I adored this, the first I have read and didn’t realise it was a series when I requested, but it’s so well written and the world building so well done I didn’t feel lost in this world at all. In fact I felt welcomed from the first page, the characters are so well developed and three dimensional, each twist and turn in the story is a delightful journey, I can’t wait to read more and so happy I can go back at find more while I wait.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

In The Secret Chapter, Irene and Kai are forced to team up with a group of fae villains they would normal steer well clear of or attempt to thwart with whatever means at their disposal. Instead they have to strike up a deal with supervillain, Mr Nemo, in order to gather up a book which is creating a great deal of dangerous chaos in that world.

The writing of The Secret Chapter is so clichéd. The entire Invisible Library series is replete with the potential for the trite and overused.

Therein lies the genius of Genevieve Cogman’s craft. Even tropes aren’t safe from her elegant recrafting of fantasy writing. She takes everything that an unskilled writer might use as their limited palette and plays with the whole concept, both ruthlessly and with a very knowing eye for a literary and plot opportunity.

The result is a terrific romp with a great cast of fantasy beings all attempting to bring off a heist on behalf of the James Bond-style Mr Big. Yep, he’s an individual who doesn’t take no for an answer as one uncooperative character meets a very Bond ending.

This time the story is set in a modern world with IT, as well as adding some new and interesting character additions to the Invisible Library canon.

The Secret Chapter makes the sixth in the series. But given Irene’s rapier wit, her handling of some very sticky situations along with her partner in crime, the dragon prince, Kai, and potential ramifications of the plot for further explorations of The Invisible Library world, the series does not give off the slightest whiff of getting stale.

I have to admit to being a bit of an Invisible Library fan girl. I have the complete set, some of which I have obtained for review, others I have bought. I’ve also bought a few audiobooks, all of which are in danger of getting metaphorically worn out because, like my Discworld collection, I gravitate towards Cogman’s writing as the type of comfort food with no calories in my hours of need.

Curl up with The Secret Chapter and enjoy it for the slick, unalloyed fantasy romp that it is.

4.75 Stars

The Secret Chapter, by Genevieve Cogman is a delightfully fun read with absolutely wonderful descriptions and portrayals of Fae, Dragons, and Librarians. The perfect choice for a feel-good and exciting read!

Irene, a Librarian, has been tasked with securing a specific edition of a very specific book. There is just one catch. The book is held by a Mr Nemo, a mysterious Fae, who is hidden away on a private island. Being the only copy of this book, Irene has to go and see Mr Nemo and hope she can make a satisfactory deal.

Irene is joined by Kai, dragon royalty and her partner, who uses this opportunity to show off his diplomatic skills. However, during their trip, and upon their arrival, they realise that this job may be more complicated than they first thought. Irene and Kai find they are not the only ones who wish to deal with Mr Nemo, and Mr Nemo knows how to use this to his advantage. He has a very specific form of payment required from the group, in exchange they will all receive what they were inquiring about.

The only problem? Mr Nemo wants the group to band together and perform and impossibly difficult heist, secure a specific item and return it to him without damage.

As a result Kai and Irene find themselves working with a Dragon tech master, a Fae thief, a gambler, a driver and a fighter. But how far does this trust go? And will they succeed?

Disclaimer: This is the sixth book in the series and while it can be read as a standalone characters from earlier books will appear. (Personally I read this as a standalone as I wasn’t aware it was part of a series until it was too late!)However, I will be picking up the rest of the series as soon as possible! Due to this though there may be inadvertent spoilers – so I apologise in advance, it is unintentional if I do not mark one!

— Witty And Interesting —
The Writing Style and Narrative. Cogman’s writing style is incredibly witty and interesting, it immediately pulls you in and really connects you with the story right from the start. Genevieve Cogman manages to balance wit and sarcasm with the serious and thoughtful and it works wonderfully. The writing style also allows you to know a lot of information without feeling too info-heavy, and without information dumps, it is cleverly written and very organic.

