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The Library of Illumination #1-5
Chronicles: The Library of Illumination
Within the walls of a centuries-old building lies the magical Library of Illumination where books literally come to life. What makes this library even more unusual are the two teenagers chosen to oversee its operation. Johanna Charette and Jackson Roth must use their wits to deal with the sometimes humorous, sometimes dangerous situations that arise when enchanted books spring to life. As the teens learn about the library, themselves, and each other, their fates become intertwined, and when they stumble upon a scheme by someone in a distant realm to take control of all knowledge in the universe, Johanna and Jackson are forced to put their lives on the line to battle an ancient foe.
332 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
164 people are currently reading
847 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Pack
16 books27 followersC. A. Pack is the author of the episodic YA fantasy seres, The Library of Illumination and can usually be found wandering around inside her imagination looking for fun things to write about. Some people may think that's a stupid place to hang out, but for her it's really quite pleasant.
She is currently at work on her seventh adventure in the episodic Library of Illumination series and on her fourth novel featuring Evangeline. She's an award-winning journalist, and former anchor/assignment manager at LI News Tonight in New York. She thinks fiction is a lot more fun.
A current member of International ThrillerWriters, and Sisters in Crime, C.A. is also a former president of the Press Club of Long Island. She lives in Westbury, NY, with her husband, a couple of picky parrots, and dozens of imaginary characters who are constantly demanding page space.
She is currently at work on her seventh adventure in the episodic Library of Illumination series and on her fourth novel featuring Evangeline. She's an award-winning journalist, and former anchor/assignment manager at LI News Tonight in New York. She thinks fiction is a lot more fun.
A current member of International ThrillerWriters, and Sisters in Crime, C.A. is also a former president of the Press Club of Long Island. She lives in Westbury, NY, with her husband, a couple of picky parrots, and dozens of imaginary characters who are constantly demanding page space.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 24, 2014
Review also on www.jolasbookshelf.wordpress.com
Chronicles: The Library of Illumination contains few short stories that revolves around a very special kind of library. I loved this idea, that some of the books can come to life and the characters from them can visit us. I liked especially the appearance of Dr. John Watson. How I wished it could happen to me! ;)
Although the characters are teenagers, they don't feel like one. Maybe Jackson sometimes but Johanna is a very mature for a girl her age.
Each story was exciting and different, I think I liked "Doubloons" and "Casanova" the most.
It was a good read and I'm looking forward to the next!
Thanks for C.A. Pack for sending me a free e-book in exchange for an honest review!
Chronicles: The Library of Illumination contains few short stories that revolves around a very special kind of library. I loved this idea, that some of the books can come to life and the characters from them can visit us. I liked especially the appearance of Dr. John Watson. How I wished it could happen to me! ;)
Although the characters are teenagers, they don't feel like one. Maybe Jackson sometimes but Johanna is a very mature for a girl her age.
Each story was exciting and different, I think I liked "Doubloons" and "Casanova" the most.
It was a good read and I'm looking forward to the next!
Thanks for C.A. Pack for sending me a free e-book in exchange for an honest review!
February 20, 2015
I am reviewing this book as part of a R4R and the book was give to me by the author (Thanks!).
2 stars as in “it was okay”
What I Liked:
0. The cover is gorgeous
1. Structure
I like the fact that this book is made up of episodes of the different events the two main characters, Johanna and Jackson, encounter due to working at the magical library. To me, this is the only way this type of story should be told because you want to experience the different types of books that come to life (because not all the books are magical) and the type of chaos that comes with a job like this; being the curator and the curator’s assistant (?)
***This is very important to remember because though this was one of the reasons I wanted to read this book, I totally forgot about this aspect and was not having a very enjoyable read at the beginning.
2. Characters
For the most part, the two main characters were okay. Johanna was very mature for her age to the point where I usually forgot that she was about 17-18 and not some college girl with a work study job. This could be because Jackson was a little young acting (I won’t say immature because that’s not quite right). Granted, he was only like 16, but the way he acted versus they way she acted made it seem as if there was a huge difference in age. However, he was still very self-aware and always had others best interest in mind, even if he starts off rocky. And he was taking on some responsibilities at home with his mom and siblings. The fictional characters from the books were okay, too.
3. Overall Storyline
I wanted to read this book because of the fact that is was episodic and about fictional worlds/characters literally coming to life. Granted, I was thinking that our MC would be the one going into the fictional worlds, but I like this idea too. I think it would be a great children’s show because I didn’t have a problem using my imagination to picture things happening.
What I Didn’t Like:
1. The Beginning (aka the Prologue)
That was the longest prologue I’d ever read! By the time I got finished with it, I was surprised to be clicking to a page reading “chapter one”. I usually don’t mind prologues because I know that sometimes authors want to explain why something is the way it currently is. In this case, we learn how Johanna became curator at such a young age. I just don’t think the prologue gave any important info; it was a lot of Johanna complaining about her current job and taking the packages she has to deliver to the Library of Illumination. We learn of her love for books and how she was chosen as the former curator’s successor (I believe the prologue happens over a course of a year or so…). It just prolonged the actual start of the story and lasted wayyyyy too long.
2. Everyone’s Okay With It
Too many times a fictional character was brought from a book and accepted the fact that they were indeed fictional from fictional worlds and would proceed to help with whatever they had been summoned for. I expected that to be one of the struggles of working at a magical library –accidentally opening books and having to deal with confused, scared characters. Also, how did she get Jackson, a 16 year old who is having a hard home life, to accept everything? How had he not stolen from a book earlier? Not to mention how accepting Johanna was when she first witnessed a book coming to life; she even tried it out for a second time seconds after closing another book. I understand her love for books, but still….
3. Pacing & POV Hopping
The pacing was very choppy and a bit slow IMO. There was just too much minute stuff going on that didn’t seem to really mean anything or add to the story and it just cut in on the actual action that you were waiting for and trying to get back to. Also, we got a bit of everyone’s POV within one chapter frequently; if they were in the story, chances are we got to know what they were doing or thinking. This wouldn’t have been so bad if it wasn’t for the fact that these POV shots only lasted about a few sentences.
