAIN JUST EXPLODED. But don't worry, I still totally have enough brain left to tell you how amazing this book is. Ink and Bone was some serious amazeballs read. But this?! This went up to A WHOLE NEW NOTCH OF PURE SPECTACULAR. And I love love love
The world-building was beautifully done. While the first installment is somewhat resembled the Harry Potter series, this book made its own way to awesomeness and just broke through. Unique, tremendous, and astonishing are the words you are looking for to describe this book. Also, the action scenes are just marvelously gripping, my eyes started to bug out and jaw scraping the floor just from how incredible it is. Not to be overly cliche here, but – hold on to your seats, you’re in for a ride.
"Anything is possible. The impossible just takes longer."
And the characters are permanently spectacular. OF COURSE. Especially Jess, because omg did he change to impress. His relationship with his book smuggling family didn’t really do much for me in the first book, but this? He's grown to regard it in a newer light, and watching him doing that make my heart go all giddy up. Also, did I mention the SASS?!
"Jess somehow found himself grinning, 'Everyone likes me. I'm charming.'"
I love this book. Seriously though, if you haven’t already got your hands on Ink and Bone and devoured it quicker than an Inklicker (just kidding!), you need to immediately GO. NOW! Be ready for Paper & Fire to hit the shelves July 5th, you won't regret it.
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every single minute reading Paper & Fire.The world-building was beautifully done. While the first installment is somewhat resembled the Harry Potter series, this book made its own way to awesomeness and just broke through. Unique, tremendous, and astonishing are the words you are looking for to describe this book. Also, the action scenes are just marvelously gripping, my eyes started to bug out and jaw scraping the floor just from how incredible it is. Not to be overly cliche here, but – hold on to your seats, you’re in for a ride.
"Anything is possible. The impossible just takes longer."
And the characters are permanently spectacular. OF COURSE. Especially Jess, because omg did he change to impress. His relationship with his book smuggling family didn’t really do much for me in the first book, but this? He's grown to regard it in a newer light, and watching him doing that make my heart go all giddy up. Also, did I mention the SASS?!
"Jess somehow found himself grinning, 'Everyone likes me. I'm charming.'"
I love this book. Seriously though, if you haven’t already got your hands on Ink and Bone and devoured it quicker than an Inklicker (just kidding!), you need to immediately GO. NOW! Be ready for Paper & Fire to hit the shelves July 5th, you won't regret it.
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LibraryThing member irregularreader
This is the second book in The Great Library Series, and so there are inevitable spoilers for the first book below.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Now that the requisite spoiler alert is out of the way, let’s get down to business.
Jess
Paper and Fire is a good sequel to Ink and Bone. The characters seem to have grown up quite a bit since we first met them, and the danger from the Library and its minions seems more devious and omnipresent than ever. We are given more information about the inner workings of the Library, and learn more about its past. I always enjoy the second book in the series, we’ve gotten over the awkward introduction phase and the characters can really stretch their legs. Caine lets Jess and his friends grow, but avoids the simple and comfortable and keeps things on a more realistic and complicated plane.
If you enjoyed the first book in the series, you will almost certainly like this one. If you haven’t read Ink and Bone yet, then you really shouldn’t be reading this review, should you? But either way, fans of the Harry Potter or Hunger Games series will enjoy these books, which manage to be both about teenagers and very adult at the same time.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Now that the requisite spoiler alert is out of the way, let’s get down to business.
Jess
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finds himself as a lowly grunt in the Library’s Garda. Forced to abandon his dream of becoming a Library scholar, and very aware of the dark underside of the Library’s rule, Jess uses his smuggling past to try to find more information of the imprisoned Morgan and murdered Thomas. When Jess uncovers a bombshell: Thomas is alive and held captive by the Library at a secret prison, Jess must reunite his old friends (and frenemies) in a desperate rescue attempt. Little does he know that this act of rebellion will spark a violent chain of events which could threaten the world as he knows it.Paper and Fire is a good sequel to Ink and Bone. The characters seem to have grown up quite a bit since we first met them, and the danger from the Library and its minions seems more devious and omnipresent than ever. We are given more information about the inner workings of the Library, and learn more about its past. I always enjoy the second book in the series, we’ve gotten over the awkward introduction phase and the characters can really stretch their legs. Caine lets Jess and his friends grow, but avoids the simple and comfortable and keeps things on a more realistic and complicated plane.
If you enjoyed the first book in the series, you will almost certainly like this one. If you haven’t read Ink and Bone yet, then you really shouldn’t be reading this review, should you? But either way, fans of the Harry Potter or Hunger Games series will enjoy these books, which manage to be both about teenagers and very adult at the same time.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Lots of things that happened in the last book come to fruition in this and things just keep getting complicated. The Library has complex politics and the backstabbing is powerful. Our heros are finding more about what they can do in this world and how they can fight the system. This is a very
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interesting concept and world and I'm very curious as to what's going to happen next. Show Less
LibraryThing member dono421846
I very much enjoy this series. At several points the author could send the plot in predictable directions, but she continually surprises. I'll confess I don't completely understand the way the library works (instead of having one device like a Kindle for a reader, it seems each book is given its
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own. Is that correct?). But such details aren't really necessary. The relationships are the central point, and I especially appreciate how the characters are forced to choose between doing the right thing for their friends, or fulfilling what had been their greatest personal aspirations. We all face such choices, although few of us choose correctly. It is gratifying to see that she does not gloss over the significance of those individual decisions. Show Less
LibraryThing member jdifelice
3.75 stars
I quite enjoyed this sequel. I loved being back in the world of the Great Library. The political intrigue and corruption in the ruling government was at its peak, and I bet there is still more to come. I found that in this instalment the major plot could have been moved a bit more though,
Overall, an enjoyable read that kept me interested and wanting to keep reading.
I quite enjoyed this sequel. I loved being back in the world of the Great Library. The political intrigue and corruption in the ruling government was at its peak, and I bet there is still more to come. I found that in this instalment the major plot could have been moved a bit more though,
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it felt lacking. I really enjoyed the characters and world building and the action. I hope more development of the burners happens in the next book :)Overall, an enjoyable read that kept me interested and wanting to keep reading.
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LibraryThing member ChelleBearss
I enjoyed this one just as much as the first in the series. All my favourite characters made and appearance and there was lots of action. I had a couple issues with the plot line but nothing that I'd make a big fuss over. Recommended if you've read the first book and I'm looking forward to the next
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one! Show Less
LibraryThing member Audriana0202
I can't explain it, but this series just makes my heart happy. I love everything about it!
LibraryThing member bookczuk
On to book three (though I really thought I'd already posted a review on this, and have actually read book 3 already, so can no longer really say where one ended and the other began. But, this didn't suffer from middle book syndrome, and while it left this reader itching for more, it didn't leave
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me disappointed that I had to wait.) Show Less
LibraryThing member krau0098
This is the second book in The Great Library series, there are five books planned for this series. I absolutely loved this book. This is such an interesting world with unique characters.
I listen to these on audiobook and they are very well done. Elfer does an amazing job with narration and I would
In this book Jess and crew have to join together to rescue Thomas and save Morgan from the Iron Tower. Along the way they hear strange rumors of something called The Black Archives. Jess believes the Black Archives could be the key to stopping the Great Library’s abusive power.
There was a ton of action in this book and lots of interesting intrigue. We learn more about the obscurists and what they can do and also get to venture into the Iron Tower. I have been loving this series: the story, the characters, and the world are all just perfect.
Overall I am loving this series and this was a great addition to it. I would recommend this series to those who enjoy historical fantasy with intriguing world-building and engaging characters. I can’t wait to read the third book, “Ash and Quill”.
I listen to these on audiobook and they are very well done. Elfer does an amazing job with narration and I would
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highly recommend this series on audiobook if you enjoy audiobooks.In this book Jess and crew have to join together to rescue Thomas and save Morgan from the Iron Tower. Along the way they hear strange rumors of something called The Black Archives. Jess believes the Black Archives could be the key to stopping the Great Library’s abusive power.
There was a ton of action in this book and lots of interesting intrigue. We learn more about the obscurists and what they can do and also get to venture into the Iron Tower. I have been loving this series: the story, the characters, and the world are all just perfect.
Overall I am loving this series and this was a great addition to it. I would recommend this series to those who enjoy historical fantasy with intriguing world-building and engaging characters. I can’t wait to read the third book, “Ash and Quill”.
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LibraryThing member MickyFine
In the second book of the Great Library series, Jess is at a loss to determine what his next move should be. While he loves the concept of the Library, its reality chills his bones, particularly when he learns that one of his friends whom he believed was killed is actually imprisoned. As he works
Plenty of action, political machinations, and world development here. There's also growth for Jess as he discovers that a found family may be stronger than the one he was born into and at the same time figures out how he wants to fight against the Library. I continue to love the idea of the Great Library of Alexandria being a power unto itself and the corruption of its ideals from protecting knowledge to controlling it. Highly recommended to fans of the first book but be warned there's a pretty significant cliffhanger at the end of this volume.
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with several other members of his original training group to rescue his friend, they'll come up against the seemingly unstoppable power of the Library forcing them to make choices they never could have imagined.Plenty of action, political machinations, and world development here. There's also growth for Jess as he discovers that a found family may be stronger than the one he was born into and at the same time figures out how he wants to fight against the Library. I continue to love the idea of the Great Library of Alexandria being a power unto itself and the corruption of its ideals from protecting knowledge to controlling it. Highly recommended to fans of the first book but be warned there's a pretty significant cliffhanger at the end of this volume.
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LibraryThing member purpledog
Another exciting installment in The Great Library series. Lots of action and political intrigue in this fast paced story about what happens when a great institution becomes too powerful. The world building continues to be excellent as well as the characters.
I liked this one slightly better than
I liked this one slightly better than
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the first book, mainly because of the continued character and world building. This series is perfect for fans of Fahrenheit 451. Just be warned there is a HUGH cliff hanger at the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member Glennis.LeBlanc
The sequel to Ink and Bone is certainly a faster paced book than the previous one. Jess finds information that leads him to believe that Thomas might possibly be alive. He and his friends try to work on finding a way to find him and spring him. Of course the Archivist has his eye on all of them and
Digital review copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley
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they quickly have to try to escape before they are put to death. There is more of a subtext of family and how everyone interacts with their family members in this story. What the group is trying to do will shake the foundations of their society and I’m not sure all of them can live with the consequences. Digital review copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley
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LibraryThing member MrNattania72
Great continuation of the first and a huge plot twister right at the end if the book. Whew!
LibraryThing member TheYodamom
I loved book one, this one, not so much. There was a lot of running around, escaping, getting caught, escaping again, running, getting caught......and never really getting anywhere. the endless loup of the same thing over and over. It felt like a filler. Ouch that hurt to say I love this author but
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shoot me out of the canon it was a circus of escaping escapades. One of the characters who the story would have had difficulty going on without came back, it's a miracle ! Yeh it was too convenient. There was a massive development in the last 20 pages setting up for a great book 3. Overall I was disappointed. Show Less
LibraryThing member avanders
3.5 stars.. I think this book suffered a bit from middle book syndrome.. still definitely looking forward to the last!
LibraryThing member bell7
Jess and Glain continue training with the High Garda of the Library, while Khalila and Dario remain scholars. Morgan is in the Iron Tower with the other Obscurists, but she's talented enough that she's still contacting Jess when she can. Jess is determined to find out more of the Library's secrets
The continuing adventures of Jess and his friends continue where the last one left off, and take our heroes from Alexandria to Rome on their adventures. The world-building of this alternate universe where the Library controls all knowledge and prevents certain technological advances that would dilute its power - in particular, the printing press - is phenomenal. My one quibble is that instead of truly ending we're left with a blatant cliffhanger just stopping everything in the middle of action.
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- in particular, about the Black Archives and if his friend Thomas is still alive.The continuing adventures of Jess and his friends continue where the last one left off, and take our heroes from Alexandria to Rome on their adventures. The world-building of this alternate universe where the Library controls all knowledge and prevents certain technological advances that would dilute its power - in particular, the printing press - is phenomenal. My one quibble is that instead of truly ending we're left with a blatant cliffhanger just stopping everything in the middle of action.
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Original language
English
Original publication date
2016-07-05
Physical description
357 p.; 5.75 inches
ISBN
0451472403 / 9780451472403