The Secret Chapter is written from the perspective or Irene, and it is amazing. Using her perspective allows for you to have a lot of insight, particularly into the Library, the peace treaty, and Irene’s thought process. However, it means there is also an element of mystery and suspense. Irene is intelligent and knows when things are suspicious or wrong, so do we as a result, but she doesn’t know why or what the truth is. This allows a lot of theorising and mystery for us! The narrative is also extremely helpful for people who read this as a standalone as Irene is explanatory by nature as well as thoughtful so we learn a lot from her without meaning to. The narrative is extremely fun to read and allows you to connect with the book and characters very well.

— Fun And Exciting —
The Plot. This plot is fun and exciting and unique and all around enjoyable. A band of misfits coming together to pull off a heist or event is not inherently original BUT the story as a whole is incredibly unique in its execution and style. Not only is it unique in execution but also in terms of the way the Fae and Dragons are used, the portrayal of the treaty, the alternate timelines and, of course, the Library. I ADORED the way a Library is used at the core of the story, it is neither good nor bad, it is neutral but protective and is the key to stability. Moreover, I thoroughly enjoyed the complicated rivalry between the Fae and the Dragons and how each fit into archetypes or general traits. The contrast of chaos versus order added such an interesting dimension to the novel and story and aided the rivalry in a subtle but effective way.This rivalry made the story very intriguing as it had such unexpected effects on the way the heist played out and the group worked together. It allowed for humour, anger and hostility to grow and develop and made the read through much more entertaining. I don’t want to say too much on the plot as it is very easy to spoil! But, I also thought that it was paced very well, there was a great balance of action, magic, planning, discussion and character development.

— Complex And Clever —
The Word Building/Magic System. This book had some complex and clever world building and an extensive magic system! Firstly, let’s talk about the Library and the Librarians. First of all – LIBRARIANS are awesome in this story, readers are portrayed as being awesome, and I adored this more than words can say. The librarians are a neutral party, mostly human, who are there to maintain the equilibrium, the Library is the signatory of the peace treaty and they are aiming to create a balance. But they are morally grey, they steal (for the greater good but are professionals at theft) from others. They have the ability to use a power called the Language, they can change/change how you perceive reality – and it is amazing! But, magic has a cost, it has a physical toll on the body, particularly if you try to use it on too many people at once. This adds some realism ad restraint to the magic which adds to the story.

The next set of magic is that of the dragons. Powerful royal dragons can control an element, only a specific one, and can take on their dragon forms at whim. They are powerful, prefer order and have an in depth system of rules and loyalty- they also dislike the fae. However, their magic is also restricted, to use their element they must have access to it, i.e a lake if it is water, and they cannot take on their dragon forms in ares of ‘high-chaos’ (usually areas with high fae activity). This was incredibly interesting and unique as dragons are seldom used to such an extent or with an in depth and complex look in regards to other supernatural or mythological creatures.

The Fae. I simply adored the portrayals of the fae. They are highly chaotic, flirty, and can be extremely vicious – EXACTLY how fae are meant to be. But, Cogman goes even further and creates a system of archetypes, specific personas that individual fae try to achieve, such as being a manipulator or gambler etc… Each specialise in these areas and have skills pertaining to them. However, their archetypes all have weakness that can be exploited.

Each set of magic is incredibly different but works so well together in the novel, they each have their own limits, weaknesses and strengths allowing individuality and incredibly unique uses of the magic.

The world itself is intriguing, areas are categorised as relying on either magic or technology, order or chaos, and have their advantages and disadvantages to each race, being fae or dragon, even the librarians. The world is an incredibly complex one consisting of alternate timelines. However, despite the jumps in time period, and timelines, it is never confusing and works magnificently- I loved this world, especially the library, and will definitely be on the lookout for the prior books so I can learn more about it.