What Confused or Annoyed Me:
1. I couldn’t quite place who the target audience was for this book. Though the characters are on the “young adult” side and there are a few sexual innuendos here and there, it definitely seems more fitting for grade school readers. I would definitely let my barely teen nieces read this, and maybe even my 7 year old nephew (or maybe I’ll read it to him instead…)
2. In the first story,
Also with this, the pawnshop owner was able to find the shop every time he went, yet –in the prologue- Johanna wasn’t able to find the library when she wanted to visit or something (because it, like, moves or something?). And with that, all these events they’ve been holding where the people are able to find it pretty quickly. I didn’t understand this and I can’t honestly recognize whether or not it was later explained.
3. From the very beginning, little things were annoying me and this made finishing this book up a little difficult. A few examples just from the first stories/episodes: Johanna bakes muffin to thank the old man for the journal he gives her. She ends up making them several nights in a row, having to eat them herself each night because her boss never asks her to deliver a package. Not once did she try to deliver them herself, which made no sense to me.
Then there were the purchasing of all the non-magical books that they bought due to keeping the library-goers safe from making a fictional world come to life. One event in particular is when the cops are called in because of the blue orb in the middle of the library. It takes a few days for Johanna and Jackson to literally purchase $1,000 worth of used books to fill up the shelves after replacing the magical ones. My thing is, why not come up with a good excuse as to why there are no books on the shelves? Like, “we’re dusting the shelves” or “we’re checking our inventory” or “all our books are being repaired”? I think that any excuse would have worked because, honestly, with a floating blue orb that you say came out of nowhere, the cops shouldn’t/won’t be focused on the fact that books are missing (I mean, I fail to see how anyone could make a correlation between the two).
Overall, this book was okay. Besides the initial idea and the story structure –the fact that you get mini stories in one- I struggled to keep interest in wanting to finish it mostly due to the fact that it read as a juvenile book. And like many collections of short stories, there are always those stories that you enjoy better than others, which can also deflate the overall reading experience. I will not continue the series for my personal reading pleasures, but I think I’d try something else from this author.
2 stars as in “it was okay”
What I Liked:
0. The cover is gorgeous
1. Structure
I like the fact that this book is made up of episodes of the different events the two main characters, Johanna and Jackson, encounter due to working at the magical library. To me, this is the only way this type of story should be told because you want to experience the different types of books that come to life (because not all the books are magical) and the type of chaos that comes with a job like this; being the curator and the curator’s assistant (?)
***This is very important to remember because though this was one of the reasons I wanted to read this book, I totally forgot about this aspect and was not having a very enjoyable read at the beginning.
2. Characters
For the most part, the two main characters were okay. Johanna was very mature for her age to the point where I usually forgot that she was about 17-18 and not some college girl with a work study job. This could be because Jackson was a little young acting (I won’t say immature because that’s not quite right). Granted, he was only like 16, but the way he acted versus they way she acted made it seem as if there was a huge difference in age. However, he was still very self-aware and always had others best interest in mind, even if he starts off rocky. And he was taking on some responsibilities at home with his mom and siblings. The fictional characters from the books were okay, too.
3. Overall Storyline
I wanted to read this book because of the fact that is was episodic and about fictional worlds/characters literally coming to life. Granted, I was thinking that our MC would be the one going into the fictional worlds, but I like this idea too. I think it would be a great children’s show because I didn’t have a problem using my imagination to picture things happening.
What I Didn’t Like:
1. The Beginning (aka the Prologue)
That was the longest prologue I’d ever read! By the time I got finished with it, I was surprised to be clicking to a page reading “chapter one”. I usually don’t mind prologues because I know that sometimes authors want to explain why something is the way it currently is. In this case, we learn how Johanna became curator at such a young age. I just don’t think the prologue gave any important info; it was a lot of Johanna complaining about her current job and taking the packages she has to deliver to the Library of Illumination. We learn of her love for books and how she was chosen as the former curator’s successor (I believe the prologue happens over a course of a year or so…). It just prolonged the actual start of the story and lasted wayyyyy too long.
2. Everyone’s Okay With It
Too many times a fictional character was brought from a book and accepted the fact that they were indeed fictional from fictional worlds and would proceed to help with whatever they had been summoned for. I expected that to be one of the struggles of working at a magical library –accidentally opening books and having to deal with confused, scared characters. Also, how did she get Jackson, a 16 year old who is having a hard home life, to accept everything? How had he not stolen from a book earlier? Not to mention how accepting Johanna was when she first witnessed a book coming to life; she even tried it out for a second time seconds after closing another book. I understand her love for books, but still….
3. Pacing & POV Hopping
The pacing was very choppy and a bit slow IMO. There was just too much minute stuff going on that didn’t seem to really mean anything or add to the story and it just cut in on the actual action that you were waiting for and trying to get back to. Also, we got a bit of everyone’s POV within one chapter frequently; if they were in the story, chances are we got to know what they were doing or thinking. This wouldn’t have been so bad if it wasn’t for the fact that these POV shots only lasted about a few sentences.
What Confused or Annoyed Me:
1. I couldn’t quite place who the target audience was for this book. Though the characters are on the “young adult” side and there are a few sexual innuendos here and there, it definitely seems more fitting for grade school readers. I would definitely let my barely teen nieces read this, and maybe even my 7 year old nephew (or maybe I’ll read it to him instead…)
2. In the first story,
Also with this, the pawnshop owner was able to find the shop every time he went, yet –in the prologue- Johanna wasn’t able to find the library when she wanted to visit or something (because it, like, moves or something?). And with that, all these events they’ve been holding where the people are able to find it pretty quickly. I didn’t understand this and I can’t honestly recognize whether or not it was later explained.
