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Review and Giveaway: Paper and Fire (The Great Library #2) by Rachel Caine



Blurb from Goodreads:
In Ink and Bone, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine introduced a world where knowledge is power, and power corrupts absolutely. Now, she continues the story of those who dare to defy the Great Library—and rewrite history…

With an iron fist, The Great Library controls the knowledge of the world, ruthlessly stamping out all rebellion, forbidding the personal ownership of books in the name of the greater good.

Jess Brightwell has survived his introduction to the sinister, seductive world of the Library, but serving in its army is nothing like he envisioned. His life and the lives of those he cares for have been altered forever. His best friend is lost, and Morgan, the girl he loves, is locked away in the Iron Tower and doomed to a life apart.

Embarking on a mission to save one of their own, Jess and his band of allies make one wrong move and suddenly find themselves hunted by the Library’s deadly automata and forced to flee Alexandria, all the way to London.

But Jess’s home isn’t safe anymore. The Welsh army is coming, London is burning, and soon, Jess must choose between his friends, his family, or the Library willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in the search for ultimate control…
My Review:
What a fun read! If you are unfamiliar with this series, it imagines a world where the printing press was destroyed before it was ever allowed to be used and the Great Library instead controls all knowledge, only allowing individuals to review ebooks on tablets of selected content; original, physical books are banned and there is a dangerous black market for them.  As you can imagine, this is a completely scary world where librarians are prized but also where the Library has so much power that violence erupts when anyone tries to challenge that power.  In this series, we follow young scholars on their journey to become librarians, all from different parts of the world; the story is mostly told from the POV of Jess, who himself a bit of a checkered past in the black market world of physical books and the second book really coalesces behind what is means when the knowledge allowed to people is contrived and controlled. New allies are made and new truths are discovered and the entire time, no one is safe. Although I really liked the first book in this series, Ink and Bone, I have to say that this one was even better! Paper and Fire is just so action packed pretty much from beginning to end -- I really love Rachel Caine's MV series and this series is turning out to be another great work from her!

I would definitely recommend this to fans of YA fantasy -- book 2 was even better than the first book and I can't wait to see how the series continues.  Rachel Caine is such an awesome writer!  Paper and Fire comes out today! July 5, 2016, and you can enter to win a copy of the first book in this series, Ink and Bone, below!!
He ran his fingers over the smooth leather spine of a book.  It was more of a talisman than a comfort; he just needed to remind himself of why the library was so important.  Books had become a symbol of trust and libraries place of peace and stability.  In all the chaos of the world that counted people as different levels of worthy, the Library served all equally.  All genders, races, levels of ability.  It was the one place they could all be safe.  
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Comments

  1. I'm not familiar with this series at all, but I do like YA fantasy when it's done well. These books look pretty interesting, too. I thought I'd seen the series title before, but I was thinking of a different book that released a few months ago. I think I'll add these to my TBR list and thanks for the giveaway!

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  2. I keep hearing that this one was even better than the first. I need to start this series already!! :D

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  3. This is such a fun series, I definitely liked this more than you did but I'm so glad you did like it. ;)

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  4. This series sounds amazing. I think I'll give it a go after book 3 releases!

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  5. EEEK!!!! I didn't even know there was a release date set for this. Obviously I have not been paying attention. Thank you :)

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  6. I honestly forgot about the first one until I have seen this one around now. I think it sounds like such a cool series. I am glad to hear the second book was even better!

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  7. Lovely review, I was so happy this was such a strong book. Cannot wait for the next book!

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  8. wow...this book sounds simple AMAZING!! I love the whole set up revolving around books. I don't really ever read YA ...but I am tempted with this one.

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  9. I haven't read this series yet! But I've heard a lot of good things. I might have to make an effort to hunt down Ink and Bone sometime soon

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  10. I'm SO happy to hear you enjoyed this one better! I really liked the first! It's always nerve wracking because you have to wonder if the next book will live up to its predecessor or not! Though, I do need to go back and refresh my memory a bit about Ink and Bone before I start this one. LOL.

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  11. I really really want to read these! I'm glad that you liked this one, and thinking it was BETTER than the first? That's great!

    -Lauren

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  12. I didn't feel drawn to the first book, but I want to read it now after the synopsis of the sequel!

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  13. My review for Ink and Bone will be up tomorrow. Can't wait to read this sequel!

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  14. This sounds like a great series, thanks for hosting this Giveaway!!
    Tori @ In Tori Lex

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  15. I found the first book last year and I remember wanting to read it but then kind of forgot about it until now. I'm glad you enjoyed them both. Plus, I love a good action-packed story :)

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  16. I've heard some great things about book 1 (it's on my TBR), definitely glad to hear that book 2 is even better! Can't wait to start it. Lovely review, Eva!

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  17. I like the idea of these books but not sure, I might just borrow it.

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  18. I'm a big fan of the idea behind this series, it's so different. I too am really looking forward to seeing where the series goes next! Thanks for stopping by Wandering Through Books!

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  19. Wish the wait for book 3 wasn't so far away, Eva. Great review!

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