Smoke and Iron (The Great Library #4)

Without revealing too much, let me say that this is a well thought out series, that slowly draws the reader in as the characters are developed. I finally looked up the definition of “steampunk” fiction, and yes, this does fit that bill, with a bit of distorted history and an alternate reality. I am not usually drawn to this genre, but the mixture of adventure and the desire to over throw a corrupt system, as well as the diverse but well meshed group of characters, whose individual strengths make the group stronger as a whole, are so well described that you as the reader/listener feel you are with them at every twist and turn. Also, the narrator, Mr. Elfer, is very suited for this story, and does a masterful job at the varied accents and ages of the many characters. I was hoping for a conclusion, but there is another book on its way that will finally end our heroes’ quest, and thus far it is looking like they will succeed…though at what final cost is yet to be determined. I hope we don’t have to wait too long to find out what happens!

This is a great series!!! The story is fast paced and well written. The narrator keeps the story going. I can\’t wait until next year to see how everything turns out!

This is the fourth book in The Great Library series (there are five book planned for this series). I continue to really really love this series. The world-building is amazing and I adore all the characters. This book changes between numerous POVs which worked really well. Unlike some books that switch POV, I love every single character in this book and looked forward to every portion of the book. Things really build to a head as Jess and his classmates try to save the Great Library from itself. The majority of the book sees our characters separated from each other but they end up coming back together for the finale. There is a lot of action and intrigue in here as well as a bit of romance. These books have a bit of a pattern to them. A lot of the book is dedicated to some big plan that Jess devises and then everything goes wrong….this pattern happens every book. This is pretty much my only issue with this series, I wish at some point things would go according to plan for our heroes! Overall I love this series and can\’t wait to see how things wrap up in the fifth and final book! I would recommend to those who enjoy historical fantasy/steampunk novels with amazing world-building and intriguing characters.

I am so in love with these characters that I am almost sad to read book five! I don’t want the series to end, which says a lot because I’m typically a believer in “3 is plenty, let’s not ruin a good thing.” Just wow. It’s funny, thrilling, heart-breaking, and touching all in one.

Something that seemed so small sometimes can be just the visualization of the top of an iceberg. Even when planning it\’s hard to know truly where all the final pieces will end up so keep reading! I sure will be!!

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