3. From the very beginning, little things were annoying me and this made finishing this book up a little difficult. A few examples just from the first stories/episodes: Johanna bakes muffin to thank the old man for the journal he gives her. She ends up making them several nights in a row, having to eat them herself each night because her boss never asks her to deliver a package. Not once did she try to deliver them herself, which made no sense to me.
Then there were the purchasing of all the non-magical books that they bought due to keeping the library-goers safe from making a fictional world come to life. One event in particular is when the cops are called in because of the blue orb in the middle of the library. It takes a few days for Johanna and Jackson to literally purchase $1,000 worth of used books to fill up the shelves after replacing the magical ones. My thing is, why not come up with a good excuse as to why there are no books on the shelves? Like, “we’re dusting the shelves” or “we’re checking our inventory” or “all our books are being repaired”? I think that any excuse would have worked because, honestly, with a floating blue orb that you say came out of nowhere, the cops shouldn’t/won’t be focused on the fact that books are missing (I mean, I fail to see how anyone could make a correlation between the two).
Overall, this book was okay. Besides the initial idea and the story structure –the fact that you get mini stories in one- I struggled to keep interest in wanting to finish it mostly due to the fact that it read as a juvenile book. And like many collections of short stories, there are always those stories that you enjoy better than others, which can also deflate the overall reading experience. I will not continue the series for my personal reading pleasures, but I think I’d try something else from this author.
September 9, 2016
Chronicles: The Library of Illumination is a magical book where almost anything can happen. Every volume of every book and document ever written in the world is kept here. Each of these books, when opened will literally come to life. Do you want to meet King Arthur? Then open up King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and he’ll be standing there before you.
Chronicles reads like a number of short stories put together to form a longer book. This does not detract from it as a book in any way, but makes it easy to read is short chunks with convenient places to put the book down.
There is a little bit of romance blossoming in Chronicles. It will be interesting to see where it goes in future volumes. The romance is clean and appropriate for all ages.
There is lots of action and adventure in this novel. This is not your typical library. It is not quiet and calm here. It can’t be when there are other dimensions trying to take over the world!
This book was a fun read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a light read and fantasy. I gave Chronicles: The Library of Illumination 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
Chronicles reads like a number of short stories put together to form a longer book. This does not detract from it as a book in any way, but makes it easy to read is short chunks with convenient places to put the book down.
There is a little bit of romance blossoming in Chronicles. It will be interesting to see where it goes in future volumes. The romance is clean and appropriate for all ages.
There is lots of action and adventure in this novel. This is not your typical library. It is not quiet and calm here. It can’t be when there are other dimensions trying to take over the world!
This book was a fun read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a light read and fantasy. I gave Chronicles: The Library of Illumination 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
December 21, 2014
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review (Never too Old for Y.A. Books).
At first this book reminded me a little of "Night at the Museum". Then, it changes and becomes much more interesting and twisted and complicated.
I actually liked the story, most of it, anyway. But Johanna, the main female character was a little annoying. I can't say I liked her. For a good part of the story I thought she behaved much more mature than her age. I didn't like it much. It was kind of annoying and a little boring. It was REALLY annoying the way she treated Jackson, like she was much older than him and she was The Boss and he was nothing but a little helper. What I really hated, though, was how bad she treated Jackson when she was all flushed and drooling over Casanova. She learned from her mistakes though. Well, I hope so. I don't want to see her taking him for granted in the future. Jackson's an amazing guy. And although he seemed a little immature for the first part of the story, I really liked him and he was so sweet as a cupcake! So cute and lovely and protective and jealous and flirty. And, as Johanna once said, he's an accidental jenius. I loved him!
I'm curious to see what other adventures await them.
Actually 3.5 stars. It could have been 4 stars if I liked Johanna.
At first this book reminded me a little of "Night at the Museum". Then, it changes and becomes much more interesting and twisted and complicated.
I actually liked the story, most of it, anyway. But Johanna, the main female character was a little annoying. I can't say I liked her. For a good part of the story I thought she behaved much more mature than her age. I didn't like it much. It was kind of annoying and a little boring. It was REALLY annoying the way she treated Jackson, like she was much older than him and she was The Boss and he was nothing but a little helper. What I really hated, though, was how bad she treated Jackson when she was all flushed and drooling over Casanova. She learned from her mistakes though. Well, I hope so. I don't want to see her taking him for granted in the future. Jackson's an amazing guy. And although he seemed a little immature for the first part of the story, I really liked him and he was so sweet as a cupcake! So cute and lovely and protective and jealous and flirty. And, as Johanna once said, he's an accidental jenius. I loved him!
I'm curious to see what other adventures await them.
Actually 3.5 stars. It could have been 4 stars if I liked Johanna.
November 5, 2014
I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for a review.
This is a most excellent book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves reading. It has a lot to appeal to those who don't, but anyone who does love books will treasure this book properly.
There's a library with all of the books ever written. And some of those books become real when you open them. This book is the adventures of the new curator and her assistant as they adjust to the library. Now that I'm done, I'm a little disappointed that the heroine didn't use the library for pleasure. She used it when necessary, of course, and her adventures were marvelous, but I would have liked to see her having conversations with Aslan or dating Lord Peter Wimsey, for example. There's room for so much more to be written yet and I'm glad that the book ends with the words, "The end it is not", because I definitely want more.
Well-written, characters I cared about and an engaging plot. Amazing all around.
This is a most excellent book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves reading. It has a lot to appeal to those who don't, but anyone who does love books will treasure this book properly.
There's a library with all of the books ever written. And some of those books become real when you open them. This book is the adventures of the new curator and her assistant as they adjust to the library. Now that I'm done, I'm a little disappointed that the heroine didn't use the library for pleasure. She used it when necessary, of course, and her adventures were marvelous, but I would have liked to see her having conversations with Aslan or dating Lord Peter Wimsey, for example. There's room for so much more to be written yet and I'm glad that the book ends with the words, "The end it is not", because I definitely want more.
Well-written, characters I cared about and an engaging plot. Amazing all around.
