First of all let me start by saying that, ordinarilly, Rachel Caine is an author that I avidly avoid. I don't read paranormal fiction, and, typically, I'm not a fan of dark fiction either. However that being said, I just had to try this one! A dystopian fantasy in which the Great Library of Alexandria not only still exists but controls the world? How could I not try it!?
The world of Ink and Bone is a world where it is illegal to own original copies of books. You are allowed to read the facsimile copies the Library puts out in the Codex (think ultimate/universal e-book library), but to own an original paper-and-ink copy of a book could be punishable by death. It's a world where there is a thriving black market for books and weird anti-Library cults that would sooner destroy books than let the Library have them. The Libraries are protected not just by guards, but also automatons that at first glance just look like giant, metal sculptures.
This is the world that the main character Jess Blackwell lives in. He's from a family of black market book dealers and finds himself being sent by his family to infiltrate the Library by basically entering into a training competition to enter into Library service in some position or other. Quite the pickle he's in huh? If caught stealing books or doing anything that the Library disapproves of, the punishment is a horrible death.
You become aware that there is a whole lot more than simply this that's going on in the book and Jess is stuck in the middle of all of it. However, I'll leave you to discover the fullness of the intrigue and unrest of the book on your own.
I wasn't really sure what I was going to find when I started reading this, but once I got into it I absolutely loved it!! The world Rachel Caine has created is believable, compelling, twisted, and absolutely fantastic! Although the book is certainly a darkish fantasy, it isn't disturbingly dark. Just dark in that kinda creepy, mysterious, intriguing kind of way. The book has a great mix of characters, and even the most dislikable character you still can't help but love. They are well-written and their interaction is believable and not stilted or forced. They are also not static characters, and it is great to watch how they grow together with all they go through.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for book 2!
