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The Library #1-8
The Library: The Complete Series
Once upon a time, there was a girl who wasn't a girl, and a book that wasn't a book...
Kidnapped and taken to a huge, world-spanning library, Claire is shocked to discover the truth about her own life. Thrust into the heart of a battle for the library's fate, she quickly learns that the powerful Forbidders will stop at nothing in order to gain the one object they prize above all others.
While the Forbidders wreak havoc, however, a great danger is edging closer. The darkness is reaching out across the void, threatening to destroy this world just as it has already destroyed countless others. As he tries to save the library, a tired soldier named Vanguard finally sees the truth and realizes that there's only one way for the library to be rescued from destruction.
This volume contains all 8 books in the series.
Book 1: Into the Library part 1
Book 2: Into the Library part 2
Book 3: The Roof of the World
Book 4: Comes a War
Book 5: The Last Grandapam
Book 6: The Soldiers of Tea
Book 7: Shadows on the Page
Book 8: Rise of the Forbidders
Total word count is approximately 140,000. Also includes Broken Spirits (Lupine Howl 2.4), which was the first book to feature the library.
Please note: this book contains violence and swearing.
Kidnapped and taken to a huge, world-spanning library, Claire is shocked to discover the truth about her own life. Thrust into the heart of a battle for the library's fate, she quickly learns that the powerful Forbidders will stop at nothing in order to gain the one object they prize above all others.
While the Forbidders wreak havoc, however, a great danger is edging closer. The darkness is reaching out across the void, threatening to destroy this world just as it has already destroyed countless others. As he tries to save the library, a tired soldier named Vanguard finally sees the truth and realizes that there's only one way for the library to be rescued from destruction.
This volume contains all 8 books in the series.
Book 1: Into the Library part 1
Book 2: Into the Library part 2
Book 3: The Roof of the World
Book 4: Comes a War
Book 5: The Last Grandapam
Book 6: The Soldiers of Tea
Book 7: Shadows on the Page
Book 8: Rise of the Forbidders
Total word count is approximately 140,000. Also includes Broken Spirits (Lupine Howl 2.4), which was the first book to feature the library.
Please note: this book contains violence and swearing.
ebook
First published November 21, 2013
73 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
664 books1,677 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 5, 2014
A college student named Claire is kidnapped and wakes up in another world, that of the world-spanning Library. As she looks for her way home, her only company is an aging soldier named Vanguard and Tom Sharpe, the man who kidnapped her. Can she find her way back home? And who are the mysterious Forbidders?
This showed up in my FreeBooksy email one morning. Since it started life as a series of Kindle serials and I've been contemplating doing a serial myself, I read it for equal parts research and entertainment value.
Thoughts from the halfway mark:
The world Amy Cross presents is a very compelling one. Imagine a Library the size of a planet with a bizarre ecosystem of magical creatures living within. Claire, the heroine, is in denial at first but gradually comes to accept her surroundings. Her companions Vanguard and Tom Sharpe prove to be much more complex than originally thought. The mythology of the world unfolds in easy to digest courses.
The whole thing has a Labyrinth vibe from the beginning and what's not to like about the Labyrinth? Muppets, David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, it's practically the perfect 1980's fantasy movie. However, this story is darker and reminds me of The Neverending Story at times. And Michael Moorcock.
Still, it's not all Goblin Kings and M. C. Escher drawings. It's a little on the repetitive side but that's probably owing to it's episodic origins. Also, I'm not very keen on the present tense and both of the 1st person viewpoint characters use it. There was a bit of Claire's backstory that came out of extreme left field but I'm giving Amy Cross the rest of the book to vindicate herself for that. Other than those things, it's beans on toast.
At the finish line
The battle against the Forbidders and the incursion of the mysterious Darkness kept the story going at a pretty quick clip. The story took a lot of unexpected twists and turns, some of them I enjoyed, others I found questionable. I guessed Claire's final fate quite a while before it happened but there weren't a whole lot of other directions the story could go in. I was also a fan of Vanguard by the end of the tale even though I found him pretty uninteresting at the beginning of the tale. The conclusion reminded me of Stormbringer, the Dark Tower, and the Neverending Story. It was quite satisfying.
