The Book of Secrets is the first book in The Last Oracle series by Melissa McShane.
Helena Davies just wants a job that will get her out of her parents’ basement. Abernathy’s Bookstore is disorganized, out of the way, and smells funny, but it pays well and promises to at least be interesting. By the end of the first day, Helena has a dead boss in the basement, an unexpected promotion, and the news that she is now a part of an endless war against creatures from another reality. As Abernathy’s newest custodian, Helena is responsible for its secrets, including the most important one: Abernathy’s isn’t just a bookstore. It’s the world’s only living oracle, producing prophecies to help fight the war against alien invaders bent on draining this world of its magic. Helena’s job is to find books to answer questions put to the oracle by the Wardens, fighters in the Long War. It seems simple enough, but Helena’s new job is anything but. She has allies: her best friend Viv, from whom she has no secrets; Harry and Harriet Keller, elderly magi skilled at uncovering secrets; and the enigmatic Malcolm Campbell, warrior magus and one of the few who have faith in Helena’s abilities. But not everyone is thrilled that an outsider now has charge of one of the world’s most powerful magical entities. Helena must defend herself against the antagonism of Judy Rasmussen, who’d expected to be the next custodian of Abernathy’s, and her father William, powerful leader of the Wardens and someone with an agenda of his own. Without training, without any knowledge of the magical world, and facing the hostility of those who’d wanted someone else to be Abernathy’s custodian, Helena must navigate the treacherous waters of her new world and find a place for herself within it. But there’s still a murderer on the loose, someone who intended to control Abernathy’s by killing its custodian—and Helena might be next on his list.
The Book of Secrets is a book that was not quite what I was looking for, but in a good way. I tend to pick up or request books based on a quick look and then put off reading them until I do not remember the blurb- so I had no clue what was I was getting into- and I loved the ride. Helena is a complex character with a good balance of stubborness, flaws, and courage to make her a realistic and relatable character. I loved her pragmatism and ability to think things through as the world goes crazy around her. If only we could all do that. I think she, her family, and her friends were introduced well, and I think her circle will continue to be interesting secondary characters as the story continues. I think that members of the magical community, and the complicated society they have, was also well laid out. Things were introduced in small portions, as Helena learned them, and readers discovered the information along with her. I was not sure of the guilty party- although I had some suspicions toward the end, and think that the mystery was extremely well done. I think this hits the mark for a great coming of age novel for adult, in particular the new adult market (although I am well past that demographic and loved it). I am a little annoyed that the teaser for possible future romantic interest was included- because a life changing new job and introduction to making as you come into your own is not enough- she apparently need the possibility of a man in her life to make it all worth it. This is my current pet peeve, and it does work in the book, but it still bothers me.
The Book of Secrets is a great paranormal mystery and urban fantasy. I think young adults, new adults, and us technically adult adults will all enjoy this read.
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