5 Reasons Why You Should Read Ink and Bone

Title: Ink and Bone

Author: Rachel Caine

Pages: 352

Genres: YA, Fantasy

Publisher: NAL

Goodreads Synopsis

'In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.…

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.

When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn… '

Rating: 

I've recently read Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine, and once I finished it and started my review I didn't like anything I wrote. It didn't seem like my words could do this book justice. That's why I decided not to write a normal review for this book, but list five things that made me love this book, in the hope that you'll want to read it too. (Seriously, you won't regret it.)

So, here are five reasons why you should read Ink and Bone. 

1. The book has a very interesting and diverse set of characters. Not only do we get characters with different nationalities, sexualities, religion, etc., but all of the characters have a very distinct personality and all feel very real. Plus: there wasn't a single character I didn't like. 

2. Ink and Bone will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story had so many twists and turns, and just when I thought I knew where it was going, it went in the complete opposite direction. You will not be bored while reading it. 

3. The political system in this novel is very unique and super interesting. In this world, the library of Alexandria never burned down and it's the most powerful institution in the world. The library basically controls everyone and everything, and they have decided that the personal ownership of books is strictly forbidden. The library (or rather, the people who work for the library) are very power-hungry and aren't afraid to get rid of anyone who get's in their way. For example, they killed Gutenberg, the inventor of the press, because if there were easily printed books, the library would be unnecasary/less powerful.
There's also a group of rebels called The Burners, who try to destroy the books, the library and the librarians. And there's more, but I don't want to spend this entire review talking about the Ink and Bone politics, haha. 

4. The settings feel very real, and places like Alexandria feel magical. In the book we travel to different places, and Rachel Caine describes these cities in such a way that it feels like I'm there. 

5. THE FRIENDSHIPS. A book just can't be great without a great friendship in there, and this book had it! In this novel, a group of students gets send to Alexandria to be trained to be a librarian, and the bond between these students is great. You really saw them progressing from 'first-day-of-school'-acquintences to great friends who protect and value each other. This was one of my favorite things about Ink and Bone. 

So, what are you waiting for? GO READ IT.