Ash and Quill picks up right where Paper and Fire left off with Jess and his friends on the run from the Library, finding themselves transmuted to Philadelphia, one of the top strongholds of the Burners—the group that highly opposes the Library.

Since rescuing both Morgan and Thomas from their respective prisons, and no longer suffering the disillusionment of the Library, one would think our group would be tucked away safely with the Burners. However, it seems they’ve basically traded on prison for another. Jess Brightwell and company will all have to make some tough decisions in the war that’s brewing ahead.

More recently it was announced that, at this point, there will be two more books in The Great Library series. Which is wonderful news for sure, but maybe it’s because of this that made Ash and Quill feel like it mostly bridged the gap between where we’ve been and where we have yet to go. There’s little to no buildup of the proceeding events from Paper and Fire. Instead the story jumps right in from where the previous left off. Despite this, it was extremely easy to put myself back into the story.

Ending with our group in America was exciting, and I was looking forward to exploring this new location in the series’ world. So, I was a little surprised by the direction the story decided to take. Instead of finding a refuge among the Burners, Jess and his crew find another tyrannical power they need to get away from. This ends up hitting home the idea that it’s the books and the knowledge they hold that Jess and his friends are fighting for and not the institutions that try to control them.

You can feel the looming conflict with the Library in the story. You know it’s coming, but it’s just not coming yet. Ash and Quill is the buildup to the final showdowns that I’m assuming will play out over the course of the remaining two books.

What happens instead in Ash and Quill is we see Jess having to make some tough decisions about where to go from here. How to proceed with bringing down the high powers within the Library structure. I think because we really only get Jess’ perspective this ends up feeling like a lot of weight is resting on his shoulders and his shoulders alone, and I just don’t think it should be that way. The group’s differing dynamic has worked for them in the past, they each bring something different to the table. But I somewhat felt a lack of camaraderie between them, and as the story moves along Jess kind of distancing himself from that unit, rubbed me the wrong way too, but I think that was probably the intention. It makes me wish the story was told from multiple points of view because I feel like there’s always more going on that Jess just doesn’t comprehend until the very end.

But of course that is the very point, and the very thing that helps drive the story along—not fully understanding the twists and turns until the finale.

For all that, however, Ash and Quill certainly leads readers on an interesting ride that perfectly sets us up for the next installment in the series. Caine’s writing and details draw you in, and the implications of certain actions will be interesting to see unfold in the next books.

The fight for the soul of the Library is on in Ash and Quill. Rachel Caine takes readers on an electrifying journey as Jess, Morgan, Khalila, Dario, Thomas, Glain, Santi, and Wolfe escape the threat of Library soldiers only to find themselves imprisoned in Philadelphia, the heart of Burner territory. The Burners would rather die than submit to library control and censorship, and Jess will have to bargain with them in order for he and his friends to even have a chance to survive. And our heroes’ bargaining chip is a big one: the idea and knowledge of how to build a printing press – a chance for people to read free of the Library’s ever-watchful eye.

I’m hesitant to say too much about the plot of Ash and Quill for fear of spoiling the story. The danger the Burners present is only the beginning of what Jess and his friends will encounter over the course of this story. Suffice it to say there is never a dull moment in this book. Now that they’re openly rebelling against the rot that threatens to destroy all that the Library could be, it’s open season on our beloved heroes. Though their love of books and knowledge still shines, everyone’s hope and optimism must give way to practicality if they even have a shot at surviving and bringing change to the world. It was interesting to see how all eight heroes have changed since the beginning of the first Great Library book, Ink and Bone, but it also saddened me (as it should) to see them strain under the weight of their burden. Everyone has their own unique personality and because I’ve come to care for them over the course of the series, it was nearly impossible for me to put Ash and Quill. I both love and hate that Ms. Caine makes it impossible to know if the characters I’ve come to adore will all make it out alive. They definitely won’t make it out unscarred and I love that there were no easily overcome obstacles in this book. Their quest to save the soul of the Library carries real weight and thus makes it easy to become invested in their fight.

Jess, Morgan, Khalila, Dario, Thomas, Glain, Santi, and Wolfe are the heart and soul of the Great Library series and the growing bonds of friendship and love are tested throughout Ash and Quill. Those intertwining bonds are what tugged on my emotions the most and highlight how much our heroes have to lose. That being said, the world the characters inhabit is just as important to the story, and Ms. Caine’s worldbuilding continues to be phenomenal. When I started this book I was excited to see what this world’s version of Philadelphia would look like, and Ms. Caine didn’t hold back in bringing the tragic world of the Burner stronghold to life. The images that come to life in this story are both beautiful and bleak, and just plain made me love Ms. Caine’s writing.

