Paper and Fire Arc Review

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, forbidding the personal ownership of books in the name of the greater good.

Jess Brightwell has survived his introduction to the sinister, seductive world of the Library, but serving in its army is nothing like 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 and doomed to a life apart.

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, or the Library willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in the search for ultimate control…
In Ink and Bone Rachel Caine managed to build a unique world where the Alexandria Library did not burn down but survived. By doing so, the Great Library managed to grow and eventually control the world’s knowledge, and in turn the world.

Paper and Fire brings us back to this world and the story of Jess Brightwell, where we delve deeper into the workings of the Library and its dark secrets. Jess and his friends are in danger, the Library is not what they thought, and nowhere is safe.

I cannot tell you how much I love The Great Library series. I don’t think it gets enough attention or the praise it deserves! The idea, at least to me, is completely unique and frightening. To think that a Great Library has ultimate rule over the world with the idea that its goal is to spread knowledge to all, when in fact it’s true mission is to maintain power no matter the cost. Knowledge is more important than lives. Containment is key. Keep people happy and suppressed just enough that they don’t ask questions. Keep information filtered and censored. It sounds a lot like living in North Korea actually, but I digress.

Paper and Fire answers many questions left by Ink and Bone and opens up more that we’ll have to wait for Volume III to answer. We finally get to see Rome and more of London, the automatons are creepy as all get on, and the gang is reunited at last. It’s not all happy, it’s actually more morose than happy, which fits with Jess and his life. Caine has done a fantastic job bringing the reader into his mindset and immersing them into the somber tone of the world and story surrounding the characters. I found myself having to know what happened next, not wanting to put the book down. The proverbial "one more chapter" and managed to read it in a weekend. It's just so good! A book (and series) definitely worth your time.


Overall I give it 5 out of 5 stars and cannot wait for the next installment to see how Jess’s story plays out! I enjoyed Paper and Fire more than Ink and Bone which isn't always the case with a series (enjoying the second book more than the first!). It’s fast paced, dramatic in all the right places, and managed to get me right in the feels. It’s a great read for anyone who loves fantasy, sci-fi, or steam-punk.

Paper and Fire is available on July 5, 2016