January 9, 2015
Wow fabulous story this book let's your imagination go on a wild roller coaster ride with every page to turn. The Characters adventure in this inchanted library are wild and amazing all in one book. Wonderful story and my sincere thanks to the author for the pleasured privilege of reading this wonderful book and I do so hope to read more of the adventures with Johanna & Jackson. This roller coaster ride takes you to other worlds and you get to meet all sorts of creatures a long the way some good & some not so good so I say enjoy this book ant where you are it was a wonderful book and thanks again to the author C.A.Pack for privilege of reading this fabulous book so with that said happy reading with love from wee me. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
May 11, 2018
I liked the overall premise of this story (actually a series of stories) which involved a magical library where some of the books when opened let loose the characters from the stories, both villains and heroes. The two main characters, who are the curator and her assistant, are teenagers, which is what places this in the young adult realm for me, as does the incipient romance between the two of them. The adventures were entertaining, but a bit disjointed, apparently since this was originally written as a serial. The ending comes rather abruptly as the last adventure ends, obviously leading to a sequel (or sequels). It remains to be seen whether I will care enough to pursue this series.
January 17, 2018
A fan fiction derivative of 'Ink Heart' juvenile presentation. Needs editor. 2 1/2 *
This is in no way the equal of Ink Heart. The copy editing is adequate but the structure of the story is weak. Even for juvenile audiences there are significant continuity issues and poorly plotted tension. The dialogue is not well matched to the characters, and the efforts towards romantic tension is particularly sophomoric. This could easily be a two star book, but it is an easy read that surely has an audience; 5th grade poor readers? Be cautious in purchase.
This is in no way the equal of Ink Heart. The copy editing is adequate but the structure of the story is weak. Even for juvenile audiences there are significant continuity issues and poorly plotted tension. The dialogue is not well matched to the characters, and the efforts towards romantic tension is particularly sophomoric. This could easily be a two star book, but it is an easy read that surely has an audience; 5th grade poor readers? Be cautious in purchase.
August 9, 2018
Good Reading
As a lover of time travel stories this tale grabbed me from the beginning. Suspense, drama and teen romance all rolled into one complete package. With Mal as an ever all knowing fountain of knowledge helping two young curators out of trouble C.A. Pack has created a unique universe bring the reader a unique peak of an adventure waiting to be explored. This reminds me of the Clockwork series. I hope to see this on the big screen soon. 😛
As a lover of time travel stories this tale grabbed me from the beginning. Suspense, drama and teen romance all rolled into one complete package. With Mal as an ever all knowing fountain of knowledge helping two young curators out of trouble C.A. Pack has created a unique universe bring the reader a unique peak of an adventure waiting to be explored. This reminds me of the Clockwork series. I hope to see this on the big screen soon. 😛
July 24, 2019
This tale about 17 year old Johanna, who is given the job of curator to a magical library where books literally come to life was entertaining, despite the improbability of anyone entrusting such a place to a teen. Most of the book is about her struggles to solve problems that she and her 16 year old assistant create, while the adults in their lives prove even more inept. The transitions between various plot lines are abrupt and choppy. Despite these, I found this YA tale a quick enjoyable read.
September 15, 2022
Delightful !!!
The story moved at a decent pace, fast enough to keep me interested, yet slow enough to show sufficient details of setting and characters. There were moments that made me smile, and a little romance! I appreciated that there wasn’t explicit content. I would love for my son to read it when he’s older.
Thank you author, for a job well done! This was a pleasure to read!
- J’s lovebunch
The story moved at a decent pace, fast enough to keep me interested, yet slow enough to show sufficient details of setting and characters. There were moments that made me smile, and a little romance! I appreciated that there wasn’t explicit content. I would love for my son to read it when he’s older.
Thank you author, for a job well done! This was a pleasure to read!
- J’s lovebunch
June 15, 2018
This is one of those stories, I am not sure if I like it or not. Parts of the story was very interesting, but other parts not. The idea of the story was really promising, "a magic library with books coming alive when you open them". But that idea seemed to become lost in the progress of the story.
October 1, 2018
The Library If Illumination is definitely illuminating!
This book is just right for young adult readers, or those looking for an evening’s light read.
The characters grab you and the action keeps you wondering what will happen next.
Enjoyable and fun!
This book is just right for young adult readers, or those looking for an evening’s light read.
The characters grab you and the action keeps you wondering what will happen next.
Enjoyable and fun!
August 31, 2020
The Librarians meets Star Trek
I loved every minute of this story! It was interesting, action packed at the end and just a really great read! It's a story suitable for middle schoolers through adults! If you're looking for an adventure, this book has it!!!!
I loved every minute of this story! It was interesting, action packed at the end and just a really great read! It's a story suitable for middle schoolers through adults! If you're looking for an adventure, this book has it!!!!
August 26, 2025
I loved it…just don’t open a book in the library
I cannot say much without spoiling the story. It is fun, amusing, with wonderful use of what is inside the books. Just read it, if you enjoy fantasy and libraries.
I cannot say much without spoiling the story. It is fun, amusing, with wonderful use of what is inside the books. Just read it, if you enjoy fantasy and libraries.
December 10, 2017
Great book
It kept you wondering what was gonna happen next.The really neat thing was the books coming life when you opened them.
It kept you wondering what was gonna happen next.The really neat thing was the books coming life when you opened them.
February 28, 2018
Exciting stuff
I had no clue what I was getting into! You will certainly have a great time with the storyline and characters.
I had no clue what I was getting into! You will certainly have a great time with the storyline and characters.
May 27, 2018
It's not my normal type of book i read but it was not bad .
November 10, 2019
A young adult adventure
I felt this book was for teenagers but nevertheless I've enjoyed reading it. I wouldn't mind reading the next book either.
I felt this book was for teenagers but nevertheless I've enjoyed reading it. I wouldn't mind reading the next book either.
January 1, 2021
Excellent fantasy about a magical library reminiscent of the Magic Tree House series. Engaging plot, theme and characters.
