I was immediately curious about this book: the title held so many possibilities! I’d just watched the TV show The Librarians (which I highly recommend, if you haven’t seen it), and this looked like a fun adventure in the same vein. Indeed, it was!
The main character is Irene, a spunky employee of the Library, a place that collects dangerous fiction from multiple realities and stores them. Honestly, I’m still a bit shaky on what makes a book “dangerous” enough to be added to the Library’s collection: if you’ve read this book and have the answer, please let me know!
This book already had a lot going for it: A unique premise, room for lots of creativity-after all, multiple realities can look any way an author wants-, and a female main character who is able to think quickly and act decisively. She’s very self-assured, despite being far from perfect.
In this first book, Irene is sent to a version of London with her assistant Kai to pick up a dangerous book for the library. Unfortunately, it turns out it’s already been taken. This particular version of London is full of magic, supernatural creatures, and some seriously interesting steampunkish critters (don’t mind me, I’m just over here inventing new words).
Add a nemesis for Irene, a quirky Holmes-esque helper, secret societies, and twists aplenty, and this book is just a blast to read. I liked that, while there’s a lot of action, there are also “Aha!” moments, as well as a slight splash of romance. It’s a fun combination of a “whodunnit” and an action novel.
This book is lighthearted, and a fast read. I’d suggest reading this after finishing a heavy book, as a fun detox before starting in on another complicated book. If you like quirky, this is for you.
Have you read it? What did you think?
Witty and Sarcastic Bookclub 
My friend Liz enjoyed this book too.
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I read it in December and my understanding was most of the time they weren’t looking for dangerous, they were looking for unique.
I keep meaning to buy the second one as I had great fun reading it.
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Thanks!
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This sounds like a great book. I love the concept of dangerous or unique books and going on a search for them. I love the idea that London is full of supernatural creatures and magic. Honestly, this book seems like it ticks all of my boxes. Definitely one to add to the TBR. Great review!
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Thanks! If you like this one, you’ll probably also like Jacaby by William Ritter, which was similar in feel without feeling like a copy. I loved that series!
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I love the sound of this one! Definitely one for my TBR.
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If you like it, you would probably also like Jacaby by William Ritter.
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I have heard a lot of good things about this one! I want to give it a try at some point for sure. I like that it’s light-hearted and quirky, sounds like my type of book!
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It’s a blast!
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Reblogged this on Witty and Sarcastic Bookclub.
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One of my favorite series! If you haven’t already, I definitely recommend the rest of the books too. It gets more fun and more unique. Happy reading 🙂
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I’m so glad you like them! I’ve gotten up to The Dark Archive. It is a ton of fun!
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