433 pages
https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1423249116#
Reviewed by Rae C.
The fifth book in the Invisible Library series, and the best one so far!
There are multiple worlds, and in each there are different levels of technology (order, ruled by Dragons) and magic (chaos, ruled by The Fae). Each earth has different versions of the same stories, reflecting the different development and history of that particular world.
The Library exists at the center of all the worlds, and is outside of time. By collecting the different versions of stories, the Library keeps the worlds bound together. Also Librarians are able to speak The Language, and therefore in each world have a power different from either Fae or Dragon. The Language is a pure command, the essence of all earth languages on all the different versions of earth. For example, if a Librarian commands water to boil in The Language, the water will boil.
There is an ongoing conflict between Dragon and Fae, and neither species can tolerate too much of the other. So Fae suffer in the order of Dragon worlds. And Dragons lose strength in chaotic Fae worlds filled with magic and Story. (The Fae themselves are dominated by Story. In fact, sometimes they are bound by the rules of the Story and/or their characters. Both this book and The Masked City display this feature of Fae power.)
In this book there is a peace conference underway between Dragon and Fae, and the Librarians are officiating. The main protagonist, Irene Winters, is currently Librarian in Residence in a world that is steampunk, and at roughly the 1920's in its timeline. One of her companions is a real life Sherlock Holmes, named Peregrine Vale. (In some worlds Sherlock Holmes is not just a story.) Her other companion is a Dragon Prince, Kai Strongrock.
All three of them are summoned to the top secret peace conference after a Dragon is murdered. The conference and peace in all the worlds is in jeopardy. Like the other four books, this is a great adventure, with "unguessable" twists and turns. Cogman always has something up her sleeve!
I especially enjoyed the interim with Vale's POV. This is the first time there has been a POV other than Irene's. My understanding is this series grew partly out of the author's love of Sherlock Holmes (as well as Dungeons and Dragons), so to have Vale highlighted was a treat! In fact, Irene's name was chosen from Irene Adler in Conan Doyle's "Silk Stocking." Cogman did a good job of recreating a solid Sherlock Holmes in an unfamiliar world ruled by Fae and Dragons, and powered by ether.
The alternate Paris the story is set in retains all of the history of our worlds' Paris, and includes a very exciting scene in the Grand Guignol. And the added spectacle of the Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory, running the show.
Kind of sorry I finished it so fast because now it is another long year of waiting for book six!!!
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