All in all, I'm glad for the time I spent reading The Library. It had its ups and downs but should appeal to fans of 1980's fantasy movies like the Labyrinth and the Neverending story, and books like Michael Moorcock's Elric series and also Neil Gaiman's work. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
This showed up in my FreeBooksy email one morning. Since it started life as a series of Kindle serials and I've been contemplating doing a serial myself, I read it for equal parts research and entertainment value.
Thoughts from the halfway mark:
The world Amy Cross presents is a very compelling one. Imagine a Library the size of a planet with a bizarre ecosystem of magical creatures living within. Claire, the heroine, is in denial at first but gradually comes to accept her surroundings. Her companions Vanguard and Tom Sharpe prove to be much more complex than originally thought. The mythology of the world unfolds in easy to digest courses.
The whole thing has a Labyrinth vibe from the beginning and what's not to like about the Labyrinth? Muppets, David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, it's practically the perfect 1980's fantasy movie. However, this story is darker and reminds me of The Neverending Story at times. And Michael Moorcock.
Still, it's not all Goblin Kings and M. C. Escher drawings. It's a little on the repetitive side but that's probably owing to it's episodic origins. Also, I'm not very keen on the present tense and both of the 1st person viewpoint characters use it. There was a bit of Claire's backstory that came out of extreme left field but I'm giving Amy Cross the rest of the book to vindicate herself for that. Other than those things, it's beans on toast.
At the finish line
The battle against the Forbidders and the incursion of the mysterious Darkness kept the story going at a pretty quick clip. The story took a lot of unexpected twists and turns, some of them I enjoyed, others I found questionable. I guessed Claire's final fate quite a while before it happened but there weren't a whole lot of other directions the story could go in. I was also a fan of Vanguard by the end of the tale even though I found him pretty uninteresting at the beginning of the tale. The conclusion reminded me of Stormbringer, the Dark Tower, and the Neverending Story. It was quite satisfying.
All in all, I'm glad for the time I spent reading The Library. It had its ups and downs but should appeal to fans of 1980's fantasy movies like the Labyrinth and the Neverending story, and books like Michael Moorcock's Elric series and also Neil Gaiman's work. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
December 7, 2014
I can't decide how many stars to give this book. If a 4.5 were possible, that's what I'd settle on. I liked the allegorical angle of a setting where a library is a world in itself. There is an upfront narrative thread of a seemingly normal person waking up in a bizarrely distorted version of her own world, and having to deal with dangerous mythic powerful beings in order to get home. But there is another strand that wove itself along with it in my imagination. Was the library world itself meant to represent civilization, and the Citadel- with its Librarian and Elders - meant to represent knowledge and universities, or perhaps enlightened governance? Were the Grandapams meant to demonstrate the vulnerability of those who believe in self-sacrifice and service for the benefit of others? And then there is Vanguard, a self-proclaimed hero and noble lord with a questionable set of ethics, and the protagonist herself. All of these inspired a lot of ideas and musings along the way.
If I understand it correctly, this volume that I read is a collection of what was originally published as a series of episodes or shorter works. It felt very much like a dark Alice in Wonderland or The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I put it down briefly to read something else when I first started it, but got hooked fast when I picked it up again. But ultimately, I had to tell my brain to stop the allegorical reading of it when the really cool implications that it inspired in me fell apart. Towards the end, I just followed the twists and turns and liked it a little less as a result. But since some of the images and ideas have stayed with me even after I finished reading, it gets a high rating from me.
If I understand it correctly, this volume that I read is a collection of what was originally published as a series of episodes or shorter works. It felt very much like a dark Alice in Wonderland or The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I put it down briefly to read something else when I first started it, but got hooked fast when I picked it up again. But ultimately, I had to tell my brain to stop the allegorical reading of it when the really cool implications that it inspired in me fell apart. Towards the end, I just followed the twists and turns and liked it a little less as a result. But since some of the images and ideas have stayed with me even after I finished reading, it gets a high rating from me.
July 29, 2015
The story of The Library and its inhabitants is fascinating and original, and I loved it.
From the point of view of two protagonists, we follow a journey, one which takes place in a fantasy world of a vast, in the open, library, which is filled with numerous strange characters and lifeforms.