Ash and Quill is the third book in the Great Library series and it definitely cannot be read as a standalone. The series reads like one massive story, so don’t skip reading Ink and Bone and Paper and Fire. The only problem I have with this series is that I hate having to wait for the next book. Ash and Quill ends with one heck of a cliffhanger and I’m dying to know what happens next!

I first started this thinking it was the end of the trilogy only to find out that it is now five books and I am fine with that. I couldn’t see how they would get to a good ending by the end of this book and warning it does end on a cliffhanger.
You find out more about Burners and they are not all the same just as it is with the Library. Jess and Morgan develop more of their relationship and Morgan finds out more about her powers. I don’t want to give much away about what happens in Philadelphia but hard choices are made and people will have to live with their decisions. A good read and I always enjoy the bits of backstory and history of the world that is inserted in to give more color to this universe.

I have so enjoyed this alternate history fantasy series. Caine has provided us a dense action-packed plot in a complex world based on an alternate history of the Great Library of Alexandria. The Great Library has turned into a world superpower that is power-hungry and corrupt, and suppresses the people at every turn. The Library controls the books and the knowledge, and makes it illegal for the masses to own original books.

Ash and Quill starts up where Paper and Fire left off, with Jess and his comrades escaping into Philadelphia - burner territory. The burners oppose the library and openly rebel against it, though their movement doesn't seem to have made much progress in the last 100 years. Most of the burners have been holed up in the walled city of Philadelphia, which is under siege by the Library's High Garda. While the group has held out for a century, you can't really say they are living. With poor rations and only recycled supplies, they are barely eking out an existence. But when Jess and the gang land in their laps - the people have a place to focus their rage and hatred of the library. Luckily our Library fugitives had something to offer the burners, so they were able to bargain for their lives - at least temporarily. So Jess and Thomas get busy earning their way and the group has to work together to brainstorm and effect a plan to get them out of the hostile city before they are all sacrificed much like the burner's burned books.

The combined action, danger and political intrigue in this series really gets my adrenaline going and keeps me turning the page late into the night. I love the diverse group of individuals who are our Library fugitives. Jess is the scrappy main character who has a real talent for staying alive, and there is a slight love story (PG-rated) going with Morgan, an obscurist. Then the relationship between Scholar Wolfe and High Garda Santi provides us with all the feels as these two men have been through the most devastating times together and their devotion jumps off the page. Khalia is one of my favorite of the group - her quiet strength is captivating. The rest of these young adults have their own strengths and weaknesses - but each brings something unique to the story.

If you enjoy detailed and complex plots full of action and political intrigue, then I highly recommend this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Berkley Publishing.

Loved it! Rachel Caine is a masterful world builder, and this version of our world is very detailed and well-planned. We get to travel to America in this book, which was fun.

Ash and Quill is the third installment in author Rachel Caine's The Great Library series. Ash and Quill picks up immediately where Paper and Fire left off. As a sort of summary for the series thus far, The Great Library of Alexandria exists in this alternative reality. But, that isn't necessarily a good thing. The Library claims it exists to "contain the knowledge of the world in the name of the greater good." But, possession of a real honest to goodness books is a serious crime, and can get you killed. 

Also, doing something the Library considers treasonous, like building a printing press, can get you imprisoned, or tortured. Just ask Thomas Schreiber. As the story kicks off, protagonist Jess Brightwell, and his cohorts Christopher Wolfe, Capt. Santi Niccolo, Khalila Seif, Dario Santiago, Glain Wathen, Thomas, & Morgan Hault find themselves in the burner city of Philadelphia. Burners, as we have learned, really do enjoy their book burnings, and they are a boiling pot of troubles for those who lead the Library. 

Caine's Philadelphia is anything like the current city. It is brutal, dark, dreary, people are suffering and starving, and under constant threat from the Library's shock troops. There's not places to get a quick Philly Cheesecake. You are luck if you get a crusted piece of bread and rotten cheese to eat for your only meal of the day. This book has less running around than it's predecessor. In fact, a large chunk of this story takes place in Philly, and then across the pond to England where things get rather twisted. 

One of the more interesting facets of this story has been Jess and his family dynamics. So, it's interesting to see his twin brother Brandon make an appearance. After all, Brandon isn't someone that has a stellar record of being trusted, and Jess really doesn't want anything to do with his father's business. Jess has gone through tremendous character growth over the course of this series. While I still resent that he was screwed over in the first installment, I can see that he really isn't Scholar material. He is a fighter, and yes, even a leader.

