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lizzylakes's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Physical abuse, Torture, and War
aseel_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I like the premise of the world and the plot is generally entertaining but the writing is pretty ordinary and the pacing is a bit off.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
queer_bookwyrm's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: violence, kidnapping, guns
The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman is book two in the Invisible Library series. This book was just as fun as the first book! This series is just fun in general. It's a great quick read that doesn't take itself too seriously.
We pick up with Irene and Kai in Vale's alternate London. Kai is kidnapped by Fae, which could cause a war between Dragons and Fae, since Kai is a Royal dragon. Irene's mission is to infiltrate a high chaos world crawling with Fae, save Kai, and stop a war that would inevitably destroy Vale's world. Irene continues to be a badass Librarian that thinks fast on her feet, (almost) unflappable, and extremely capable in any situation.
We focus a lot more on the Fae this book, so we learn that Fae are inclined to act out their lives as stories starring them as the lead. This means they choose an archetype for themselves and dramatically stick to it, making them predictable and over the top. The world building in this series is top notch, if a bit ridiculous. We also see more of the Dragons this book. I just love the magic of language in this book and the way knowledge is used. I love how Irene's mastery of language (and The Language) helps her get out of tough situations and she used it to manipulate the story to her own benefit.
I loved how fast paced and action packed this story was along with a touch of ridiculousness and humor. I will say, this book doesn't have a ton of diverse representation, but it does feature Asian characters, as the Dragons we meet (including Kai) are Chinese. This is just a fun series, and I can't wait to read all eight(!) Of them!
The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman is book two in the Invisible Library series. This book was just as fun as the first book! This series is just fun in general. It's a great quick read that doesn't take itself too seriously.
We pick up with Irene and Kai in Vale's alternate London. Kai is kidnapped by Fae, which could cause a war between Dragons and Fae, since Kai is a Royal dragon. Irene's mission is to infiltrate a high chaos world crawling with Fae, save Kai, and stop a war that would inevitably destroy Vale's world. Irene continues to be a badass Librarian that thinks fast on her feet, (almost) unflappable, and extremely capable in any situation.
We focus a lot more on the Fae this book, so we learn that Fae are inclined to act out their lives as stories starring them as the lead. This means they choose an archetype for themselves and dramatically stick to it, making them predictable and over the top. The world building in this series is top notch, if a bit ridiculous. We also see more of the Dragons this book. I just love the magic of language in this book and the way knowledge is used. I love how Irene's mastery of language (and The Language) helps her get out of tough situations and she used it to manipulate the story to her own benefit.
I loved how fast paced and action packed this story was along with a touch of ridiculousness and humor. I will say, this book doesn't have a ton of diverse representation, but it does feature Asian characters, as the Dragons we meet (including Kai) are Chinese. This is just a fun series, and I can't wait to read all eight(!) Of them!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, and Kidnapping
brittanyboston18's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
meganpbennett's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Masked City picks up almost immediately where The Invisible Library ends. It's not a standalone sequel, rather a continuation of the previous book. It opens with Kai being kidnapped by persons unknown, and continues from there.
Featuring a Train ride, a Venice that is not our Venice, Fae, and Dragons, this sequel is not to be missed.
Featuring a Train ride, a Venice that is not our Venice, Fae, and Dragons, this sequel is not to be missed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, and Kidnapping
Minor: Alcohol