In the world of the Great Library knowledge is valued, but it corrupts many of those who are privy to this knowledge. The second in the series shows Jess and Glain completing their training, but their determination to ask questions about Thomas – presumed dead in the last book – causes untold trouble.
There’s little in the way of recap here, but I quickly picked up the key details in spite of it being some time since I read book one. We’re thrown into the action very quickly, and there’s a real sense of menace to this.
It was good to see the main characters from the first book together here. Throughout, I had a sense that there was something going on with Wolfe and Santi – but it wasn’t quite as I expected. Caine throws a lot of awful things at these characters as they struggle to find their way against the Library and those in control. I’m only pleased that they managed to retain their sense of self throughout – and not get too badly punished (though it came close on more than one occasion).
I think the inclusion of the extracts of contact between those in control is fascinating. It’s a great way to make us see just what Jess and those who sympathise with him are up against. An explosive ending, and it really looks like the third part in the series will be one to look out for.