The Burning Page is the third, but not final installment in author Genevieve Cogman's The Invisible Library
series. The series follows the exploits of Librarian spy Irene Winters as she travels to various alternative realities to hunt down dangerous books for the secretive interdimensional Library. Irene has been in so many life or death situations, that you can't help but pick up the next story to see what she'll do next.

As the story picks up, you can tell that things are going to be unlike the previous installments. First, there are dire warnings from a half a dozen alt-realities that let's readers know that this won't be just another story. That the author has upped her game to a whole new level of intensity, action and adventure. Second, Irene has suffered a rather inconvenient displeasure from the Library over her actions in the last installment which has seen her and her apprentice Kai sent on errands that not only dangerous, beneath her talents.

Especially after Irene & Kai are nearly killed trying to return to the Library after a successful mission. The other storyline is that of Peregrine Vale, who is obviously this series version of Sherlock Holmes. Vale is feeling the after effects of a high chaos reality, and finding a cure is high on her Irene's list of things she must do. This causes all sorts of consternation's and implications for Irene who is trying to keep a low profile.

Irene has annoyed a number of people over the course of this series. Werewolves, Secret Societies, Fae Masterminds who are convinced that they are the heroes of their own stories, while humans are supporting cast members. The same Fae who kidnapped Fae which forced Irene to travel to Alt-Venice where she met Zayanna. But, the most dangerous adversary to catch Irene's attention is the notorious traitor to the Library Alberich.

There are those who are clearly on her side. From Kai, to Vale, to certain Dragons who owe a whole lot to Irene for her actions in saving Kai, even the rather blustery Inspector Singh from Scotland Yard who blamed Irene for a slew of problems she's caused since arriving in his reality. Irene can't afford to make any further waves with those in charge of the Library for fear of being permanently grounded. But, with a fight clearly on the horizon, and another agent provocateur causing more trouble, it's time for Irene to show her true character.

The Burning Page is a story that takes a more in depth look into the Library itself, and we get to meet a group of Librarians who have heard of Irene's exploits.
Readers get a taste of the politics at play within the Library itself. Politics which truly make Irene wish she was just chasing books again. It is a story that asks whether or not Irene can really trust those like her mentor Coppelia, or if they each have their own agendas that will make Irene's life even more challenging & dangerous.

I was happier than a clam at high tide when I heard that there will be two more books in this series. Even though the book ends on a high note, and you would think that this is the end, don't believe your eyes, or your brain. That means more Irene, Kai, Vale, and more adventures. This is a good thing for those like me who eagerly wait Cogman's next story.

In Burning Page, Librarian Irene and her dragon apprentice Kai have been dealing with business as usual: jumping to different worlds, stealing important books, and bringing them safely to the Library while trying to avoid people who want to kill them. After one gate between worlds catches fire when Irene tries to open it, they get concerned- are they not being told detail that would make the jobs more deadly or is there a problem with the Library? Turns out the problem is with the Library. The traitorous former Librarian Alberich (who Irene first met in The Invisible Library) wants to destroy the Library and everyone with it- including a rather personal grudge against Irene. She'll need all her allies- both human, dragon, and Fae- to help save the Library before it can be destroyed!

While I found The Masked City a little darker and slower than The Invisible Library, The Burning Page has the same feel as Library: fast-paced, fun, dangerous and light all at the same time. Irene's wit and I'll-panic-later approach to danger are a joy to read and I have enjoyed watching Irene grow as both a Librarian and a person- and as she has discovered the difference between the two. She may think she's only happy among books, but in Page Irene discovers she's become devoted to people even above books. Friendships have become more important and betrayals more personal. She's willing to do whatever she can to help her friend Vale after he's chaos-contaminated, but still leave the final decision up to him instead of assuming she knows best. She's willing to look at all sides of the problem and her potential allies, while Kai still refuses to see the possible good in any Fae (although considering what he's been through in Masked City it's hard to blame him). Irene is that perfect heroine who is both relatable and who we wish we were, strong but entirely human and fallible, and able to keep her snark about her while in the most death-defying of situations.

Cogman's world-building continues to gain layers even after you thought she'd given you everything. Her descriptions and details make the characters and the places spring to life for the reader. I couldn't read the final battle between Irene and Alberich fast enough to find out what would happen next, and I know when I re-read the book (and the series) I'll continue to discover nuances and angles I had missed before. There are plenty more worlds to discover and questions to answer so I hope the series continues, but if it remains a trilogy there is a satisfying ending that won't leave you hanging.

Readers who enjoy Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next and Deborah Harkness' All Souls' books will be thrilled to discover a new brilliant author in Genevieve Cogman and her worlds of the Invisible Library.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

such a great sequel to THE INVISIBLE LIBRARY! we loved the storytelling.

More adventures for Irene ad the Library. Our villain Alberich, now plans to destroy the Library, and of course Irene. Action packed, with great characters a fantastic series!