Library of the Unwritten by A. J. Hackwith

What I’ve learned is that I’m a sucker for a good book written about a librarian. I don’t think that’s unique for every little girl who grew up with her nose in a book. This story took so many elements that I love and threw them together, and I had a hard time putting it down.

Library of the Unwritten’s unique setting of hell, and more specifically the section of the eternal library that are books that were never written or have not been written yet is an absolutely fascinating and unique concept. As an aspiring author, and a writer it made my heart sing.

I’ve heard the line that you must ask your readers to believe one extreme idea for them to believe a story. Well, I don’t think that’s quite correct in this novel but somehow it all seemed believable.

How Hackwith structured the afterlife, and belief systems had the gears turning in my head. I’m a huge afterlife and belief / religion system junkie. In addition, for something that was set in and around libraries, you get to visit so many different realms and quite a bit of action takes place.

For all those strong points of world building and action, character creation and development wasn’t lacking in the slightest. Truthfully it was probably one of the strongest points. From determined and self-righteous angels, to quirky muses, obnoxious stories, and stubborn humans (including our main protagonist, Claire, the Head Librarian of Hell) Hackwith’s understanding of what makes a person tick, how love, desire, and guilt factor into our psyche was beautifully written.

I will state that not all of the character are likable. Some are resolutely unlikable, though I think that’s for a reason. Even holding us at a distance, Claire seemed to charm me. While I definitely identify more with Brevity, the adorable librarian in training, I understand that the reason these characters are here is for a reason. However, I understand not everyone will like that. My tidbit is to remember, most of the characters we run into aren’t human, and don’t have to behave as such.

I devoured this book while on vacation and it was incredibly hard to put down. I was caught unawares by one of her big twists, and the ending left me floored. It’s been a while since I was so unprepared for a surprise like that. I can only hope that Hackwith comes back to write more in this world, as she has fully captured my interest.

Thanks to Ace Books, A.J. Hackwith, and Netgalley for this advanced readers copy in return for an honest review. Make sure to go grab this book when it comes out October 1st!

You can get Library of the Unwritten here at Bookshop.org, which supports local independent bookstores!

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