The Invisible Library

2024 re-read: I think I may have enjoyed this one even more than the first go around!~
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This book is a wonderfully done steampunk novel, with not too much jargon. While with any steampunk novel there are new and interesting mechanics, this novel does not focus on them entirely and sticks mostly to the basics, with the few fun elements thrown in, such as attacking alligators. The language is not so detailed or explanation-filled to make a reader's eye glaze over, but just the right amount, in my opinion.

The concept is quite interesting and not the same as the TV show: The Librarians. While there are some similarities, such as people going out and collecting materials for the Library, the biggest differences are that this book has people gathering only books and they go to different realities with different levels of magic, science/technology, and chaos-infection. These aspects create an interesting combination of fantasy and science fiction with characters zeppelins flying in the air, sponsored and supported by faeries.

I also found the writing to be well done. One of my personal pet peeves is when the first book in a series feels like the first book — being more of the background and set up for the rest of the series, but this one could very well stand alone, if one didn't mind the few little mysteries not yet solved. So, the main mystery is solved and there are only a few loose ends that will tie the series together, I'm guessing.

There are fun characters, all of whom can be kept separate. There are a few too many side characters with little mention, whom I would forget about, but the following text would help remind who they are. Irene is a strong, smart main character, who has room to grow and learn, which we can see in the novel. Kai, is mysterious, with multiple sides, so learning about him is fun. There is also a famous private detective, who I'm hoping will appear in later books. The other female character is an agent of the library as well and of course, the rival of the main character. This irked me, because this book now doesn't have any healthy female relationships. Hopefully the next book will improve on this.