burning-pageIrene’s in trouble again; and it’s glorious.

The Burning Page is the third in Genevieve Cogman’s ‘Invisible Library’ series, and it certainly starts with a bang.

Librarian on probation Irene (in this state after the events of The Masked City), almost gets killed when trying to return to the Library with her mentee, Kai – a door to the Library blows up when they try to use it, and they must get home by other means. On her return, she finds the Library itself is under attack throughout the worlds that have gates to it, and no one knows who’s to blame, though many have their suspicions. The Library shuts down all unnecessary tasks, but Irene finds herself sent to a world – aided by Kai – to retrieve a particular book that may be of use.

Of course it’s never that simple, and Irene soon finds herself in the middle of things once more – but she’s not the only one in danger, as her friend Vale (a Holmes-like character from the world Irene is assigned to), Kai, and anyone else in their vicinity soon get drawn into the action.

The book starts off quickly and maintains a fast pace throughout, with revelations and encounters galore that lead her to one inexorable conclusion – and a battle that will see the threat defeated or Irene dead. As with the preceding volumes (The Invisible Library and The Masked City), the author shows a deft touch when painting believable characters that engage the reader and draw them in; plus an ability to maintain a fast-paced, convoluted narrative that is never less than satisfying.

Verdict: A brilliant adventure that will leave you desperate for more. 9/10

Marie O’Regan

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