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Portland, Oregon. A very different state of unrest.

Nienna Havard. College student. Librarian. No one special. She’s keeping a secret. Her mother’s in an mental institution after vanishing for several years. She came back talking about elves, goblins, and wars.

To compound matters, she’s having a hard time breaking up with the guy who clearly isn’t right for her. Or maybe she’s not right for him. Either way, she can’t figure out how to tell him that they aren’t working out.

Alred Lightvale. Elf. Hot. Protector of the Historian. He traveled to the human world to find a girl who’s supposed to replace the recently murdered Historian. He’s got a tight timeline to get the next Historian in place.
One problem. She’s not exactly buying it. And she sure as heck isn’t interested in joining the cause.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2020

150 people are currently reading
325 people want to read

About the author

Ciara Graves

79 books59 followers

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5 stars
113 (35%)
4 stars
95 (29%)
3 stars
78 (24%)
2 stars
25 (7%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Deb.
182 reviews7 followers
June 14, 2022
I really wanted to like this book. As a lover of libraries I was sure this would be my sort of story. What I got, instead of a well-read book lover was a bratty, poorly spoken Valley girl. She whined, was rude and oblivious. Halfway through the book she is still pouting and stomping her feet. She supposedly read an entire Tome in one night but believes nothing. She is attacked by Goblins but still acts like there is no threat. She stands before a Council of Seven high Elves and mutters, complains, blames and talks like an uneducated brat. She demands and learns nothing. She tells her protector that she is going to do what she wants, when she arrives in an unfamiliar land, and go rescue Paul, the fellow she was breaking up with. Um, she has no weapons, no skills and was nearly killed by these same vicious Goblins. She's read the book, heard the stories from her mom but she is so clueless and obtuse she would just march in there? There is also zero chemistry between her and Alred and she is always having a tantrum. I just don't believe his interest. I couldn't bear her, her stupidity and behaviour. I at least expected her to be somewhat intelligent. She's an insult to real librarians.
Profile Image for Nicole.
2,865 reviews10 followers
January 9, 2024
A good start to the series but it is the first of three and I hate it when a story is left unfinished so that the reader has to buy the next.
Profile Image for Sarah Jensen.
2,090 reviews177 followers
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March 18, 2025
Book Review: The Goblin Archives #1: The Librarian
Author: Ciara Graves

Ciara Graves’ “The Goblin Archives #1: The Librarian” presents an intriguing concept that promises an enchanting exploration of library lore set against the backdrop of fantastical elements such as goblins and elves. As a fervent admirer of literature and libraries, I approached this book with high expectations. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm was met with disappointment, primarily due to the characterization of the protagonist, whose traits and behaviors detracted from the overall narrative experience.

Central to the story is the main character, who, regrettably, comes across as a bratty and poorly articulated representation of a “Valley girl.” Throughout the narrative, this character exhibits traits that could best be described as whiny, rude, and oblivious, qualities that not only hinder her development but also irritate the reader. Despite her extensive reading, one would expect a certain level of intelligence and insight; however, her portrayal reveals a glaring lack of belief and understanding that feels inconsistent for a character in her position.

In the face of danger posed by goblins, one would anticipate a degree of maturity and resilience from the protagonist. Instead, she maintains an unfazed demeanor, demonstrating a troubling level of immaturity that undermines any suspense the narrative attempts to build. Her interactions, particularly when she argues and complains in front of a Council of Elves, showcase an uneducated behavior that feels jarring and inappropriate for the setting. It raises questions about her capacity to engage meaningfully with the very world she inhabits, and the respect she shows—or fails to show—towards its customs and authorities.

Moreover, the protagonist’s decision-making process is riddled with recklessness, as she repeatedly makes choices that place her in jeopardy without any apparent skills or weapons at her disposal. This lack of prudence not only serves to heighten the reader’s frustration but also strips away any realistic sense of agency or growth that one would expect from a central character in a fantasy narrative.

Compounding these issues is the relationship dynamic between the protagonist and another character, Alred. The absence of chemistry between them renders Alred’s interest in her unconvincing, adding yet another layer of disbelief to the story. In a genre that often thrives on the interplay of relationships—be they romantic, platonic, or adversarial—the flatness of this connection further detracts from the narrative’s richness.

Ultimately, my evaluation of “The Goblin Archives #1: The Librarian” leads to a critical conclusion: the main character’s intelligence and behavior are at odds with the esteem typically associated with librarians and the scholarly world they represent. As a reader and an admirer of literature, I found this portrayal to be an insult to the very profession that inspires curiosity, learning, and respect.

In summary, while the premise of “The Goblin Archives” holds promise, the execution falters significantly due to the characterization of its protagonist. The narrative offers a unique setting and premise, but these are overshadowed by a lack of depth in character development and an overall implausibility in relationships and behaviors. For those who cherish libraries and the nuanced tales they hold, this book may not meet the expectations one hopes for in a literary adventure.
Profile Image for Verna.
55 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2024
Knocking a star / half a star off because it's forcibly chopped into three books when it could easily be one book and fleshed out a bit more, I imagine for money reasons.