For the record, I was one of those who thought this was only a trilogy. Shame on me. It is actually 5 books. More books is always a good thing in my opinion. Everything that happens from start to finish in this story matters in the long run. The fact that Thomas is bloody brilliant and perhaps a bit dangerous as well. Morgan is another character who you must pay attention to. Her powers are so unique, and so powerful, one can't imagine how Caine is going to resolve her issue when all is said and done. Especially when it comes to Jess and Morgan's relationship. Whatever happens in the next book, I hope the author brings her A game like she did in this installment.

Ash and Quill is the third book of the Great Library series by Rachel Caine. In the first book, Ink and Bone, we are introduced to a world in which The Great Library is in every city and controls the books of the world. Using alchemy to distribute the books those working for the library track down anyone with any in their possession and confiscate the materials. Ownership of books is expressly forbidden and anyone violating this law could even be sentenced to death.

Jess Brightwell's family has been involved in the black market for books. He's been raised to be a runner, delivering the books to those willing to pay the price and risk ownership. Jess has been sent to the library by his father to become a spy from the inside. He gets involved in the training only to find himself mixed up in the secrets of the library.

Now in Ash and Quill the story continues onward with Jess and his crew having fled London and finding themselves imprisoned in Philadelphia, a city led by those who would rather burn books than submit to the library. They've now have a secret among them though in the ability to create a machine that can print books and hopefully break the Library's rule over them.

While I am still loving reading this series now into the third installment I've found that it's actually going to be a five book series and still feel as I did with the second that Ash and Quill feels the middle of the story and not quite as exciting as the first book did so I hesitated giving it five stars. This is still a great series overall though and will continue to look forward to reading the next two books as they come out.

I also don't want to be spoilery with my review being right in the middle of the series so I'll just say that yes I would definitely recommend this series to the young adult fantasy lovers out there. Plenty of action and adventure in this world that Rachel Caine has created and I'm sure by the end Jess and company will be earning the highest rating when I get all the answers to the story I've been eagerly awaiting with each addition coming out.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

In a not too distant future, but a world quite unlike the one we live in, the Great Library of Alexandria and its satellite libraries or serapeums rule the world. The Library has the power what knowledge is acceptable and unacceptable, what books are acceptable and which are forbidden, and the general public will never know the difference. Well, the public might not know the difference if it weren't for groups like the Burners and a small group of Library employees that have uncovered the truth and are willing to fight against the tyranny, injustice, and power that is the Great Library. The fight that started in Alexandria, Egypt has taken our intrepid fighters to Rome, Italy, London, England, and continues in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the third installment of the Great Library series by Rachel Caine with Ash and Quill.

We were introduced to Jess Brightwell, Khalila Seif, Glain Waithen, Thomas Schreiber, Morgan Hault, and Dario Santiago when they were postulants to the library, studying under Scholar Christopher Wolfe and guarded by Captain Niccolo Santi. Since then we've witnessed the arrest and torture of Thomas simply because he invented a printing press, what amounts to the arrest, isolation, and attempted forced mating (i.e. rape) of Morgan as an Obscurist, and the demotion of Glain simply because she survived a training exercise along with Jess. Khalila and Dario were promoted to research Scholar positions after completing their training and they bore witness to the murder of Dario's training supervisor simply because he asked her for assistance. Together, Jess, Khalila, Glain, Morgan, Dario, Chris, and Nic are able to get Thomas out of prison and survive another attempt on their lives and just when they think they've got it made, they're "rescued" by burners and taken to Philadelphia. Philadelphia is a city that has been living under siege for over one hundred years, so resources or slim to none. Once again, our troop bands together and tries to make the best of a bad situation and negotiate their way out, but things quickly go from bad to worse and another rescue is required. This time the Brightwell "cousins" (smuggling connections, not blood family connections) step up and provide much-needed transportation out of America for the exiles. Can Jess trust his "cousins" to do the right thing for himself and his friends? Can he finally trust his twin brother and father?

