Dark Side of the Catalogue

The Librarians #3

by Amelia Spencer

Months have passed since Iris Blackwell was assassinated. Emerson never expected she would fill the role of Head Librarian so soon, but Foundation’s members are relying on her. Even more importantly, Emerson is out for revenge after watching her mother’s violent end.

Tensions between the Libraries are poised to erupt and Foundation’s Council has begun rooting out Archivists within its membership. However, one Archivist remains at large. His prey? Foundation’s newest Head Librarian. While Silas and Emerson have become closer than ever, her relationship with Adrien is careening toward a confrontation that will send shockwaves through Foundation and The Central Library.

As old alliances fracture and the past returns to haunt the Librarians, questions arise about the Catalogue’s murky history. Have Foundation and The Central Library always existed separately—or do their Catalogues have a common ancestor? In her quest for answers, Emerson will have to decide who she can trust, even if it means aligning with those she once considered enemies.

In the breathtaking third installment of The Librarians, Emerson comes face to face with the shadows lurking in the Catalogue as the lines between allies and enemies become more blurred than ever.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Books About Books

466 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2025

Reviews

[Amelia Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes I rated my own book five stars. I wrote it and I love it and I love me. And I do what I want ;)

[Shavonne Mehlbauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book as I did with the previous 2 in the series. The book was fast paced and answered a few of the questions I’ve had about the series. The last 50 or so pages were heartbreaking and tense. This is a series, that if fantasy is new for you it’s easy to get into and easy to read. Another excellent read and I can’t wait for the 4th series in the book!

[Jesterr626 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot, it definitely took a dark turn and was heartbreaking and suspenseful at times. I also at times wanted to bang my head against the wall with Emerson's decisions but did love the development of the relationship between Emerson and Silas. Can't wait for book 4

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

4.5

[Amanda Lantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE! Book 3 goes further into the dark side of the catalogue, and i was hooked! I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Stacey M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is definitely one of my favorites. It is captivating, original and suspenseful. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. If you haven’t started this series yet, you are missing out.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in this series. Compared to the end of the last book, Emerson felt really weak and helpless for the first half or so of this one. It made sense why, but it felt like an abrupt about-face after how she behaved at the end of book 2. I enjoyed the deeper levels of the world and secrets of the catalogue that are now emerging, especially the twist at the end. Excited to see where it goes!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vanessa Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of Dark Side of the Catalogue.

I am flying through these books and this story. I can't say its all fun because there is so many dark themes of power, betrayals, and murder.

The evolution of the magic system in this third book is insane. Each book leads to more reveals which leads to more questions. I get excited every time there's a new POV. The infinite amount of worlds that can be accessed through the library system really give this story so many options dive into. The worlds we get to experience in this book are next level creepy. I can't wait to see what's next.

I'm still team Adrien... even after all that... does that make me a little toxic? Thanks Amelia haha

[Anna Cason · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH. MY. GOSH.

This one deserves all 5 of those stars. I won’t be able to sleep or breathe until I find out what happens next!!!!! What the heckkkkkk!

I received an ARC of this book and am reviewing this voluntarily.

[Βίκυ Χ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting The Stage for Tomorrow's Shadows

From the very first page, Dark Side of the Catalogue reaffirms the dark, enchanting world I've come to love. Devouring the first two books of The Librarians series (each a five-star triumph) makes this entry feel all the more bittersweet. While its writing remains stellar and the atmosphere richly immersive, something just felt a bit off.

The narrative, though beautifully crafted, seems tailored more as a bridge to Book 4 than a self-contained journey. At times, the pacing falters, and the characters, who once captivated my heart through their evolving arcs, now linger on familiar ground. There's a hint of that magical whimsy reminiscent of Caraval, yet its dark, sinister twist fails to stir the same deep connection.

Nonetheless, this book still shines as a meticulously written dark fantasy. Its evocative imagery and robust world-building make it clear that Amelia Spencer —a writer I truly admire—is setting the stage for even greater adventures ahead. I may have rated it four stars, but my anticipation for the next installment burns brighter than ever.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susiesbookishworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

The description of this series pulled me in, librarians that can actually go in to books and live, enjoy and be part of a story but these books aren’t your usual reads. They are dark and strange things happen in each one they enter.
However I really struggled to get into this series only because it was in the third person. Once I managed to get passed that I actually really enjoyed the books.
Dark side of the catalogue was by far my favourite. I love Emerson and Silas together, he would literally do everything to protect her and not only because she is the head librarian but because he loves her. Little does he know she is keeping a secret that his father is still alive.
I enjoyed all the books Emerson went into apart from the last one, it was creepy, they didn’t check their hourglasses, they were in there for ages and I felt really sorry for Silas.
Adrien is getting on my last nerve as well. I really hope Emerson ends him and his mother in the next book and manages to get back with Silas. She will find a way I hope!

[Ashlee Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 4.5 Stars **

I JUST finished this and holy crap did the last 50ish pages give me SJM level whiplash. I really like Spencer's writing and the concept of the librarians and the catalogue. Her world building just gets better and better with each book, and I love how many worlds we're able to explore in it. I just have to say one of the worlds we visit in this one gives me creepy Caraval vibes and I am absolutely here for it. The series honestly just gets better and better as we progress. If you've made it through the first 2, don't stop now because there's so much left to explore.

Thank you to Amelia Spencer and BookSirens for the eARC! Please, please, please give me the next one!!

📚 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕷𝖎𝖇𝖗𝖆𝖗𝖎𝖆𝖓𝖘 📚
1) Secrets of the Catalogue: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
2) Foundation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

[Jess Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the series so far. This book is much more focused on the over-arching plot line than the romance. The love triangle definitely took a back seat, which allowed us to get to know some of the side characters better in this installment.

The pacing was a bit all over the place. It was definitely a faster paced read than the other two books, but there were dips to snail's pace in between the action. The up and down started to hinder my enjoyment of the story. By the time the shocking conclusion occurred, I wasn't as invested in the characters as I would have liked to be.

I feel this could have benefited from a 50 page edit. Which is concerning since the next in the series is about 100 pages longer, and not the last in the series.

[Jade Redfern · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars but cannot select on here!

This series just keeps on giving, this book was my favourite by far. The development of the story is fantastic in this book and feels like an emotional rollercoaster all the way through. I loved that you got more of the background and history of some of the main characters in this book and it definitely helps with understanding of the characters across the series.

I really don’t like Adrian and hope she ends up with Silas. Rooting for him!!

It is such an easy read fantasy book as the magic system is so unique and the world building is incredible. Would highly recommend this series to anyone interested in fantasy!

[Kasey Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darker and darker - our FMC is at risk of losing her humanity with the circus (pun intended, iykyk) her life has turned into. But I'm loving the best friend bonds that keep her grounded! Absolutely thrilled with this. I STILL have no idea which way the love triangle is going to go - it's legit 50/50 right now, even though by the end of the book the needle starts to tick the opposite way. #teamSilas; I cried. #saltybadgesofpride

Loved getting back into the books and the different worlds - the merge is insane ! The visuals are fantastic, as ever, and even though the relationships are pushed to their limits often in this one, the story didn't feel bogged down with/by drama.

Now when's the next one?!?!?! <3

[Ceci Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t believe I have to wait a whole year for the next book again this has me in a chokehold.

Was trying to delay finishing this as much as possible but couldn’t help it.

I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kirsten Van Hooland · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a bit hard to get back into the story, but once you’re in, it’s amazing. The ending was heartwrenching and sad. I figured that something would happen to Silas because of what Ezekiel literally said but the way it happened. 5 years of my life. Can’t wait for the next installement!! 3.75⭐️

[Lizzie McNally · Rating 4 out of 5]

devastated i have to wait for the release of the final book in this brilliant and addictive series!!!

[Mariana Saraiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up until the last 100 pages I was planning on rating this one a 3 but I’m so happy I stuck it through because it really started coming today and the pay off is great. The last book they jump into is so eerie and off putting and really drives home the “dark side” of the catalogue.
That said, I really hope for some rewarding character development in the next book. Silas is SO annoying in this one but I can’t hate on that too much because of how things get set up for book 4. I love the catalogue world and all the twists and turns and that this is very much a full, complex story and not a cookie cutter, everything works out in the end type of read.

For anyone curious there are a couple spicy scenes but tame in my opinion.

[Patricia Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible third addition to the series. Emerson and Adrien have both developed so well and I am loving more of the connection between Silas and Emerson. I am so intrigued and where there’s still a point of view for Silas this cannot be the end of him. I cannot wait to see which way the series goes next!

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg! This book guys was just amazing!

