Although less action-packed than its predecessor, The Archive of the Forgotten explores the nature of books, humanity, and the soul of creation. Even moreso than the first book, I really enjoyed the character arcs in this sequel, especially Hero's. Uncertainty is an inherent part of change, and when one's identity is comprised of what we are in relation to other people, it can be difficult to know who you are when you're alone. The cast of The Archive of the Forgotten learn this lesson the hard way, but luckily, they have people in their corners who refuse to give up on them. Recommended!

Misunderstandings are part of life. Especially when you are dealing with family. And like most urban fantasies, Hell's Library involves a chosen family, centred around the former librarian, Claire. But Claire is now the Arcanist in charge of Hell's archives, the Muse Brevity has been promoted to Librarian, and each has an assistant: the former book character Hero in the Library and fallen angel Ramiel in the Archives.

All of these changes happened during a turbulent period (see book one) and it is the supernatural Library that chooses these things. Claire is hurt to be shifted from her librarian position and isolates herself. How many families do you know where this happens? Someone's feelings are hurt and they withdraw from family gatherings and communication. It's difficult for everyone, there's a lot of anger, and nothing gets resolved.

So when a huge pool of Ink appears in the Archives, a result of destruction of books (see book one), it would make sense to collaborate. However Claire still isn't willing to talk. She was proud of her work and still isn't ready to admit to her mistakes. Pride cometh before a fall, and Claire gets infected with this magical ink. Brevity is having her own issues, as her sister Muse Probity has come to “support" her. Or is that Probity's true purpose?

I'm rating this as 4 stars, the same as book 1, but it's maybe truly 3.8 stars. I liked it just a titch less, but it was still very good. The first installment had the excellent tag line, “Raise Hell. Join the Library.” That's pretty hard to beat.

The Archive of the Forgotten by A. J. Hackwith is the second installment of the Hell's Library series. As one would expect of a sequel, there are a few answers, more questions, and a new crisis our heroes must resolve. This time around, we not only learn more about the Library, but we also get some time with Brevity and Hero as well as Claire.

As The Archive of the Forgotten starts out a few months after the end of The Library of the Unwritten, there is always a danger that an author will either not recap the previous story or will spend too much time doing so, to the detriment of the current one. Thankfully, Ms. Hackwith does an excellent job balancing the refresher with building the mystery for this new adventure.

In fact, one of the main plot points of The Archive of the Forgotten is the aftermath of that first story. For Hero, Brevity, and Claire, there is no such thing as moving on with their lives (or afterlives). The emotional and psychological traumas of the battle among all of the characters play a significant role in the sequel, as it should. It shows that Ms. Hackwith intends for each story within the series to build upon the other one, which is always something you want in any series.

Within The Archive of the Forgotten, we get to see yet another afterlife dimension even though Heaven does not make an appearance this time. We do learn more about the Library, especially its importance within the universe. However, Ms. Hackwith is careful to leave certain questions about the Library without answers to give us something to anticipate in future novels.

The Archive of the Forgotten is the second novel in an enjoyable series that focuses less on the comical and more on the poignant. Ms. Hackwith seeks to redefine what a story is in a way that will strike an avid reader as profound. In addition, she makes you ruminate on the relationship between an author and his or her story. With many a sentence that hits you with all the emotions, I am most definitely a fan and cannot wait to see what happens next!

The Archive of the Forgotten takes up where the Library of the Unwritten ended. Everyone is dealing with the aftermath of the assault to protect the library. Our characters are all dealing with their choices that lead them to here. The book deals with another threat to the library. We focus more on characters, so the book is definitely a character driven fantasy read. I also really liked how we got to see more worlds besides the Hell’s Library and all the more secrets that the library holds. Overall, The Archive of the Forgotten is a great sequel to a promising series.

i feel like the rug was pulled out from under me. the things i thought was building up to something from book one, were just completely dropped, somewhere between the end of the first book and the start of this one. instead something else dropped in its place out of nowhere. its was just there and didn't feel satisfying. where the first book felt so complex in the characters interactions and relationships, this one feels...well after the trauma? of the first book, they just dont talk, hold things in and it leads to hurt feelings and things going wrong.
realistic, sure i guess, but that what the full problem of the book. because they are hurt and dont talk, it leaves room for mistakes and makes events worse.
i feel let down.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020. Just like the first book this book took me on a wild ride...at least in the second half. The first half had me worried in the first half where I thought it was gonna suffer with "the middle book" syndrome, but A.J. Hackwith didn't let me down. At this point, I'm biting my nails for the last book.

This book was something different. It was also much better than the first. I am still a little unclear about some of the logistics behind how the library and the museum work but the story was so engaging I didn't really care. I need the third book. I need to know what happens to Hero and how claire and the rest survive

Thank you for the opportunity to read this title. I loved the first book of this series, which is why I requested this one, but I just couldn't get into it. Probably more my problem than the author's writing, to be honest.

Sequel to Library of the Unwritten features virtually all of the same characters but suffers from way to much exposition and introspection by the main characters and I found it extremely difficult to keep my interest for much of the novel. It starts out somewhat interesting and finishes well, but the majority of the story was a slog. Nowhere near as good or enjoyable as the first book.

i'm DNFing this at 45% because i'm just not as interested as i hoped i would be. it's taking me so long to try and force myself to get through it and i'm just not enjoying it. there's nothing inherently wrong about this series, so i'm giving this book 3 stars since i have to give a rating to give feedback. i think this is just not quite for me, or i'm reading it at the wrong time or something else, but i know there are readers out there who will love this incredibly unique series.

After finishing The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith back in July, I figured I’d have to wait for my library to get a copy of its sequel, The Archive of the Forgotten when it came out in October. To my surprise and delight, I was able to secure an advance reader copy in September… but what I was unable to secure was the time to read it before it hit shelves (the worst thing about busy season at work is how it cuts into my reading time and energy). Though it took me longer to get to it than I’d hoped, The Archive of the Forgotten proved to be as thoroughly engaging a follow-up novel as I’d anticipated… just not in the directions I had expected (which actually made it that much better).
Some time has passed since Andras’ attack on the library and things should be settling into a new normal with Claire in her new position as Arcanist and her former apprentice Brevity stepping up as the Librarian of the Unwritten Wing. But even with Hero recovered from his injuries (and working as Brevity’s new apprentice) and Ramiel adjusting nicely to his new place as Claire’s assistant, things between them all are a little… off. Continuing to ignore the imbalance or whatever it is ceases to be an option when two things appear: first, one of Brevity’s sister muses, Probity, visits from the Muse Corps to see how the former muse is managing her position as Librarian and second, a mysterious pool of ink has appeared in the Arcane Wing – a pool of ink that appears to be attracting damsels from the Unwritten Wing. As Claire and Brevity clash over what the pool of ink is and what should be done about it and the tension in their relationship begins to bubble over into their relationships with the others around them. Is it a difference of opinion and philosophy or something deeper, more fundamental and dangerous?
After the way The Library of the Unwritten ended, I fully expected the sequel to be an escalation of the larger external threats to the Library. Instead, The Archive of the Forgotten delves deeply into the internal recoveries of the characters, which was so much more satisfying since so many series have a tendency to brush over those elements or sprinkle them into plots that overshadow them. Here, they were the breathing room they deserved. There were still plenty of revelations that serve to advance the larger arc of the world and story Hackwith has created, but it’s been handled in a beautifully character-driven way. And the revelations about the nature of stories also tie back meticulously to elements of the first novel – and it’s done in a way that makes me want to go back and re-read to pick up on the hints I’m sure were there, but that I blew right past as I strove to keep pace with the story.
The Archive of the Forgotten also shows a remarkable contrast to the first book in the origins of the threats the library faces. Where the threat and violence of The Library of the Unwritten ultimately comes from greed and deception of someone Claire had trusted, in Archive the threat derives more from the desire to fix things, to right wrongs. It shows that while the motivation can be completely different and can be nobler, it can lead to the same kind of devastation.
Given how the novel ends, I’m sure there are more books in the Hell’s Library series to look forward to but I’m not looking forward to how much longer I’ll have to wait for the next one. At least it should provide me with plenty of time to re-read both ahead of whatever comes next.

This was such a guilty pleasure! The author had me in awe with the first novel and it is hard to beat a second but I loved this one just as much! We meet with Claire and the gang again and a few new people too. This is a great premise and I’m so happy Hackwith came up with it because it is unique story! All the stars!

What are books in Hell made of if they were never written?
The Hell’s Library series is about books, characters that love and treasure books, and the mysterious libraries in after-life realms for the books unwritten and words unspoken. Part of why I love this trilogy SO much is because of the devotion to books and their characters. It’s everything that a bookworm could want, and then much more.

In this second installment of the Hell’s Library Trilogy, we spend a significant amount of time with Hero and Rami, two males that were secondary characters in book one. Claire and Brevity were still very important in this book but I enjoyed diving deeper into the minds of Hero, the character separated from his book, and Ramiel the Fallen Angel. Loyal almost to a fault, the two of them go on a dangerous journey for answers that will help The Unwritten Library as well as The Arcane Wing. During their time together they come to see the inner layers of each other’s personalities. Hero in particular learns to come to terms with his true self when he’s constantly challenged by Rami to drop his arrogant and careless swagger. Could a relationship be blooming for them in book three?

Finally–a story with natural diversity.
When I say “natural” diversity, I mean that A.J. Hackwith has characters of different colors (even blue), genders, and non-binary, without constantly reminding you throughout the story. Too often an author will remind me more than a few times of how dark a person’s skin color is, and very often doesn’t reference the shades of white at all. A.J. Hackwith describes every character quickly, to paint you a vague picture and then doesn’t remind you again. The color of a character’s skin doesn’t detract from the story as it so often does for me in books.

Sexuality is very seamlessly expressed as well. Characters who come to love another character of the same gender develop their relationship just as naturally as heterosexual stories. Why shouldn’t it be, right? I only point it out because of how refreshing it is to read the different ways people can fall in love. Our experiences may be different, but that doesn’t mean that either way is right or wrong.

Are any of us ready to face judgement in the afterlife?
There is a scene in which people are shifting from their lives to a form of their afterlife. No one knows where they’ll end up, only that they must cross a bridge. If you’re not worthy, you’ll find yourself stuck on the bridge as it narrows to a tightrope, waiting for you to teeter of the edge into the unknown.falling-into-abyssIt shook me a little because of the panic among everyone on the bridge. All kinds of souls running, trying not to be the one the bridge is narrowing towards. All of them looking around to see who it is the bridge wants. Are any one of us certain we’d deserve to cross the bridge? For that matter, where would we end up if thrown off the edge?

This book series is certainly one of my all time favorites, ever. While I’ve received both books one and two for honest reviews, I quickly purchased them in print for my shelves and to share with my teenager. It’s amusing for the library to be placed in Hell, a place we’re not meant to visit by choice. As it stands, I would love to visit the Unwritten Wing in Hell. The Arcane wing too! From there I’d love to visit the wing of words unsaid, and all of the other after-life realms to see what other magical places exist for books and words.

This series was made for readers who truly/madly/deeply love books. Characters will come and go from their books like real people. Walking among angels, demons, muses, and mortals in the afterlife. I mean… haven’t all of us fallen in love with a book character? They might be waiting for you in Hell’s Library.

The Archive of the Forgotten is out now!

Rating: 3.5 stars

Whenever I see a book featuring a magical library, it immediately goes on my tbr list. The Library of the Unwritten was such a fun book and I was so happy when the sequel was announced! Unfortunately, I just didn’t like The Archive of the Forgotten quite as much as the first book. But I have a feeling it’ll be the other way around for some people.

I adored the group dynamic in the first book and it just wasn’t as present here. While I understand the reason, it still made it a bit difficult to get into for me. The plot was also a bit slow, particularly since flashing between so many viewpoints meant that there wasn’t really a lot of story for each character. Despite that, I really enjoyed getting to find out more about this world.

Overall, The Archive of the Forgotten was still a fun and innovative novel. I’m hoping we get a third book in the series and that the character dynamics go back to the way they were in the first book.

A good sequel but the plot didn't get my attention as much as the Library of the Unwritten. In the sequel, we find the characters battling with their feelings and new roles within Hell's Library after the events of the previous book. A new element of the library involving a mysterious ink wreaks havoc within various wings of Hell's Library and we follow our characters as they fight this mysterious power and the divide that has come between them.

Spellbinding, mesmerizing, and absolutely captivating, THE ARCHIVE OF THE FORGOTTEN immerses the reader back into a world that picks up where The Library of the Unwritten left off. The world building and character development continue to be fantastic as we follow Hell's former and current librarians. This is a strong sequel.

I am absolutely in love with this concept of Underworld libraries and I am happy to have another installment to showcase the evolution of this brilliant idea. As this novel continues with our cast of characters, I appreciate the shift in focus to our angel-esque Rami and his relationship with Hero but there was too much telling as opposed to showing the blooming of their relationship. Likewise, I am tired of struggling to connect and care for despondent Claire. The pacing of the first half of the book does not help this, but once the plot picks up, so does the action, and thus our characters engagement with each other.
Lastly, the plot itself was confusing. Because the concept is so rich, it is easy to drown in the many facets of it. The different wings of the library and accompanying realms provide too much fodder at times, when we have barely touched the surfance of the Arcane Wing. However, I am looking forward to the third installment, where I hope we will finally achieve the perfect blend of exposition and setting.

The calamitous events of the last book left Hell's library in disarray. Deceased human Claire has been exiled to the Arcane Wing, where the stoic former angel Ramiel acts as her assistant. Brevity the effervescent ex-muse has been promoted to Librarian of the Unwritten Wing, with the delightfully wicked character Hero as her helper. Despite the strong ties binding the quartet, none of them are communicating very well, which leads to disaster when sentient ink invades the Arcane Wing and Claire herself. Considerably less action than the first volume, but that does give plenty of time for character growth.

3.5 stars
Every afterlife you've ever heard of is real - Heaven, Hell, Valhalla, Elysium, Duat - and each of them has their own library. Hell's library, the Unwritten Wing, holds every book that was never written or may be written in the future. In the first book, a character from an unwritten book escapes the library at the same time an important demonic text resurfaces, throwing Hell's librarian, a Muse, a lost soul, and an angel together in ways they couldn't have expected. This sequel takes place months after the events of the first book when a mysterious, possibly volatile ink has found its way into the library and our gang must find out what it is and how to stop it.
This is a rare sequel that I believe improves upon the original. First, the plot was better structured with foreshadowing and etc. so that the audience was not left in the dark. Second, the characters felt somewhat more real and empathetic even when they make bad decisions, Hero being the star of the show. Third, the themes and messages Hackwith presents in this story felt more profound and precise. One thing I liked that stayed the same between the novels was the abundance of creativity that Hackwith has put into her world; every new location is wonderfully and thoughtfully described. I particularly loved the idea of Elysium's Library of the Unspoken and the integration of Echo. As to what I didn't like, I felt that although they improved, the characters, and therefore their relationships, still fell flat. I just didn't buy that there was romantic tension between certain characters, even though I approve of the relationship in question. I also think that the logbook entries are mostly vestigial, usually just pretty phrases, and could be utilized to a fuller extent: foreshadowing, dramatic irony, etc. Overall, this was a solid sequel that I enjoyed more than its predecessor.

Library of the Forgotten was one of my favourite books of last year and this sequel was at the top of my anticipated releases shelf all year. I was so happy to recieve a free ARC of this one in exchange for a honest review. This review contains my own opinions from reading this book and is not influenced by how I received my copy.

For those who haven’t read the first book, the Hell’s Library series follows Claire, the Librarian of Hell, who watches over the books that were never written. These books can and will become sentient and will try to escape the Library and influence their potential authors. The book follows Claire’s travels across several realms of the afterlife after a book escapes the library. Archive of the Forgotten is a direct sequel of Library of the Unwritten so you need to read that one first.

After loving the plot and characters of the first novel, I was so excited to see where the story goes after the events of the finale. Upon further reflection, I should have reread the first book again immediately prior to this one. The beginning of the story was immediately happening, but that first act went on for longer that I would have preferred. By the halfway mark, the story picked up, but it didn’t compare with the first novel.

Hackwith’s series is rife with mythological figures and I always felt excited when I recognized someone. The characters that are created from these figures were adapted in such a perfect way. The realms that they visit are the best part of the book, and they create an interesting environment that also is an amalgamation of several different sources. The whole series is just very inventive and fresh.

One problem that I had with this book was the exclusion of my favourite character completely. I really enjoyed one specific character and I was hoping he would make an appearance, but it was not to be. He offered a touch of comic relief to the first book that seemed to be missing in this one.

Finally, as this is a transition novel in the series, I felt like it was building so much, but a lot went nowhere. A lot of the concepts were initially set up to be confusing and this also made the first half very slow and difficult to get though. The payoff was interesting and I am still happy with the way that the series is going, but I enjoyed the first book more than this one.

Overall this was a solid sequel, but it had a different tone than the first. I will be rereading both books that have been released, so hopefully on reread this one feels different.

What’s your most anticipated book of 2020? Leave a comment down below and be sure to like and follow me for future updates and reviews! Happy Reading!

4 stars