What one girl has to do is...
I don't give spoilers but will say that this tale is a compelling and unique read...something refreshing in today's, for the most part, unchallenging and boring reads, which merely follow a formula that is thought to be what readers want. Not true.
Yes, it had many typos but is still a well written tale with meanings on many levels, such as identity and the importance of friendships, however unusual and unexpected.
A fabulous read - highly recommended.
From the point of view of two protagonists, we follow a journey, one which takes place in a fantasy world of a vast, in the open, library, which is filled with numerous strange characters and lifeforms.
What one girl has to do is...
I don't give spoilers but will say that this tale is a compelling and unique read...something refreshing in today's, for the most part, unchallenging and boring reads, which merely follow a formula that is thought to be what readers want. Not true.
Yes, it had many typos but is still a well written tale with meanings on many levels, such as identity and the importance of friendships, however unusual and unexpected.
A fabulous read - highly recommended.
April 13, 2025
I'd never heard of the author or the book before. I picked it up for one very deep, intellectual reason: it takes place in a library. 😄 Thankfully, it delivered. There’s humor, adventure, death, destruction, all while darkness threatens to consume everything. The world-building? Surprisingly good. I wouldn’t say no to a sequel, maybe one that explores the other worlds mentioned. And the ending? I thought it was pretty badass.
The book could definitely use another round of editing. Typos pop up more often than you'd like. But honestly? The story’s solid, the vibe is fun, so I can let that slide.
The book could definitely use another round of editing. Typos pop up more often than you'd like. But honestly? The story’s solid, the vibe is fun, so I can let that slide.
January 26, 2021
A lot
Let me start off by saying I love me some Amy cross. But This damn book had a lot going on. I read every book she writes But this 1 chile... it was a mess and just too much going on. I didn't like it I'm still a little damn 😕 Overall it was not a good book. But that don't take away from her talent. I was still continue to read new books as they come out this was just a bad 1. I still love her😉
Let me start off by saying I love me some Amy cross. But This damn book had a lot going on. I read every book she writes But this 1 chile... it was a mess and just too much going on. I didn't like it I'm still a little damn 😕 Overall it was not a good book. But that don't take away from her talent. I was still continue to read new books as they come out this was just a bad 1. I still love her😉
May 22, 2021
I kept breaking off and reading other books then trying again but I'm just not going to keep pushing myself. For me the book drags on and on so slowly it's just not enjoyable.
I'm not going to say it's a bad book just not for me. It's writing does have merit I'm sure many would enjoy it. I'm not one.
I'm not going to say it's a bad book just not for me. It's writing does have merit I'm sure many would enjoy it. I'm not one.
Read
September 6, 2019nicht ganz fertig gelesen --> Interesse verloren
June 30, 2021
Did not enjoy gave up after a few chapters just didn't appeal to me
October 2, 2022
Reading the whole Library
A little like Alice and her adventures in wonderland, an entertaining and engaging story that is well worth the effort of reading..
A little like Alice and her adventures in wonderland, an entertaining and engaging story that is well worth the effort of reading..
November 14, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! so much so that I found myself sat on the bus almost hugging my kindle and smiling like an idiot. once again you have to overlook the writing style, ( I love Amy Cross books and as a person she is really friendly and always seems happy to answer my many fan mail messages and crazy demands for sequels) similar to JK Rowling she is a writer who you can tell absolutely loves her characters and her stories and speed writes, this allows for small spelling mistakes but nothing to get too worked up about, but I digress.
This is the story of Claire, Vanguard and the world of the Library. Claire, a bored insomniac recovering from a spine operation. Vanguard, a fearless warrior who cares only for the fight. And the Library, a world falling from its former glory with impending disaster afoot.
without giving any spoilers, this books jumps to different character view points with every chapter, giving a fuller understanding of the story and events. I highly recommend this book, it is easily as good as Mass Extinction event, ( not as good as Devil's briar but then to me nothing will be as good because it was the first Amy Cross I read) if you like the idea of a world a little different from your own, an unlikely Hero, a lost girl finding herself ( but not in a mushy chic lit way...eww) then I recommend this book, Amy Cross, more than any other writer, has made me want to pursue the profession myself.
