It’s funny that as I was reading Mark Lawrence’s The Book That Broke the World, I kept thinking how it was much more action/plot oriented than its predecessor, The Book That Wouldn’t Burn, which in my head I recalled as far more character and theme-driven. Then, in preparation for writing this review, I went back and read my review of book one and saw that I’d noted how the action “quickens at a relentlessly breathless rate.” So maybe it’s a balance thing? With the first book being more split between character, theme, and action while its sequel focuses more on the last of those? I can’t say for sure, but while I enjoyed The Book That Broke the World throughout its length, I did have the feeling that I wasn’t swimming in the same depth that had me not just enjoying but loving book one. Which, to be clear, is not a complaint, merely an observation. After all, creating a book one can enjoy throughout its entire length is absolutely a win for the reader and an accomplishment for an author.

The novel opens by introducing a new species via a brother-sister pairing: Celcha and Hellet, two Ganar, an enslaved race whose origins are fascinating, though I won’t spoil them here. Celcha and Hellet toil in excavating buried parts of the library, and when Hellet’s two invisible-to-everyone-else “angels” (better known to reads as “ghosts” in the terminology of the series) lead him to a treasure trove of books, he and Hellet are taken to the city and put to work in the library. The book moves back and forth for a while between Celcha and Hellet and the characters from book one, who were separated in time and space by the events of that book: Livira and Malar; Evar, Evar’s sister Clovis, and Evar’s brother Kerrol; and the librarian Arpix and a few fellow survivors.

It's a welcome return to Livira, Malar, and Evar, who remain wonderfully engaging characters in their individual natures and their inter-relationships. While we met Arpix and Clovis in the first novel, here they both blossom into their own selves and it’s a pleasure to see their characters unfold. As for the two new characters, Hellet fell a bit flat for me, but his sister more than made up for it, and I found myself wishing by the end we’d spent more time with her.

The plots run separately for quite some time and then, as one would expect, eventually converge, though if the convergence is predictable the method/details come as a surprise. I noted above this is a book filled with action and most of that comes from the threads involving the three Canith and Arpix’s group. Though they’ve finally managed to escape the library chamber they’d been trapped in for so long, Evar, Clovis, and Kerrol have to contend with being chased both by the Skeer (a hostile insectoid, hive-mind species) and a giant automaton. A different group of Skeer threatens Arpix’s group, where they have been trapped for some time in a mountainous region of the Dust. The area has some sort of force that keeps the Skeer back, offering a refuge from attack but little else in a place where food is scarce and the environment barely habitable. Meanwhile, the Skeer continue to try and figure out a way around the force. Between these two plotlines (Evar’s and Arpix’s), readers get a whole lot of running, chasing, and fighting, and if there isn’t that sort of fast-paced violent action there’s a lot of simmering tension over potential violence.

The other two threads — Livira’s and Celcha’s — are different in tone and style. A good chunk of Livira and Malar’s story involve a sort of quest plot as she is tasked with retrieving the book she wrote, “A wound in the world … a book that has swallowed its own tale . . . burning through the years, spreading cracks through time, fissures that reach into past and future … weaken [ing] many things.” Beyond the incentive to mend what she has broken, she’s also told finding the book and bringing it back will restore her to her body and also allow her and Evar to find each other once again. Her story, therefore, becomes somewhat of a puzzle-solving tale, though it eventually becomes a heartbreakingly emotional one as well. As for the story involving Celcha and Hellet, it reads almost like a Greek tragedy in that as a reader you know where it is going, but all you can do is watch as it marches toward its inevitable tragedy. That their cause is righteous and that Celcha is such an endearing character makes it all the more compellingly awful and moving.

Thematically, Lawrence continues to explore the themes from book one: the power of stories and word; the cycle of cruelty, violence, and self-destruction; the question of whether preserving knowledge helps maintain the light of civilization and sparks the conflagration that burns it all down; the difference between justice and vengeance, the difficult in choosing empathy over righteous and justified anger; the ways we dehumanize the Other. While the questions remain intriguing, I’m not sure the thematic element was quite as successful. One, because we’ve already seen these questions explored in the first book so there’s a little sense of repetition; two, because they’re addressed in heavily overt fashion towards the end; and three, because the characters are all told (or feel) they must “choose a side” amongst the various options, but I was never clear just why that is or why we’re supposed to (apparently) feel a sense of urgency about choosing a side in a war that has been going on for a thousand or more years (well, outside the obvious necessities of plotting). And just because we’re in the “I had a few issues” segment of this review, I’ll just add here that the near-ending also felt a bit rushed and at times disjointed, though obviously I won’t go into details.

That said, if the near-ending was a bit problematic, the actual ending was highly, movingly effective. Put that together with what I began with — that I enjoyed my entire time reading the book — and it’s easy to see that the complaints are relatively minor and greatly overshadowed by the novel’s strengths. Leaving me incredibly eager to return to these characters and this world. Strongly recommended.

The book that broke the world is a solid sequel to the book that wouldn’t burn. The adventures that is woven with different paths in the timeline made for an interesting read. Unlike the first book we spend very little time in the library and spent more exploring outside This trilogy is about the power of power of books, the histroy of the words, the meaning of letters and communications though out space and time. I could read them multiple times and come up with things i missed the first few reads. One i am sure i will come back to again and again.

Stunning, heartbreaking, and powerful. Vastly different from book one and all the better for it.

A brilliant follow-up to <i>The Book That Wouldn't Burn</i>, Lawrence takes a sharp turn with this sequel, providing the reader with a much narrower focus on fewer characters and plot threads while answering many questions raised throughout the series thus far. While new interesting characters and timelines eat up many chapters of the story, they are welcome and help bind together many of the open mysteries of the previous entry.

What surprised me most was how little of the story took place within the Library itself. Much world-building along different paths of the timeline helped establish structure before the final act's devastating sequence of events and revelations that twisted my brain in fun and exciting ways. It's a wonder to think that Mark writes these stories without much of a plan, and it somehow all ties together in a sensical and elevated fashion.

This trilogy is about the power of books, the history of words, the meaning of letters, and communications throughout space and time. So many themes are covered that it's almost hard to keep up, but the pages keep turning and the wonders never cease. It is a thrilling journey, and quite possibly Mark's most meaningful, most powerful work yet.

THE BOOK THAT BROKE THE WORLD by Mark Lawrence is the second book in the Library trilogy. The first book, THE BOOK THAT WOULDN’T BURN, was one of my favorites from last year and so I knew I had to read this as soon as possible.

The series follows Evar and Livira, two residents of a seemingly endless, magical library that is built beneath a mountain. Against all odds, Evar and Livira’s lives continue to lead them back to each other.

This book picks up right after the end of the first book, but also introduces a new pair of characters. I thought that this was the perfect way to start a sequel, because we had a great balance of scenes where we were already dropped in the action with Evan and Livira, and scenes that introduced us to the new characters in a way that gripped me to want to understand how they fit in.

To quote my review of book one, Lawrence does a masterful job of making the reader feel the same sense of wonder and magic that you feel going to Disney World for the first time or waking up to snow on Christmas morning.

This is a series that really stands out to me in the landscape of fantasy today because of the massive amounts of creativity in the setting, magic system, and character development. This combined with an enjoyable writing style and pace of exposition makes these books difficult to put down!

This book comes out on April 9th, so there is still time to pre-order!

The Book That Broke the World... and my brain! Mind absolutely blown. This series is such a fun fantasy retelling of stories of old. The character Livira who absolutely captured my attention, she overcame odds to be the Librarian of Crath City, and as a librarian myself, I loved the representation. I also felt such heart wrenching emotions for Celcha and Hellet. This story is shockingly poetic, full of twists, and was brilliantly written!

In The Book That Broke The World by Mark Lawrence the second book in The Library Trilogy we meet new characters named Celcha and Hellet , slaves force to be minors who found a cash of books behind the wall in the tunnel. Hellet has The ability for recall and when the headlight braarian learns this she brings him and his sister to work in the library. In another part of the library Livera Who died at the end of book 1 is now following Ever his siblings and others in her go sleeve form. She is hoping he finds the book that will bring them back together but he is also trying to avoid the monsters. Eventually the brother and sister Hellet and Celcha Will also get trapped in the library in the stories will intertwine with Livera and Evers I want to stop here and say oh I totally loved the first book in the trilogy but the second had so many new characters that as the author weaved the stories tapestry there was a point where I got confused and didn’t know what the heck was going on, about 40% in after the dinner story with the unwanted marriage something clicked and it all made sense again by the end I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I do want to say I didn’t like Hellet and Celcha’s attitude when they were moved to the library because a great person once said you should meet people where they are and they were nice to them and yet they seem to have an attitude when it wasn’t warranted at all. Now having said all that there are too many ends and outs ups and downs in this book for me to give a brief summary and don’t take my confusion in the middle of the book is something that will happen to you because after reading all those reviews clearly it is the main thing. As far as recommending this book I definitely do and cannot wait for the final installment of the trilogy. I want to thank Berkeley publishing group for the free ARC via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate most of my review.

The Book That Broke the World, by Mark Lawrence, is the second installment in the author's The Library Trilogy. Key Characters: Evar, Livara, Arpix, Celcha, and Hellet. Long ago, a lie was told, and with the passing years it has grown and spread, a small push leading to a chain of desperate consequences. Now, as one edifice topples into the next with ever-growing violence, it threatens to break the world. The secret war that defines the library has chosen its champions and set them on the board. The time has come when they must fight for what they believe, or lose everything.

Livira, who grew up in a place called The Dust, but was rescued by soldiers, is a librarian who trying to find her way home to her family, as well as find Evar. As the story opens, Livira and Malar (soldier) are together but nobody can see them because they are pretty much ghosts to everyone else. Livera is also trying to find a book she wrote, which could possibly be a true threat to the library’s existence.

Evar, who was trapped with his adopted siblings for a very long time, was raised by the Assistant and Soldier who we learn are some characters we already know thanks to the Library's Mechanism of traveling through doors and different times and places. He, along with his warrior sister Clovis is determined to find Livira. Clovis is an amazing and tough warrior, but curiously finds herself falling for the human boy Aprix who once trained Livara even though they are different species.

Celcha was born into slavery along with her brother Hellet. Their job was to dig into a lost city to find lost books. er as they head into the Library world. It appears that Hellet was being tempted by either ghosts or angels into doing something dangerous that would eventually lead to the destruction of the city that exists outside of the Library. The most curious aspect of Celcha was that she was pushed into doing something really awful, and wasn't aware that she was being used by people who wanted to destroy the Library.

Arpix is a librarian who also tutored Livira. He and other survivors ended up in the Dust where Livira once lived, and it seems that they have been there for a while. Wentworth (a huge cat, who can find anyone), was a terrific addition to the book. Especially after you learn that he has been providing much needed food for Arpix and his group as well as fighting monsters called Skeers.

Behind the scenes, there is a war brewing. A war that has been thousands of years in the making thanks to two brothers. It is at this point I shall just say that the key characters must now decide which side they are on, and which doorway they will take to meet their own fates including fighting a cannibalistic King, and the rotten to the core Lord Algar who really truly hates Livara.

*Facts* The Library Trilogy revolves around the Athenaeum, the legendary library instituted by Irad, the grandson of Cain and the great-grandson of Adam and Eve. Following the family tradition, Irad argued bitterly with his own brother, Jaspeth, who believed Irad’s library to be a temple glorifying the original sin of knowledge and was determined to tear it down. The Library has become a literal and figurative battleground over who controls access to knowledge or whether information should be passed down at all. The Library Trilogy is about many things: adventure, discovery, and romance, but it's also a love letter to books and the places where they live. The focus is on one vast and timeless library, but the love expands to encompass smaller more personal collections, and bookshops of all shades too.