I was excited when provided the opportunity to read Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine because I've been reading the Great Library series and fell in love with it. Good news: I'm also excited that the series is not ending with book three, yay! Bad news: Ash and Quill ends with a cliffhanger folks. (No, I'm not going to tell you what the cliffhanger is, read the book!) Once again, there's a lot of action taking place in the book and our intrepid fighters have to deal with not only the Great Library and its supporters, but also the Burners and their supporters not to mention the Brightwell clan. The Library is after complete power, the Burners are after freedom from tyranny and oppression, and the Brightwell clan and their ilk are after wealth. How can idealism possibly win against them? Don't despair, our team has a plan. I don't know what the plan is, but I'm presuming it will be revealed at some point in book four or book five (yes, there are at least two more books in this series). I found Ash and Quill to be a fast-paced and engaging read. I'm glad none of the primary characters have been killed off (I hate it when that happens) and we're introduced to a whole new cast of bad guys and pseudo-bad guys in Philadelphia and England. If you've read Ink and Bone, and Paper and Fire, then you know you want to read Ash and Quill. If you haven't read this series, then let me pique your interest by saying that this is a world where there aren't any bookstores, aren't any local library systems, home libraries are illegal, and the great library of Alexandria has not only survived but has become a superpower that has deemed electricity forbidden. Interested? Of course you are, so get a copy of book one Ink and Bone, and book two Paper and Fire to read before grabbing a copy of Ash and Quill. Once you get immersed in this world, you won't want to let go. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the Great Library series as I can hardly wait to see what happens next.

Absolutely amazing!!! I was super stoked to read the first 2 books in The Great Library series and this one was every bit as entertaining. This next adventure for Jess, Wolfe, Dario, and the gang is intense. They find themselves held captive by the Burners in Philadelphia.One of my favorite scenes takes place early on when the group is being held in prison cells and are trying to figure out an escape plan. You really get to see each character's individual personalities in this scene. There is adventure, book burning, and awesome chaos throughout. I received an ARC of this compliments of NetGalley and Berkley Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own honest views. I wanted to give this 5 stars so badly but the cliffhanger has me feeling like a crazy person. I actually yelled at my kindle like it somehow offended me.

The Burners! We finally get to see the Burners come out of the background. We get to see them as people and survivors--albeit some really stubborn and ruthless ones at times. Beck was a calculating and cold leader, which proved to Jess and his friends that even the lesser evil was still evil.

The loss of the Black Archives proves that the Libray is being pushed closer and closer to the edge. They crossed a line which they cannot come back from, and which is seen as unforgivable even in the eyes of some of the most powerful. The Library knows it's losing its grip, and it's digging its heels in when it comes after Jess and his group hard.

We were able to see the characters come together and start to heal from the losses they'd experienced. Particularly, for Wolfe, it's a bittersweet moment watching his machine being built.

The story doesn't let up and keeps adding more tension as the Library launches attack after attack. Not only that, but we see how power can corrupt anyone (Beck, Jess's father). It's not just the Library that Jess and his friends have to fight.

And then the ending! It was something I didn't foresee--a pleasant surprise really to see how much of a sacrifice these characters made in order to bring down the Libary (some of them willingly, others... not so much). There are bound to be some negative exchanges between characters in the next book when the truth comes to light---but Jess is putting it all on the line in order to see the Library change. I'm in love with the series and can't wait to see what comes next!

*will edit with blog link when full post is published on July 4th
**Link to full review provided

Full review at: https://amongtheauthors.com/2017/07/06/off-the-shelf-a-review-of-ash-quill-by-rachel-caine/

First off, let me tell you how much I NEEDED this book. In May, I finished what can only be called The Worst Semester of Grad School in all of Time and Space. I would have never thought it possible for one semester, or even just one class for that matter, to break my spirit so severely… but it happened. I reached a point in these last several months that not only did I (1) not have time to read for pleasure, BUT (2) on the rare occasions when there was time to read, I was too tired to even pick up a book. I was a mess, and I needed a little time off to recover. So, I am THRILLED to make my return to reviewing with such a stellar book from a series that happens to rank among my all-time favorites. I received an advance copy of Ash & Quill from the publishers in exchange for an honest review, and I honestly can’t tell you enough that you need to pick up the rest of the Great Library series before book three hits the shelves!


RELEASE DATE: July 11, 2017

Summary (via Goodreads)
Hoarding all the knowledge of the world, the Great Library jealously guards its secrets. But now a group of rebels poses a dangerous threat to its tyranny….

Jess Brightwell and his band of exiles have fled London, only to find themselves imprisoned in Philadelphia, a city led by those who would rather burn books than submit. But Jess and his friends have a bargaining chip: the knowledge to build a machine that will break the Library’s rule.

Their time is running out. To survive, they’ll have to choose to live or die as one, to take the fight to their enemies—and to save the very soul of the Great Library….