Third book in a series, thought it was ending here bou was I wrong! *cliffhanger ending*

Plot twist after plot twist, you never know what’s gonna happen when they literally jump into a book

The love triangle between Emerson, Adrien and Silas just was crazy!

Arc review 😁

[Camilla Pack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an e-ARC. I started this series about a week ago not knowing anything about it and diving straight in. It was a roller coaster. This book was fantastic. I was so hooked after about the halfway mark.
I know reviews are better with both the good and the bad, but I really can’t find anything I disliked about this book. Amazing

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, what a ride! Emmerson, Silas and Adrien discover some very interesting revelations about the Catalogue, that is, when Emmerson and Adrien aren't trying to kill each other! And the ending ... I was as distraught as Emmerson and then just as surprised. Book 4 promises to be another adventure. Absolutely brilliant, I'm really loving this series.
Thanks to Book Sirens and Amelia Spencer for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Amy Kemp]

This took a dark turn and I’m going to need a fluffy read before going into the next one.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If life wasn’t life, I would have read this all the way through in one sitting. Okay, maybe two because I did get a little scared at one point. Circus life is not for me.

These characters feel so real to me and I want to go everywhere with Emerson. I can’t wait to see where the twists and turns take us but I also can’t believe I have to wait for the next book to even be written.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m so grateful to have received an ARC of this book from the author and it seriously did not disappoint!!

THIS SERIES!!! THIS BOOK!!! so many unexpected turns to this that i don’t even know what to do with myself

i’m loving jumping in and out of so many different worlds but being anchored in NYC - it keeps me hooked the entire time, not really knowing what could possibly come next

the tension in this love triangle made a comeback in the book and im here for it

my jaw dropped and i cried more than i’d care to admit because of the betrayal every which way you look in this book

this is the third book in The Librarians series being released on 01/12/2025 and i already can’t wait for the fourth!! (and you can read the first two on KU)

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

*No Spoilers!*

Dark Side of the Catalogue By: Amelia Spencer

Wow!!! This is the 3rd book in the Librarians Series by Amelia Spencer. I have enjoyed each book in its own right. But I can say this has been the best of all 3 for me personally. It held my attention from the beginning and kept me enthralled throughout the entire story. In the first book we get a lot of character introductions and begin to venture into the “different” worlds of the Foundation/Central Library. We meet our FMC Emerson Blackwell who finds out the secrets her mother has kept from her about her role in the Catalogue and the Foundation. We also meet Silas Rathbone who’s character grows throughout the second book and is essentially her right hand man and one of two love interests for Emerson. Finally we have Adrian Moon who ends up being Emersons second love interest but also her rival as he is an Archivist for the Central Library? So it’s enemies to lovers to enemies?? Or is it? We find out more in the 3rd book. I am so glad that we got more of Adrien's character, I think he is misunderstood and I actually wanted him and Emerson to end up together. Despite the ending of book 3 I still have hope. I will be excited to read about the next venture Emerson and Adrien will embark on. Although this was a lengthy book it was still a quick read in my opinion. The magic system is easy to understand because it is clearly outlined in the first and second book. The characters are richly imagined (like they can jump in and out of different books/worlds with their power) and grow throughout the story. Especially our Fmc Emerson Blackwell, her growth is significant because she has to face several instances and events that would destroy anyone but she rises up every time the world tries to bring her down. You Go Girl! I highly recommend this book as well as the others in the Librarians series. It is such a unique story with so many OMGAHHH moments and revelations that will keep the reader interested and invested. And don’t worry book girlies there are some spicy spice moments for you as well. Read this series, it definitely deserves more hype!!

[Karkki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark Side of the Catalogue, book three in The Librarians series, promised an intense dive into Emerson's new role as Head Librarian and her quest for revenge, and it certainly delivered on the dark academia and political intrigue. I've been hooked on this series since book one, and this installment continued to build on the complex world and compelling characters.

Emerson's transformation into the Head Librarian, driven by her mother's violent death, is central to this book. Her determination, even amidst the turmoil of rooting out Archivists and facing a dangerous hunter, makes her a strong and admirable FMC. The blurring lines between allies and enemies, and the questioning of the Catalogue's murky history, are brilliantly executed, adding layers of suspense and moral ambiguity.

