The Library of the Unwritten

A neat idea but the writing is terrible. Bland with no clear author voice. Unnecessary PoV changes, bad object tracking/movement (there are a lot of moments I had to backtrack to clarify what a character was holding or where an object went because something vanished or appeared in the narrative) . The generic characters and predictable plot wouldn't be such a disappointment if the writing made up for it, but it doesn't. And the further you get in the book, the more questions the core concepts bring up (none of which get answered). Not worth full price.

A.J. Hackwith ambitiously launches her new Hell’s Library series with The Library of the Unwritten. Although the novel is a genuinely fun read, there are so many different fantasy themes and tropes included that it becomes difficult to envision the coherent world she is attempting to convey. It may be that the book’s role as the opening of a series is an attempt to lay the groundwork for limitless plot pathways, but the result is just confusing enough that it could risk turning away some potential readers. Claire is a deceased human who is the latest in a long line of librarians conscripted with caring for and guarding a collection of unwritten books stored in Hell. The books are described as restless and prone to awakening-occasionally incorporating themselves into the form of a character and managing to escape the library. As the novel begins, a young demon is sent to alert Claire and her apprentice that one of their charges has absconded back to Earth and needs to be retrieved before causing harm to its author. Meanwhile, in Heaven, a soul arrives for judgement at the gates holding a piece of a manuscript that may have been penned by the devil himself. Soon Claire also is induced to track down this work as well, interceding before heaven and hell get a chance to claim it (and its intrinsic power) for their own dubious purposes. The Library of the Unwritten incorporates Judeo-Christian, Greek, Viking, pagan, and other myths with Hackwith’s new concept of unwritten books and the potential of unrealized dreams. The action takes place during Claire’s quest through various realms and states of existence borrowed from many traditions and beliefs. Hackwith also explores the conception of life as an incomplete story with all its concomitant decisions and regrets carried beyond mortal existence. Hackwith does a nice job with building characters that are intriguing and layered, and her novel has some truly fascinating plot twists. It will be interesting to see where Hackwith takes her imagination in future episodes, since the The Library of the Unwritten opens many potential doors. Hopefully, the next Hell’s Library novel will be more cohesive and focused. The author certainly seems to have an encompassing vision for the series and some wonderfully original ideas- but perhaps a bit too much of both.

I keep looking for the words to describe this book. It is mind bending, crotchety, compassionate, hilarious and like no other. You will love this creative read of the realms. I can't wait for the next one.