Reviews

The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman

clarissep's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5

The writing and story gets better with each book, but it’s become rather formulaic for me at this point. I’m going to stop with this series now. Still, this was such a creative and complex concept by the author.

jackabybarsby's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

jackaroni_with_cheese's review against another edition

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2.0

Idk if this is really considered a spoiler review. I guess I sort of allude to stuff happening, but not really?

This one was probably the weakest in the series. I know, I know, I seem to be in the minority for that thought. I told my husband it didn’t feel like anything happened. That’s the wrong statement, because lots of things happened, but there was no threat.

Oh no! There’s a bag guy! Jk, we’re safe
Let’s discuss some shit in a hotel room
Oh no! There’s a bad guy again! Jk, we’re safe again.
Let’s discuss some shit in a carriage.
Oh no! Characters have been kidnapped and they’re probably going to be killed?!? 1...2...3... *poof* jk, they’re safe!

Also I found the use of “til” and “cause” instead of “until” and “because” jarring. Why are we using slang in the narration? I don’t remember the other novels narrating in slang or shorthand.
Picky picky picky, I know!

It was pretty weak and boring all things considered.

nonabgo's review against another edition

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4.0

I'm giving 4* to this one as I truly think it's the best of the series. It wraps up the whole story nicely and finishes it with a bang. I had a lot of fun reading this volume!

This fifth volume is all about a peace treaty between the different factions in the Invisible Library universe and an event that can put an end to the negotiations. Irene is called to investigate and a lot of characters we have come to love along the way (yes, even Silver!) make a comeback.

I have been enjoying the story, as well as the rhythm of the storytelling. The novel is moving at an alert pace and this volume took me less time to read than the others, despite its length.

The best thing about this novel, other that the fact that it's action packed, is the development of the mythology, which really goes deeper than in any of the previous volumes. We've got loads of fae and dragons and even librarians, each unique and bringing a new flavour to the story. And I must say that The Countess may just be the best character yet. Plus a new world, which is always great.

I'm thoroughly enjoying Irene's character development and I think she has finally found her calling. I'm not extremely happy about the ending, which leaves too many open doors (and I read there's more volumes to come, something I'm not entirely sure is necessary, as I truly had the feeling of finality when I closed this book). I'm also not happy we don't get to meet Irene's parents even now. But despite all these, I truly enjoyed this one, I feel it's the best of them all.

ewil6681's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-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

5.0

planetbeth91's review against another edition

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5.0

In this barnstorming 5th installment Peregrine Vale, Earl of Leeds and greatest detective London has ever known earns his retainer. A Holmesian mystery with Cogman's trademark bonkers brilliance as a peace treaty between dragon and Fae teeters on the brink.

Cogman is a genius. End of.

amandameowly's review against another edition

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4.0

As a big fan of the Invisible Library series, I devoured this book. I tend to read these so quickly that I’m left in utter shock and despair when they’re over.

This latest book was no exception. With a peace conference looming and the relationship between the Fae and Dragons precarious due to a murder, we launch right into the drama and action with Irene Winters and her companions Vale, Kai, Silver, and addition Ma Dun.

As always, the mystery is compelling and has twists and turns along the way. Incredibly well written and engaging, it’s a fast paced book with little to no downtime for us or the characters.

The only thing that disappointed me about this book is the continued lack of relationship building with Kai and Irene. We are on book five and it feels like we still don’t really know what’s going on since we are never shown any intimate scenes between them and they never talk about their relationship. I feel like at this far along in the series we should have something to show.

emmarose91's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

4.0

tfj's review against another edition

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medium-paced

5.0

ashleyreadsanything's review

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adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0