Ink and Bone
(The Great Library #1)
by Rachel Caine
Jacket blurb:
Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.
Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.
When he inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn….
***
First Chapter/First Paragraph/Tuesday Intros is hosted by Bibliophile By The Sea. To play along, share the first paragraph (or a few) from a book you’re reading or thinking about reading soon.
The first clue Jess had that his hiding place had been discovered came in the form of a hard, open-handed slap to the back of his head. He was engrossed in reading, and he’d failed to hear any telltale creak of boards behind him.
His first instinct was, of course, to save the book, and he protectively curled over the delicate pages even as he slid out of his chair and freed his right hand to draw a knife . . . but it wasn’t necessary.
***
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Jenn of Books and a Beat. Anyone can participate. If you’re new to Teaser Tuesdays, the details are at Jenn’s Books and a Beat or on my Tuesday Memes Page.
The paper was the morning edition, and it must have just turned evening, because as Jess handed it back, the newspaper erased itself, and filled line by line with new words. The ink-licker stayed front-page news, which probably would have pleased the vile old creature.
***
I can’t resist. Here is another quote from this world where censorship is rampant and it is illegal to own an actual paper and ink book. If you happen to visualize the concept of a press-printer, it’s best to keep quiet and not propose a demonstration.
The pernicious heresy that began with Gutenberg once again appears among us, as if some great and sinister force insists on destroying the greatest institution of learning humankind has ever known. That it should spring from the mind of one of our most valuable and well-regarded Scholars, one so closely connected to the Iron Tower itself, makes it even more disturbing.
As with Gutenberg and all others who have followed, we must destroy this heresy immediately and completely. We have no choice.
***
This YA book isn’t my usual fare, but I am really enjoying it. The story is pulling me along at a rapid pace. Thank you to Selah for bringing it to my attention.
What are you currently reading? Do you have anything to share with us?
I hate the very thought of censorship….and this sounds like a gripping story. Thanks for sharing…and here’s mine: “BREAKDOWN”
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It’s riveting! Selah, who put me onto this book, pre-ordered the sequel as soon as she finished this one. For me, that’s a great testimonial. Thanks for leaving your link.
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I’m so glad you’re enjoying this Dagny! Rachel Caine is one of my favorite authors, whether she’s writing for YAs or Adults. I’m really excited because I just was approved for the sequel! I’ll be reading and reviewing it closer to it’s release date in July.
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This is my first book by Rachel Caine. I’ll have to check out some of her other works. I have a feeling I’ll be anxiously awaiting the sequel too!
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Her Weather Warden series for adults was awesome, and I really enjoyed The Morganville Vampires series which she wrote for teens. 🙂
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Thanks for the extra info. I was checking to see what my library had and saw a lot of the vampire ones plus Devil’s Bargain and Devil’s Due which I couldn’t really tell what they were. I’m going back to see if they have the Weather Warden ones.
I’m odd on vampire series. I’ve tried some that seemed to be really just teenagers who happened to be vampires. But I got really hooked on Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series – although it took a few books to really hook me, before I was just reading for curiosity, lol.
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Devil’s Bargain and Devil’s Due are the only two I haven’t read. If I remember correctly they were a duology that was under a different publisher. I can’t rave enough about the WW series. Fantastic characters and world-building! I was so disappointed when it ended. I know exactly how you feel about vampire series, but I really do think you might like The Morganville series Dagny. There’s a great mythology behind it and all the characters are interesting whether their heroes, villains, or something in between.
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Thanks, I’ll give The Morganville Vampires a try – won’t cost me anything and I might find a treat!
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Interesting! I’d keep reading.
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It’s a hard one to put down.
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I would definitely read this one! In fact, it’s on my wish list. I love the opener you shared.
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Cool! It’s a goodie. For the opener, I skipped the prologue since Jess was only ten and went for the opening of the first chapter.
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What reader wouldn’t love a character whose first instinct is to protect the book! I’m interested in this one. Thanks.
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My feelings exactly, Margot!
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I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!
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Thank you, Selah, for bringing it to my attention!
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It does sound interesting… I’m a sucker for anything to do with books and reading!
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Me too, Lisa!
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Oh, I can’t wait to read this one anyway and now that you’ve thrown out such good teasers…
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I’ve read over half now and really enjoying it.
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I liked the intro a lot. I’d read more. Enjoy
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Thanks for coming by, Diane.
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