The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman
Series: The Invisible Library #5
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Publication Date: November 27, 2018
Date Read: November 25, 2018
Length: 448 pages
Source: NetGalley
★★★★☆
In the latest novel in Genevieve Cogman’s historical fantasy series, the fate of worlds lies in the balance. When a dragon is murdered at a peace conference, time-travelling Librarian spy Irene must solve the case to keep the balance between order, chaos…and the Library.
When Irene returns to London after a relatively straightforward book theft in Germany, Bradamant informs her that there is a top secret dragon-Fae peace conference in progress that the Library is mediating, and that the second-in-command dragon has been stabbed to death. Tasked with solving the case, Vale and Irene immediately go to 1890s Paris to start their investigation.Once they arrive, they find evidence suggesting that the murder victim might have uncovered proof of treachery by one or more Librarians. But to ensure the peace of the conference, some Librarians are being held as hostages in the dragon and Fae courts. To save the captives, including her parents, Irene must get to the bottom of this murder—but was it a dragon, a Fae, or even a Librarian who committed the crime?
This was another great installment in the Invisible Library series. I have really enjoyed all of the previous books in this series so I was really excited to read this new installment. This is the fifth book in the series and I do think that this is a series that is best read in order. I had a great time jumping back into this complex set of worlds and thought that the story was very well done.
In Paris of a neutral world, peace talks are being held between the dragons and Fae with the Library’s help. When an important dragon is found murdered, Vale along with Irene are asked to travel to that world to investigate the murder. Kai goes ahead to help and be with his uncle, a Dragon King. They are quickly buried in a complex and far-reaching mystery that will have a great impact on the peace talks.
I think that I grow to love this group of characters a little bit more with each book. Irene is amazing. She is dedicated to doing what is right and getting the job done often at great risk to herself. I was happy to see that Vale plays such an important role in this book. He is such a skilled detective that is able to see what most others would miss. He insists on doing the job in the best manner possible and will not compromise himself for anyone else in any circumstance. Kai is incredibly strong but often underestimated. He is very supportive of Irene and has no problem deferring to her judgment.
I thought that this mystery was very complex and well executed. Since the murder occurs at a political event, there are a lot of Fae, dragon, and Library politics wrapped up into the mystery. There were so many factors at play and individuals that seemed less than trustworthy. I love how original each book in this series is since they are all set in worlds with their own set of rules. The special abilities of the Fae, dragons, and Librarians always seem to keep things interesting. I really enjoy the way that Irene is able to apply the use of the Library’s Language to each situation and think on her feet. There are a whole lot of exciting scenes to keep this one interesting.
I would recommend this series to others. It is such a well-done series with great characters and remarkable world-building. I cannot wait to read more of Irene, Kai, and Vale’s adventures in future installments.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.
About the AuthorGenevieve Cogman is a freelance author, who has written for several role-playing game companies. She currently works for the NHS in England as a clinical classifications specialist.
looks like I have a lot to catch up on if I want to read this series
All of the books are so good that you will not want to miss them!
Gah, this series! It's just fallen lower and lower on my TBR and I have yet to pick it up 🙁 It sounds like it just keeps getting better and better!
It is such a well done series, Verushka! I hope you get the chance to read it sometime soon.
Sounds like a great series and one I would enjoy.
sherry @ fundinmental
I do recommend this one, Sherry!
I definitely plan to read these. Each review you post reminds me. Love that the characters and world and the mystery pulled you in good.
I love that the world in each book is unique. This series is really well done.
I do like the sound of these!
I think you would enjoy this series!
I found Irene brilliant. It feels like she is much more knowledgeable about all 3 groups than most anyone else. She also has a good heart to do the right things. But she is a Librarian and I'm starting to wonder EVEN more about the Library. Anne – Books of My Heart
Irene is such a great character and I think that Vale and Kai really compliment her skills. I do wonder about the Library!
Yes! I'm so glad this was another good one. I'm getting ready to start the series and it's wonderful that it is still going strong.
I can't wait to see what you think of this one, Laura!
I am glad you are enjoying this series. I need to look this up. Great review.
I hope you get the chance to read this one, Nadene!
A time traveling librarian spy? How fun! This sounds like a great series and being that five books are already out I could binge it. I love to do that! Wonderful review, Carole! 🙂
Thanks, Rachel!
Yeah, this story sounds like something I would like. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. ?
I hope you get the chance to read it, La La!
I didn't know that this series was so long! Five books – but it sounds like the series is still strong and going well. I also really like it when a book has fantasy, historical fiction or politics in the book. And it sounds like this one has all of those things – which is why I think I need to read this series ASAP DD: