Ash & Quill: My Library’s Copy
Ash And Quill, Amazon’s Cover (buy)
Written by: Rachel Caine
Genre: YA, adventure, alternate reality, books
Series: Great Library
The first book is Ink and Bone, second is Paper and Fire. The story revolves around Jess Brightwell, 2nd born son of Callum Brightwell. His family trades books, in an alternate world where owning real books is a crime.
My type of hell so to speak. I do read Rachel Caine on and off, usually in paranormal anthologies. Her short stories are well done, but this series is her first non- vampire/ paranormal work. Granted, it is still fantasy, but I’d rather call it alternate reality. Sort of, what if librarians ruled the world.
In an alternate fantasy world, the Great Library of Alexandria managed to become a separate entity of the world. Its power is knowledge (cliche, I know), and the world bows to it. People carry a codex, a journal of sorts. You can read any books you like if the library has it, and anything you write down will be recorded and stored. In this reality, people called Obscurist have the power to do that, and more.
Story background
So Brightwells are traders of real books: contraband. By now I think that you would agree that it would be hell. It does get worse, which is the main hook of the story. Rachel Caine paints a realistic background to a story of pain and friendship.
If you haven’t read this series, the whole theme is really YA, with more violence and romance. Jess is a hero/ friend worth having, and the team has to struggle from day one. For the sake of books and friendship, a lot of sacrifice are made.
Characters
Jess Brightwell: 2nd son- turned oldest with the death of the first born.
Brendan Brightwell: twin of Jess. The darker version of Jess’ light. A key character of the book, though he’s really someone you should be watching your back for.
Thomas Schreiber: German born, room mate of Jess when he was selected to join the Library
Khalila Seif- muslim girl who with smarts and looks
Dario Santiago- Spanish rich kid/ always antagonises Jess. A truly complex character.
Glain Wathen- Welsh, always in combat mode with Jess (their countries are at war in the book)
Christopher Wolfe- Teacher/ the main reason the whole mess started
Niccolo Santi- lover and protector of Christopher. Pretty much a mother hen to the kids.
Morgan Haul- late comer/ really doesn’t want to be there.
Villains === a lot
Written in 3rd person point of view, the ‘camera’ chooses different characters so that the readers can have a better understanding of the world and story. Though it can be infuriating at times, but that it how the author keeps my attention.
Verdict
This is the book 3 of the series, and you do have to it in order. A lot of action, and definitely a work worth reading. Jess is a hero that reminds us that friendship is important, as well as protecting things that you believe in.
Ash and Quill ends in a cliffhanger, and the last book is coming out later this year. So you still have time to catch up on this awesome series. I cannot tell you much about this, because I truly believe that you will enjoy reading it, no point spoiling it for you.
Copyright © 2018 Ailyn Writes. All Rights Reserved.
I just read the first book in this series a few months ago and really enjoyed it. Thanks for mentioning that this one ends in a cliffhanger. I may have to time my reading of it so that I can quickly pick up the next one in the series.
the next book is coming in a few months, i would actually time it so no waiting angst. Trust me… the angst is real
I tried book one shortly after it came out and sadly just couldn’t get into it at the time. I’m rethinking my decision now. I seemed boring and so wordy but as the series has progressed, it sounds pretty good. Thanks for the review Ailyn, going to try this one again <3