— Realistic And In-Depth —
The Characters. Every character is well crafted, complex and interesting, they are realistic and in-depth and so are incredibly easy to connect with. Normally, I would split all my opinions on the characters but to avoid too many inadvertent spoilers I will keep it a little briefer than usual!

Irene. She is a Librarian and she is amazing! She is smart, headstrong, independent, determined, and absolutely dedicated to the library and what it represents. She is loyal and honourable, but also incredibly witty and sarcastic, which adds so much amazing humour to the story! Throughout the story she is observant but is unable to piece everything together and this is wonderful for the reader as it shows her intelligence but also allows us to theorise too! Her relationship with Kai is realistic and breaks away from stereotypical cliches. They are loyal to each other, but Irene puts the library fist, the world first, and Kai understands this. Their relationship is balanced, kind, and full of understanding – it is just a perfect adult relationship and is not over the top nor does it take over the story- it just is and it works!

Kai. He is a dragon, he is loyal to the dragons, his family and Irene. But, the Dragons secrecy comes first. He is clever, diplomatic and sweet, but quick to aggression. He is a great character to read about and adds a lot of wit and interest to the story! Being a dragon he often gets into disagreements with the fae and they are simply wonderful to read about and incredibly funny at times.

Not only are the characters and the relationships realistic but there is diversity among them. It is added naturally and adds realism to the story! I loved the characters and cannot wait to see more of them! The group that band together with Kai and Irene are so unique and have such individual personalities tat you cannot put the book down because they are so interesting! The dynamics of the group are fun, witty and suspicious and were absorbing to read about. An honorary mention to Silver – creepy as he may be his characters is incredibly funny, flirty, witty, comical, sarcastic and everything I want from a fae!

— A Feel-Good And Exciting Adventure —
Overall. This historical fantasy is a feel-good and exciting adventure. It is full of magic, comedy, action, sarcasm and wit with a dash of violence and a sprinkle of amazing. The characters are complex and easy to connect with, the plot is fun, unique and well paced, and the magic is cleverly weaved throughout.

Overall, I would recommend this to fantasy and magic lovers. It is a great read, perfect for if you want something fun and light but also complex and action packed!

This series is a must read- with magic, fae, dragons and magical librarians what more could you want?

*I received a free e-ARC of #TheSecretChapter, by Genevieve Cogman from #Netgalley and #PanMacmillan @Panmacmillan in exchange for an honest review *

I was excited to see another book in this series that I have enjoyed. This book was a bit of a departure, set in the same universe where librarians maintain the balance between order and chaos, the fae and the dragons. However, there was much less focus on the library than in previous books, instead being more of a heist story about trying to steal a mysterious painting. This gave the opportunity to introduce new characters, which I liked, and added lots of backstory about the dragons history. A good addition to the series!

Cogman changes direction in this book. The treaty between the Fae and Dragons has been "signed" and a precarious peace prevails.

Irene has to obtain a book to help maintain this peace and is set on a "quest" "for the mysterious Nemo. She has the assistance of a mixed group of Fae and dragons in a heist to steal a painting for Nemo.

The heist plot is fast moving with intricate twists and turns. Not only do the Fae and Dragons distrust each other but there are also tensions between the dragons. Irene has to use all her wits and ingenuity to keep things together.

There is more than a nod to James Bond.. Nemo has shark tanks on his tropical island, there is a casino scene etc. Irene even ends up in a bikini at one point..

Cogman takes the classic heist story and weaves it skilfully with the more supernatural elements.

We also discover more about her relationship with her parents but there are questions left hanging at the end of the book.that have you intrigued.

As enjoyable, witty and fast paced as I would expect of Cogman this was a page turner.

I've loved Cogman's Invisible Library series from the start. As an avid reader, the idea of a pan-dimensional Library staffed by kick-ass librarian-spies who play a valiant role in keeping the forces of chaos at bay across multiple words is just compelling. And Cogman's hero, Irene - a cross between book-lover and ruthless assassin - is wonderful. I think I've lost a bit of my heart to her.

