Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman Series: The Invisible Library #5
Published by Ace on November 27, 2018
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 448
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Barnes & Noble
In the latest novel in Genevieve Cogman's historical fantasy series, the fate of worlds lies in the balance. When a dragon is murdered at a peace conference, time-travelling Librarian spy Irene must solve the case to keep the balance between order, chaos...and the Library.
When Irene returns to London after a relatively straightforward book theft in Germany, Bradamant informs her that there is a top secret dragon-Fae peace conference in progress that the Library is mediating, and that the second-in-command dragon has been stabbed to death. Tasked with solving the case, Vale and Irene immediately go to 1890s Paris to start their investigation.
Once they arrive, they find evidence suggesting that the murder victim might have uncovered proof of treachery by one or more Librarians. But to ensure the peace of the conference, some Librarians are being held as hostages in the dragon and Fae courts. To save the captives, including her parents, Irene must get to the bottom of this murder--but was it a dragon, a Fae, or even a Librarian who committed the crime?
I’ve been reading and enjoying The Invisible Library series since the beginning. The world-building is almost a fresh start in each book since Irene travels. She has been assigned a home world where she lives and has some regular friends and frenemies. There are a few Library characters who are around throughout the series. There’s a long-time villian. But the primary contacts for Irene are the detective, Vale and the dragon, Kai. I thought at one point she was going to have a romance with Vale but it now looks like she will be with Kai.
I’m not very invested in any romance. I’m more involved in learning about the overall universe and what the heck is going on with the Library. The Mortal Word is the most exciting to date. The Library is hosting peace talks between the dragons and the fae. One of the dragons is murdered. A team is brought in to investigate and Irene is the defacto leader. It includes Irene (library), Vale (human), Silver (fae) and Mu Dan (dragon).
It’s ironic since we see the world through Irene’s eyes how she knows so little overall about the Library and so much about various worlds, the fae and the dragons. Irene has become an accomplished adventurer using her knowledge and skills to find the truth in every situation. The mystery here was complex with many attempts to frame others for the murder. The politics are extremely difficult and put their lives in danger.
I loved every minute of learning even more about the dragons and fae with Irene; this was brilliant! I can’t wait to see how things go next time and I’m more than curious to finally learn more about the Library itself.
Giveaway:
(Runs to November 23, so enter quickly. US only, 18 and older.)
Entry form
Collecting books can be a dangerous prospect in this fun, time-traveling, fantasy adventure from a spectacular debut author.
One thing any Librarian will tell you: the truth is much stranger than fiction…
Librarian-spy Irene and her apprentice Kai are back in the second in this “dazzling”* book-filled fantasy series from the author of The Invisible Library.
The written word is mightier than the sword—most of the time…
Librarian spy Irene and her apprentice Kai return for another “tremendously fun, rip-roaring adventure,” (A Fantastical Librarian) third in the bibliophilic fantasy series from the author of The Masked City.
Never judge a book by its cover…
After being commissioned to find a rare book, Librarian Irene and her assistant, Kai, head to Prohibition-era New York and are thrust into the middle of a political fight with dragons, mobsters, and Fae.
THE MORTAL WORD (AVAILABLE 11/27!)
In the latest novel in Genevieve Cogman’s historical fantasy series, the fate of worlds lies in the balance. When a dragon is murdered at a peace conference, time-travelling Librarian spy Irene must solve the case to keep the balance between order, chaos…and the Library.
About Genevieve Cogman
Genevieve Cogman got started on Tolkien and Sherlock Holmes at an early age, and has never looked back. But on a perhaps more prosaic note, she has an MSC in Statistics with Medical Applications and has wielded this in an assortment of jobs: clinical coder, data analyst and classifications specialist. Although The Invisible Library is her debut novel, she has also previously worked as a freelance roleplaying game writer. Genevieve Cogman’s hobbies include patchwork, beading, knitting and gaming, and she lives in the north of England.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- 🎧The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang #YouYeong-Gwang #RosaEscoda @AceBooksPub @acebookspub.bsky.social @penguinaudio.bsky.social @PRHAudio #LoveAudiobooks - January 23, 2025
- 🎧 Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis @JillShalvis @andi_arndt @WmMorrowBooks @avonbooks @HarperAudio #LOVEAUDIOBOOKS - January 21, 2025
- Sunday Post – 19 January 2025 @caffeinatedreviewer.com @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - January 19, 2025
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2018 New Release Challenge
You and Carole have me really eager to get started on this series when I get the chance. I love seeing your high rating this far into the series.
I don’t know how to express how I love this series. It’s trappings are not typical. Romance isn’t really part of the equation. Many of the “battles” seem more intellectual than physical, although there are physical battles. So it seems low-key, but there’s something about it…..
Glad this series is still fresh and interesting. Loved your review, Anne!
Thanks Jonetta! I feel like we are finally getting to some of the overall world aspects I want to understand, rather than adventures in isolated worlds.
Oh yes I was curious about this one and it looks good! I need to try!
This one is 5th in the series but they are all good. You need to read them in order more for the personal relationships and to know who the characters are, the adventures are mostly separate. It’s fun! I hope you try them.
I am just getting ready to start reading this one so I am really happy to see that you gave it 5 stars! I can’t wait!
This was just brilliant. It’s subtle about it though. I hope you enjoy it as much!
I’m also about to start this one over the long weekend. Looking forward to seeing more of Kai for sure.
Ugh, missed this. The cover change completely threw me. I will be grabbing it.
I like this cover. But it’s also because it’s here in November instead of January like the other years.
I hadn’t heard of this series, but this makes me want to check it out for sure. A murdered dragon certainly sounds like an intriguing plot point!
It’s the 5th book, so you would want to read them in order as UF. Time-traveling librarian spies. Just the librarian part was enough to get me started. But it’s smart and funny.
I’ve got this series on my list. Several friends have urged me to read it. And you loved it! Another nudge. LOL
It’s adventures with a librarian and books are important. What’s not to love?
I’m not familiar with this series, but sounds interesting. As I have a love of characters, I would be worried that I wouldn’t enjoy this as much, since I wouldn’t get the same characters in each book. Glad you’re still loving it.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Well, Irene and either Vale or Kai or both, are with her. But almost all the rest are new with the world. Characters from previous books or the library pop sometimes.