After Reading: THE LIBRARY OF THE UNWRITTEN by AJ Hackwith

By: Meradeth Houston on 3:30 AM

In the first book in a brilliant new fantasy series, books that aren't finished by their authors reside in the Library of the Unwritten in Hell, and it is up to the Librarian to track down any restless characters who emerge from those unfinished stories.

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. (Goodreads)

Oh, this was SUCH a fun read! As an author, and a reader, the idea of books becoming "real" is always enticing. Who hasn't wanted to enter a favorite book and live there? Or as an author, to have their book become real? For me, while immersed in the written word, those moments when they become the world around me--when I disappear within them--are bliss. And this novel explores that and how characters can become real. (This reminds me a bit of the Velveteen Rabbit--something that's referenced in the book as well, but it definitely rung true.) It's such an interesting idea too: a library of unwritten books. And yes, it totally made me think of those books that live on my harddrive and are never going to be finished. Sorry to those characters stuck in generally not-so-pleasant place! There are so many lines within the book, too, that just made me have to close my eyes and savor them. The story itself is fun and fast paced and intriguing. The characters are positively wonderful, too, and I deeply loved Claire and them all. I can't wait for the next one!