Title: Paper and Fire
Author: Rachel Caine
First published July 5, 2016
354 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780451472403 (ISBN10: 0451472403)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
In a world where knowledge is power, the Great Library reigns supreme, eliminating any form of rebellion and prohibiting personal ownership of books. Jess Brightwell has witnessed the Library’s ruthlessness firsthand and knows that serving in their army is not what he signed up for.
With his best friend missing and his love, Morgan, imprisoned in the Iron Tower, Jess embarks on a dangerous mission to save them. However, one misstep causes them to become hunted by the Library’s deadly machines, forcing them to flee their home in Alexandria to the chaos of London.
But even there, they are not safe. As the Welsh army closes in and London burns, Jess must make an impossible decision – choosing between those he loves and the all-powerful Library, willing to sacrifice anyone to maintain their control.
About the Author
The author known as Rachel Caine is actually Roxanne Longstreet Conrad, who has also published works under her given names of Roxanne Longstreet and Roxanne Conrad. For those interested in keeping up with her on social media, she maintains a Facebook page and an Instagram account.
Editoral Review
Paper and Fire, written by Rachel Caine, is a stunning example of the young adult dystopian fiction genre. Published on July 5, 2016, this book is the second in her Great Library series, taking place in a world where the Library controls access to all knowledge and books are strictly regulated.
Caine brings depth to the genre with her exquisite prose, evocative themes, and complex characters. The story follows the journey of Jess Brightwell, a former black market trader turned Scholar, as he seeks to overthrow the Library’s corrupt leadership.
Along the way, he must navigate friendships, alliances, and betrayals in a world where the stakes could not be higher. Caine creates a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own motivations and backstories, and intertwines them in a fast-paced and thrilling plot.
What sets this book apart from other dystopian novels is its historical context. Caine takes inspiration from the Library of Alexandria and brings historical relevance to the story.
The themes of censorship, control, and the power of knowledge are all the more poignant considering current events and issues. Caine’s writing is exquisite, her language and imagery capturing the reader’s imagination and emotions.
Her characters are equally engaging, each with their own voice and personality, making it easy to become invested in their story. The pacing of the book keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, with unexpected twists and turns leaving them guessing until the final pages.
While the book does have some flaws, such as predictable plot points and some underdeveloped secondary characters, they do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Overall, Paper and Fire is a must-read for fans of young adult dystopian fiction, as well as anyone interested in themes of censorship, knowledge, and power.
Caine’s beautiful writing, engaging characters, and fast-paced plot make for a captivating and thought-provoking read. The book earns a rating of 4.5 out of 5, and we highly recommend it to any reader looking for an exciting and meaningful story.
