This is my reread of the series (I think the last one just came out?) and while it doesn’t hold up quite as well as I remembered, I’d set the bar on my recollection pretty darn high. The Great Library is a pretty awesome series and one I hope more people read so we can talk about it.
In a setting of alternate-history-but-with-magic, the library of Alexandria now controls all knowledge. Essentially all books and information are delivered by magical eReaders and physical books (theoretically) exist only in the Library where the isolated, empowered staff can track everything at all times and decide who deserves what knowledge. It’s all managed by magic, a gift only a small number are born with. Not everyone agrees and unrest has persisted since the system began, from Burners (who would rather light books on fire than see them handed over to the Library) to smugglers who deal in black market originals. It’s definitely a YA dystopia I haven’t seen before.
Our main character is Jess Brightwell, elder son of one of the most notorious book smugglers in London. He’s always been too much of a reader, though, so while his father trains his identical twin in the family business, Jess is sent to be their source on the inside – to apply for a place in the library and win a contract once there. It’s like super high stakes boarding school. The first book in the series is about his adventures as a Postulant. They’re really engaging books and I quite like the variety of characters Caine establishes. I’m enjoying my reread as well, possibly because it’s easier to read them back to back instead of waiting on each to be released.
Bingo Square: And So It Begins
BINGO #4: Cannonballer Says, And So It Beings, Birthday, Banned Books, Summer Read