Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sword and Pen by Rachel Caine Series: The Great Library #5
Published by Berkley on September 3, 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 368
Format: ARC
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
The corrupt leadership of the Great Library has fallen. But with the Archivist plotting his return to power, and the Library under siege from outside empires and kingdoms, its future is uncertain. Jess Brightwell and his friends must come together as never before, to forge a new future for the Great Library . . . or see everything it stood for crumble.
Now we have reached the end of The Great Library series. I have enjoyed them all. The series should be read in order as the political and personal happenings would be tough to follow out of order. The characters develop over time and these young adults find their way, fight for their ideals and strive to make the world a better place. While some of the middle books feel like a continuing crisis with no end in sight, I highly recommend this entertaining and thrilling series. I have found pleasure in everything I have read from Rachel Caine.
Sword and Pen delivers action in a suspenseful situation from start to finish! But it isn’t just mindless action for a thrill ride, each step has purpose and works toward the goals for a better library. Our team has taken over the library but it is precarious with the old Archivist and several nations wanting to take over control. The old Archivist continues with having no scruples; no action is too evil if it keeps him in power. He suppresses or destroys knowledge and doesn’t hesitate to murder anyone who doesn’t follow his orders.
The various nations come to “aid the library” but really once they are there will really try to take control. Knowledge is power and everyone wants it. It is a fine balance to have treaties with them. The Library has to show its ability to defend itself, but doesn’t want to kill people from other nations in its circle.
Personally, these young people are making more decisions about what they are and will be in their lives. Throughout this battle, they are in life and death situations and often loved ones die. I love seeing them become who they really are in this crisis. Jess is so quick, street smart and capable, but he takes on a world of hurt. Thomas is so engagingly smart and figures out so many things. Morgan gives all she has to protect and help others. Dario is a crafty politician and fighter. Khalila is a true scholar and leader. Wolfe and Santi help to lead and protect them all. They all make sacrifices for a better Library.
About Rachel Caine
Rachel Caine is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 45 novels to date, and many short stories, including fantasy, urban fantasy, science fiction, young adult fiction, mystery, thriller, and horror. Her notable series include The Morganville Vampires, Weather Warden, Revivalist, Red Letter Days, and Outcast Season novels. She graduated from Socorro High School in El Paso, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Her first short story was published in 1990, and her first novel in 1991.
After a long career in business (including working as an office manager, payroll manager, insurance investigator, web designer, graphic designer, and corporate communications executive) she began writing full time in 2009.
She and her husband, artist R. Cat Conrad, lived in Fort Worth, Texas. She passed away November 1, 2020 from cancer.
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.
- 🎧 Death at the Sanatorium by Ragnar Jónasson @ragnarjo#SamWoolf @MinotaurBooks @MacmillanAudio #LoveAudiobooks - September 12, 2024
- 🎧The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White @Loreth @rebabuhr #BrillianceAudio #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited - September 10, 2024
- 🎧The Brothers Kenney by Adam Mitzner @adam_mitzner #StacyCarolan @librofm @BlackstoneAudio #LoveAudiobooks - September 8, 2024
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Releases
- COYER Hunt
I wish I’d read this when it first came out, but now that it’s over, maybe I’ll find some time? (haha!). Sounds like you enjoyed the whole series and the end was a good one. Thanks!
I did enjoy this and I don’t always enjoy young adult. Fantasy is better than romance though. It’s got more politics, strategy, mystery and battles. Since this is about the control of books and knowledge, it’s awesome. Of course, there are the greedy who think only they should have … well, anything.
I love this review, Anne. One of these days I’ll finally get around to reading this series. It sounds amazing.
Thanks Jennifer! I think this one was very well written throughout the series.
I really liked Ink & Bone but then never continued and then fell drastically behind. I’m glad you are still enjoying them though,
Well now you could read and not have to wait for the next one! I hope you do someday.
This is one series that I would really like to get my hands on. Everything about it sounds right up my alley. Great review!
I’m glad to see you are still enjoying the series. I’ve read the first couple of books and want to catch up. Great cover!
Thank you! I hope you do and enjoy it as much as I have.
i don’t think i’ve read any of caine’s work, but she is on my radar
I’ve read several of her series and I really enjoy them all.
I have got to get back to this series! I read and loved the first book but haven’t started the second one for some reason. I think I have a couple of them ready to go so I don’t know what is stopping me. It is good to know that the series ends well.
It’s good now because you can just binge them anytime. Overall I have enjoyed each book. The middle ones seem to drag things out a bit but it’s a fun, exciting series. Enjoy!
It’s good to know this series stays consistently good. I read the first book and the thing that captured me the most were the group of characters/friends! Just like you mention in your review. I do still want to pick up the rest of the series. ❤️
It’s YA / new adult. I guess I like YA fantasy more than other YA because they are in adult situations with world-changing results. YA can be tricky because if they are in high school it doesn’t always work for me. This author has been reliable for me.