August 10, 2021
Fun book really enjoyed it
May 23, 2022
Fast paced and awesome
I loved the library of ilimination. It is everything that I could have dreamed of in a library like that. The book keeps me on the edge of my seat.
I loved the library of ilimination. It is everything that I could have dreamed of in a library like that. The book keeps me on the edge of my seat.
July 30, 2022
Amei este livro. Sempre achei que bibliotecas fossem lugares mágicos, este livro segue exatamente este princípio. Maravilhoso. Espero conseguir ler o restante da série.
May 24, 2023
Creative, imaginative, and fun!
August 8, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. In no way does this influence my review.
Okay, first of all, I wanted to say a couple of things.
First, I had a really hard time deciding between giving this book 2 stars or 3 stars. My review will explain why.
Second, the R4R post said that this book was 264 pages. Now, I don't know if this is because of my iPad and it actually is that many pages or maybe it was a mistake or what. I don't know. But I have a fairly large iPad and by the time I was finished, the page count came to 445. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing; I just couldn't figure out why it seemed that the book just kept going.
Okay, now that I've got that off my chest, here's my review.
Synopsis: Seventeen year old Johanna Charette takes over as curator of a special library who's books literally come to life. She hires 16 year old Jackson Roth as her assistant and adventures ensue.
Now I don't know about anyone else, but Johanna was one of the most annoying characters that I have ever met, and that includes Draco Malfoy. Half the time she's so mature that you're thinking that there is no way she could only be 17. I don't care who you are or where you've been, no 17 year old is as mature as Johanna sometimes acts. However, at other times, she acts so immature that you just want to shake her and yell, "What's wrong with you!? You're 17! Grow up a little!" She treats Jackson like he's an annoying little boy when in actuality he's only a few months younger than she is. I honestly wanted to smack her throughout most of the book.
Now Jackson, I liked. He acted like a 16 (and later 17) year old. Even at his most mature moment he was as mature as a 17 year should, and would, be. He was kind, funny, generous and just all around loveable. Great character.
My biggest problem with this book, however, was not the main character, although Johanna could be a big problem at times. My biggest problem was the way the book jumped around from issue to issue. For example, the first issue was Larry from the Once A Pawn A Time pawn shop. Once that problem was solved, the chapter ended and all of a sudden, there's a big ball of blue energy in the library! One problem was solved and on the very next page, a completely different problem arose! It was just, BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM! One problem, done. Next! Second problem, done. Next! Any sort of transition would have been nice.
When you were first introduced to the library, it seemed that the library was a huge secret that nobody could know about, although my reaction when I first saw a literary character literally jump out of the pages of a book would have been a lot more, "What the.....!" then Johanna's was. She acted like it was something that happened everyday. Once Johanna took over as curator of the library after Mal left, it seemed like everyone and their mother (Jackson's to be more precise) were allowed into the library and let's just hope they don't grab the wrong book! I would have been far more cautious of who I allowed in and out of the library then Johanna was and I certainly wouldn't have gone and sold something that came out of a book to a pawn shop! Has Johanna ever heard of discretion!?
I must say that I was a little disappointed by the ending, or shall I say, lack thereof. The biggest of all the problems had just been solved, (sort of) and the book just ended, literally on the very next page! I know that the author was trying to open it up for a sequel, but the transition definitely could have been smoother.
Overall, I think that this book, which was such a great idea, could have been executed in a far better manner. I'm planning on reading the second book when and if it should come out and I'm hoping that the second one is executed in a far better manner than the first.
Okay, first of all, I wanted to say a couple of things.
First, I had a really hard time deciding between giving this book 2 stars or 3 stars. My review will explain why.
Second, the R4R post said that this book was 264 pages. Now, I don't know if this is because of my iPad and it actually is that many pages or maybe it was a mistake or what. I don't know. But I have a fairly large iPad and by the time I was finished, the page count came to 445. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing; I just couldn't figure out why it seemed that the book just kept going.
Okay, now that I've got that off my chest, here's my review.
Synopsis: Seventeen year old Johanna Charette takes over as curator of a special library who's books literally come to life. She hires 16 year old Jackson Roth as her assistant and adventures ensue.
Now I don't know about anyone else, but Johanna was one of the most annoying characters that I have ever met, and that includes Draco Malfoy. Half the time she's so mature that you're thinking that there is no way she could only be 17. I don't care who you are or where you've been, no 17 year old is as mature as Johanna sometimes acts. However, at other times, she acts so immature that you just want to shake her and yell, "What's wrong with you!? You're 17! Grow up a little!" She treats Jackson like he's an annoying little boy when in actuality he's only a few months younger than she is. I honestly wanted to smack her throughout most of the book.
Now Jackson, I liked. He acted like a 16 (and later 17) year old. Even at his most mature moment he was as mature as a 17 year should, and would, be. He was kind, funny, generous and just all around loveable. Great character.
My biggest problem with this book, however, was not the main character, although Johanna could be a big problem at times. My biggest problem was the way the book jumped around from issue to issue. For example, the first issue was Larry from the Once A Pawn A Time pawn shop. Once that problem was solved, the chapter ended and all of a sudden, there's a big ball of blue energy in the library! One problem was solved and on the very next page, a completely different problem arose! It was just, BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM! One problem, done. Next! Second problem, done. Next! Any sort of transition would have been nice.
When you were first introduced to the library, it seemed that the library was a huge secret that nobody could know about, although my reaction when I first saw a literary character literally jump out of the pages of a book would have been a lot more, "What the.....!" then Johanna's was. She acted like it was something that happened everyday. Once Johanna took over as curator of the library after Mal left, it seemed like everyone and their mother (Jackson's to be more precise) were allowed into the library and let's just hope they don't grab the wrong book! I would have been far more cautious of who I allowed in and out of the library then Johanna was and I certainly wouldn't have gone and sold something that came out of a book to a pawn shop! Has Johanna ever heard of discretion!?