This was on offer for free in Google Play Books, ironically, and considering my previous history with the freebies, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. There's not much there to the plot in the first installment, but it's not bad or unpleasant to read.

Nienna was a believable protagonist to me. Her self deprecation and uncertainty caused by the trauma of her mom's disappearance stand firmly in the way of her destiny, so she actively denies any possibility of it, much to Alred's dismay. Alred is conflicted but driven by duty. While Nienna easily finds blame in him for upending her peaceful life, Alred tries to balance between performing his duty, his driving force in life, and sympathising with Nienna. I found their relationship pleasing to read, despite the fact that many seem to view Nienna as childish due to her outbursts. Personally, I found it nice that she is allowed to vent her very reasonable stress and they eventually talk things through. Even when their relationship goes further, there is no cheap miscommunication trope, which I was kind of expecting to see. I do think their relationship moved forward way too quickly, considering it wasn't presented as an insta-love at the beginning.

Again, it is such a shame that a book with promise was divided into three like this. The story suffers narratively and I kind of can't be bothered to read the rest. That's why the plot falls flat here and it's carried by the characters that thankfully worked for me at least.
Profile Image for Blake.
1,304 reviews44 followers
March 24, 2021
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot)

2.75

How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see *s differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
------------

First time read the author's work?: No (I prefer her Mercy Temple books)

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes
Profile Image for Vida.
131 reviews36 followers
June 5, 2022
How I rate the books (review below):
5 stars - "oh my gosh... Can't stop reading. Just one more chapter. Don't want this to end." I am going to buy another book even if I am frugal.
4 stars - I am going to read another book, but something was missing in it. Still really good.
3 stars - it's okay. I maybe consider reading another book of the series or from this author.
2 & 1 stars - I will not write a negative review again. I write myself, and I know what it means to put your heart and soul into a story. I will not contribute negative feelings to someone who managed to do what I didn't yet. :)

Well, well, well, I am pleasantly surprised. It has been a while since I read anything good out of free options on google books. But his was a great choice.
I wanted to read something that wouldn't be long but exciting.
The main characters made sense, and the plot was interesting enough.
Definitely an easy read. Going to the next book.
391 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2022
Alred took an oath to protect the Historian, and he has been faithful to his oath, but then the Historian pushed him through a portal into the human realm and told him to find his daughter, the next Historian in line. Alred wanted to jump back through the portal and help the current Historian, even die with him if necessary, but it closed before he had a chance to try. Now he needed to find her, shatter her world with the truth and what her calling is, and bring her back to the elfin realm no matter what she wanted.

I liked the story and where it is headed, but it felt like there was a plot hole or two that was fixed later versus being at least mentioned earlier. But then again, this alternate elvish realm had me curious enough to keep reading late into the night.

I don’t remember shifters or vampires, but if you like a budding romance, action & adventure, or fantasy, you may like this book. I give it four stars out of five stars.
Profile Image for Steve Baumgartner.
20 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2022
Nienna is your typical college student in Portland, Oregon. That is, until her life is turned upside down when a stranger shows up, whom she immediately feels drawn to, but she just can't quite bring herself to trust that his story is true, and when she finds out that it is, she struggles with leaving her life as she has known it behind in exchange for what he is offering her.

This story plays out much like a movie might, with the story starting out in a realm of a conflict between elves and goblins (which I admit attracted my attention due to my cat being named Goblin), and then switches to modern day Portland in our world, and the main character at first disbelieving and then reluctantly accepting the story that she is given. If this was a movie, it's one that I would instantly enjoy, even if a bit cliched, and the story in novel form is just as enjoyable.
Profile Image for Carla.
553 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2022
Goblin war

For over a thousand years the elves and goblins have been at war. On the side of the elves, there has always been an historian. One who keeps the histories and has visions. As the latest Historian dies, another must take his place.

The prob!em is, the new Historian is a half elf that has spent her entire life on earth. She has no idea that the stories told by her mother are real. That she is destined to leave this realm and go to her fathers , or that she will be in the middle of the war.

Will she learn to fight well enough to survive? Will she and her Protector become more than just that? Will she be able to restore the Balance of her new reality? Will she learn to stop letting her niceness rule her and stand up for herself?

This is a good beginning to a series.
Profile Image for Natelle.
678 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2022
Nienna loves being a librarian in beautiful Portland, Oregon. She shares an apartment with a good friend. Then a strange man dressed like a character from a Renaissance Faire appears in her world with a mysterious book and a tale that makes her wonder about stories her mother told her as a child. Despite resisting belief in his tale, she quickly realizes the danger he warned her about will come for her.
A very compelling story for lovers of old books and elves. This is another book that could benefit from better editing.
2 reviews
April 23, 2021
The Librarian has nothing to do about checking out books

Ciara writes an engaging story that is told through the point of view of the two main characters- one chapter will be through Nenna and then from Alred. At first, I thought all the switching was going to make the story confusing, but actually was seamless and added extra depth to the story b/c Neena had different motivations than Alred. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
230 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2021
A really good read