This is the story of Claire, Vanguard and the world of the Library. Claire, a bored insomniac recovering from a spine operation. Vanguard, a fearless warrior who cares only for the fight. And the Library, a world falling from its former glory with impending disaster afoot.
without giving any spoilers, this books jumps to different character view points with every chapter, giving a fuller understanding of the story and events. I highly recommend this book, it is easily as good as Mass Extinction event, ( not as good as Devil's briar but then to me nothing will be as good because it was the first Amy Cross I read) if you like the idea of a world a little different from your own, an unlikely Hero, a lost girl finding herself ( but not in a mushy chic lit way...eww) then I recommend this book, Amy Cross, more than any other writer, has made me want to pursue the profession myself.
February 9, 2016
The synopsis was quite intriguing which is why I decided to give the book a chance although I hardly know anything about the book.
It was not a bad read per se - the characters were interesting and the story was fast-paced but the book was not able to keep my attention for long. I got distracted easily and kind of lost interest in it a couple of time.
The constant switching of POV annoyed me more than it helped and at some point I thought that there was really a lot happening at once without much background knowledge. I would have loved to know more about the library and its inhabitants. The idea behind it is amazing but the implementation didn't work for me.
However, if you're looking for a nice and easy fantasy read that offers a lot of interesting aspects you should give it a go.
It was not a bad read per se - the characters were interesting and the story was fast-paced but the book was not able to keep my attention for long. I got distracted easily and kind of lost interest in it a couple of time.
The constant switching of POV annoyed me more than it helped and at some point I thought that there was really a lot happening at once without much background knowledge. I would have loved to know more about the library and its inhabitants. The idea behind it is amazing but the implementation didn't work for me.
However, if you're looking for a nice and easy fantasy read that offers a lot of interesting aspects you should give it a go.
July 27, 2015
This story was like a horror spin on Alice In Wonderland. Our main character is abducted & taken to the Library. The Library is it's own world. The people & creatures that live among the shelves of books have fallen on hard times. Food is scarce & help is not always what it seems to be. I liked this different twist on a tale. The story was a bit bleak, but I was not so drawn down that I had to abandon the book. It was such a good story that I immediately started the next book in the series upon finishing it. Again, Ms. Cross did not disappoint me.
February 4, 2017
Dark Fantasy
A wonderful view of books and libraries, humans and connections, illnesses and strengths. This dark fantasy, though quite long, will keep you entertained with fantastical creatures and lands, tension in a broken world, suspense with hunting, attacking beasts, love and courage in well-built and complex characters. This story every sense, every emotion.
A wonderful view of books and libraries, humans and connections, illnesses and strengths. This dark fantasy, though quite long, will keep you entertained with fantastical creatures and lands, tension in a broken world, suspense with hunting, attacking beasts, love and courage in well-built and complex characters. This story every sense, every emotion.
April 15, 2014
Review of The Library
I love Amy Cross' stories. I read the Mass Extinction series and i have become hooked on her stories ever since. I particularly liked the premise of the Library in which Claire is not what she seems to be. it had been so long since I read a truly innovative t a letter, I will be reading a lot more of Amy Cross, of that, i am certain.
I love Amy Cross' stories. I read the Mass Extinction series and i have become hooked on her stories ever since. I particularly liked the premise of the Library in which Claire is not what she seems to be. it had been so long since I read a truly innovative t a letter, I will be reading a lot more of Amy Cross, of that, i am certain.
August 4, 2015
Tedious
The book seems to have promise, so you go to the next page...boring, dull, but still with some hope of interesting events...almost feel guilty not liking it more, because I wanted to like it - it seemed as though it had a hint of Tolkien potential...just never delivered. Waste of time.
The book seems to have promise, so you go to the next page...boring, dull, but still with some hope of interesting events...almost feel guilty not liking it more, because I wanted to like it - it seemed as though it had a hint of Tolkien potential...just never delivered. Waste of time.
Want to read
January 5, 2014A library... as big as a planet... with magical creatures living on it.... My New Year's Resolution has just changed to become an astronaut. AND FIND THIS PLANET!!!!!
May 10, 2014
I finally realized I'm not going to finish this one. Normally I enjoy Cross' work, but this book just didn't do it for me.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews