Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

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As one who loves, loves, loves the potential for the Great Library of Alexandria to carry on past it's centuries of mythical destruction, I was thrilled to discover this book. The idea that Rachel Caine found a potential loophole for the Library to retain all it's knowledge, and share it with the world through Alchemy, is a wonderful fantasy. Now, when you mix in the politics that always comes with the powerful controlling anything, most especially knowledge, it becomes even more interesting.

This story brings us unlikely heroes with skills and innate loyalties they only just discover themselves during their training as postulates into the service of the Library. The hierarchy of control, the deception of magic over technology, and the naivete of teenagers makes this story enticing and invigorating. Mix in a bit of black-market crime and secrets within the Order, and it becomes a whodoneit that keeps you guessing who actually did it... and what will come next. The pacing felt just right; giving me enough time to digest pieces that required contemplation, and rivet me to my seat as surprises were revealed at terabyte speed. Not surprisingly, it was a quick read.

My favorite part of this book is the notion Caine introduces about the importance of keeping a personal journal... not just to decompress and defrag from the day's adventures and emotional tolls; but also as an instrument of legacy. Each person has a story that contributes to humanity. Their perspectives are revered and seen as vital to humanity's continuance... and it's power paradigm.

I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this five book series.