THINGS I LIKED:
If, like me, you are obsessed with all things Great Library, you probably already know that the series has been expanded to be five books instead of three. I found this out shortly before beginning to read Ash & Quill, so it definitely changed some of my expectations. The ending is one that you will never see coming, and one that gives me very high hopes for the rest of the series.

One of the things I loved most about this book? KHALILA. I said in my review of Paper & Fire that Glain and Khalila were quickly becoming my favorite characters, and they definitely didn’t disappoint this go around. Khalila especially. She is so strong, resilient, and level headed. Jess makes for an interesting enough main character, but part of me would really love to see some of this story through Khalila’s eyes. Fingers crossed that maybe one day Rachel Caine will write a short story on Wattpad from Khalila’s POV…

The characters are what really make this series come alive (a close second is the vivid alternate reality established by such richly detailed settings), and I think this book really builds on who each of them are and how they respond to having no safe place left to run. This book really reminded me why I’d initially liked Thomas, caused me to reconsider how I felt about Dario, and gave me further reason to celebrate Santi and Wolfe. Oh, and Brendan! I mentioned in my review of the second book how much I was really starting to enjoy his character and how I hoped to see more of him in the next book, and I’m thrilled at the role he played in this part of the story.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:
Ever find it hard to pick out the things you didn’t like when it’s a series that you really love? I feel like I’m grasping at straws here, but at the end of Paper & Fire, I was so stoked that our little band of rebels would be heading to America in book three. We get an excellent look into the lifestyle of the Burners in Philadelphia and how the Great Library treats them, but I almost wish our crew had been able to spend a little more time in America, perhaps outside of Philadelphia, just so we could see more of what America would be like under the rule of the Great Library.

You do also have to keep in mind that this book now marks the midpoint of the series, not the conclusion like you may have originally thought. With it being the midpoint, there’s a lot of setup going on. While I feel like a lot DID happen in this book and there’s certainly moments with a LOT of action, I didn’t feel like I was on the edge of my seat as much as with the other books in the series so far. That is, until the ending… The fourth book is sure to drop us headfirst into the heart of danger, and I simply cannot wait.

OVERALL RATING:

5/5 It took me a little longer than I would have liked to get around to writing this review, but the story itself has remained stuck in my head. There are now only a few short days until its arrival on shelves (and there’s still time to preorder!). Ash & Quill really expands on the world of the Great Library and the characters we have come to love (or hate!). At times, I feel like it lost the pacing I had loved about the first two books, but it ultimately redeems that by setting up the rest of the series for unimaginable twists and turns. It’s a great continuation that has me truly dreading the wait for the next book.

The Great Library series is one of those weird series where the first book Ink and Bone was just meh. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to pick up the rest of the books. But what did I find myself doing about a year ago on NetGalley?

“Oh, Paper and Fire? What’s this? The 2nd book in the series? I’ll request it!”

Well, I’m so glad I did! Paper and Fire blew me out of the water, so when I specifically requested the third of the five book series, Ash and Quill, I had high expectations. I’m glad to say I wasn’t disappointed.

This book was just too short for me. I mean that in the best way possible, though. I wanted more–needed more. Ash and Quill picks up right where book 2, Paper and Fire, left off. Jess and his friends have been Translated to the Burner-held city of Philadelphia, USA. There, they reluctantly agree to do the leader’s bidding by making Thomas’s printing press, a machine that could change the tide of battle between the Burners, the Library, and everyone else.

I really loved digging deeper into this world. This series started out with a book I didn’t really love. I was confused and the characters were distant–I couldn’t relate to any of them. But Paper and Fire was amazing, and I knew I had to request book 3 immediately! I’m so glad I wasn’t disappointed. Jess has such a tight-knit group of friends. Their friendship is really put to the test, even between the adults, Scholar Wolfe and Captain Santi (who continue to be #relationshipgoals if anyone was wondering ❤ ). Tensions rise, and the realities of their actions hit deep and hard in this book.

Caine’s writing continues to flow well. I’m easily transported into this sort of alternative history where the Great Library of Alexandria was never burned, books are banned, and there are tablet-like devices where you can “download” books. Everything is regulated, and that’s how the library and its leader keeps and controls the power. It’s a vicious cycle, though. What started out as good by giving books to the people turned malicious and power-hungry leaders into villains, unable to see how beneficial it would be to allow people access to all books.

I’m really sad about Morgan. I hope things improve for her, and twist in the end with Jess–wow! I can’t imagine how the next book will play out, but you can bet I’m on the edge of my seat with anticipation!

Jess and his band of librarian rebels are now in Philadelphia, base for the Burners who want to see the Library torn down. Even if they share a common enemy, they’re not to happy to see a bunch of librarians on their doorstep, even if they claim to hate what the library stands for.

