The Invisible Library (The Invisible Library, #1) in Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge

Oct 27, 2016 Maryam rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, scifi-fantasy-2016

When I started this book, I thought this is going to be one of those books I love, an Invisible Library agent on missions between alternate worlds. What is there not to love? But it didn’t matter how hard I tried, something was off in this book.

I still believe story itself was awesome but execution was weak. To me it sounded like writer tried too hard so the characters seem cool and unfortunately it was unsuccessful.

Later I might start the second book but it won’t be anytime soon.

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Dec 22, 2015 Nadine in NY Jones rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy-and-sci-fi, alternate-planes-and-histories, werewolves, espionage-and-political-thrillers, fairies, suspense-thriller, paranormal, steam-punk, vampires, dragons

“Remind me why I took this job,” Kai muttered.

“People pointed guns at you. Right?”

“Yeah. Something like that.”

“And you like books.” She glanced sidelong at him.

He flashed a quick, genuine smile at her. “Yeah. That would be it.”

This was a fun and fluffy book. I did expect more from it. It wasn't anything outrageously awesome, but I will definitely pick up the second in the series the next time I'm looking for a fun adventure story. I think I'll enjoy the second book a lot, now that my exp ...more

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Nov 22, 2021 Shauna rated it it was amazing

I read this as a buddy read with a couple of friends. At first I wasn’t sure what to think, as vampires are a big turn off for me. Luckily they were also a turn off for the main character. Since I appreciate murder mysteries and crime drama, this was a good fit for me. There were also enough puzzles or things to figure out to make it interesting.

I might read it again… I mean listen to it on audiobook… If I have time before we discuss it. It is obviously a series, and I feel like I was interrupt ...more

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Apr 05, 2017 Christina rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

I think if you made a nerdy fantasy bingo card, this book would be your winner. Steampunk world: check. Zeppelins: check. Magic: check. Sherlock Holmes homage: check. Detailed description of costumes: check. Vampires and werewolves: check. Fairies: check. Supernatural love interest: check. Bitchy female rival: check. Monologuing villain: BINGO.
Now, if you like those things, does that mean you'll like this book? I was going to say yes, but the truth is I do like most of those things (I can take o I think if you made a nerdy fantasy bingo card, this book would be your winner. Steampunk world: check. Zeppelins: check. Magic: check. Sherlock Holmes homage: check. Detailed description of costumes: check. Vampires and werewolves: check. Fairies: check. Supernatural love interest: check. Bitchy female rival: check. Monologuing villain: BINGO.
Now, if you like those things, does that mean you'll like this book? I was going to say yes, but the truth is I do like most of those things (I can take or leave zeppelins, and if you're going to give me a detailed costume description it had better be that someone's dressed up as a zebra or something because otherwise I don't care) and this book left me with a solid "meh."
Why? Good question. The opener was exciting and introduced the heroine and her world without being an information dump. I loved the Library itself. The Sherlock Holmes character was definitely my favorite, and he was a decent homage to the original. Possibly it had something to do with the heroine: I thought she was boring. It could have had something to do with her rival, whose name was Bradamant (I could not get over how stupid that name sounds). It could definitely have had something to do with her love interest: Christ on a cracker, that was one sulky young man. (view spoiler) It's probably also got to do with how little I like male characters who are protective, especially in the "how dare you endanger yourself, doing your job?" vein. Jump in a lake, Kai.
Anywho, it wasn't painful, but I'm probably not going to run out to read the sequel. ...more

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