Audiobook Review – Ink and Bone (The Great Library, Book 1) by Rachel Caine, Narrated by Julian Elfer (4.5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 10 hours and 26 minutes (384 pages)
Publisher: Recorded Books
Release Date: July 7, 2015
ASIN: B0118LMVGA
Stand Alone or Series: 1st book in The Great Library series
Source: Audiobook from Audible.com
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

“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….”

This is the first book in The Great Library series. I believe five books are planned in this series. This had some amazing world-building and wonderful characters. The story was really good as well. It was really the epic world-building that sold me on this book; such a creative alternate history that I just absolutely loved.

I listened to this on audiobook and Elfer did an amazing job narrating it. This is one of those book I would definitely recommend listening to on audiobook if you enjoy audiobooks!

Jess grew up in a family of book smugglers but his dream comes true when he is sent to train for a position at the Great Library in Alexandria. Of course this opportunity comes with a price, Jess’s dad wants Jess to help out the smugglers from inside the library. Along the way Jess meets many amazing students and find out that the Great Library may not be what even his cynical mind thought it was.

All the characters were very well done. I loved Jess and all his classmates. The world-building was amazing and detailed. This is one of those alternate history/steampunk types of books and I was really impressed with the detail and thought that went into the world.

Overall I absolutely loved this. I thought it was a well done alternate history/steampunk book and was impressed with how creative it was. I am incredibly curious as to what will happen next. Can’t wait to read the next book! I would recommend to those who enjoy alternate history/steampunk types of epic fantasy.