They have one card to play: Jess and Thomas will build a functioning printing press, in order to make books a commodity and crush the strength of the library. But Philadelphia is under siege, food is lacking as well as resources, and the library is right at their doorstep. Bombs of Greek fire are frequently thrown over their massive wall, and could burn through them at any time. Jess and Thomas must work fast not only to make a functioning press, but also to find a way to save themselves and their friends.

Just like book two, this sequel is split into two distinct parts: Philadelphia, and England. The first half takes place behind the wall of the city, and the second half is a return to the Brightwells, in an estate Jess himself has never even seen. In both, the band of rebels are kept as prisoners, and must prove their worth to survive.

Once again, I found Jess to be a bit of a bland protagonist. He’s fantastic in that way because he’s a stand in for the reader: we can really take his place in the story, and interact with the amazing characters. Khaliah is AMAZING in this book, proving herself to be once again one of my favorite characters in fiction: bold, unashamed by her religion and standing tall against abuse, the smartest person you will ever read. Her relationship with Dario is growing, and I’m starting to like this Spaniard more and more. Thomas is struggling to recover from his time in Rome, but proves once again that engineering is an art. Wolfe and Santi seem a little sidelined, but we get to explore their relationship more, too. And I really, really like how they’re portrayed. It’s great to see this kind of love in YA literature.

While I still find the relationship between Mogan and Jess forced, I adored her character growth in this book. She’s becoming something I wasn’t expecting of her, getting stronger and a little terrifying. I really can’t wait to see what the author does with her.

And then, there’s the ending. The reason I’m sitting here typing in the middle of the night, my heart racing. That. Effing. Ending. It’s INSANE. I couldn’t follow it half the time and had to go back and reread what just happened, not believing the words on the page. This is… this changes EVERYTHING.

My only questions is – WHERE IS BOOK FOUR?

UGH! WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!!!! The thought of waiting for the continuation is almost unbearable.

ASH AND QUILL brands the pages with deeply developed characters that bond the reader to their plight and glues them to the pages.

What is not to enjoy about a novel focusing on people who are as obsessed about book as I am?

Action, adventure, betrayal and bundles of books, ASH AND QUILL has it all.

I received this ARC copy of Ash and Quill from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Ash and Quill is set for publication July 11, 2017.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Rachel Caine
Series: The Great Library (Book 3)
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: July 11, 2017
ISBN-10: 0451472411
ISBN-13: 978-0451472410
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ash-...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Quill-Great-Li...
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http://tometender.blogspot.com

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An alternate reality where the Library of Alexandria survives?!?! It’s every book lover’s dream- sign me up!!!!!

Actually, that’s exactly what I did. I originally put in a request through Netgalley to view “Ash and Quill”. I quickly learned that “Ash and Quill” was book number 3 in “The Great Library” series and I would need to be (better) acquainted with the characters AND story line. Luck must have been on my side because I also had the opportunity to review “Ink and Bone” (book number 1 in “The Great Library” series”. I was destined to read this series- so I took it upon myself to purchase book 2 to bring them all together.

What exactly does this world look like with preserved knowledge? Pretty similar to today, just a larger emphasis on knowledge running the world. Even in this bookworm’s world, someone is always hungry for power. People are still put into groups, and it seems each group has it’s own caste system. And yet again as we spiral down to the underprivileged, groups and caste systems dissipate and it’s an absolute free-for-all for survival.

The Library, which is essentially the government, primarily focus on:

“Knowledge is Power”

However, knowledge is not meant for all. It’s true that the highest positions within the Library are privy to every and all information. It is up to the positions of power to filter out (or in) what they deem necessary. If it’s an original work that could bring about rebellion, the inventor is labeled a heretic, his/her original text is sent to the black archives, and the library is saved. If it’s an original work that benefits the present and future, the Obscurists (think of them ALMOST as magicians) will copy the original work into blanks. Blanks could be a hit or miss. Information may be omitted or added to depending on the idea the Library is trying to convey.

“Knowledge is Power”

It is in in that simple motto where groups start to break down.

Smugglers: wish to preserve original books: it is their trade: money to be made.
Burners: political statement: will burn any book to break the Library’s hold on originals
Obscurists: the group in the library that “mirror’s” original books
Scholars: protect any and all books, no matter the costs
Readers are introduced to Jess Brightwell- who at the time is 10 years old. The Brightwell family runs a book smuggling operation- not just any books; originals. Just because you are a young member of the family, does not mean you are exempt from smuggling duty. Jess knows for certain he does not want a future career within the family business. One prominent memory for Jess was a run were a customer dubbed an “ink licker” ate an original book, for:

“. . .there’s no act of possession more complete than consuming the unique. . .”

