Caro's Book Reviews

I read this novella as the author was coming to the library I work at to give a talk. The Firebird is set on a humid island, ruled over by a warrior monk sect. The main character, Lada, deeply believes in their doctrine but as she comes face to face with the darkness of her past, doubts begin to niggle at her. Was it her fault or her brother's that caused the destruction of their family, this haunts Lada throughout the story as she tries to hold onto her beliefs and figure out the right course that she must take. The Firebird takes the reader for a wild and bumpy ride filled with betrayals and danger. This is a fantasy story that does not fit into the traditional mould. It is a short read, perfect for those who do not have much time to read but are looking for a good book.

I took this book out on a whim, and was not disappointed. Finished reading it in just about two days, it had the 'unputdownable' quality about it. Looking forward to going back to work to see if the sequel is available to take out. The world that Ink and Bone is built upon what would have happened if the Library of Alexandria had never been destroyed. In this world; knowledge rules and the Library rules knowledge. No one is allowed to own personal copies of books, which lead to a black market run by book smugglers who hide from the Library. Ink and Bone has its protagonist in the form of Jess Brightwell. To say that he has a complicated family life is putting it lightly. Jess's family are book smugglers, but he would rather read books than smuggle them. His father decides to send him to the Library, so that he can aid the family business from the inside as a spy. However, there is more to the Library, and Jess soon finds that becoming a member of the Library is