Dannii Elle's Reviews > Paper and Fire

First Read: October 2020, Rating: 4/5 stars
Second Read: November 2022, Rating: 4/5 stars

This is the second instalment in The Great Library series.

This is set in a world where the Library rules in place of a government. By keeping the knowledge contained in books closely guarded, and only available for scholars and those deemed worthy, it can both impede and advance societal growth as it sees fit. Technology is stunted, business advancements are thwarted and the Library maintains a tight leash on its citizens. The all seeing and all powerful Library seems like an unbreakable patriarchal structure, but that might just be what they want you to think.

The first book closed with secrets unearthed and mysteries on the brink of discovery. The tension from these revelations continued from the very first page and didn't let up throughout the entirety of this book. The pace was slowed considerably and it really allowed these suspenseful sentiments to come to the fore.

The world, and the unique concept, are what drew me in and I'm glad they also received a full focus here. Books that feature within other books will never fail to not intrigue me, but by prohibiting access to them, the allure for these forbidden literary fruits only continues to grow, and these emotions transfer to the reader, as well.