Jess may have been born into a book smuggling business, but ,

“. . .[he] was born with ink in his blood. . .”

making him consciously aware that he would do anything to protect a book.

Tired of paying for a son who refuses to take over the family business, Callum (ever the opportunist) decides to use his son for bigger and better things; placement in the Library, and a chance to make return investment on years of tutelage.

Jess passes the placement test, sending him to Alexandria with a train full of hopeful postulants. Whilst on the train ride, we learn of the other characters who will frequent the books:

Thomas: from Germany. Has a large build, and hopes to get placed in engineering.
Khalila: from the Middle East, very pretty, the first person to EVER score 100% on the exams.
Glain: Welsh, solid dislike for Jess since he’s English and they’re in a war; very plain, brash.
Dario: spanish, arrogant- used to getting what he wants.
Morgan: late arrival; on the run from the library, safest place is right under their nose for the time being.
Scholar Wolfe: intimidating; black robes, shoulder length hair, not the average teacher. Forced into teaching as a punishment (although the reader will not know that until much later).
Santi: member of the High Garda, assigned to Scholar Wolfe
So for the most part this is our rag tag team for the series. Naturally there are other minor characters introduced throughout, but these here are your main focus.

Scholar Wolfe is expected to whittle down his applicants to 6; through lessons, practical life lessons, hand on tasks, as well as common sense training. The Library deems them fit to go on a mission to Oxford for the retrieval of Originals at the sister library. The problem? They are walking right in the middle of the English/Welsh war.

Even in this alternate reality, history repeats itself. Usually, repeated ideas are the most dangerous, and most likely to draw (unwanted) attention from the Library; which is exactly what Thomas has done. Thomas has invented a machine that renders Obscurists obsolete, as well as challenging the powerful hold the library has on it’s information flow. What innocent Thomas is unaware of, is his invention has actually been “invented” before. . .centuries, decades, and years prior. Each invention discovered, each inventor silenced and/or tortured, and all evidence of either of the two ever existing wiped clean.

Luckily, our crew of miscreants has someone seasoned in the Library’s conduct; Scholar Wolfe. It is through Wolfe’s intuition that leads Jess to realize Thomas has been taken. It is through a hypnotic trance that Wolfe is able to tell the group where Thomas may be kept, and it is Wolfe’s ability to help everyone steer clear from the Library as much as possible.

Throughout the 3 books it’s Battle—–>Rescue—–>Rest—–>Repeat. Not only do we have human obstacles our group must face, but also automated (specifically engineered for the Library) and chemical.

Unbeknownst to me, I originally thought this was only a 3 book series. Upon looking up information on Goodreads, I learned that it is actually a 5 book series (YAY!!!!). In my personal opinion, this series (all around) is an amazing read. I typically love alternate realities, but lately it seems that they have been overdone. By breathing life back into the Library of Alexandria, it gives a historical spin on what “could have” been our future. The story line flows- for the most part, I did not hit a boring spot that I had to put down and take a break. Caine has developed this world beautifully- everything is well thought out, described, and intoxicating. The depth of the characters makes you easily fall in love with them- and I HIGHLY suggest at starting with book 1, do not skip books.

It is also my opinion that this series be developed either into a video game (yes you read that right!) or a TV series. Yes, I loved it that much, and I really think it would do well! So, here at Quitterstrip, I cannot wait to continue with this series.

All 3 books get a solid 4 stars from me!

I feel like I start a lot of my reviews like this, but look at this cover. Isn't it beautiful? This series is really upping it's game in the cover department- the first book was okay, the second book was lovely, but this one is really great. Okay. Now onward to the actual review part.

There is one thing I'd like to mention in terms of content going in. A main/predominant secondary character (not sure how to describe her character-status, but she's kind of my favourite, so main character to me, probably secondary character narratively?) in this book wears a hijab, and in this book, when the group are violently searched, the scarf is momentarily torn off. While this is clearly emphasized within the book to be a bad thing, and all of our lead characters are horrified and angered, it does still happen- something that may be upsetting for some people to read, especially in the world's current social climate of people being awful to Muslim people for no good reason.