I must say that I was a little disappointed by the ending, or shall I say, lack thereof. The biggest of all the problems had just been solved, (sort of) and the book just ended, literally on the very next page! I know that the author was trying to open it up for a sequel, but the transition definitely could have been smoother.
Overall, I think that this book, which was such a great idea, could have been executed in a far better manner. I'm planning on reading the second book when and if it should come out and I'm hoping that the second one is executed in a far better manner than the first.
April 27, 2014
This was one of those books that slowly engrosses the reader. The prologue is actually longer than most books I've read, but it gives you that introduction to the mystery of the library and why Johanna, a 17 year old girl is chosen to be the new curator. And as a reader, the premise of the library was fantastic. How many of us would not love to meet our favorite characters in real life?
Johanna is just 17 when she first learns of the existence of the library. Although she doesn't love her job, it is a job in a market where decent jobs are scarce so even if it is after work hours, she doesn't outright complain when her boss kept sending her on pick-up and delivery excursions to the library, a place that never seemed to be located in the exact same spot she visited previously. She was intrigued with the library, and even more so when she learns that the characters in the books come to life upon opening the book. What she didn't know was that the current curator, Mal, was grooming her to replace him after he "retired". When she does learn this, the timing couldn't be more perfect as she lost her job and was about to be evicted from her apartment. As the curator, she would have live in quarters and a nice salary. The best part is that she had her dream job...as an avid reader, being around books, working on them, and experiencing some of the excitement of meeting the characters was something she never expected. On the downside, when would she have time to meet young men and date. In comes Jackson. Technically she hired him as an assistant, but things slowly progress to more than that, and they find themselves involved in several intrigues that are mysterious and / or dangerous, including the fact that their library is not the only library of illumination.
There were moments when the story moved a little slow and I was wondering where the author was going with it, but as I continued to read, I got caught up in the escapades the two teenagers kept finding themselves in. Jackson was a couple of year younger than Johanna, and of course a bit more adventurous. While she was the responsible one, and in charge at the library, she didn't take as many risks as he did. However, he was such a good guy. Nothing he did was to harm her or the library. He was crazy about her, and she just didn't know it or want to acknowledge it. At least, at first. The thing is, as long as I kept in mind that these were actually teenagers, and they were bound to make mistakes, I found that the slow build up didn't detract from the story at all. At the same time, it was amazing how well they did to resolve those situations they kept finding themselves in. I loved Jackson. He was steady, but still fun and he tried to get Johanna to appreciate their environment more. What was the point of being in charge of a magical library if you didn't explore the possibilities. Things definitely got more hairy when they realized that there was a lot more to the library, its magic and history than either one ever knew. I liked that the author did not leave us with a crazy cliffhanger either, but did set the premise for the next book nicely. I don't mind cliffhangers, but I do like some resolution to the story I am reading also.
Bottom line, this was a very well written book, and if you like mystery/suspense books, with a tad bit of romance and some magic thrown in, you'll like this book. Given the main characters are under 20, you probably should be open to the YA genre, but don't confuse this with my saying this book is strictly for teenagers, cause you would be wrong. I think teenagers and adults alike will enjoy this book, and I definitely plan on reading the next book in the series.
Johanna is just 17 when she first learns of the existence of the library. Although she doesn't love her job, it is a job in a market where decent jobs are scarce so even if it is after work hours, she doesn't outright complain when her boss kept sending her on pick-up and delivery excursions to the library, a place that never seemed to be located in the exact same spot she visited previously. She was intrigued with the library, and even more so when she learns that the characters in the books come to life upon opening the book. What she didn't know was that the current curator, Mal, was grooming her to replace him after he "retired". When she does learn this, the timing couldn't be more perfect as she lost her job and was about to be evicted from her apartment. As the curator, she would have live in quarters and a nice salary. The best part is that she had her dream job...as an avid reader, being around books, working on them, and experiencing some of the excitement of meeting the characters was something she never expected. On the downside, when would she have time to meet young men and date. In comes Jackson. Technically she hired him as an assistant, but things slowly progress to more than that, and they find themselves involved in several intrigues that are mysterious and / or dangerous, including the fact that their library is not the only library of illumination.
There were moments when the story moved a little slow and I was wondering where the author was going with it, but as I continued to read, I got caught up in the escapades the two teenagers kept finding themselves in. Jackson was a couple of year younger than Johanna, and of course a bit more adventurous. While she was the responsible one, and in charge at the library, she didn't take as many risks as he did. However, he was such a good guy. Nothing he did was to harm her or the library. He was crazy about her, and she just didn't know it or want to acknowledge it. At least, at first. The thing is, as long as I kept in mind that these were actually teenagers, and they were bound to make mistakes, I found that the slow build up didn't detract from the story at all. At the same time, it was amazing how well they did to resolve those situations they kept finding themselves in. I loved Jackson. He was steady, but still fun and he tried to get Johanna to appreciate their environment more. What was the point of being in charge of a magical library if you didn't explore the possibilities. Things definitely got more hairy when they realized that there was a lot more to the library, its magic and history than either one ever knew. I liked that the author did not leave us with a crazy cliffhanger either, but did set the premise for the next book nicely. I don't mind cliffhangers, but I do like some resolution to the story I am reading also.
Bottom line, this was a very well written book, and if you like mystery/suspense books, with a tad bit of romance and some magic thrown in, you'll like this book. Given the main characters are under 20, you probably should be open to the YA genre, but don't confuse this with my saying this book is strictly for teenagers, cause you would be wrong. I think teenagers and adults alike will enjoy this book, and I definitely plan on reading the next book in the series.
July 3, 2017
Rating: 3.5
I won a copy of this book for an honest review. This will never effect how I like or rate a book.
Well this book certainly was a mixed bag. I have to say though that overall I enjoyed it.
The book is made up of five stories, including the prologue.