The romantic tension is also a highlight. Emerson's relationship with Silas Rathbone grows significantly, showing a deeper bond, while her connection with Adrien Moon is heading for a dramatic confrontation. This emotional triangle (or square, depending on how you look at it) is well-handled, keeping the personal stakes as high as the political ones.

My reason for giving it 3.5 stars is that, while the intrigue is fantastic, I felt that some of the major mysteries, particularly about the Catalogue's common ancestor or its full history, progressed a bit slowly for a third book. It often felt like answers were just out of reach, and while this creates suspense, I occasionally found myself wanting a more substantial revelation or a more definitive turning point within this installment. The constant unanswered questions, while part of the charm, started to feel a bit protracted.

Despite this, Dark Side of the Catalogue is an engaging and intense read. It solidifies Emerson's place in this dangerous world and pushes her relationships to their breaking points. If you love deep mysteries, political power struggles, and a complex romance in a dark academia setting, this book is still a great choice, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next chapter of The Librarians.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peter Baran · Rating 3 out of 5]

The interesting thing about this Librarian series by Amelia Spencer is that it appears to be morally and tonally inconsistent between books. In the first, our heroine Emerson gains the ability of a Librarian, to travel within books and discovers not only are they forbidden and banned books but that her presumed-dead mother was curating the banned books. In the second, Emerson joins her mother, seemingly on the bad side - and the book had to recalibrate who the good guys and the bad guys are, making Emerson feel untrustworthy as a lead. In this, the third, sympathies swing directly over to Emerson, just as a larger conspiracy unfolds, suggesting that not only is there only one catalogue of books, but the seemingly good Librarians have perhaps been hiding the truth all along. This allows moral ambivalence towards series Himbo Adrien - who has been tasked to kill his true love Emerson but has been spectacularly unsuccessful in the process. At the same time,Emerson is now about the most powerful Librarian that ever lived and is thinking about a master coup. All this and two exercises in relatively thin portal worlds (think Faraway Tree level of development), with a quest with dragons and a horror-tinged circus world. Much like with the books within these books, this is a world I don't mind visiting occasionally but is loose and underdeveloped, and yet every few months gets a bit moreish.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout. What follows is my opinion.

I'm going to admit something completely insane. I've started to read book three, but I find myself pausing because I'm afraid that if I keep reading, I'll discover I don't like what happens with or to either Emerson, Silas, or Adrian. I want everyone to be happy. I don't want Emerson to have to choose between Silas and Adrian. I don't want Adrian to have to choose between his mother and Emerson. I don't want Silas left in the dust. But if I don't continue reading, I won't know. And I already know this is going to be another wild ride, in a good, but possibly heart wrenching way. Okay, well I'm jumping back in.

And then:

It's taken me three days to get through this book and not because it isn't good or it isn't filled with action because it's both those things. In fact, it's jam-packed with action and it's a great book. But I was right. I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest. There's a tiny sliver of hope, but it's the thinnest of thin slivers. I don't know how I fell for these characters so hard, but I did. I can't remember the last time I cried reading a book.

Ya, so okay. If you're looking to read book three, it's one heck of a freaking ride. I highly recommend this book and this series. Just be warned, if you're the type to attach to characters, it'll rip your heart out. But it will also leave you with that minute sliver of hope. Okay, I'm heading into book four now.

[Jenny Mcvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only because the holidays have taken me so long to read this buttttt THIS IS A DONT PUT DOWN THE BOOK READ!!! Seriously if I didn’t have kids and holidays happening when I read this I would have read it in a day!!! Dark side of the catalogue seriously is jaw dropping. Tear jerker. And amazingly sexy!!! Some fighting and crazy madness but seriously is probably the best yet so far. I cannot WAIT for the next one. I hate cliffhangers but for Amelia I’m willing to sacrifice because she’s seriously has made 3 amazing books so far. And just wanting to dive into books is every readers dream so totally worth every single second of tuning into my imagination and letting it fly! Seriously tho. I need a video of how to say half the names and book titles because in my mind they sound scatter brained but I’d like to know your version. Haha. Anyways Emerson. Maya. Magnus. Silas. And Adrien all have their run for their money. With some new characters and some new things popping up!!! I cannot wait to dive into more of this world. BY FAR ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES!!!

I defiantly won’t spoil anything. But this is a MUST READ along with the other 2 because if you read this you’ll be lost. This series is THE BEST!!! Thank you Amelia for finding me and letting me read your books. Ahhhhh this just drives me bonkers to tune into my fantasy world