So a new instalment is an eagerly awaited event, and I devoured this one once I got it on my e-reader. It's essentially a heist story - Irene and Kai have to team up with a pretty shady bunch (a gambler, a master thief, an IT guru, a scorching driver...) to steal... an object - not a book this time - from a tightly controlled museum. The team consists of both Fae and Dragons, and there are trust issues besides - some of them haven't even heard of the Truce! - so lots of scope for misunderstandings and mistakes, and it seems to fall to Irene to hold things together.

In this book Cogman is deliberately bouncing her story off classic heist tropes, walking a narrow path between, on the one hand, taking them too seriously and, on the other, just sending them up. So we have the Casino Scene (Irene done up in a little black dress and playing the gambler's moll), the crime boss's Island Base (complete with shark tank), the Getaway, the Shakedown, and many more. They're all handled deftly, dramatic and tense but just a little bit knowing - reflecting the fact that Cogman's Fae are creatures who by their nature aspire to fulfil archetypes, the more successful ones drawing others into their stories. They're opposed to the dragons, who stand for Order and Stability but - as gradually becomes clear in The Secret Chapter - not always in a way that leaves much scope for the freedom of the individual.

Amidst the almost nonstop action, this book begins to tease out such those underlying strains in Cogman's universe (Libraryverse?) revealing some new rivalries and teasing ethical dilemmas (Irene, worrying, reflects that nobody - Fae, Dragons or even the Library itself with its cheerful disregard of others' property - really possesses any moral high ground). We learn more about Irene's family (annoying, but dear to her) and - perhaps - glimpse the well-guarded history of the Dragons themselves.

And besides that we have Cogman's trademark wit ('An attempt by vampires to take over the Conservative party in Great Britain', 'The United Kingdom... did attempt to leave the European Union last year, but apparently that was prompted by demonic interference...') and some sharp writing ('as elegant as mathematics and as perfect as frost', 'Paranoia raised flags in Irene's mind and threw up fortifications'). It makes for a book that is simply a joy to read - deeply atmospheric where it should be, properly exciting when anything's going on as it generally is, and tender too. This is a series that shows absolutely no sign of losing pace, and I'm already impatient for the next.

Only two things I regretted.

First, not enough Vale.

Need. More. Vale.

Secondly - Genevieve, just what did you think you were putting Irene through in that scene towards the end? Doesn't she deserve a bit of dignity? I was almost shocked. Honestly.

The Secret Chapter is Ocean 11 and James Bond in an alternative universe, working was it a team of people you can not trust.

I love that even in an alternative universe, that Brexit is still in a problem the UK is dealing with. When I read the below quote I couldn't help but laugh.
"It did attempt to leave the European Union last year, but apparently was prompted by demonic interference. A lot of politicians were subsequently tried for treason and beheaded at the Tower of London."

One of my favourite aspects of the Invisible Library series is the alternative universe. The similarities between them but also big differences. The world visited in The Secret Chapter uses supernaturals being to bring fear and compliances from the general public. It adds an extra level of danger to the job, as anything Supernatural will have high risk and consequences for the group.

The little sparks of romance between Irene and Kai warm my heart. I enjoy the fact their relationship overwhelm the story. But it just adds another element. As they balance their relationship with their jobs/loyalties.

The plot of The Secret Chapter kept me on my toes and engaged throughout. At the beginning of the story, I didn't think it would end the way it did. The Secret Chapter is a thoroughly entertaining read.

Every bookworm will automatically sympathies with Irene from the below quote;

"Irene felt herself judging him for his slight to her beloved books."
We have all been there with people that don't get our love of books.

At the ending of The Secret Chapter it sets itself up for future books, and I am VERY intrigued by the information that has been found.

The Secret Chapter is perfect for anyone that enjoys, fantasy, alternative worlds, fae, dragons, book and a case like format.

My rating for The Secret Chapter is 5 out of 5.

Yet again another wonderful journey into parallel worlds with my favourite heroine and dragon. Fans of Genevieve Cogman are in for another treat. Cannot wait for the next book and this one hasn’t been published yet!

When I first discovered The Invisible Library, pretty much on the first one's publication date. I had that rare but amazing sensation of coming home, the sensation we all get when we find an author and concept that speaks to us. Any bookworm is going to love the idea of an invisible library connecting multiple worlds housing multiple versions of books, each of their world and staffed by dangerous kick ass librarians. Love it and immediately apply for a job there. The first book introduced us to librarian Irene and her apprentice Kai who are sent to a steampunk Victorian world where they befriend Holmesque detective Vale (sadly barely present in this book) and dangerous fae vampire Lord Silver (description: His shoulders and build - and overly tight trousers - were enough to make anyone think of sin).

The multiple worlds the library serves/manipulates tend to be either on the side of order or chaos. The ones with the most order are those run by dragons, immortal, logical and very powerful, the chaos worlds by the fae, whose propensity to take on a role and run with it can suck all in their vicinity into whatever plot they see themselves as the protagonist of. The more chaotic the world, the more stereotypical - or archetypal - the fae in it. Needless to say, fae and dragons do not get on with humans often the ones to suffer. Worlds with little of either's influence are the safest.

Although you probably don't have to read the prequels to enjoy this I suggest you do, because the world building and plotting are superb and each book is an absolute joy. In The Secret Chapter Irene has to retrieve a unique book in order to stabilise the world where she was sent to school, a world she is very fond of. But the book is held by a fae whose archetype is Bond Villain - shark tanks, bikini clad girls and all - and he won't hand it over unless Irene and Kai join his newly assembled team of villains to pull of an audacious heist on a high tech world where anything magical is suspect. Every detail, every plot twist, every character is absolute perfection in this clever, knowing and hilarious romp through 1980s Vienna, a super-baddy's lair and the library itself. If you haven't read this series do so at once. It's an absolute treat and The Secret Chapter is an example of it at its five star best.

The latest edition to a series that has very much enveloped me in a warm and comforting hug.

I love these books. On the surface they are light-hearted and easy to read, full of characters to root for and enjoyable little mysteries and twists. Beneath that lies the rich and complex multiverse that Genevieve Cogman has created for us to enjoy with each book peeling back another layer, revealing more nuance, more depth and more intrigue with every addition to the series.

I’ve described these books as ‘comfort reading’ and,though it wasn’t intended as such, it does them a disservice. Genevieve Cogman has created a series that captures everything I love about middle-grade but for grown-ups, simultaneously skipping all the angst and overdone romance YA can be guilty of but also the violence, sex and swearing that often constitutes the ‘grit’ of adult fantasy. It’s whimsical, fun and sometimes a bit daft but in a totally intentional way... and with a very capable, very intelligent and very loveable female protagonist with a knack for getting herself into trouble and back out of it again.

The Secret Chapter was a great addition to the series as the characters you’ve come to love become embroiled in a heist that comes with some unexpected obstacles and consequences. I don’t say much more than that, but this one did come with some very funny social commentary that I thoroughly enjoyed.

It was wonderful to return to a favourite world - or universe, I should say, or possibly even multiverse! I have been looking forward to the next Invisible Library adventure, and it didn’t disappoint.

I really enjoyed the heist theme of this book, it was a marvellous adventure. It was fun to see Irene and Kai teaming up with new people - though obviously not trusting them. And the bits of information about the true history of the dragons were interesting - I hope that we will learn more in future books.

If you’ve delighted in previous books set in this multiverse (as I have) then you’ll love this one.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thought I'd read more of this series than I had,but in reality I've missed a few books,and that meant I was playing catch up.
So although the story was interesting,I spent a lot of my time being confused as to who was who.
Seems unfair to rate it low on goodreads,when it's not the authors fault I haven't read the middle books.