The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence is a delightful fantasy sequel that returned me to a world I already loved and left me longing to return there once again.

What I loved
-Continuing character development and time with all my favorite characters
-incredibly atmospheric writing
-wonderful pacing and character interaction

what didn't work as well for me
honestly my only complaint is that the book ended. I want more and I suppose that is a good thing.

who I recommend this book for
The Book That Broke This World is a direct sequel to another title by the same author and is best enjoyed by readers who have already read and been delighted by book one.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Now the Library trilogy continues. In the first book, Livira and Evar meet and get to know each other. They find that although their species are at war, they can love each other. They are separated at the end, Livira amd Malar end up as assistants and goes back in time to help Evar and his now adopted siblings as they grow up in the library chamber after the attack on their parents.

Mark Lawrence does a nice job of starting with a recap. His characters and world are complex. I would read the books in order. The Library crosses time and spaces. After being assistants for 200 years, Livira and Malar are killed by skeer. Evar thinks Livira is dead but they are actually ghosts now. They follow Evar as for the first time in 200 years Evar and his siblings are able to go to the chamber and then outside. There they find Arpix and other friends of Livira who escaped the library during the fire, when Livira and Malar became ghosts, and live in the rocky mountain caves nearby.

In each time and each world there are different species who end up fighting and burning down the world. We have already learned about the skeer, humans and the canith. The history of the library is in one story created by two brothers. One who created it and wants to have it keep educating the species so that they might become peaceful and live together in learning. The other brother wants to destroy it. Yute, a master librarian, who mentored Livira wants a compromise where the people learn to live together.

The Book That Broke The World brings us the story of another species, the ganar. They come from another planet. But in the current world, the human and canith live together and the ganar are the slaves. Two of these slaves end up at the library for there are doors which only open to each species. Hellet plans revenge on the human and canith, with the help of his sister, Celcha. Celcha is the source of the automatons.

Livira as a ghost, learns about her book and how she might get back to Evar. We follow the battles between the species as Livira and Evar want only to get back to each other, and live together. Mistakes are made. People get hurt and die. But there are also strong friendships struck between Livira's friends and Evar's adopted family. Everyone though seems to be manipulated by the brothers of the library. Will the destroyers win or those who love and preserve knowledge?

The Book That Broke the World was a great follow up to the first book. It continues to blend sci-fi and fantasy elements to include remnants of technology in a magical world. As Livira and Evar attempt to find their way (back to each other and forward), the continued character development from the first book is very clear. It is great to see how the author manages to intertwine multiple storylines and still keep the reader on track.

My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined. After book 1 was so good, how is the sequel so bad?

Now, I've very aware that this is going to be an unpopular opinion. The main difference between book 1 and 2 is that while book 1 was very character-led, this one is more focused on exploring the ideological war of knowledge thru yanking the characters around. You can see the emphasis in other people's reviews on praising the brain-breaking worldbuilding and thematic depth. That is not going to be this one.

I think a microcosm for why I hated this book is in our new POV character: Celcha. She is a slave (with a new fantasy race) who is put to work in the library. There is supposed to be a mystery with her but the book blatantly gives too many hints and spoils itself. No more intrigue. Can you root for her? Also no, because she doesn't do anything but react. Oh no, slavery is bad! She gets manipulated, and none of her decisions mean anything because she isn't really making any informed decisions. Celcha's plotline is consistently boring, and adds nothing to the narrative expect thematic depth and worldbuilding.

I need some actual character development and compelling plot to enjoy something, and this book gave me nothing. In the end, it felt like we were in the same spot as the beginning of the book. Except I care much less about all of the characters.

This book also tried to pull off not one but two romances. Not enough really given for me to believe in them or be invested.

Thanks to Netgalley and Ace for a copy to review. All opinions are my own.

A video review including this book will be on my Youtube channel in the coming weeks, @ChloeFrizzle

Weird and delightful. The new characters were fun editions, and made the world even bigger than it already was with all the universe and time jumps. I love books made for people who love books!

Thank you, NetGalley and AceBooks Pub, for my free copy for review.

The second installment of the series expands beyond the Library, offering a deeper exploration of the world. It uncovers the library's rich history, exploring its origins and the conflict between two brothers with opposing views about its purpose. As the library extended across different times, it became a hub of knowledge and secrecy, sparking conflicts among humans and creatures. The resolution of the library's fate ultimately falls on Livira and her companions, revealing an unexpected twist as it boils down to a conflict between two brothers.

Livira, the central protagonist, is depicted with depth and complexity. Initially seen as an underdog, she evolves into a multifaceted character, transcending her humble origins in the Dust. Her book, a collection of stories, holds significant power, adding layers to her character and the narrative.

The introduction of Celcha, a new character with a background similar to Livira's, sheds light on the library's history, adding complexity to the narrative. The overlapping timelines and time jumps in the narrative required careful reading. Yet, the action-packed nature of the story, with the main characters facing perilous encounters with automatons and humans, kept the narrative captivating.

The book ends with a compelling cliffhanger, leaving a lasting impression, especially regarding Livira's book and its mysterious nature.

Overall, the book subtly explores themes of knowledge and ignorance and the delicate balance between them. Despite the narrative's complexities, I found joy in following Livira's compelling journey, with her book lingering in my thoughts long after the final page. I eagerly look forward to the next and final installment of the series.

The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence is the 2nd book in his Library Trilogy. The Library Trilogy revolves around the Athenaeum, the legendary timeless library, such as; adventure, discovery, romance; also who controls access to knowledge or if information should be revealed. The first half of the book was slow, with not a lot happening; however, the last half perked up a lot. It was a journey across various dimensions along the way. Though there were many characters in the book, the leads still revolved around Livira and Evar.

Livira, who is a librarian, is now trying to find her way home to her family, as well find Evar again. The relationship between Livira and Evan began in the first book, with both feeling love between them, but fear they will lose connections to each other in this multiversal time jump fantasy. Livera is also trying to find a book she wrote, which could possibly be a true threat to the library’s existence. Evar, who was trapped with his adopted siblings for a very long time, being raised by the Assistant and Soldier. He is determined to find Livira, and together with Evar’s sister, Clovis, who was an amazing and tough warrior, and his brother, as they manage to move forward; meeting up with other people in the huge library, with different walls.

There were a number of new characters that played a part in this story. Celcha, was born into slavery with her brother Hellet, as they both were part of a dig, finding lost books. A librarian manages to save them, and take both of them with her as they head into the Library world. Celcha was very good, as she was intelligent, tough, unyielding, and willing to fight. Hellet manages to create something that could destroy the library. I really liked Arpix, who is a librarian, who also tutored Livira, and found himself falling for Clovis; with her being protective of him. Yute, deputy head librarian, also returns closer to the end. I loved Wentworth (huge cat, who can find anyone), who was a terrific addition to the book.

I do not want to give spoilers, because you need to concentrate on what is happening, as we get closer to the end. This is a difficult review to write, as the whole concept was about books to reveal secrets, knowledge, freedom, as noted previously, as noted previously, the first half of the book was very slow. The last half was exciting, with everyone coming together to make decisions on what to do. The time will come when they will all decide if they will fight for what they believe or loose it all.

The Book That Broke the World was a different kind of fantasy, set in a huge immense library, with many chambers, with those who were trapped inside. The library had its own mechanism, with protectors of history, and the power of knowledge from those special books. The overall theme is knowledge, power, responsibility and war. The Book that Broke the World was a complex and intriguing story line that was well written by Mark Lawrence. However, I will note that I have loved a number of series by Lawrence, and this book continues to be bit slow for most of the first half, but it was an exciting end.

I loved the first book in this series, but I can’t say the same for this book. I found this book slow and bogged down with the extensive list of characters. Not only are we asked to remember every character from the first book, but we are introduced to more, equally important, characters. Based on this story I am not sure how these new characters will help move the plot along for the third book.
While I enjoy the storyline and the ultimate idea of acceptance, I found this book just fell flat for me. Hopefully the third book in the trilogy will tie everything together with the current characters. I do want to see how everyone’s story ends.

Some e-ARCs have me clicking on pre-order for the hard copy and recommending to everyone in earshot before I get more than a few chapters in; this series is one of those for me.

The world-building by Lawrence is just spectacular, so thoughtful and original. We are given an infinite and eternal library, with entry doors to chambers that may be opened by one species and not others. There is an in-between space known as The Exchange, the appearance of which is partially manifested by the expectations of the characters visiting it. The Exchange itself contains many doors which may lead to an experience in the past, present, or future, sometimes to completely different worlds. There are small buildings known as Mechanisms, where a single person may enter with a book and be transported into that book's world.

This book continues the adventures of the characters we met earlier, and introduces us to Celcha and Hellet, two slaves who discover a long-lost cache of valuable books. They are then haunted by a couple of ghost characters who influence them to undertake world-changing actions. We learn more about Arpix, the studious young librarian, and Clovis, who has dedicated her life to the art of war. The powerful cat Wentworth has a larger role in this story which I absolutely loved.

Lawrence's writing is not something you can fly through, because there are so many details and big questions to savor. Is infinite knowledge always desirable, or dangerous if accessible by the wrong hands? I easily rated the first book of this series five stars; this one is close but not quite at the same level with fewer jaw-dropping twists and plot elements, more battle scenes. I still cannot wait to find out what happens in the third and final book.

Thank you to Berkley/Ace and Netgalley for this book to review!

This is the second book in the Library Trilogy.
I was worried I wouldn't remember enough from the first book to be able to really get into this title. I was wrong. I loved getting to explore different time lines and new parts of the library. I loved learning about the assistants. I think I liked #2 more than the first one!

Mark Lawrence's Library Trilogy, books 1 and 2 (The Book That Wouldn't Burn and The Book That Broke The World), is a contemplative fantasy story about a library and the nature of knowledge. It reminds me of Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials series in that I wanted to read it slowly and take time to sit in the story so I could begin to see the layers buried under the words and understand what they wanted to say to me, the reader.

While I haven't fully unraveled all the intricate layers, allusions, and connections, I can sense their presence, which only fuels my eagerness to uncover the truths they hold. I know that the conclusion will bring even more revelations, and I can't wait to dive in.

Lawrence's world-building is exceptionally thoughtful and intelligently drawn. Every element is essential to the story and understanding what's not being directly said. His world within the world and timelines make quantum physics seem as easy as addition and subtraction. It can be challenging to grasp occasionally, but I felt more secure with my understanding as long as I stuck with it.

What sets Lawrence's character development apart is the relatability of each character, no matter their contribution to the story. Their layers are built from unique life experiences, making them all the more intriguing. Livira, the main character, is a force to be reckoned with, refusing to conform to others' expectations. She's a personal favorite, but many others, like Evar, his sister Clovis, and more, are equally captivating and relatable.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the early copy. Below is my honest review.

Mark Lawrence is the master of plotting trilogies, and this middle book in his latest trilogy, The Library Trilogy, is no exception.

The last one ended with everyone scattered in the wind. This one documents them finding their way back together, but all the perils and pitfalls along the way.

I can't spoil anything for this one, but I will say - the twists and turns were wild, and I loved it. I can't wait for the final book, and I really hope we get more stories set in the world of the Library afterwards.

Highly recommended, but please read The Book That Wouldn't Burn first.

Very good sequel. I'm planning to reread it in audiobook format after the publication date. Longer review to come.