This is the third book in what is to be a five-book series, and it dives right back into the action, essentially carrying on from where the second book ended. They've fled to a Burner-held city, where they're really not safe- one thing we see is the degree to which they aren't really safe anywhere. The enemy of their enemy, in this case, is not their friend, but more of another enemy. This book starts off fast, and doesn't let up- there's a lot of action, and, even when there isn't an actual action scene, Rachel Caine does a good job of maintaining the tension.

It's still impressive to me how BIG this world is. There's a lot going on, and things just keep happening. Last book demonstrated that the Library isn't a monolith, and many of the characters who are currently resisting the Library aren't doing so because they feel that it is 100% evil- sometimes the motivation is the opposite. In this book we also get to see more of that grey area- especially given that quite a few of the main characters are also somewhat grey, including Jess himself. I definitely found myself cringing a little at some of his choices in this book, but they were still totally understandable, especially given his character and history.

There are also A LOT of characters, and Rachel Caine does a good job of juggling her constantly expanding cast and making them distinct. Something that I find I really appreciate about this series is that there are adult characters who really do respect the autonomy and abilities of the main cast, most of whom are teens. (Wolfe and Santi have been two of my favourite characters since book one, so I've been delighted by their continued presence. And also concerned for their safety. Also that.) There's such a wealth of characters that I'm not great at picking favourites- you'll notice I've kind of already mentioned three favourites... The cast is also fairly diverse, as well- there are a few points where I think it possible the author may have stumbled a bit in terms of representation, but overall seems to have done a fairly good job, especially in making her characters individuals. (I can't speak to all of the representation of course, and am mostly speaking from an outsider's perspective. I'm hoping to read some reviews from those in the communities represented in these books to see how they felt, now that I'm done the book and don't have to fear spoilers!)

Similar to how a lot of the stronger parts are evident in the first two books, something that I disliked is also a carry-over: Jess and Morgan as a couple still... is kind of boring to me? I know it should have emotional resonance, especially as it was given more time in this book, but I still kind of feel like there's more nuance to Jess's relationships with basically everyone else- I think I just wish they felt more like he and Morgan were friends as well as the romantic component? So that still kind of interrupted the flow for me, but it's something I've kind of accepted is going to be something I might not really get.

Overall, this was a great contribution to an excellent series, and I'm really looking forward to the next book- especially with that cliffhanger, which was, frankly, stressful. I am stressed. I'm also really curious where the story is going from here, both from plot and character perspectives, but also from a storytelling perspective.

This series continues to leave me in angst. Jess and his crew manage to find themselves in even more hot water this time as they cross into enemy burner territory. This time Jess, Thomas, Morgan, Khalila, Dario, Glain, Wolfe and Santi is caught by burners and taken to their headquarters in Philadelphia. The group also meets back up with Jess’ family including his twin brother Brenden. The stakes are even higher as this group of rebels fights for freedom from the library and the liberation of knowledge.

All of a sudden (well for me anyways) this is a 5 book series. That’s good and bad. It’s good because the story continues to expound on the characters, making them much more dimensional. The story takes the reader all over this familiar yet foreign world where the Great Library of Alexandria is not destroyed and holds knowledge and power captive over the people of the world. Jess and his friends are so far from school, but their education continues as they uncover more and more corruption.

I loved where this book took us. Philadelphia is familiar and yet foreign to me as the author re-imagines this historical city in the hands of the burners. It felt like maybe the burners and these rebels have something in common, but I won’t spoil anything for you. I also really enjoyed seeing Brendan and Jess interact with each other again. It feels like a long time since they were in the same room. Jess and Brendan are identical twins but the similarities don’t stop there.

At some point in this story, the dream of a working printing press comes to life. I really enjoyed seeing Thomas and Jess working together on this. Fans of this series will not be disappointing with this installment as the group learns much and starts to form a real plan to counter the corruption of the library. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It was fun to read and hard to put down. Going with all of the characters on the next part of their journey was exciting. My only real complaint would be the secrecy with which the characters made their plans. They would decide it was best to leave some friends in the dark about big decisions and plans for their own good. But the reader was also left out of the loop. While that created a great deal of suspense, it also made it more difficult to follow along as the action unfolded, because the reader couldn't tell if things were going according to plan or falling apart. If I could change anything in the book, that would be it.
I would recommend this book and will have a hard time waiting for the next one.

All the feels were felt for this third installment of The Great Library series. I had no trouble being pulled back into the world, following the characters on their continued whirlwind of an adventure. Rachel Caine had me in her clutches up until the last word. That jaw dropping last passage wrenching my feels. Caine is the queen of cliffhangers, especially at the ending of Ash and Quill. I will be eagerly awaiting to read more of The Great Library series when the fourth installment releases.