Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Dark Archive by Genevieve Cogman Series: The Invisible Library #7
Published by Ace on December 1, 2020
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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A professional spy for a mysterious Library which harvests fiction from different realities, Irene faces a series of assassination attempts that threaten to destroy her and everything she has worked for.
Irene is teaching her new assistant the fundamentals of a Librarian's job, and finding that training a young Fae is more difficult than she expected. But when they both narrowly avoid getting killed in an assassination attempt, she decides that learning by doing is the only option they have left - especially when the assassins keep coming for them, and for Irene's other friends as well...
In order to protect themselves, Irene and her friends must do what they do best: search for information to defeat the overwhelming threat they face and identify their unseen enemy. To do that, Irene will have to delve deeper into her own history than she ever has before, face an ancient foe, and uncover secrets that will change her life and the course of the Library forever.
The Invisible Library series is a favorite series with its adventures and the continuing development of some characters. While Irene and Kai are now on the treaty council, The Dark Archive is one long escape from assassination attempts. Of course, they can’t just run, they have to figure it out so they can go on with their work and so humans won’t be injured. Who better to investigate and solve a mystery than Vale? I was so happy to see him again, more active in this story.
There is also the matter of Irene’s new apprentice, the Fae representative, Catherine. Catherine is Lord Silver’s niece. She is young and idealistic and very annoying. More than once, she disobeys orders and causes trouble. No Fae has ever been able to enter the library with their chaotic natures so that is one of Irene’s challenges because Catherine wants to go to the Library. Her ideal is to read books, care for books, and recommend books to others. She is dismissive of Irene’s normal duties.
The investigation, constantly interrupted with assassination attempts, seems to point towards old enemies who are dead. But there does appear to be a revenge aspect because it is Irene and Kai as well as their friends targeted. So relatives of their former foes could be involved. Irene does an amazing job as usual in outwitting threats and saving her life and others. Although, things are dire more than once.
I highly recommend this smart, high-action series (read them in order). The romance is definitely in the background and not a focus in any of the books which is just the way I like it. Both Irene and Kai learn more about their families and each other in the continued development of their characters. I’m always fascinated to learn more about the library, the fae and the dragons who make up the primary aspects in these worlds.
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.
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This series is definitely on my list to start sometime. I’m glad to hear its still enjoyable and going strong?
The books are all very good and some of them are outstanding.
I’ve had this on my hold list at the library for a while now. My fingers are crossed I’ll get my copy soon. I’m with you on the romance being in the background (unless it’s specifically a romance). I’m tired og mysteries and UF with a romance that takes over or a worse, a love triangle. Blech! So over it, again, not in a true romance. Well, over love triangles period.
It’s a good series for you then.
Love that this series stays strong. I want to read it at some point.
It’s really good and I think you’d love it. The fantasy with fae (chaos) and dragons (order) opposing each other with the library in the middle. Each world is different in its time period and level of chaos. Even this many books into the story and we don’t know nearly enough about the library.
I love this series so much! I can’t wait to read this one!
I hope you enjoy it too!
I just loved this book! I do tend to really enjoy the books where Vale plays a more pivotal role. I thought that Catherine showed a lot of growth in this book and hopefully will be more helpful to Irene moving forward. Great review!
Thank you Carole! I always enjoy Vale too. Initially I thought he might be Irene’s “love interest.” This one was full of action and personal revelations.
This sounds amazing – How did I not pay attention for six whole books??
idk It is a really good series. It is more mystery / action than romance. There is very little romance which is fine with me. It came from one of my strongest publisher connections so that’s how I started with book one. I’ve always read them, so I don’t know anything about audio.
I have had the first book in this series sitting on my shelf forever and really need to start it. I always hear such good things about it.
Yes I would recommend it. It’s a great series.
I enjoyed the first book. Another series I hope to catch up on.
I realize how hard it is I have many I want to catch up or keep up reading. This is one of the good ones. I never struggle to read it or anything.
A great review, Anne! Like you, this is one of my must-read series and I’m pleased to see it isn’t remotely running out of ideas. Though, as you’ve hinted – this isn’t the best in the series…
Overall it’s a well-written and enjoyable series. This one had lots of action and revelations. But it felt somewhat reactive and I don’t like that.