Prologue: The Curator
1st: Doubloons
2nd: The Orb
3rd: Casanova
4th: Portals
Most of the stories are relatively short up until the last one which is the longest. The book is only 315pgs long though so overall none of the stories are really that long.
I say this to give me somewhere to start with this review and to point out how quick of a book this really is.
I really enjoyed the opening to this book. It really helped to set up and give you the feel of what you're getting into. The best part of the book was the Portal's story but that's just because it adds so much more to the story's world and I really liked what was added. It gave much more to explore; which is saying a lot since the book's main idea alone leaves much that can still be explored.
I'm going to have to say that the Casanova story line was probably my least favorite. It's true Johanna eventually came to her senses but it felt a bit strange of her character to fall so hard of him in the first place considering that smart personality of hers. That and the story just overall didn't seem to add much to the rest of the book.
Throughout it all though I found myself unable to put the book down. It was easy to get lost into it and the world. Still even as I say that I'll admit each story ending left me feeling slightly unfulfilled. As if there was a lot more that could of been done if the book had been longer and more focused.
Also the characters didn't really feel their age, or maybe it was how the story was told around them. It just felt like they were fifteen or sixteen all the way through it. (Excluding Jackson at the point where he was sixteen in the book) The story felt more like it was for kids or younger teens. Which isn't bad but left the book feeling a bit disjointed. Since it had the feel of being made for a younger crowd but the slight swearing and subtle suggestive themes obviously weren't, along with the older ages of the main protagonists. It could also possibly explain why the romance between the two felt unbelievable to me. The book just never quite sold me on their relationship.
Other than that though I really did enjoy the character of Johanna. That small thing with Casanova aside she was a very solid and smart character that I could easily get behind and root for.
Jackson, well not so much. It's true he was brave and did care but it can't be overlooked that he caused two of the bigger problems with his actions. He always made it sound like he learned better at the end but I couldn't be sure if he did.
One thing I really wish is that there had been more detail for the characters. It was sometimes frustrating to read about them but not be able to really picture them since there was a lack of descriptions for them.
With all that though I really did enjoy myself while reading this book. I just flew through it. It just had such a great and enjoyable premise and I liked seeing the different stories that unfolded. Sure the book had some issues but overall it was a very fun read. I wouldn't rush out to buy the next installment of this series but at the same time I wouldn't mind picking it up at some point and giving it a read.
I'd recommend this book to YA fans and Fantasy fans. It's an easy read and there really is a sense of fun when reading this, especially if you're a person who loves reading there's a certain enjoyment that comes from books like these.
I won a copy of this book for an honest review. This will never effect how I like or rate a book.
Well this book certainly was a mixed bag. I have to say though that overall I enjoyed it.
The book is made up of five stories, including the prologue.
Prologue: The Curator
1st: Doubloons
2nd: The Orb
3rd: Casanova
4th: Portals
Most of the stories are relatively short up until the last one which is the longest. The book is only 315pgs long though so overall none of the stories are really that long.
I say this to give me somewhere to start with this review and to point out how quick of a book this really is.
I really enjoyed the opening to this book. It really helped to set up and give you the feel of what you're getting into. The best part of the book was the Portal's story but that's just because it adds so much more to the story's world and I really liked what was added. It gave much more to explore; which is saying a lot since the book's main idea alone leaves much that can still be explored.
I'm going to have to say that the Casanova story line was probably my least favorite. It's true Johanna eventually came to her senses but it felt a bit strange of her character to fall so hard of him in the first place considering that smart personality of hers. That and the story just overall didn't seem to add much to the rest of the book.
Throughout it all though I found myself unable to put the book down. It was easy to get lost into it and the world. Still even as I say that I'll admit each story ending left me feeling slightly unfulfilled. As if there was a lot more that could of been done if the book had been longer and more focused.
Also the characters didn't really feel their age, or maybe it was how the story was told around them. It just felt like they were fifteen or sixteen all the way through it. (Excluding Jackson at the point where he was sixteen in the book) The story felt more like it was for kids or younger teens. Which isn't bad but left the book feeling a bit disjointed. Since it had the feel of being made for a younger crowd but the slight swearing and subtle suggestive themes obviously weren't, along with the older ages of the main protagonists. It could also possibly explain why the romance between the two felt unbelievable to me. The book just never quite sold me on their relationship.
Other than that though I really did enjoy the character of Johanna. That small thing with Casanova aside she was a very solid and smart character that I could easily get behind and root for.
Jackson, well not so much. It's true he was brave and did care but it can't be overlooked that he caused two of the bigger problems with his actions. He always made it sound like he learned better at the end but I couldn't be sure if he did.
One thing I really wish is that there had been more detail for the characters. It was sometimes frustrating to read about them but not be able to really picture them since there was a lack of descriptions for them.
With all that though I really did enjoy myself while reading this book. I just flew through it. It just had such a great and enjoyable premise and I liked seeing the different stories that unfolded. Sure the book had some issues but overall it was a very fun read. I wouldn't rush out to buy the next installment of this series but at the same time I wouldn't mind picking it up at some point and giving it a read.
I'd recommend this book to YA fans and Fantasy fans. It's an easy read and there really is a sense of fun when reading this, especially if you're a person who loves reading there's a certain enjoyment that comes from books like these.
April 24, 2014
Johanna is a 17 year old orphan who works for book services. She had hoped that her job might be more involved with actually working on books, as in helping to restore them, instead she has to listen to people complain that their books were late or that they received the wrong ones. Instead, her job is to answer the phone and deal with the book orders and any problems that might arise. She dislikes her job, her boss, and her co-worker, but loves books. She uses her meager paycheck to pay for a small home where she can read and dream of owning her own library some day. Her life begins to change one night after she punches out for the evening and her boss sends her on an ‘emergency’ book run, to pick up a book from the Library of Illumination and deliver it to a private residence. It takes her considerable time to find the library, and even more time trying to figure out how to get in, but get in she does and her life changes forever.