So imagine finding out you are half elf, what you thought were just fairy tales, and then top it off you are destined to help in a war between goblins and elves in another world….
A great storyline with great characters, and some action too….
It just ended too quickly for me…and I am a slow reader…lol
Definitely want to follow the adventures in store for Nienna and Alred ….
A really good read….
5 reviews
June 13, 2022
A Delightful Fantasy Reminiscent of Tolkien

Readers who enjoy fantasy will not want The Librarian to end. The book blends the modern world of the United States with a land populated by goblins and elves as well as humans. In this world, honor and duty are as critical as they are in the ancient Japanese world of the Samurai. Fortunately, The Librarian is Book 1. I look forward to continuing the series.
744 reviews6 followers
June 20, 2022
Men.. this book was a quick and easy read, that was left incomplete so that readers will buy the second and third books in the series as well. Am I going to fall for the trap? Not immediately in any case. The main character seemed to behave more like a high-school or early college student rather than someone who was already 25. Usually my grouse is about the seeming precociousness of the protagonist, but the other end seems just as bad in the end...
514 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2023
Complex.

A complex and intriguing storyline filled with Elves Goblins and magic, when the Historian is granted a vision of the one to replace him he knows he doesn't have much time left, unfortunately its his daughter, no one should have to sentence their child to such hardships and certain death. Can her Guardian keep her safe or is she bound to die like all the Historians before her. Engaging read with lots of action magic and a maybe romance, Baz.
Profile Image for Holly Stone.
901 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2024
New series by Ciara Graves self published in both kindle and audiobook Nienna is a half human half Elf who has no idea she is half Elf until goblins come looking for her on campus (yes this is a YA book and the 1st in a series of 3 called The Goblin Archives. She finds out she is now the Elven Librarian since her Father has died and she has no idea how to be or do what her Elven Protector says she must be and do. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Hanna.
780 reviews8 followers
July 14, 2024
A promising premise utterly spoiled by an insolent, petulant, petty, whiny, foot-stomping child of a "heroine". Sad to say I was as disappointed as Alred after meeting Nienna.
And as a someone who spent her childhood devoted to the local public library I'd been really looking forward to this one.
I made it a bit more than half way through, but after yet another tantrum throwing, whining, shouting, stomping of her feet I packed it in.
Profile Image for Rachel.
61 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2021
Brilliant! Stunning!

The Librarian sucked me in as thoroughly as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone did 20 years ago. Heart-stoppingly, edge-of-your-seat fantastic! Only read if you like the immediate attraction between two characters, unsuspecting hero type fantasy novels and have at least a day to burn!
Profile Image for Bernadette Hutton.
432 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2021
Oh its ended too soon

Ok, you find out your father is actually a hero elf who inadvertently got your mothers mind scrambled. Another hot elf is sent to protect you but your not having an of it. But really can you stop destiny. Pity the book finished before anyone finds out what happens next.
Profile Image for Evelyn Goughnour .
1,151 reviews
March 6, 2022
Lots of magic !

I love books with magic! If you do also you will love this book. A normal human girl that just wants to be a librarian and a a quiet life; suddenly right in the middle of a war tossed world. The magic that she finds herself with is showing her terrible things that she can’t ignore. It just left me wanting more.
Profile Image for Shawnae Aiu.
178 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2022
goblins, elves and humans….oh my

I enjoyed reading about Nienna and Alfred. Their relationship is special and may be the answer they both need. In the meantime they are facing a warring world and they must find how to stop it. The sparks that fly in this book are both magical and sweet. I’m looking forward to book 2 to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Barbara Strickland.
Author 7 books53 followers
March 26, 2023
Delightful Reading

Not normally a fantasy reader I am looking to broaden my tastes. This had a lovely plot, wonderful characters and a very likeable writing style. Loved every minute and can’t wait to read more of the war between goblins and elves and the Historian who holds the answers needed.
235 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2024
Nienna

Nienna runs into Alfred on the campus of Portland University. He gives her a large book and tell her to read everything it says. From here on her life will be changed.

Who wrote the book she reads? What will the book tell her about her future? Will she be up to the task the book has in store for her?
221 reviews
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June 14, 2021
Librarian, historian or warrior?

Librarians normally shelve books while historians write them, however for this librarian turned historian the history she is writing has yet to come to pass.
451 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2021
Historian vs Librarian

This appears to be an interesting fantasy with a reluctant half breed heroine. At least she has concerns about her ability to go from mild mannered librarian to a sword wielding kick ass Historian. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Ayshla.
60 reviews
May 4, 2021
Really not sure how much I liked this book. It’s a good read but nothing fantastic, might improve as the series continues. 2.5 stars.
594 reviews
September 16, 2021
A free download, a genre that has been done time and time again and some have done better. Still interesting enough for me to finish the book.
Profile Image for Lori Hammons.
2,866 reviews28 followers
October 12, 2021
The world the author created for Nienna's story is intriguing. Lots of action and suspense. Alred needs to come to terms with his feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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