Just One More Chapter

It seems that Library + Magic + War= a bloody good read.... again

I read Ink and Bone directly after reading Air Awakens, which happens to follow the above formulae as well. How could two books with such similar building blocks be so completely different (yet awesome)? You'll have to see for yourself but I will stop the comparisons now and regale you with praise for the book at hand, Ink and Bone. 

"There are three parts to learning: information, knowledge, and wisdom. A mere accumulation of information is not knowledge, and a treasure of knowledge is not in itself, wisdom. The Library holds itself to be the keeper of both knowledge and wisdom, but it is not true. So much should never be held in the hands of so few, for it is a natural, venal habit of men to hold to power. And knowledge is the purest form of power."

If you were wondering just what the deal is with The Library (one of the main Characters, Catalyst, Institution, Enigma) and the people who wield its power, you can't get any more spot on than the quote above. I won't expound too much for fear of spoilers. BUT I will say, to anyone who'll stand still long enough to listen, "I love books"! I know I know, it's absurdly evident and I am among great company with each and every one of you but it's not meant as a frivolous declaration...I mean I love them fervently! This book on the other hand takes bibliophilia to such an extreme that it straddles the border of supplication and obsession. Jess, the street wise, charismatic, scrappy male MC inhabits a world where books (and the vast store of knowledge they contain) are valued above all else. That means it is cherished above loyalty, honor and even Life itself. The only things slightly more apprized (thus far) are familial bonds. There are other types of people, considered to be perversions, coexisting in this world such as those who burn books for political statements (Burners) and those that eat original volumes (Ink Lickers), book thieves and black market sellers as well as those less obvious...ahem Archivists...anyway, you'll learn to hate the Establishment as much as I do after reading just what the postulants have to endure and as you find out the why(s) behind it all it will seem completely trivial. The hits the characters continually take are brutal. Rachel Caine has no qualms offing/excommunicating a favorite character so don't get too attached. She can turn a vile character into a hero by book's end so hold on tightly to your emotions and loosen your moral convictions because this book will have you rooting for the people you originally wanted eviscerated. The writing is simple but good. The world building is really well executed but the star of the show is by far the Characters, they are what makes this book so gratifying. This book wasn't life altering. It didn't grab ahold of me, demand my attention/affection/devotion straight through 'til the end but it did entertain me and I have been thinking about it for days now so there's that. Imho Ink and Bone is definitely worth the time and emotional investment.