This book is unique in that, while it follows a timeline, it doesn’t follow every little detail. It contains stories in chronological order, all in some way related to the overarching story line of Johannas’ experiences with the Library of Illumination. I actually really enjoyed this book, it’s a unique concept and has really been executed well. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and read it in about 5 hours. It is written well and the words flowed so that you could really immerse yourself in the book. I found it easy to imagine the things that were happening, as well as wishing the Library of Illumination really existed. While the two main characters in the book are teenagers, adult readers will enjoy it as well. I can’t really think of any books to compare it to. I guess it’s a bit of science fiction/fantasy with a tiny bit of teenage puppy love thrown in. There is danger, intrigue, and events happening that will make you sit back and think about all the books you have ever read. It does, however, end with a cliffhanger of sorts. Those who don’t enjoy that may want to wait till they can get their hands on any subsequent books before diving in, but I felt that the story line was wrapped up nicely enough by the last page that I am okay with how it ended, and I hate cliff hangers. Overall I really like this book and honestly want to read the next one to find out where our heroes end up next!
This book is unique in that, while it follows a timeline, it doesn’t follow every little detail. It contains stories in chronological order, all in some way related to the overarching story line of Johannas’ experiences with the Library of Illumination. I actually really enjoyed this book, it’s a unique concept and has really been executed well. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and read it in about 5 hours. It is written well and the words flowed so that you could really immerse yourself in the book. I found it easy to imagine the things that were happening, as well as wishing the Library of Illumination really existed. While the two main characters in the book are teenagers, adult readers will enjoy it as well. I can’t really think of any books to compare it to. I guess it’s a bit of science fiction/fantasy with a tiny bit of teenage puppy love thrown in. There is danger, intrigue, and events happening that will make you sit back and think about all the books you have ever read. It does, however, end with a cliffhanger of sorts. Those who don’t enjoy that may want to wait till they can get their hands on any subsequent books before diving in, but I felt that the story line was wrapped up nicely enough by the last page that I am okay with how it ended, and I hate cliff hangers. Overall I really like this book and honestly want to read the next one to find out where our heroes end up next!
April 10, 2015
Joanna discovers a new kind of library where characters such as pirates can jump off the page. Can anyone be friends with Frankenstein or Mary Poppins? Can anyone conjure up H.G. Well's Time Machine? In this fantasy story, it might be possible. The summary caught my attention: a magical library where books come to life. In third person narrative as the story unfolds, the focus is on a mysterious library that holds all the books in the world, even Joanna's private diary that she shows to no one. Joanna is chosen as the new curator of the Library of Illumination, a job given by Malcom Trees. Further into the story, Joanna decides she must act as the protector of the library. I thought the story would be more of an adventure with rising tension, but it reads more like a story about a teenage girl who has a day job at a fantasy library. Joanna hires Jackson, a sixteen-year-old boy, to work with her at the enchanted library. How do things appear and disappear in the library? The fantasy world seemed a little bit off where each time a person opens a book, things may or may not randomly pop out. I wanted more of a reason why things appear or disappear. I love fantasy stories, but it was not clear if anything from any of the books could pop out at any time. I wanted more of a driving force. The main conflict is not clear: Who is the owner of the doubloon? Can Joanna protect the enchanted library? Will Jackson's sick brother get better? What will pop out of the books next? A few more questions about the library come to mind. Who can enter the library? What is Joanna worried about? Is she trying to keep all the books closed? What will happen at the live book readings? The story could make an interesting after school television show where the audience is entertained by the next unknown thing that pops out of a book.
December 26, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars.
50 word or less synopsis: Johanna becomes the curator of a magical library where books come alive. She and her assistant, Jackson, just protect the library at all costs from a thief, Casanova, a magical orb, and other eccentricities. While they protect the library they also find themselves falling in love.
This author is quite talented. Beautiful imagery, metaphors, syntax, and diction. Some of the words chosen to illustrate an impressive vocabulary had an odd connotation so I was less than impressed, but the talent for language is definitely there. Some of the sentences in the first story were wonderfully constructed and I found myself re-reading them because they were so well done. Johanna, as a character, is less than favorable. I understand the need for her to be mature as an orphaned 17 year old, but she often comes off as an old woman which is why I couldn’t buy into this “relationship” budding between Jackson and her. Jackson is 16 and later turns 17, but is a typical teenager meaning he seems very immature when placed next to the “old woman” so that was weird for me. The story started off well and the as I got into the later chronicles it seemed to follow a bit of a routine and the newness had worn off for me. I would have liked for them to have faced one major conflict in one stand-alone story, rather than a few in a number of short stories. I think in this way the author could have developed her characters more and really developed the library more as well. It was a good idea, very much like Jumanji meets Night at the Museum, but it was not as well executed in terms of the plot line and narrative as it could have been.
3.5 stars.
50 word or less synopsis: Johanna becomes the curator of a magical library where books come alive. She and her assistant, Jackson, just protect the library at all costs from a thief, Casanova, a magical orb, and other eccentricities. While they protect the library they also find themselves falling in love.
This author is quite talented. Beautiful imagery, metaphors, syntax, and diction. Some of the words chosen to illustrate an impressive vocabulary had an odd connotation so I was less than impressed, but the talent for language is definitely there. Some of the sentences in the first story were wonderfully constructed and I found myself re-reading them because they were so well done. Johanna, as a character, is less than favorable. I understand the need for her to be mature as an orphaned 17 year old, but she often comes off as an old woman which is why I couldn’t buy into this “relationship” budding between Jackson and her. Jackson is 16 and later turns 17, but is a typical teenager meaning he seems very immature when placed next to the “old woman” so that was weird for me. The story started off well and the as I got into the later chronicles it seemed to follow a bit of a routine and the newness had worn off for me. I would have liked for them to have faced one major conflict in one stand-alone story, rather than a few in a number of short stories. I think in this way the author could have developed her characters more and really developed the library more as well. It was a good idea, very much like Jumanji meets Night at the Museum, but it was not as well executed in terms of the plot line and narrative as it could have been.
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