Book Review: The Library of the Unwritten by A. J. Hackwith

The Library of the Unwritten by A. J. Hackwith is the first book in a new series. Many years ago, Claire was named Head Librarian of the Unwritten Wing-- a neutral space in Hell where all the stories unfinished by their authors reside. Her job consists mainly of repairing and organizing books, but also of keeping an eye on restless stories that risk materializing as characters and escaping the library. When a Hero escapes from his book and goes in search of his author, Claire must track and capture him with the help of former muse and current assistant Brevity and nervous demon courier Leto. But what should have been a simple retrieval goes horrifyingly wrong when the terrifyingly angelic Ramiel attacks them, convinced that they hold the Devil's Bible. The text of the Devil's Bible is a powerful weapon in the power struggle between Heaven and Hell, so it falls to the librarians to find a book with the power to reshape the boundaries between Heaven, Hell….and Earth.

The Library of the Unwritten is a book that requires the readers full attention. It has a brilliant concept, complex characters, and a plot with action and foreshadowing to spare. I will admit the first few chapters started off rough for me, because there was so much that needed to be introduced, and characters to meet. Once the story got going however, I was intrigued and hooked.  I loved Claire's character- she is complex with secrets and hidden sides at every turn. Brevity has hidden depths, Leto is so much more than he seems, and then there are Hero and Ramiel who are not really what you expect. I liked getting to see the story from multiple perspectives, how the characters see each other, and their vulnerabilities, was just as important to the story for me as the mystery of the codex and its importance to them all. I liked the puzzles and bits of religious lore woven through the story, from a variety of cultures. I really enjoyed the thoughts and questions about the possibilities and importance inherent in books, ideas, and stories. The action scenes were well written, and readers will be completely engaged in the wellbeing of the characters, physically and emotionally. The only trouble I had was more about my reading habits and life than the actual book. There are so many nuances and  important hints through the bok that readers should really give the book their full attention while reading, but that is rarely possible for me. This meant that it took me a little longer to read the book than expected, because of the distracts of life. However, I am really glad that I had the time to finally give the read the attention it deserved.

The Library of the Unwritten is a well written and entertaining read. To really enjoy it and catch all the foreshadowing and character nuances, I highly recommend reading it when you can give it your undivided attention.